Page 23 of The Prince

“It’s true and I suggest that is where your true beauty comes from to begin with. You will still carry that beauty no matter your age.” He nodded. “Trust me, as a great studier of beauty. It encompasses way more than features, hair and eyes.”

She sat back in her chair, silent. She let these new thoughts wash over her and started an attempt to believe them.

And he let the silence continue. The beautiful Italian countryside passed by their windows, without comment.

Chapter 14

Dinner with Melodia that night was the most enjoyable two hours he had ever spent. They finished the evening walking hand in hand out along the docks and the decking out over the lake. They treated each other gently. Daniel knew she was coming to an understanding of who she was, trying to see her value in a new way. And he was learning to see her differently as well. All the moments of bristly responses, her previous contention, he understood better. Her basic understanding of her own value had been at stake every time. And he was seeing in her a whole different side, a hopeful positive personality.

He had one more thing he wanted to talk to her about tonight. But he was waiting for the right moment.

She pointed out across the water to the twinkling lights on an island. “That’s where we will visit tomorrow. The Orta San Giulio.”

“I’ve never been. This is incredible. I thought we’d just go to the Duomo.”

“Which is also beautiful in its own right. But every nook and space of this lovely island is full of things pleasing to the eye. I hope you brought your camera.”

He laughed. “I always have my camera.”

She searched his body, in a pretense to find it and he enjoyed the feeling of her eyes on him.

“I admit to being considerably anxious about cameras where you are concerned.”

“I well believe it. But don’t worry, we’re past that.”

He stopped and took her hands in his. “Are we?”

She took a moment to answer. “Yes. You can take all the pictures of me you like, or anything else, always.” She stepped closer. “I hope you do.”

He pulled her into an embrace. “I hope this means you trust me?”

“Yes, and I think when you say something is beautiful, it carries far more weight than say, a typical man who just wants something.”

He stood taller. “Well, now, I, uh,want somethingjust as much as the next guy.”

She laughed. “You know what I mean.” Then she moved closer so she stood up against the length of him and his heart pounded. “What is it you want?”

He pulled out her ponytail, gently, slowly and let her hair fall down her back then he took his hands through her long hair, enjoying the soft feel through his fingers. What did he want? That was a dangerous question. One he would not answer with words…yet. He ran his hands down her back and then cradled her closer. When he tipped his head, she lifted her chin and closed her eyes, her full lips, soft and inviting.

He took his time, studying her face and then he pressed his mouth to hers. Her soft hum excited him and he moved his mouth with more insistence. Something about her filled him, and he had never had such a complete sensation, such a desire to be one with another. One in mind, heart, happiness. When he stopped, he caught his breath, her eyes said she wanted more, but she stepped back and led them in a continued walk. If this is how things were to be between them, he might need to speed up his timing. Then he remembered the last thing he needed to talk to her about tonight.

“I don’t want you to think I’m just um, using my manly charm to manipulate you.” He lifted his eyebrows a couple times and she laughed. “Oh?”

“I mean, maybe you are totally taken away by my handsome looks and will agree to anything I suggest?” He waited with a mock hopeful expression.

“That is a very real possibility.” She widened her eyes and the truth in her expression made him want to kiss her wide mouth again, thoroughly. But instead he found a bench and they both sat.

“Turns out, I come as the messenger with a job offer.”

“What?” Her confused expression told him she had not expected this turn to their conversation.

“Yes, our minister over environmental affairs in Torren is without a Chief of Staff, and he expressly requested that I discuss with you the possibility of taking on that position.”

“What?”

He laughed. “I can see this offer comes as a complete surprise. They would want you first in a preliminary position, in training, and you could both see how well you fit.” He looked out over the water. “But I can already see you will do very well there.” He leaned back on his hands. “But…” He gestured all around him. “You are so successful now. Your opportunities are endless. I’ve never seen a more positive response than I saw today, especially from Giovanni.”

“Oh? Do you go to many runway events?”

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