The Playboy Prince’s Pregnant American - Leslie North Page 0,2

right things. It’s like having a personal shopper for a few hours, and the women really feel valued afterwards. Not to mention, having the right clothes is a big help in making a woman feel confident and prepared for an interview.”

“I’m sure my friend would be willing to donate her time for something like that,” Marcus said, feeling that he’d been able to bring something constructive to the conversation.

“We should probably focus on funding for the structure now,” Meriter said. “We can come back to things like transition for the residents later. Clothes are a secondary concern compared to putting a roof over their heads.”

Marcus had no ideas for funding. He zoned out for a while until Kyra started talking again. “So, basically the funding for construction of the facility and its workings should be covered. We’ll need to start partnering with nonprofits for things like self-care products, food, personal care needs.”

“Local grocery stores,” Marcus interjected. “I’m sure if given the opportunity to donate, they would.”

Kyra beamed at him.

“I like the way your mind works, Mr. …” She paused and he filled in the blank.

“Marcus,” he replied and shot her a grin. “Marcus Ashton, third prince of Sovalon.”

She nodded. “Well, I like your approach of involving the community in this project. Community support is a huge factor when it comes to the success or failure of a place like the women’s shelter. Thanks so much for your input.”

“Happy to share it,” he said and grinned at her.

As the day dragged on, Marcus found himself unable to keep his eyes off of Kyra. He knew he was supposed to be keeping a low profile and avoiding any new romantic entanglements, but would it really be a crime to get to know the young American better? As board members began closing up shop for the evening, Marcus made his decision.

“Kyra.” He approached her as she packed up her things. She looked up at him and smiled, and he took note of her dark doe eyes. “I loved your ideas today,” he said. “It’s so refreshing to have you join us to share your expertise all the way from Georgia.” He tried to pronounce the state with a Southern twang, and she chuckled at his attempt.

“Glad to be here, Prince Marcus,” she said and eyed him pleasantly. “Or am I supposed to call you ‘your majesty’? I have to admit. I’ve never met a prince before.”

“Well, then today is your lucky day,” Marcus joked. “And please, call me Marcus. How about we get out of here and go out for a few drinks? We can get to know each other a bit better.”

A blush rose onto Kyra’s cheeks, making Marcus’s heart pound in his chest.

“I know a great place just around the corner from here.” He tossed his satchel over his shoulder and started for the door, expecting her to follow.

“It’s so kind of you to invite me, but I need to get back to my hotel,” she said. Was she rejecting him?

This was new.

Disappointment flooded over him. Most women he’d met jumped at the opportunity to join Marcus for anything—a drink, a good time. The fact that Kyra didn’t, made him want to get to know her even more.

Kyra tried to avoid Prince Marcus’s eyes and continued packing up her things. “I’m still a bit jet lagged, and I have a lot of work to do to get ready for tomorrow’s meeting.” As the words left her lips, she could feel the blush crawl up her neck and onto her cheeks, betraying that she wasn’t quite as calm and nonchalant as she was trying to appear.

“Oh,” he said, looking a bit taken aback.

“Thanks for the offer, though.”

She couldn’t believe she’d just turned down an invitation from a prince.

An extremely sexy prince, for that matter.

But she’d had to. This trip to Europe was not a vacation. It was a chance to prove herself. She’d been waiting for months for the chance to show Lance, her boss, that she was worthy of a promotion at Lifestrings, the highly regarded social services consulting group she worked for back in the US. She’d never had an assignment this high profile before. In truth, she wasn’t supposed to have this assignment, which had originally gone to Lance. But when Lance fell ill, his supervisor had asked her to go instead. She knew the minute they asked her to go that this was it—her chance to prove herself.

So, no matter how much of a hottie Prince Marcus was,