Page 8 of The Duke

He opened her sliding glass door from the sitting room where she had been reading. The distant sounds of waves crashing reached them, even up on the plateau where the palace stood. The blue of water stretched all around them in every direction. He led her to the railing. “I love that water.”

She breathed in the air. “I can’t wait to get out on it.”

He turned around, leaning his hips against the railing, to talk to her. “I can’t wait togetyou out on it. I was thinking the lake first?”

“Perfect. I can take pictures and make some notes, perhaps do a test of the water…”

He shook his head. “No. This is just for us.”

Was he trying to hide something? She at once hated her assignment to be there as a reporter. But as she searched his face, she saw only an earnest effort and a hint of insecurity.

So she shrugged, a small blush to her face. “Ok. That sounds nice.”

“Nice.” He shook his head. “Nice. She says. Phina. It’s going to be amazing. Me. You. The boat. The lake.”

She moved to stand in front of him. “You’re right of course. I’m just trying to get used to this new you.” She tilted her head. “Or the old you come back. I don’t know what this is.” She stepped closer, looking up into his face, heart pounding at her daring. “But I like it, whatever it is.”

“I do too.” He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her up against him.

It felt so nice to be wrapped in his arms, and his heart beat underneath her cheek.

Then his phone dinged. And again. Before he could scramble to find it, she stepped away. Disappointment filled her. She tried to hide it, but he noticed of course. “Five minutes is up.” He tapped her nose. “This is killing me, but I’ll take it over a quick phone call any day. See you for dinner?” His face filled with hope.

“You’re on.”

“Thank you.” Then he turned and ran out her door. Literally ran.

She shook her head. She didn’t know what she did to deserve this new attention but she wasn’t complaining, more like praying it would never end.

Chapter 6

Trane ran down the long hallway, stopping at the corner before he would be visible from the conference room. Nico came up behind him. “What are you doing, Trane?”

He caught his breath. “Just trying to fit in some Seraphina time.” He shrugged.

Nico’s eyes held sympathy. “I’m so happy to be past all that.” He gripped his shoulder. “Hang tough, brother. I’ll get them started in there. You compose yourself.”

He straightened. “I’m all right. After you.” He gestured for Nico to proceed him and they both entered together. He was grateful for the strength of two and for the backing of the crown. This meeting was critical to creating a strong coalition for the Mediterranean environmental summit. They moved to the front of the room and sat. Trane cleared his throat and began his slide show on the far wall. After a brief intro and the first slide, the door slid open.

All eyes moved to Seraphina who stepped in and closed the door behind her, notebook and pencil in hand.

Trane paused mid-sentence. “Seraphina?”

“I thought you wouldn’t mind if I joined you?”

He looked around the room, concern on nearly half the faces. “Um, in what capacity?”

“Excuse me?”

“Well, this is a no press meeting.” He hated the immediate awkwardness between them and with the group. But part of the reason their meetings had been so successful is that they all knew the deliberations, the arguments, the honest concerns would be kept confidential. That after all the brainstorming, they would come forward with a unified plan.

“Oh, I see.” She pocketed her notebook and leaned back against the wall.

Nico shifted beside him.

Trane stood. “Excuse me a moment.” He nodded to the group and then gestured that Seraphina meet him outside the door.

As soon as the door shut, she said, “You said I could participate in meetings, be a part of the planning.”

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