Page 18 of His Royal Request

She closed her eyes. “Aiden, I’m going to give you another chance to explain this only because I like you.”

I cringed. I was messing this up. “I have a family wedding I must attend, and I would like for you to be my date. Nothing more. To compensate you for the time and inconvenience of disrupting your travels, I’ll reimburse you.”

I waited and prayed I hadn’t screwed that up. It sounded fine in my head but I could see how she’d misinterpreted it.

“A family wedding?” She looked apprehensive.

I nodded once. I hoped she wouldn’t keep probing. I couldn't give more than vague information and I strongly suspected she’d say no if she knew the complete truth.

“Do you get flak for being single? ”Her voice had turned sympathetic and I realized she was considering it.

I laughed. “You have no idea.”

“And you don’t have anyone else you could possibly take? You had to find a stranger?”

I shook my head. “No, I could find someone to show up on my arm, but I would very much like it to be you.”

She bit her lip then slowly smiled. “I did come here for adventure.”

I reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “You’ll be my date?”

“I should probably know more information. I don’t even have a dress to wear.”

“I’ll take care of everything. My sister will be there and she’ll make sure you have everything you need.”

She seemed to brighten at the mention of my sister. Maybe she felt better knowing she wouldn’t be alone. Little did she know how rare privacy and anonymity were.

“Is it here?” she asked. “In Ireland?”

I shook my head. “It’s in Lochland.”

She giggled. “You’ll do anything to get me there, won’t you.”

I nodded, unashamed. “I can promise you it will be an experience you’ll never forget. We can stay at my parent’s house, so you don’t have to worry about a hotel or being alone with me.”

She closed her eyes and shook her head then met my gaze. “You better not be a serial killer, Aiden.”

I sat up straight. “You have my word that no harm will come to you, Charlie. I’ll make sure George is around as well, so you’ll have backup.”

“This is crazy, Aiden.”

I nodded. “I know, but I don’t want my time with you to end, Charlie.”

Her eyes widened for a beat but she recovered, shaking her head. “I just got to Ireland. I’m not ready to leave.”

I took her hands in mine, hoping she felt the same spark I did every time we touched. “You can come back as soon as the wedding is over. I’ll make sure you see everything here and all you want through Europe. I’ll set up private tours and drivers so you don’t have to worry about anything but enjoying the experience.”

She sighed. “That sounds like a dream.”

“It can come true.” I pleaded with my eyes. I wasn’t used to people resisting my efforts. I wasn’t above begging but hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that.

“Aiden.” Her resolve was weakening.

“Charlie, I promise this will be an experience you’ll never forget. You just have to trust me.”

She hesitated but finally nodded once. “I trust you, Aiden.”

“So you’ll come?”