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The pretty young lady’s lower lip protruded in a very attractive pout. “You don’t have a girlfriend.”
“You’re right,” Chad said.
Hope’s hopes took a nosedive and Lexi smiled knowingly.
“It would be wrong to halt my description at the insignificant terminology of girlfriend,” Chad said in a firm voice. “Hope is the love of my life. The only woman in the world for me.” He kept his gaze on Lexi. Hope wasn’t sure if he was worried she’d refute him or simply trying to prove a point.
“Major Chad Prescott, settling down?” Lexi laughed. It was rich and warm and as pretty as the rest of her. “That’ll be the day. Come find me later. I’ll be around all night long.”
“I won’t,” Chad said, his voice even firmer now.
“We’ll see.” She strutted off toward the end of the hall and the elevators, pulling their suitcases.
“The nerve,” Faith said loud enough the woman had to hear. “Does the brazen Lexi crave rejection?”
Chad gave her a grateful smile, but Hope’s neck and shoulders were tight with tension. Chad had obviously ‘found Lexi later’ many times before. What did that mean, exactly? The woman clearly thought it was hilarious to imagine Chad settling down. Why did Chad keep calling Hope ‘the love of his life’? Then he’d added ‘the only woman in the world for me’. The lines that made her tingle, despite her best efforts at icing her heart, should ruin his chances with other women. Obviously nothing bothered or dissuaded Lexi. Could it be possible he was using Hope to discourage the other women, or was he only trying to get Hope to fall for him again, conquer the challenge of the one who got away, and then he’d go back to the many Lexis in his life and date the other half of Europe?
Chad walked them through the lower levels of the castle, introducing them to a few more staff members. They were all friendly and didn’t say anything about Chad’s playboy ways, but there were a few raised eyebrows at him claiming Hope as his girlfriend.
As they ascended to the exquisite main level, it was a lot quieter. They saw no one besides a couple guards dressed in black who sharply saluted Chad. He was friendly with them, but it was obvious he was their superior from the guards’ stiff posture and the respect in their eyes.
They went through exquisite dining rooms, a ballroom, receiving rooms, and more. The castle’s rooms were ornate and gorgeous, and the view out the large windows was even more breathtaking.
Hope appreciated all the beauty and was intrigued by how the castle was run, but she found herself growing more withdrawn as she listened to Chad play the tour guide and Faith exclaim, ooh and ahh over everything from the crown moldings to the artwork to the furniture to the chandeliers to the furnishings to the huge windows showcasing the beautiful valley or mountains depending on what side of the castle they were on.
She shouldn’t have come. It was clear to her now. Chad could throw around words like ‘girlfriend’, ‘love of his life’, or ‘the only woman in the world for him’ all he wanted. He’d never settle down, and Hope was in for a bigger heart ache than ever.
Chapter Four
Chad could feel Hope withdrawing as they ascended levels of the castle. His plan to woo her with the magic of a royal castle was backfiring. Why did they have to run into Lexi, of all people, only steps into the castle tour? He’d made the mistake of taking the beautiful server on a couple dates. Now she flirted with him and made brazen suggestions constantly. He used to tease her innuendos off, but her acting like he’d come find her after the wedding for some late-night romp was completely unfounded.
Everybody thought he was some philanderer. Yes, he’d dated a lot of impressive women, but he treated each of them with respect and he’d never double-timed anyone.
How could he prove to Hope that he was past his dating days when even Tristan joked about what a miracle it would be for Chad to settle down? Why couldn’t Tristan have acted like he knew Hope was the love of Chad’s life? He’d told his closest friend he was bringing a date to the wedding, but he hadn’t dared say her name in case she didn’t agree to come. The problem was he’d told Tristan about Hope three years ago after that incredible weekend, but when she had dumped him, he’d acted like it was just another date to save his own pride. Only his mum knew how deeply he’d grown to care for Hope.
They finally made it to his favorite spot in the castle, the solarium and indoor garden on the top floor. Faith danced around, ran around, oohed and ahhed, and was as adorable as ever. Even Hope relaxed slightly. It was impossible not to get lost in the romance and beauty of this castle-top garden with its water features and gorgeous flowers and even trees, but most importantly the views of the most perfect valley in the world. Even in early October with most of the deciduous leaves having fallen or turned to brittle yellow, the surrounding area was still green and lush with the many pine trees and the rolling green fields between the lakes.
“Oh my, this is breathtaking,” Hope murmured.
He smiled and eased closer. “You are breathtaking.”
Her gaze swung to him.
“Chad!” Princess Kiera, Tristan’s twelve-year-old sister, appeared in the doorway and rushed to give him a hug. “You’re here!”
“Hello, my favorite princess in all the world. How are you, angel?”
“I’m so excited!” She gushed. “I get another sister today, and I’ll officially be an auntie. Sunny is the cutest little girl ever!”
“You are so lucky, love.” He agreed that Sophie’s daughter Sunny was perfect. It still stung he wouldn’t be part of her life like he’d planned, but he knew more than ever that Malik and Sophie were right together. Most of Sophie’s draw for him had been an instant family and his desire to settle down. He knew now that he would’ve been miserable with anybody besides Hope.
“And who is this?” Kiera blinked up at Hope. Faith was off exploring somewhere.
“This lovely lady is my girlfriend Hope,” he proudly introduced her. He liked adding ‘love of my life,’ but Kiera wouldn’t care about that and Hope seemed to be getting annoyed by it. “Hope, this is the Princess Kiera, an endearing, brave, and slightly crazy angel.”
“Crazy talented,” Kiera threw back at him.
“That’s accurate as well.”
