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“There’s been a slight change of plans.”
“Oh.” My shoulders fall. “So we’re not doing an early birthday thing tonight?”
I try not to sound like a whiny child. With everything going on, I’ve been looking forward to spending the night with my friends. I even cleared it with my security team to stay here tonight, something I fear I won’t be able to do much longer. Not with the royal household wanting me to be married to Jameson by this time next year.
This may be the last birthday I’ll be able to celebrate the way I want. I hate that Marius isn’t here for it. That he doesn’t realize how important this is to me, which seems out of character for him.
“We are,” Harriet insists. “Sort of.”
“Sort of?” The furrow in my brow deepens. “I don’t—”
Harriet grabs my hands, cutting me off. “Do you know how difficult it is to find a gift for a bloody princess who has a vault filled with priceless jewels?”
I roll my eyes. “I told you. The only gift I want is to spend one night with my two best friends, drink copious amounts of wine, and pretend we’re normal. Or at least I can pretend I’m normal.”
“And I love that was all you wanted.” Harriet gives me a sincere look. “But Marius and I took a vote, and we both agreed we’re a pretty shite gift, especially since there’s nothing preventing you from seeing us whenever you want.”
“You could never be a shite gift. You’re two of the best people I know, and I adore you.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, although that bit about Marius being one of the best people you know might go to his head.” Her expression brightens briefly. “But we can give you something much better than a night with us.”
“What could be better than a night with my two best friends?”
At the sound of footsteps, I glance toward the hallway, sucking in a breath as Creed’s frame comes into view.
“Hopefully me.” He smiles shyly, running his fingers through his hair that’s grown longer over the past few months.
Mouth agape, I look between him and Harriet, confused, surprised, and a myriad of other emotions at once.
Harriet smooths her hands down my arms. “I know how…frustrated you’ve been. How you wish you could have more time with Creed. That’s what Marius and I want to give you. Why we pushed your private secretary to clear your agenda for a solid twenty-four hours.” She pulls back, glancing at Creed. “So we could give you what you want more than anything.”
“I guess maybe I should have put a bow on my head or something,” Creed says with a chuckle.
I shake my head, struggling to reel in my smile. Then I look back at Harriet. “I don’t even know what to say.”
“You can say thank you.” She wraps her arms around me. “And promise to limit sexual activities to the confines of the guest bedroom. I’d prefer I be a participant the next time my bedroom sees some action.”
I laugh, my heart expanding at my friends’ gesture. While I’d love nothing more than to have a night with Marius and Harriet, she has a point. I can see them whenever I want. Or at the very least, when my schedule allows.
The same can’t be said for Creed.
As much as I worry that spending the next twenty-four hours with him will make me want more of him, will make me want him all the time, it’s not enough for me to decline such a thoughtful gift.
“Thank you,” I tell her with a smile. “And you have my word. We’ll only get freaky in the guest room.”
“Good.” She holds my gaze before turning toward Creed, slinging her purse on her shoulder. “Be good to my girl, Lawson.”
“Always,” he answers, his eyes never straying from mine as Harriet makes her way down the hallway and out of the house, leaving me alone with Creed for the night.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Creed
With Harriet gone, I study Esme, not sure how she feels about this change of plans.
When Harriet and Marius first approached me with their idea, I didn’t hesitate in agreeing, the occasional thirty minutes I’ve been able to steal with her never long enough to satisfy me.
Then again, I doubt even a lifetime with Esme would be long enough to satisfy me.
