really.” I frowned. Chadwick thought it was too late for me to worry about falling in love? It wasn’t love. It was fascination. I liked him, yes. I respected him. I certainly lusted after him. But it wasn’t love. Yet.
“Royals have married royals from other countries throughout history. The key is to make the person feel loved. Let them know you would put them first.” He said something in Lilarian that made me sit up straight.
“What does that mean?” It was the exact phrase Alex had used on the plane after helping me with my dress.
“All things are possible with love.” He smiled at me. “It’s a very common expression here.”
“All things…” I let the words sink in and tried to apply them to me and Alex.
“Think about it.” He stood up and stretched. “I’m going to bed.”
“Thanks, Chadwick.” I smiled at him.
“For what?”
“For letting me be me.” I stood up and hugged him. “For poking me, for talking this out with me.”
“Ah, you’re a sap when you drink.” He laughed. “Go get some sleep.”
“All right, but I’m not drunk.”
“Good night.”
I took our glasses to the kitchen and rinsed them out before heading upstairs. Chadwick must have had someone unpack my bags because my clothes were in the closet and dressers. On a whim I grabbed one of the satin nightgowns and slid it on. The wine had me hot and the cool material felt good against my skin. I brushed my teeth and climbed into bed but couldn’t get comfortable. My mind kept going over the phrase Alex had used. Could it be true? Could love get someone through anything? I ran my fingers over the necklace around my neck.
After a while I decided to get a glass of water. In less than thirty seconds out of my bedroom door, I had stubbed my toe and ran into a small table. I held onto the stair rail and took the steps slowly. How ironic would be if they brought me back here and I fell down the stairs my first night? A small lamp in the corner of the kitchen gave me enough light to find the glasses. I poured myself some water and leaned against the counter.
I was contemplating making a snack since I had never gotten around to making my sandwich when someone knocked on the front door. My body froze in place except for my heart—it sped up. I set my glass down and made my way through the living room. Maybe Chadwick had gotten lost on his way to his house. I wasn’t crazy though and grabbed a large bust from a nearby table. Edging to the door, I tried to peek out of the small window at the top, but I couldn’t see anything.
“Who is it?” I called.
“Alex.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
A Royal Sleepover?
—Lilarian Tale
If I had thought my heart was beating fast earlier, it didn’t compare to what happened when I heard his voice. I twisted the lock and peeked out the door.
“What are you doing here?” I brushed some of my hair out of my eyes. He was standing there in jeans, a dark T-shirt, and a simple jacket.
“I have to leave tomorrow afternoon.” He tucked his hands into his pockets. “May I come in? It’s cold.”
“Oh, yeah.” I pulled the door open wider and stepped back. His eyes raked over me and I realized I was standing there in my nightie.
“What were you going to do with that?”
I looked at the statue I was clutching and set it back on the table. “I don’t know. Bash you on the head I guess.”
“I see.” He definitely saw something. His eyes were locked on me like laser beams. “I thought you slept in your underwear.”
“That was a joke.” I frowned.
“This isn’t so bad either.” He took a step forward, his fingers grazing the material along my waist. “Were you sneaking down here for a glass of milk?”
“Water.” My voice caught and I had to swallow to wet my throat. “Why are you here?”
“I told you I’d see you before I left.” He didn’t move his hand from my waist and his fingers were causing waves of need to wash through my body. “And I found out I have to go to Paris tomorrow afternoon.”
“Oh.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “Thank you.”
“I was hoping to catch you before you went to bed, but I never expected to find you dressed like this.” His fingers slid up a little farther to trace the thin strap.