Page 107 of Royally Redeemed
“It’s okay,” Duncan said.
“Fine. But don’t begross,” Victoria rose from the couch. “I’m going to watch TV. Call me when the food comes.”
She stomped off.
“She’s a joy,” Leah said flatly.
I snickered. “I like a girl with a bit of an ornery streak. I think it’s fine.”
“She’s in the ‘boys are gross’ stage,” Lourdes said. “It gets exhausting.”
“I don’t think two mums helps. Both of them are confused by why anyone wouldchooseto partner with a straight man,” Leah said. “So, expect unsolicited comments. I have tried.”
I never considered that. “Well, it will serve her well if sheissomeday interested in boys. Because she should have standards.”
“Indeed. Ones neither of us had for thirty-five plus years,” Lourdes sighed.
“I promise not to be too embarrassing,” Duncan smiled at me adorably. It melted me. “She can rest assured.”
He was so easy-going with the kids, and didn’t even mind being bossed around. I gathered he adored it. He had little patience for annoying adults. I likened it to horses putting up with anything from a young rider but bucking off a grown-up who got the least bit on their bad side. While I learned more of his foibles, it only made my feelings for him grow stronger. I was falling in love with this man. There was little doubt.
I rested my head on his shoulder as Leah told a story about Merritt and a production they worked on. I only half listened. The other part of me thought about how badly I wanted to curl up with Duncan and fall asleep in his arms. It was sunny skies again. And he was making it a good day even if I was still a mangled jigsaw puzzle.
62
THE DRESS
DUNCAN
7 March
London Daily Times
The Prince of Wales walked the red carpet with his cousin, Hollywood insider Leah Roughy. He looked surprisingly happy to be out and about. It’s our understanding this sort of thing is his least-favorite undertaking. One wonders if it was because Miss Eloise Mills is back on the job. She was spotted following the Lyons-Lennon family delegation as they walked the red carpet and talked to others in attendance. She looked lovely in some sort of burgundy silk dress. Leo Hayes said people noticed a change in the Prince’s demeanor anytime he spoke with her and she directed traffic. Whatever the Mills Effect is, it seems an improvement on the previous regime. Perhaps, it’s just some Mills Magic?
Eloise in anything these days—especially some smart skirt—was painful. Eloise in an evening gown with a lovely neckline that left little to the imagination was worse. Ignoring her and pretending she was there to manage me felt a travesty. I was denying me the ability to touch her. It was also denying her some sort of legitimacy.
Beyond a denial of legitimacy, the denial of intimacy hit me surprisingly hard. Foreplay wasn’t doing it for me. I’d been suffering without her for weeks—the longest we’d gone since beginning. I had a grudge to pick with the system more than ever and it involved a dress with a plunging neckline. Still, my desire to keep Eloise comfortable and safe always won out over any base urge I had. I’d wait gladly knowing someday it would be even better than I could dream up.
The event was an unintended softball I normally would have avoided. I hated red carpets, cameras, and schmoozing with entertainment types; but staying in the Americas longer meant I had the opportunity to spend more time in the bubble with Eloise. It was selfish, but I never wanted to return to London.
Leah opened the award ceremony and roasted the guest of honor. I was set to give an award towards the end just prior to his speech. The mood was good. It was much better than the average gala.
As the night continued, someone tapped my shoulder. I turned to see Ella standing behind me, hunched over slightly as to not block the view of others. I struggled not to starestraightdown her dress as she confirmed I needed to come with her to prepare for the award presentation.
“Sir, I cannot just stay like this,” she whispered.
“Sorry, sorry!”
Well, I’d clearly been frozen too long.
We left the ballroom to the hall that I assumed would take us backstage.
“What is your deal?” She whispered.
“I’m… it’s the dress, Ella.”
“Get your head in the game. Don’t disappoint me,” she said.
