Page 38 of Royally Benevolent

“Do you… want to get coffee? I know you’re probably busy,” Wyatt looked down. “I just… I know you like coffee and I could use some.”

The words were like music to my ears.

Beaming ear-to-ear, I announced, “Yes!”

Irritated with the change in plans, my security detail acquiesced to a quick walk across the square to a quiet cafe. His hand brushed mine as we waited for our orders, sending a shiver down my spine. I wanted to link my fingers with his and squeeze his hand tight.

Whenever we went anywhere together, I was desperate formoretime—more words, laughs, and smiles. He had thebestsmile.

“We make a decent team,” Wyatt said.

“It’s exciting,” I admitted. “And now we will learn more at the conference.”

“I don’t know how exciting that will be, Odette,” Wyatt chuckled. “It’s not a big party. It’s more of a business meeting.”

“Well, I like to learn. That’s my favourite thing.”

“You are very resourceful.” Wyatt grinned boyishly. “I nearly died when you pulled out those stats. You kicked ass. Can I say that?”

“You can say that,” I said.

The barista called our order, and we sat at a table in the corner. Wyatt took off his jacket. I tried not to marvel at the outline of his shoulders. What he lacked in height, he more than made up for in shoulders.Oh, mon dieu!

“How is the kiddo?” I asked.

“He is very exuberant. As per usual.”

“I adore that little guy. He’s such a sweetheart, Wyatt. You’ve done a great job with him.”

Wyatt stared at his coffee.

“It’s okay to admit you are good at parenting that kid,” I said. “Promise. I know it’s true.”

“Sometimes…” Wyatt said, “It doesn’t feel so much like that. It’s a slog. And I constantly wonder if Isla would be proud of the job I’ve done or shudder in horror.”

“She’d love that boy,” I said, confident. “And she’d love to watch the two of you together. It’s incredibly sweet. You’re his safe place to land. You’re everything. I know parenting is hard, but you’re doing a great job.”

I couldn’t help but grab his hand as I said it. I fully expected Wyatt to pull back. I shouldn’t do this in public. We weren’t together. I had a crush, right? Instead, Wyatt smiled sweetly.

“Thanks, Odie. That means a lot.”

I couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing him relax made me so happy. Then, I spotted people gathering over his shoulder. Out the window, two people pointed at me. I pulled back, my smile fading.

“What?” Wyatt asked.

“I’ve been spotted. I’m going to have to go. But now… well, shit!”

Wyatt looked over his shoulder, then stood. He rushed over to the barista. Confused, I followed.

“Is there a back way out of here?” He asked in nervous French.

The barista shrugged.

“Through the kitchen, maybe?”

“Ouais.”

Wyatt turned. “You should go out that way.”

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