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When another tap sounded on the door, Jamie took an audible breath. Ele followed him to the door but waited in the room. With Will and Robert standing sentinel in front of the jamb, she was able to peek through the small space between them to watch.
Jamie climbed up on the dais as Nico stood. They shook, and Jamie reached with his opposite hand to clasp Nico’s arm. The words between them weren’t for public consumption, but their heads were bowed, close. The snick, snick, snick of flashes resounded in the room. They painted a picture of contrasts, and Ele knew immediately the photos would be plastered on the covers of newspapers and magazines all over the world.
They separated as Jamie reached into his pocket to retrieve the pin. The platinum trinket boasted their coat of arms, a symbol now synonymous with their country. Jamie said something, and Nico’s head tilted back as he laughed. The mot
ion made his eyes crinkle and dimples pop on his cheeks. Nico held out his hand, and Jamie dropped the pin onto his outstretched palm. Nico’s fingers closed around it. He slid it into his pocket before he and Jamie turned and posed for one final picture. They left the stage together, Jamie ducking into the gap made for him between Will and Robert and Nico walking behind the drape for the opposite exit.
Jamie’s nervousness abated, and he once again looked like his relaxed self.
“Great photo op,” Ele remarked as they waited for the room to clear.
“Yes. I’m sure the queen will be pleased.”
“What did you say to make him laugh?”
Jamie ignored her question, turning his attention to Robert. “Are we all set?”
“We are,” Robert answered.
Ele looked back and forth between the two of them.
Robert had been put out by her disappearing act with Tristan, so things between her and her head of security had been strained. She understood his annoyance, but she refused to apologize for one of the best days of her life. And she was pretty sure Robert wasn’t expecting an apology.
Will disappeared to check on the status of the room, and Ele waited patiently for the all clear.
“Are you comfortable with the plans for the game tonight?” Jamie asked, stepping closer to her.
She glanced over to him, aware of his concerned tone. Ele gave herself a moment to think through all of the elaborate plans for the evening’s game. It was really unprecedented to be in the same place as Jamie. And in true crazy fashion, she was anxious about not being worried. They’d debated about waiting for the finals to appear together, but with no guarantee to make it, they’d decided on tonight. Only Juliana would miss out, but she’d taken the news rather well. Ever since her disastrous kiss with Rowan Beckwith, she had been compliant and predictable.
“I’m ready.”
Jamie nodded, pleased. “Good. And thank you for coming with me today.”
She smiled. She couldn’t tell him she enjoyed being on the receiving end of his gratitude. For so long, he had propped her up, and she relished in being able to lend her support as Jamie played the overwhelmed fanboy.
At Will’s knock, Ele started for the door.
Jamie’s hand on her arm stopped her. “A token,” he said softly. “Wait.”
He turned away from her and marched to the exit. Robert pulled the door open, and Ele gasped in surprised delight when Tristan bounded through like a hyped Tigger. He rushed her, sweeping her up, her feet dangling. He wasted no time in allowing her to slide down his body until their mouths could properly align. Then, he kissed her. Not a friendly hello peck, but a devouring, hungry, lip-locking, tongue-invading, soul-searing kiss. Ele’s hands slipped up to curve around his neck. Undaunted by a potential audience and unaware of anything other than Tristan’s mouth on hers, Ele let go, meeting his fervor with her own. When they finally came up for air, the room was empty.
Tristan gently set her on the floor before walking her backward until her back hit the wall. “Good surprise?” he asked, his head burrowing under her chin.
She leaned her head back, giving him greater access to her neck. “Best,” she said on a sigh.
“Hmm,” was all he managed as he ran his nose along the length of her neck and his hands slid up her stomach until they reached her breasts.
A sound she could only describe as a purr rumbled in her throat. Even with his hands on her, her body a taut electrical current, she could discern his smile against her skin.
“I like that noise,” he commented, feasting on her neck. His kisses lightened, and he gradually added distance between them. Engulfing her jaw with his hands, he straightened her head, and their eyes met. “Hi.”
Smiling, she said, “Hi yourself.”
He dropped a quick kiss on her mouth. “I don’t have a lot of time.”
Ele quirked a brow. “You have plans tonight?” she teased.
He tapped her on the nose. “Funny.” Releasing her, he turned and leaned against the wall. “Robert still mad at you?”
