Page 10 of Learning to Love

"Yes, I'm going to behave. Elodie, Miss Nash, intrigues me. Most people don’t answer me back, but she stood up to me. I want to get to know her better and see what motivates her." I rub my hands together like an evil madman. "I want to learn how she managed to beat me over the use of the studio so no one can ever do it again."

Hinchbootie shakes his head despondently. "I'm not sure that's strictly true. She had to concede to this dinner to win. I think you still have the upper hand if you ask me."

I wink at him. "Don't tell her that."

Leaving my trusty advisor to sort out cleaning my room, I make my way to the balcony where Elodie is standing, leaning over, and looking out across the far-reaching ocean view.

"It's pretty, isn't it?" I stride up next to her and glance at the barely moving cerulean blue ocean. "I think I spend most of my time looking out from the balcony here. Where I live is surrounded by forests and green fields. I love the difference in color."

"It is pretty. I sometimes think I take it for granted because I'm used to it. I'd probably be the opposite of you and spend ages staring at a forest or green fields."

"I'm sure you must have some forest areas in Florida?" I tease. A waiter appears on the balcony. He bows before serving us both the finest champagne in the best crystal glasses.

"There are—I just don't go and see them often. I prefer the beach and the sound of the ocean." Elodie brings the glass to her lips and takes a mouthful. I can tell from the appreciation on her face that she knows it's the very best money can buy. She shakes her head and turns back to the view.

"It's peaceful. I have to admit I've slept a lot better the last few nights since being here."

Elodie turns back to me and raises an eyebrow before pointedly replying. "I can't say the same for me. Last night was a particularly bad night."

I do like her nerve.

"I can't think why?" I tease her and take a long sip of my drink.

She frowns at me.

"Look," Elodie places her glass down on the table set for dinner, "this isn't a game for me. You've caused a lot of tension in the small amount of time you've been here. I've agreed to have this dinner with you to make sure I can keep my studio. I'll be polite and give your royal status the dignity it deserves, but don't expect me to like you."

I place my own glass of champagne down on the table, "I completely understand that, and it's one of the reasons I asked you to join me for dinner. You don't bow down to my status. You stand up to me. It's a little boring being around people who don't challenge me, because I'm a prince. So please, Miss Nash. If I annoy you, let me know."

She goes to open her mouth to say something to me but instead picks up her drink and takes a large mouthful. Eventually, she lowers the glass. "How long are you going to be here?"

"That depends on when my father calls me back," I lament.

"Because of the sex video?" Elodie realizes what she's said too late, but before I can call her out on seeing my video, the waiter arrives to announce dinner is served.

I pull out Elodie's chair like a true gentleman, and she avoids my gaze as she sits down. She's wearing a sleeveless, lemon-colored, cotton dress, which accentuates her subtle curves. On her feet, she has a pair of low heeled, white sandals.

"Thank you," Elodie acknowledges as I push her chair into the table.

I take my own seat, and as the waiter serves us the freshly cooked seafood starter, I sit back with a smirk.

"So you saw my video? What did you think?"

Elodie looks shocked that I’d want to talk about it. "I…er…it was interesting. I watched a few seconds, but it’s not really my sort of thing. I'm more of a fade-to-black person when it comes to scenes of that nature."

"Shame, I've been told I'm going to be nominated for the rear of the year award as a result."

Elodie has her fork in her hand and is about to pop a prawn into her mouth. But instead, she puts the cutlery down on her plate.

"Look, I know what you're like and why you've probably invited me here, but I'm not going to be another notch on your bedpost. Get any ideas of that out of your head right now." Her voice is laced with anger.

I hold both my hands up in surrender. "I'm sorry. I don't expect the night to end with you in my bed. That isn't the purpose of this meal. Let's start again. Why don't you tell me how you got into yoga?"

She picks up her fork again and chews on the prawn as she contemplates her answer.

"When I was a baby, my mother and I went to baby yoga classes. As I grew up, I found books about it and attended classes where I could practice. It’s always been a part of me, I guess. I find it beneficial on so many levels."

"Including being able to help the people you teach?"

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