Page 81 of The Billionaire's Royal Secret

“Well, I would certainly love your opinion on it, so I gratefully accept.” In the quiet hallway, Victoria’s warmth enveloped her.

Victoria smiled at her before she pulled her into a hug. “I am so pleased, and I know Nate will be, too. Maddie and I have a fitting coming up on Friday morning. Why don’t you stop over for breakfast, and then we’ll head to the dress shop together?”

Elena’s heart lifted at the invitation. Victoria’s inclusion of her in the family events sent a mix of guilt and admirationthrough her. “That sounds excellent. Thank you, Mrs. Kingsley.”

“Of course. I know Nate really wants you there, and I want to make sure you’re comfortable.”

“How could I not be with your exceptional family who has been so accommodating to me?”

Victoria tugged her into another hug before she slid her arm around Elena’s shoulders. “Let’s give Nate the good news.”

They strode back into the living room and settled back into their seats.

“Everything okay?” Nate asked as he shifted his gaze between them.

Ellie sipped her soda and nodded. “Yes. Your mother just wanted to make certain I had the date correct when I checked my schedule, and turns out I had been reluctant thinking of another day. But luckily, my schedule suits that just fine.”

Nate grinned at her. “Oh, great. Perfect.”

“She was a little worried about getting a dress in time, but I told her we’d take her with us Friday after she stops over for breakfast, and the dress shop will make sure the dress is ready in time,” Victoria added.

Nate bobbed his head. “That’s a great idea, Mom. So, you’ll be here Friday for breakfast?”

“Yes, after our date Thursday night. You may see too much of me in those twenty-four hours.”

“Couldn’t happen, El,” he said as he squeezed her hand.

She finished her soda and set the glass on the table, rising from her seat. “I suppose I should be getting home. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley for your hospitality. I enjoyed the dinner very much.”

Nate stood with her, wrapping his arm around her as his parentscrossed to them.

“You are so welcome, Ellie. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, and we enjoyed the company.”

“As did I,” Elena said. “I am so looking forward to the dress shopping later this week.”

“I am, too. Have a good evening, Ellie,” Victoria said as she offered her a hug.

She said her goodnights to the other members of the Kingsley family, retrieved her bag, and climbed into Nate’s car.

“Well, despite Stephen’s interruption, I think tonight went pretty well,” Nate said as he drove her back toward Sterling City.

“Yes, I agree. Your family is very nice. I enjoyed it.”

Nate reached for her hand and laced his fingers through hers. “They like you.”

“And I like them,” she answered. She chewed her lower lip, wondering if she should admit who she was. Her features pinched before she shook her head. Not now. It wasn’t the time. Perhaps sometime before the gala.

She’d have to find the most appropriate moment. The city’s buildings filled in around them as she forced the smile back onto her face, abandoning the idea of confessing her identity while he operated a vehicle.

As she settled back into the supple leather, the city lights blurring past, a wave of uncertainty washed over her. The weight of her dual lives pressed down, a silent reminder of the impending crossroads.

He slid the car to a stop at the curb outside of her apartment building. She twisted to face him as he leaned in to steal a kiss. “I’m really glad you like my family.”

“I do,” she answered, her mind flitting back to telling him the truth. But before she could say anything further, a shout startled her.

“Hey, buddy, you can’t park here,” a uniformed officer shouted.

Nate put down Elena’s window and waved out as the officer approached the car. “Sorry, I’m just dropping the lady off.”

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