Page 17 of The Billionaire's Royal Secret

“Ohh,” Maddie said, her eyebrows scrunching, “oh, you want like a real, genuine connection type of thing, not just a flashy, sparkly gift.”

“Right.”

“Okay, ummm, well why don’t you get her something to remind her of your first date with her? Like something she can look at and think about how special it was because she knows it was special for you, too.”

He bit his lower lip as an idea formed, and he grinned at his sister. “You’re right. I got it. You’re a genius, Maddie.”

He kissed her forehead before he darted toward the door. “And remember…secret.”

“My lips are sealed, big brother.”

He winked at her as he stepped into the morning sunshine. His sister had given him a fantastic idea about what he could give Ellie. He grinned as he slid behind the wheel of his BMW and fired the engine. He’d grab the gift during his lunch break. And then he’d text her a teasing message hinting that he had something special for her.

He couldn’t wait to see her reaction. He hit the office with the smile still lingering on his lips.

“Good morning, Mr. Kingsley,” Melinda, his secretary said. “I have several messages for you and a new report from the anti-aging project lead on your desk.”

“Thank you, Melinda,” he said as he grabbed them from her and settled in at his desk. Before he dove into the work, he glanced at his phone, eyeing the message from Ellie again.

He typed a response and sent it on its way.Oh yeah? Well, then get ready to be impressed.

With a chuckle at his own message, he dove into his work, smashing through returning his calls, emails, and annotating the report with questions and concerns before his lunch break.

His stomach rumbled as he flicked closed the folder on the report. He dropped it with his secretary before he strode from the office.

“Nate?” his father called before he made it two more steps.

He shifted his weight, trying not to take it personally as he stuck his head into his father’s office. “Yeah, Dad?”

“Going out?”

“Yep,” he answered, hoping the irritation he felt didn’t show through in his voice.

His father narrowed his eyes at him.

“I’m heading out for lunch. Not to a bar, not to drink. Stop listening to Stephen’s nonsense.”

“Okay. No one’s accusing you of anything, son. Just checking on you.”

“Thanks.But I don’t need it.”

He strode from the room, trying to let his annoyance dissipate as he focused on the task at hand. He allowed the simple task of buying the gift for Ellie to soothe his mood.

As he stepped into the elevator, he imagined her face as she opened it. She’d grin and snap those beautiful eyes up to his face. He couldn’t wait to see her again, especially now.

He checked his phone as the car lowered to the ground level. A message waited fromElena.Oh, I’m ready.

The winky face at the end of the message made him laugh as he answered.I’m serious. I’m bringing my A game tomorrow night. I’ve got a surprise for you.

He stepped out of the lift and pushed into the warm spring day, aiming for Mariner’s Park. He stopped at the same hot dog stand they’d patronized last night, buying a hot dog for lunch and eating it as he walked toward the carousel.

Memories of their shared date filled his mind, especially as the calliope music reached his ears. He stopped short of the merry-go-round and stepped into the small gift shop.

After a few minutes of browsing, he found what he’d been searching for: a mini-carousel. He smiled at the tiny horses and the whimsical, tinkling tune that played from it when wound.

He grabbed the item, paid for it, and left the store with the gift bag dangling from his fingers.

The grin plastered on his features slipped, though, when a familiar voice reached his ears. He recognized the voice of his brother, Stephen. “Hey there. I’m so glad to see you.”

---