Page 9 of Learning to Love

"There was a soldier in my regiment who was on the spectrum. He struggled with the change in routine while away on military deployment even though it was only a training exercise. I can understand how this situation would be difficult for Jake, but I can't give up my safety for one person, especially as it doesn't explain the use of this place specifically. Routines can be relearned even if it takes a while."

I know the prince is right. Jake would be fine in a different venue with encouragement. Maybe I'm too soft and sentimental about being at Serendipity, but then I notice Maria. She’s an older lady with cataracts in both eyes—her sight is so bad she's started to walk with a stick recently.

"Maria," I state.

"Point her out," the prince requests, and I do so.

"Her sight has deteriorated recently. She's on the waiting list for an operation, but her health insurance isn't the best. Her husband worked most of his life, but it wasn't a well-paid job, and when he died a few years ago, she was left to look after herself. She knows the Serendipity resort like the back of her hand. She can find her way around without the fear of being reliant on someone else."

I turn to look at the prince as he stares out the window at my clients. His brow is furrowed as he concentrates. I'm struck by how handsome his profile is. There’s a regal air to his strong jawline and straight nose.

He must feel me watching him because he turns to me. My body heats momentarily at the warmth in his eyes. Maybe I have misjudged him. I look away—he's a powerful force, and I can't be distracted in my endeavors to maintain my class here at Serendipity.

"Tell me about one more person."

I look out at the rest of my clients, deciding which one to choose. Not all of them have a disability, mental or physical, but a lot do. I look at the merits of what each person brings to the class and gets out of it in return. I suddenly realize who I need to tell the prince about.

"Your Highness, this person is probably the one who gets the most out of the classes—the familiarity as well as the health benefits. A few years ago, her parents died, and it left a big void in her life. Attending the class gives her something to live for. There are people here she can interact with and help." I walk away from him as I speak.

"Miss Nash, you need to show me which client of yours this is?" he addresses me.

"You're looking at her," I reply, still not meeting his gaze.

He falls silent for a few minutes. The noise of the people outside fills the void in the room.

"I want to thank you for being completely honest with me. I knew about your parents' death. I can't begin to imagine how such a terrible tragedy would affect you. I've known all my life my father's death will thrust me to the forefront of my country, but I’ve never thought about how it would impact on me personally. You are free to use the studio again. I'll take my gym elsewhere," the prince finally responds.

I let out a long sigh of relief. I wasn't lying to him when I said I probably needed this class more than anyone else. Serendipity is my sanctuary. I'm terrified of having to move elsewhere.

"Thank you." I spin around to face him. "I'm incredibly grateful." I smile warmly.

"But…" The prince gives me a cheeky grin, and my stomach falls. "You will have to have dinner with me tonight. The game isn't over yet, Miss Nash, and I never lose."

Six

Dalton

"Iknow your father isn't going to be happy about this." Hinchbootie snorts a breath of frustration as he hands me my shirt for the evening.

"I'm not going to do anything to upset my father. I don't think Miss Nash is the same as the women I’ve liaised with in Janastria. I think she would rather castrate me and wear my balls as earrings than suck them."

"Wise woman," Hinchbootie replies.

A knock on the door stops me from answering him.

"Come in," I order.

The door opens to reveal one of my security detail.

"Miss Nash is here, Your Highness," he informs me.

"Good, I'll be there in a minute. Show Miss Nash to the balcony."

I’ve arranged for us to have a private dinner outside. I know the table is already set for us out there—I'd asked those looking after me to do it earlier. The fall weather in Florida is a lot nicer than it is in Janastria. We have terrible rainstorms this time of year. It’s very unpredictable—it can be sunny one minute and a torrential downpour the next. Plus, we often have early snow. Florida is warm and bright. I'll be sorry to return home and leave the balmy climate behind.

"You are going to behave tonight, sir?" Hinchbootie questions while I take a final look at myself in the mirror.

I'm dressed in lightweight pants and a white linen, short-sleeve shirt. On my feet, I wear a pair of Birkenstocks—no socks, of course.

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