Page 57 of The Billionaire's Royal Secret

“Did you have fun?” Charles asked.

“Yes, Daddy, we did,” Maddie said as she collapsed on the bench next to Elena, sandwiching her next to Nate. “We spun so much, I’m glad Ellie doesn’t get sick.”

“I’m made of stronger stuff than that,” Ellie answered with a laugh.

“Well, I’m sure you two would like to finish your date, so we’ll let you go, but, Ellie, I’d love to have you at the house for dinner at your convenience. Maybe next week?” Victoria said.

Elena nodded. “Whenever you’d like, just let me know.”

“How’s Wednesday?” Victoria asked.

“Perfect. I’ll see you then.”

“We dine at seven,” Victoria said.

“I’ll pick you up around six,” Nate said as he slid his arm around her.

“Oh, please come early,” Maddie said. “We can hang out by the pool.”

“Wait, wait, you want to hang out with my girlfriend at the pool while I’m at work?” Nate asked.

“Yeah, I do,” Maddie said.

“Well, why don’t I arrange a poolside mani-pedis for us, and we can chat and get to know each other better?” Victoria said.

“Yeah, Mom, that’d be awesome,” Maddie said with nod.

“Ellie?” Victoria asked as she shifted her gaze to the woman.

“Uh, yes. Just let me know when to arrive.”

“Do you drive?” Victoria asked. “We’re on theoutskirts of town.”

“I don’t, but I can find my way there.”

“I’ll send a car for you,” Victoria said as they rose. “Nate, you have her address, right?”

“I do, yes.”

Victoria wrapped an arm around her daughter. “Fine. Let’s say two. That’ll give us plenty of time, and we do dress for dinner, so bring a change of clothes.”

Elena nodded. “All right. Thank you so much for the invitation. I look forward to getting to know you both better.”

Nate wrapped an arm around her as they said their final goodbyes and went their separate ways. “They like you.”

“Oh? I quite like them. You have a lovely family.”

“I’m glad you like them. I had a really nice time tonight,” he said before he settled his gaze on her. “I think, too, you were about to say something when the Ferris wheel stopped?”

“Oh, uh, yes,” she said, flicking her gaze sideways, “only that I wanted to reassure you that what you said…what happened…I completely understand. It won’t come between us.”

He pressed his lips together, his forehead creasing as he dared to hope again for his future. “Ellie, are you sure? I mean…I love that you said that but I just…want to be sure you’re really okay. I did something that…I shouldn’t have done.”

“No,” she said, holding up a hand as she shook her head. “I completely understand. You wanted to be certain. And after the experience you had, you were understandably concerned. You did nothing wrong, only to protect yourself.”

“I think you’re being too easy on me, but I’m taking it.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Can I walk you home?”

“Absolutely,” she said.

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