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I raise my hands to tug away at the knot, but my hands still.
“Torben?”
“Yes, Hailey.”
“Have you ever done that before?”
He pulls back from me. “Are you asking if that was my first kiss? Certainly not. I’ve kissed many women. Many, many.”
Oh, no. I’m a mood ruiner.
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you. I…it seems like…you know what, never mind.”
“Are you saying it was an amateur kiss? Because I am no amateur.”
“No, Torben. It’s not that,” I say, forgetting about letting my hair down because he’s suddenly pissy, and I don’t think he wants to play with my hair anymore.
“Then what is it?”
“I can’t put my finger on it. Something about you feels so…innocent isn’t the right word, but I can’t think of a better one. Damn crossword puzzles are failing me now.”
Torben takes a step back. “I’m confused. I thought you enjoyed the kiss. You said it was good and wanted to do more of that.”
“I did! I do! Never mind. Forget my question. It was rude.”
I’m such a jerk. Why would I sabotage this? Why would I question anything when we were having such a lovely moment?
“I see. We should probably not do that again if it makes you question my prowess.”
I’ve damaged his ego. He might be overreacting, but I’d forgotten he’s a prince. He’s not used to being asked intimate questions.
Wait a minute. I wasn’t being a jerk. He’s reading things into my question and taking offense for no reason.
I nod, swallowing, reminding myself that Torben lives in a palatial echo chamber. Despite all the family drama he claims to deal with, they all worship him. His public idolizes him. He secretly loves that. He loves to be adored.
“One thing to remember on your search for an American woman to be your bride: we don’t take kindly to men with giant egos. It won’t go well if you’re offended by every innocent question. Women have questions. Deal with it.”
Torben looks at me darkly. “So you do not want to go somewhere private and continue kissing?”
This guy.
“Somewhere private? I don’t think you understand what’s happening here. I enjoyed kissing you, but now you’re pissing me off, and I think it’s time to go.”
He gives me a thoughtful look. “Of course, madam. Allow me to drive you home.”
“First, there’s no way I’m letting you drive like a lunatic through the mountains on winding two-lane roads at night. I’ll drive, and I’ll call my brother, and he can meet us at your hotel. Toad dropped me off at work last night, so he’s probably wondering where I am.”
I step away from Torben and pull my phone out of my bag.
Three texts from my brother light up my screen.
Toad: Hitch said he saw you at the Waffle House with some dude? Anyway, we finished with the fire damage. Hitch also got your car started.
Great, now I’ll have to endure the torment of offering Hitch money for his time spent on my car and politely refusing his offer of a date as payment instead. Gross. I wish my brother wouldn’t hang out with them.
Five minutes later:
Toad: Who’s the guy?
