Page 43 of His Royal Request

I slid my hand under the table and placed it on her knee. She looked out of the corner of her eye and smiled. She seemed different today. More confident and more settled. That might have to do with the fact that she actually knew what she was doing and who she was with. I felt horrible about how I’d managed things with her, but she’d already proved that she can handle whatever was thrown at her.

It had been a completely irrational decision to ask her to come with me. I must have been out of my mind. All I could focus on was prolonging our goodbye. I needed more time with her. I never stopped to think how any of this would affect her. I didn’t think about the possibility of Shauna showing up and being a bully. I didn’t consider how the people in my family and the guest would treat her. I’d be selfish. For the first time in my life, I’d only thought about myself and my desires.

I squeezed her knee and reminded myself she’d agreed to come. She wanted to spend more time together, too.

“What do you think, Aiden?”

I looked to my left to see Cian and Earl Wallace, Harold, both looking at me expectantly. Bits and pieces of what they’d been talking about had made its way into my mind while I was off in my own world, but I hadn’t been paying enough attention to know what they were discussing.

“Sorry?”

Cian gave me a disapproving look while Harold just smiled. “Have something else on your mind, lad?”

His eyes darted to Charlie then back to me. I smiled and shook my head.

“The trade agreement with Iceland.”

I nodded. “Of course. If they agree to our terms about the aluminum, I think we will both benefit.”

Harold nodded and they continued discussing more boring subjects while I turned my attention back to Charlie.

Of course, Shauna had found a seat across from us and she had her eyes set on Charlie.

“So Miss Charlie. Where are you from?” Her words were innocent, but I could tell by her tone her intent was anything but.

“Indiana.”

Shauna nodded. “You just graduated? Is that right?”

Charlie looked at me, confused. “Yes, from Purdue University.”

“I’ve never heard of Purdue,” Shauna said. “Is that Ivy league?”

“It’s not.” Charlie didn’t sound at all bothered by that fact.

Shauna smirked. “How...nice.”

“What university did you attend?” Charlie asked with what sounded like genuine interest.

Shauna adjusted in her seat. “I didn’t.”

Charlie nodded. “Oh, well not everyone is meant to continue their education. What did you do instead?”

Suck her father’s bank account dry.

“I traveled. I thought life experience was more important than sitting in a classroom.”

Charlie smiled. “I agree. That’s why I planned a trip to celebrate my graduation.”

Oh no. I saw where this was going and had to divert the conversation before Shauna caught on to the full story.

“It’s funny,” I said. “Charlie and I actually met while we were both traveling. I’m glad it’s a passion we have in common.”

I turned to Charlie and smiled. She grinned.

Shauna looked affronted. “That’s always been a passion of mine, Aiden.”

I acknowledged her with a single nod. “I knew Charlie was different from the moment I saw her. I couldn’t let her slip away without at least talking to her. It turned into another day, then another. I did everything I could to keep her around. I couldn’t bear the thought of saying goodbye.”