Page 103 of How to Date a Prince

“Who knew royals could drive?”

“We have to ramble around our vast estates somehow.” My lips twitch.

Thomas relents into a smile.

We pause for a moment, taking in the sight of each other. We’re nervous, but I’m also so relieved to see him. And in some ways, it feels like no time has passed since we last saw each other, even if so much has happened since.

“Actually, I faked it all the way from London,” I assure him knowingly. “I’m very convincing. Plus, I’ve packed food and a tea thermos to start a new life in the countryside. Or around Croydon.” I squint at the sky as Thomas’ smile broadens. “It’s brightening in the east, but who knows. Maybe we’ll picnic inside, if you want a picnic. Anyway, you should see me in a 4x4 sometime. Top-tier acting.”

“I guess I underestimated you.”

“Easy mistake.” I do my best to sound nonchalant, but it’s an old wound in a collection of ancient wounds some professional historians should study. “Anyway, the SUV’s a few years old now, but I got it when I had my horse to tow a trailer.”

“Well, I suppose royals have to move their horses around too, though I would’ve figured you have staff for that.” Thomas holds my gaze, a flicker of a smile on his lips. A familiar tease, with affection.

My heart thunders. I can’t help but think of that late night together, when I told him about my old dreams and hopes, Olympics and everything else. And I wonder if he’s remembering that night too.

I press my lips together, trying to channel any actual acting into seeming like I have some chill, though Thomas is smart enough to know I obviously don’t. “We do. But it’s way better to trailer your own horse. More street cred. Also, I was competing a lot, and it was easier for me. Or maybe driving my horse around made me feel like I had some control over something.”

He nods. Thomas glances at the sky as rain splatters down on us. “Let’s walk. Maybe we can head to the stables as a destination.”

“It’s a plan.” I retrieve the wicker basket and put the carry strap over my shoulder.

“Let me know if you get tired of carrying the food, and I’ll switch with you.” Thomas gazes at me from the cavern of his navy waterproof.

We walk along to the back of the house, then set out on the familiar track that winds through meadows and the woods, with the familiar spur that led down to the outbuilding that I used for my pottery. And the other main track Thomas and I had gone on our first walk together in the warm glow of summer. Now, everything is turning lush green again with the rain, which comes in sheets with the wind. And yet, I’m happy out in the poor weather because I’m together with him. Even if we’ve spent five minutes bullshitting about my ability to drive.

When we reach the edge of the woods, we walk along and take the path that leads down to the stables as the rain starts lashing down.

“That’s brisk.” I tug down my hood as we enter the stables. Thomas slides the door shut after us. The horses are in their box stalls, given the foul day.

“I’m not sorry to have a roof overhead for a little while,” Thomas admits, shivering. He gazes around, goes to pet one of the horses, who nuzzles him in search of food. “Have you been riding since the summer?”

“No.” I shake my head, coming to stand next to him. I gaze at the horse. “I haven’t made it quite back in the saddle yet. I’m… not ready. Driving is recent enough. And I haven’t driven this far since the accident.”

Thomas frowns at me. “Don’t overdo it, Auggie. Please.”

“Don’t worry, I’m doing my best to take care. But I wanted to see you. I needed to see you.”

“We could have seen each other somewhere closer.”

“Getting far away from London was the best plan. This is good,” I tell him as I stroke the horse, still not looking at Thomas. “It’s a familiar space, anyway. I was happy here with you.”

When I give him a glance, his expression softens at the sight of me. “It is. And I’m happy to see you too, in case I didn’t say already.”

“You might’ve. Well, let me see if I can find a blanket or a heater or something.” I set off to explore. There’s a Dutch door that leads into the tack room. Not only is there a heater, but also a table, chairs, and all the horse blankets one could want. I turn on the space heater, setting it in the middle of the room.

“Aren’t you frozen too?” Thomas asks.

“I have lots of down feathers on my side.” I smile, patting my parka.

“I only have a fleece under this. Didn’t pack for hiking when I came over.”

“I suppose I have the advantage of my full wardrobe at home.”

We sit at the table. I pull off my wool hat after it starts to warm the room and stuff it in a coat pocket, and then I open the basket and start setting out a collection of food. It turns out to be quite the feast packed up for me, from the requisite sandwiches to fruit and cheese, biscuits, cake, and even sparkling tea. I pour the thermos of tea first, passing a mug over to Thomas.

The steam rises from his cup as he sips.

---