Tangled Games (Dating Games #5) - T.K. Leigh Page 0,68

I was raised by one of the most superficial women out there. The last thing I want is to turn into my mother.”

“Fair enough.” I straighten, inhaling a deep breath. My stomach flutters, hands growing clammy.

Why am I nervous? She already knows the truth. But I’m desperate for this to go right. Desperate for today to be the first page in this new chapter. Not the end of a story cut too short.

“Here goes nothing.” I take a deep breath and lift my eyes to meet Nora’s. “I’m a prince.”

Silence fills the air between us. I barely even register the background noises of the city around us, my confession lingering. Much like it did when I told her the first time.

And just like that first time all those months ago, she makes light of my admission.

“Is that just some cheesy pickup line? If so, you’ve got your work cut out for you, buddy, because I’ve heard better.”

I throw my head back and laugh. “Trust me, gorgeous. I wish it were just some cheesy pickup line. But it’s true. My name is Gabriel Anderson Joseph Xavier Wellingston, and I’m next in line to the throne here in the beautiful country of Belmont.”

“Is that right?”

“‘Fraid so.”

“Then tell me, Prince Gabriel….” She edges closer, the gentle breeze wafting her perfume toward me.

It reminds me of the miles we drove together in a Jeep Wrangler with the top down. For weeks after our adventure ended in heartache, I smelled her everywhere. I thought it was the penance I was forced to pay for my sins. That I’d forever be tormented by my brief slice of heaven while I roamed the depths of hell.

“Why is a prince talking to a girl in a sidewalk café? I imagine you must have no shortage of women vying for your attention.”

“That’s certainly true. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that quite a few people in my inner circle already have a strong opinion on who I should…associate with.”

“Associate with?”

“Date. And eventually marry.”

“You make it sound like a professional connection. Not a romantic one.”

“In my world, that’s all a marriage is. A strategic decision.”

“But that’s not what you want.” It’s more a statement than a question.

“No.”

“Then what do you want?”

“Love,” I answer without a moment’s hesitation. “And not some promise or assurance that I may eventually learn to love someone. I want the real thing. That butterfly-inducing, heart-racing, soul-fulfilling love most people think only exists in fairy tales. Which is why I had to come over here and talk to you. Because the second I looked up and saw you, I…” I trail off, words feeling grossly inadequate to relay how I felt the first time I noticed her.

And how I felt when I saw her walk into this café with Esme moments ago. We may not be the strangers we once were, but my feelings are the same. The way my heart aches for her is the same.

“Yes?” She leans closer, desperate for my next words.

“I couldn’t shake the feeling that you were put in my life for a reason. And despite what happens, I knew I’d always regret it if I didn’t…”

“Didn’t what?” Her breath dances on my lips, taunting and teasing, making my mouth salivate with an unquenched thirst.

As much as I want to kiss her, I can’t rush this. I need to sweep her off her feet. Need to give her the fairy tale she deserves.

But as Prince Gabriel this time.

“Ask you out.” I abruptly pull back.

She blinks repeatedly, mouth slightly agape. Then she smooths a hand down her shirt, adjusting her composure. “Ask me…out?”

“People do go on dates where you’re from, correct?”

“Yes, but—”

“Then, Nora from America, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to dinner tomorrow night?”

“Dinner?”

“Yes. Dinner.”

“How will that work?”

“I’ll pick you up and—”

“I get that.” Her voice drops to barely a whisper. “But what about any prior engagements? Mine and yours.”

“Consider them canceled.”

“Canceled?”

I smirk. “I managed to get your afternoon meeting canceled, did I not? As well as mine. I’ll simply do the same tomorrow.”

“You planned this?” Her tone isn’t accusatory. More appreciative with a touch of awe.

“I did.” I clutch her hand, running my thumb over her diamond ring. “We may not be able to be as spontaneous as we were in New York, considering every move we make here has to be properly planned. But I wanted to make this seem as…authentic as possible.”

Her smile slowly builds, lighting up her entire expression. A glow I haven’t