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“I appreciate your coming so promptly.”
“Of course. You’re my King. You request my presence, I have to comply.”
The King raises an eyebrow.
“No?” I prod.
“If only my sons had the same sense of duty as you.”
“It’s different when they’re your children, I imagine.” A smile of understanding passes between us. I stand up, spotting a fruit display.
“Could I peel you an orange? It’s good for you.”
“I'd appreciate that very much. A natural bedside manner.”
I wash my hands with a separate bowl and jug then pick up the fruit and a knife.
“Ah, Cedrick, fine of you to join our little party.”
I drop the knife and turn. “Oh my gosh, Ricky. You have not changed at all!”
The same face I remember. The same piercing blue eyes. He looks incredible. He was always dashing, but now he’s a heartthrob. Not just hot but an altruist, too. Those deep blue eyes have developed streaks of lighter blue, and it’s hard to keep from staring.
He moves a lock of sandy hair out of his face and smiles. “Ricky. No one has called me that… in… I don’t even know how long. Ellie, it’s so good to see you.”
He shakes his head slowly, and I take the opportunity to admire his full lips and chiseled jaw.
King Francis puts extra emphasis on my first name for some reason.
I look over at Ricky… Ugh, I have to get used to calling him by his full name. Prince Cedrick’s eyes are trained on me. Drinking me up. I shift from one foot to the other as he comes over to where I'm standing and gives me his hand.
His eyes are so focused on my face, and mine so focused on anywhere but his eyes, but definitely his body, I almost trip over my still feet.
“I would say you look the same, but you don’t. Not at all. You look…”
“Older?” I offer.
“No. Transformed into a woman overnight.”
“It took a few years, actually.” I can hear my voice quivering as he reaches out to touch my hand.
An electric impulse surges through me at his touch, and I search his eyes to see if he felt it, too.
“Quite the pleasure,” I say and look down at his beautiful hands.
They've helped so many people, I'm sure. They’re strong, like marble, and I think about how it would feel for him to put them past my hand, to my shoulders, my waist, pushing me up against the wall….
Get a grip, Ellie. He’s a royal. You’re not.
He makes no move to let go of my hand. I glance up at his face, thinking maybe he’ll get the message to give me back my hand. I feel like I’ll be the next one to faint if I keep touching him.
His face is literal perfection and I want to jump on it. I can't be here right now. I pull my hand back.
“I really should be going, I don’t want to impose…”.
“I insist you stay,” King Francis pronounces officiously. “I'm sure Cedrick would love to catch up with an old friend. Isn't that so, Cedrick?”
Cedrick murmurs something, and I flee to my loveseat, as far away as I can be. Except seating is limited, and he comes over and sits next to me.
