Page 38 of Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire

“I already have an assistant, my darling. You should probably spend the day with my mother. She has much to teach you if you let her. And maybe this evening, we’ll take a ride.”

She climbed onto his lap, her knees on either side of his waist, and peppered tiny kisses all over his face between each of her words. “Thank. You. Thank. You. Thank. You.”

Alex laughed and pulled her close. “This is the way to kiss.” He pressed his lips to hers with the utmost care and caressed her before asking for entrance.

She granted it immediately. Michele held his head to hers and then ran her fingers through his dark hair. She tasted him, dueled with him, and loved him as much as she could with just her mouth. She wanted so much to make love with him, but she, too, wanted to wait until they were married first.

She hadn’t with Ed, and not waiting was a mistake. She’d become pregnant with Erin and gotten married because of the pregnancy. Not that she regretted having Erin, she didn’t. Not for a minute. But she regretted giving in to Ed’s pleas to marry after he found out. That was her big mistake.Am I afraid I’m making a mistake again? But I love Alex. I’d do anything for him, and I know he cares for me and adores Erin. And she loves him. I’ve never seen her this open with a man like she is with Alex. And me? He makes me feel important. And whether he says it or not, I actually feel loved. If I feel like this now, how will I feel after we make love? Still, can I go into a marriage without knowing? You’d better figure this out, Michele…before you walk down that aisle.

* * *

Two dayslater

A knock sounded on the door to her suite. She opened it and a woman stood with a silver tray.

“For you, my Lady.”

Michele took the note off the tray. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, my Lady.” The woman bowed her head. “I await your answer,” said the servant.

Sergei stood vigilantly outside her suite.

Michele opened the note.

Michele,

I would be grateful if you would join me for tea this afternoon at two o’clock.

Reina

“Please tell Her Majesty that I would be delighted to join her.”

“Thank you, miss.” The woman bowed her head again and headed down the hall toward Reina’s rooms.

Michele looked at her special guard. “Sergei, I ’ve been invited to join the Queen Mother for tea at two. Will you stay with Erin while I am gone?”

“Yes, Miss Williams, it would be my pleasure, in addition to being my duty.”

“Thank you. I don’t remember where her suite is, anyway.” She gave an embarrassed laugh.

Sergei chuckled. “You will soon be used to navigating these halls.” He turned to his left and pointed down the hall. “Keep walking until you see the cream-colored walls. Then you will see the door to her suite.”

“Thank you. I hope so.” She shut the door and went inside to peruse her clothing choices.

Michele dressed in a nice pair of gray slacks and a silky light-blue blouse. This was the first time she’d met with Reina without Alex being there.

She knocked on the door to Reina’s suite.

The queen mother swung the door open. “Ah, Michele, come in. Come in.” She waved her arm into the room.

“Thank you for having me, your Majesty.”

“None of that. I’m Reina. You are about to be my daughter-in-law and you will be a majesty yourself.”

Michele’s stomach churned, and she groaned.Majesty? Do I want to be a…majesty?

Reina laughed softly. “Come now, child. It is not that bad…or is it?” She lifted a brow. “Talk to me, my dear.” She led the way to the sitting area. Tea was already set up on the coffee table. “I know how you Americans are about your coffee, so I have that as well.”