The Controversial Princess (The Smoke & Mirrors Duology #1)(79)

“You want me to feel remorseful? Because I’m not.”

“They will want to know who is apparently below the glitz and glamour of a world premiere.”

“Let them wonder.” He brushes off my concern with ease, and I let him. “I’m due to fly back to the States in a few days.”

Tenseness fills me. Already? Where has the time gone? “I see.” My heart sinks. It’s daft, really. I knew he was here for business, but still.

“I’ve changed my plans.”

I scan the darkness before me. “You have?”

“Well, I’m due on set in New Zealand in two weeks to start a new movie. I’d only be going back to LA to relax and repack. I can relax here, and London has malls. I’ll buy new clothes. Makes sense for me to fly from here.”

I press my lips together to stop an excited squeal from slipping free. “Sounds sensible.”

“I thought so, too. So, I mean, if you’re free, so am I.”

My grin splits my face. “I’ll check my diary.”

“Ouch.”

I laugh. “I’m only kidding. Didn’t you know I’m only here to keep up appearances. That’s my sole purpose.”

“No, your sole purpose is to keep this smile on my face.”

“Josh Jameson, you are really on form this evening. Have you been drinking?”

“I’ve had something far more addictive than alcohol,” he says softly, making me all warm and lovely inside.

“You have? What’s that then?”

“Her name is Adeline Catherine Luisa Lockhart.”

I cannot remove this smile from my face. “I’ve heard you ‘like her a real lot’.” I try to imitate his American accent. I do a frightfully terrible job, but it makes him laugh nevertheless, and the sound only makes my contentment grow.

“Yeah, I do. I’ll show her just how much when I see her next.”

I stop myself from asking when that might be. It’s not like I can simply pop out to see him, or he me. If I allowed it, that thought might dampen my mood, but for now he’s on the other end of the phone, and I can hear his voice. “Look forward to it.”

“You should. So when do you make my change in plans worthwhile?” he asks frankly.

“Tomorrow?”

“I would love nothing more, but I’m scheduled for back-to-back interviews all day. Sucks, huh? What about the next day?”

“I have to attend a polo match. It’s the Cartier King’s Cup. A big deal in the polo world.” Since Matilda and I sip champagne and sun ourselves for most of the day, it’s one of the few annual events I don’t mind attending. The King and the other men are too busy swinging mallets and egos around the field to bother me. But now …

“Polo, eh?”

“Yes, the sport of kings, don’t you know?”

“Do you play?”

“God, no. The polo field is a man’s playground. But I must show my face.”

“So the next day, then?”

Three days away? God, that feel like centuries. “Okay.”

“Call me, yeah?”

“I will. Enjoy the rest of your party.” I click End Call and roll onto my side. He called me from his super important premiere. Twice. He wanted me to be there. I smile to myself. I like the Josh Jameson who likes Adeline Lockhart a real lot.





JENNY IS FAFFING AND FIDDLING with my ponytail in the back of the car, while Kim gives me the rundown from the passenger seat of everyone attending this year’s Cartier Cup game. Basically, everyone who is anyone. I hiss as Jenny tugs a little too hard. “Sorry, just need to tuck this lock in somewhere.”

“Just leave it.” I moan tiredly. I’m casual but smart today, in a cream Zimmermann embroidered-silk georgette dress matched nicely with silver strappy flat sandals. All-day comfort, and perfect for the spring sunshine.

“The photographers are out in force,” Kim says.

“Can’t have me looking anything less than perfect then, can we?” I quip, putting my tassel satchel over my head and across my body, making Jenny tut when I knock her hand as she fights to secure that loose, defiant piece of hair. “It’s fine.” I peek into the rearview mirror. There is not a hair out of place, my ponytail immaculate and smooth. She’s being picky.

Stepping out when Damon opens the door, I’m immediately aware of the photographers in the distance, happily snapping away to catch the Royals jollying it up in a good old-fashioned royal tradition.

As I scan the crowds, I take in the sea of elaborate hats and champagne flutes in every hand. I start across the grass with Damon in tow, spotting every single member of my family except the one I actually want. Matilda. My mother waves me over, standing in a group with my snarky sister-in-law and Matilda’s parents. Where is she?

“I’m glad you are finally here.” Matilda swoops in from behind me.

“There you are.”

She passes me a glass. “Have you seen the new guy?”

“What new guy?” I look toward the field where she points, but only see the polo ponies saddled up and ready to play.

“There. Look. On the other side of the field with John and Eddie.”

I spot my brothers talking to a man, but his face is hardly distinguishable beneath the guard of his hat. His body looks quite fine beneath his tight trousers and top, though. “Who is it?”