Page 55 of Not-So-Perfect Princess
“My father is dining with old friends,” he said.
“Brandt is dining with new friends,” Alejandro explained. “He took Klaus with him.”
No doubt with a push from Alejandro. She would have to thank him later. “Lucky me. I’m a fortunate woman to be dining with two handsome princes.”
Enrique stared down his nose at his brother. “Though one of us is handsomer than the other.”
Alejandro half-laughed. “In your dreams, bro.”
Jules wondered what Enrique would do or say. She hoped nothing.
He ignored his brother and escorted her to the table. That pleased Jules. But his stiff formality overshadowed how suave and debonair he looked tonight in his dark suit. If only he would relax and not always be so…on.
A footman pulled out her chair, and she sat. A server placed a napkin across her lap.
Alejandro took his seat in one easy, fluid motion. He was definitely relaxed. Still he looked stylish in his own right wearing a button-down shirt and black pants. Not too fancy, but not casual. Just…right.
Her admiring gaze met his and lingered. The temperature in the room seemed to increase. Her heart rate kicked up a notch.
His mouth quirked.
Oh, no. He must realize she was staring.
Jules looked away. She took a sip of ice water, but the liquid did nothing to cool her down.
Enrique sat at the head of the table in King Dario’s place. The ornate chair befit the king with his confidence and majestic splendor better than his son, who didn’t quite emanate the right amount of regality and power. In time that would come, Jules told herself. With more…maturity.
The light from the chandeliers dimmed. Lit candles in foot-tall crystal holders provided a warm glow. Platinum-rimmed china set atop silver chargers stood out on the crisp, white linen tablecloth. A stunning bouquet of roses and lilies in an elaborate silver vase added a light floral fragrance to the air.
A table fit for a future king. And queen, she reminded herself.
“Romantic,” Alejandro said.
Very. She forced her gaze off him and onto Enrique. This would be the perfect opportunity for her fiancé to show Jules he was willing to make an effort with their relationship. Oh, she wanted to dine with Alejandro, but if Enrique held out an olive branch, or a red rose in this case, she would gladly accept what he offered.
“You know.” Alejandro pushed back from the table. “I’m sure you both would prefer an intimate dinner for two.”
He glanced at Jules. She didn’t know whether to thank him for the suggestion or not. Her heart debated with her mind over the outcome each wanted. She looked at Enrique, holding her breath while waiting for his answer.
“That’s generous of you, but the table is set for three. You’re already seated,” Enrique said. “Please stay and dine with us. I’d like to finish our discussion.”
Relief mingled with disappointment. Jules would get to spend more time with Alejandro, but Enrique should have taken his brother up on his offer. If he’d listened to her in his office, he would have jumped at the opportunity for them to share a romantic dinner alone.
But he hadn’t, and he didn’t.
Was he that dense or was he trying to make some kind of point? Did he want a chaperone present so rumors couldn’t start? No matter what the reason, his decision stung.
She stared into her water glass, not wanting to participate in the brothers’ conversation about Alejandro’s most recent real estate purchase—a run-down hotel on the opposite side of the island.
The servers brought out the first course. Gazpacho.
Jules waited for Enrique to take the first sip, then did so herself. The cold tomato-based soup was one of her favorites. This version had a little more spices than she was used to, but she liked the tanginess.
Enrique wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I heard the two of you were out on the beach building sand castles today.”
Jules stirred uneasily. She didn’t want to risk saying too much so took a sip of white wine. The Albarino tasted crisp and fresh, a perfect complement to the acidity in the soup.
“Yes, I bumped into Julianna on the beach,” Alejandro said much to her relief. “She was having trouble making a sand castle with her hands so I asked Ortiz to send out some proper tools to use.”
