Page 82 of Royally Benevolent

“They aren’t angry?”

Wyatt chuckled. “No. Why would they be?”

“Wasn’t it like… awkward?”

“Well, for a minute, but we’re all grown-ups.”

“And Theo? You’re cool with me being around him? Are we hiding things or?—”

“Theo already knows you. I am sure we can both act like adults. He is four. He doesn’t understand much. And no matter what, at this point, he can recognise any media coverage of you from a mile away. He’s your fanboy, Odie.”

I giggled. “Oh, that’s too sweet.”

“Bring Grieg. And drive on down if you want. Or… whatever. I don’t know how any of this works.”

I can’t drive. I was too embarrassed to admit that glaring fault.

“Let me discuss it and see if I can go out of the country for a pleasure trip,” I said. “I have to get approval.”

“Oh… sure. Just text me. I’d love to see you.”

“Okay,” I agreed. “I will.”

I hung up and paced until Astrid appeared in the sitting room doorway.

“What are you doing?”

“Thinking,” I answered.

Panicking.

“Oh, there you are!” Alexandra reported. “Why do you look upset? I swear to God if it has to do with that man. Or, oh God! Tell me this is not Guy doing this to you!”

“No,” I assured. “It’s not Guy, and I am not hurt. Wyatt did nothing wrong.”

“Then what, sweetheart?” Alexandra dropped to the couch and put her feet up.

“It was Wyatt. He wants to know if I can go to Wallonia this weekend. They have a place there.”

“You should go,” Alexandra and Astrid said in unison.

“What? Why?”

“Because he adores you and wants to spoil you,” Astrid said. “In my experience, you should let a man do that. It leads to the best sort of fun. Parker got a hotel room once—a suite—just because. It wasmagical.”

“It’s not like that,” I answered, arms crossed. “He’s going to be there with his whole family. His sister and brother-in-law are visiting, and Theo will be there.”

“So, is this about the kid?” Astrid asked.

“No. I think he’s such a sweetheart. I am sure that will be fine. Wyatt isn’t worried about that. We’ve blown through that gate—for better or worse. No. It’s that…”

I wasn’t ready to say it, but if I didn’t drop this bomb, my trepidation would seem nonsensical.

“I went back to his place with him.”

“Ooooooh,” Astrid said.

Alexandra glared at her. “Stop it.”

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