Page 76 of Royal Rising

Not only do I have a past, but I’ve got a reputation, whether it’s justified or not.

“You mean, last night when you woke me with your snoring?” she asks.

I chuckle. “Yeah, I think that was the other way around. You don’t worry about me?”

“Of course I worry,” she says, exasperated, “but I never know what you’re doing… who you’re with…”

“You’ll know now,” I promise.

Something softens in her eyes. “Okay. Text me when you’re back and you can tell me about this date you’re planning.”

“Maybe I will.”

“You will text me,” she orders with a note of authority that does… things.

“Yes ma’am.” I tip an imaginary hat to her. “I’ll head out in about an hour or so. And I’ll let you know when I get back.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve checked in with anyone when I came home. I thought it would be annoying but it’s kind of nice.

It’s very nice.

25

Edie

Iwatch Kalle leavefor dinner at the castle with a smile on my face. And the smile stays there like a permanent tattoo as the bar fills up for Friday night.

Kalle is going to text me.

Kalle is going to take me on a date.

Kalle better kiss me soon.

I know Kalle isn’t one for the witty banter or meaningful conversations but he’s one for grand gestures. In the rom-com movie, he would frustrate the main character by his lack of discussion of his emotions, but he’d come through at the end and be the one sprinting through the airport to stop her from getting on the plane.

But in Kalle’s life, he could call and shut down the whole airport.

So while I’m a little frustrated with the lack of kissing—okay, a lot; I mean, look at the man!—I know Kalle is planning to knock my socks off.

That’s a lot of pressure, for him and for me. I wish I had taken the opportunity when it came—which there have been several of them. Private office, anyone?

But that doesn’t stop me from smiling.

The rain hasn’t let off but it’s a straight downpour, not the thunder and lightning and wind of the last few days. The bar is as busy as it has been, maybe busier because it’s a Friday night. I work the taps with Tyler when Fenella Carrington blows in with perfect hair, wearing an outfit that must be worth more than what I make in a year, despite the rain.

The sight of her twists my stomach and I watch the crowd part with some sort of reverence as she approaches the bar. She’s with Sophie Laz; an odd pairing, but not unheard of considering Sophie is Stella’s younger sister, Stella is with Gunnar now, and Gunnar is friends with Fenella.

Still… odd.

“Hi Edie,” Sophie calls as they take the last two stools at the bar. I like Sophie, who, unlike her sister with her crusty exterior, is always cheerful.

“Hey, Sophie. Fenella.” I can’t help but give her a wary glance. I know moreaboutFenella than I know her—the billionaire father, hot-as-sin twin brother who shares Prince Gunnar’s love for speed, the countless magazine covers and advertising campaigns, plus social media followers in the seven figures.

I also don’t know what happened with her and Kalle.

Fenella looks at me just as warily.

“Back in town tonight?” I ask her. In my mind it sounds polite, but I’m not sure because all I can think isnahnahnah, I got Kalle.

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