Page 7 of My XOXO Holidate

“Not from a royal gentleman.”

“A shame.” Alex grins. “A beautiful lady can never receive too many compliments.”

My body shakes. I’m not used to having somebody this attentive. My spine tingles.

What is this guy doing to me?

We chat over dinner, but don’t give away too much. We don’t want to reveal our true identities until the appropriate time. The more he talks, the more he gets under my skin. He’s putting a spell on me.

After we’ve finished our meal, a waiter stops by, clears our dishes, and refills our water goblets.

“May I interest you in a dance?” Alex rises from his chair and reaches for me.

“I’d love that.” His hand slides to the small of my back as he guides me to the dancefloor. His hand is warm and small volts of electricity rocket through me.

When was the last time a man touched me? Too long.

We reach the dancefloor and Alex wraps his arms around my waist. I put my hands on his shoulders.

“I hope you’re not too disappointed, but I’m not much of a dancer,” he confesses.

“Clothes of a commonerandlacking in dancing skills? Tsk. Tsk.”

“Oh, I make up for it in other areas.” He gives me a wink. My mouth goes dry.

“Really,” I deadpan.

He looks around as if to make sure no one hears him. He clears his throat and whispers. “In the royal bed-chamber, my lady.” He laughs and winks. “No pressure though.”

“Of course not.”

Alex makes me laugh with his sense of humor. When he smiles or chuckles, his eyes light up and for some reason, his sexual confidence and teasing only make him more attractive.

“So, let’s hear more about Lady Catherine. What do you like to do for entertainment?”

“Entertainment? Well, I have a few girlfriends and we like to go out to karaoke night.”

“Karaoke? Yeah?”

“It’s fun and one of my friends is a good singer. What about you? Do you like karaoke?"

“Trust me. You don’t want to hear me sing.” He shakes his head as if to shake off the idea. “I’d be thrown out for sure.”

“That bad, huh?” I look up into his eyes and smile. “So, what do you like to do? Besides your bedchamber activities?”

“Good one, Cat.” He pulls me closer. “I run. It relaxes me, but I work quite a bit.” He grins. “At the palace.”

“Your royal duties.”

“Exactly.”

“Kind of a workaholic?” I ask.

He nods. “I am, but I do make time for the gym. I’m faithful to my workout schedule. When I’m not working though, I love to travel. Wish I had time to do a lot more of it. What about you? What do you do?”

“I recently finished college and I’m working. I wouldn’t consider myself a workaholic, but I’m busy.”

I don’t mention I’m working hard to pay my debt.

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