Page 89 of The Last Resort
Reaching the main villa, she grappled with a new concern. If she happened to stay in Matthew’s life, in his world, she would have to forgo being a devoted member of Chloe’s fandom. She couldn’t be friends with Chloe while also being involved with people who excelled in tracking her life.
“What’s wrong?” asked Matthew.
He could read her only too well and sense when she was out of sorts. “The joke we played last night about me being a rabid fan of Chloe, well it’s kinda not a joke. I still feel really weird whenever I see her.”
“I thought that might be the case. It took a few months for the rest of the family to become comfortable with Chloe. And even now I find myself having to watch what I say around her. She says it’s a fame thing, and we will eventually get over it. So will you.”
This man, he had a way of saying just the right thing. Of making her feel seen. Rachel slowed her steps and offered Matthew a sip of her champagne. The words were on the tip of her tongue. She wanted to say them. To tell him how she felt about him.
I love you.
But if he accepted them, it would be without knowing the truth of her past. She couldn’t do it. It would be unfair to them both.
All she could do right now was stick to the plan she’d decided on. As soon as they were back in Aspen, she’d tell him the truth of her past.
Matthew handed Rachel back her glass. “Let’s find our table. I have the best man speech to make shortly, after which you and I can finally relax and enjoy the party. There are a few hundred cousins I want you to meet. I’m hoping you could talk to some of them tomorrow about future design projects.”
“You told your cousins that I’m an architect?”
“Of course I did. You’re an amazing and talented woman. Any man would be proud to show you off to his family.”
It hadn’t occurred to Rachel that Matthew would have mentioned her to the members of the extended Royal family, let alone told them she was an architect. She wasn’t just his arm candy for the wedding.
He really values me.
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
Rachel’s palms were sweaty on Matthew’s behalf. The last time this gorgeous man had stood up and made a speech it had been a disaster.Because of me.She’d apologized for turning the people of Aspen against him.
He can’t even go into his favorite coffee shop because of me.
Her mind kept replaying the moment the mob had torn apart Matthew’s beloved 3D model.I was the leader of the mob.And if his nervous finger tapping on the pristine white tablecloth was anything to go by, she would’ve guessed he was also in flashback mode.
“The first person who tries to touch your model, or embarrass you will have me to deal with,” she reassured him.
Matthew patted his pants pocket. He looked handsome as sin in his blue linen suit.
“I have all my speech notes in here, so there’s nothing to worry about. No one is stopping me today.”
She tracked his gaze as it drifted over to the other side of the round table and settled momentarily on Bryce. The oldest Royal brother, who was also wearing a blue linen suit,was busy whispering sweet nothings to his fiancée and didn’t look up.
“I’ll be back soon.” He rose from his chair and headed toward the front of the room, where the bride and groom were seated.
Rachel appreciated the casual way the reception had been set out. There was no long bridal table or formally set places for people to sit. The various members of the Royal family mingled as they pleased.
“Ladies and gentlemen. Family members. Could I please have your attention for a moment. As his best man, Jordan has asked that I say a few words.”
All attention settled on Matthew as he stood behind a small upright microphone at the front of the room. The hubbub of chatter slowly died down, then fell away to silence.
“So, firstly the bride and groom would like to welcome you all to their wedding. Chloe and Jordan are thrilled that so many of you could make it. With the number of boats moored off the dock, I expect the marina in Monaco must be half empty this morning.”
A few of the international guests chuckled.
He’s not wrong. I’ve never seen so many luxury yachts in the one place.
Matthew reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a wad of paper. “Now most of us know that the groom has had somewhat of a checkered past, but as best man I felt it my obligation to let the bride in on a few more of her husband’s secrets.”
Holding onto one end of the paper, Matthew kept a straight face as the other end cascaded all the way to the floor in a veritable waterfall.
