Page 66 of A Royal Promise
Chapter Twenty-Five
Bri
Bri lay in her old bedroom at Westridge Palace, unable to get up. Their game night had gone later than usual, so she and Drew’s family had decided to stay the night. It was nice to be back after so long away, but she couldn’t feel too excited when she was unable to think about anything except Drew.
His hand in hers. Signing the marriage pact. Their movie night. Slow dancing together. Running away to their treehouse to drink sweet tea. Drew down on one knee, fake proposing to her. The image of him emerging from the water at the regatta. Their practice kiss. Theirrealkiss. His goofy grin. How protective he was of her. Even his bookshelf twerking.
Image upon image. Moment after moment. Every memory of him flashed through her mind, a video montage of their lives. He’d always been part of her life. She honestly couldn’t remember life before he was in it except for a few vague spots here and there before they’d met.
She couldn’t imagine a world without him in it. But Bri didn’t know how to sort through her feelings right now. Whenever shetried, it went a little something like:Drew is my best friend. But Drew is also the most attractive man I’ve ever seen. I would never do anything to hurt our friendship. But I think I would like a repeat of yesterday’s kiss.
The conflicting feelings were driving her crazy. It was like a mental game of tug of war.
Spending last night with both of their families had only emphasized the awkwardness of the whole situation. Drew had been distant, barely interested in their game of charades. He was the kind of person who went all out in everything he did. Whether it was work, how he cared for his family and friends, or a game of charades, Drew did everything wholeheartedly. He kissed that way too…but he’d also withdrawn completely last night with the same amount of gusto.
Bri knew they needed to talk about it, but she didn’t know how to bring it up. It wasn’t like she could just walk up to Drew and tell him she loved him as a friend and she was potentially also falling for him romantically.
She needed to talk to someone about this who would understand and encourage her but also give it to her straight. Bri shot up out of her bed.I need to call Rosalie again.
Bri quickly brushed her teeth and sent in a request to the palace’s butler for a bagel breakfast sandwich and fresh-squeezed orange juice. While she waited for the food to arrive, she dressed for the day in a pair of magenta-colored leggings, a black fitted tank top, and her favorite pair of sneakers, ready for the walk she planned to take later in the morning. When she was ready, Bri plopped down on her chaise as a knock sounded at the door.
“Come on in.”
She turned her head as her bodyguard walked through the door, carrying a tray with her breakfast and juice.
“I have the breakfast you requested, Your Highness.”
“I was unaware you got demoted to a palace server, Bastian,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
“Ha. That would be apromotion, but I offered to deliver your food.”
She held a hand to her chest as he placed the tray on her coffee table. “Aw, you wanted to see me?”
He grunted. “I can’t remember why now.”
Bri laughed. “You know, most people hide their true thoughts when they’re around royalty, but your honesty has always been a breath of fresh air, Bastian.”
The smallest of smirks covered his lips before it quickly disappeared. “I’m looking forward to our journey back to Glencrest. I’ve grown quite fond of living there.”
Before she could respond, he was gone. Maybe if she moved to Glencrest permanently, he would consider making a move there as well.
Whoa. Why am I thinking about living in Glencrest permanently?
She needed to talk to Rosalie—stat.
Bri took a bite of her bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel. The salty and garlicky notes danced on her tastebuds. A hint of sriracha mayo pulled the whole dish together. She sipped her juice as her phone vibrated on the coffee table.
She glanced at it and went to take another bite of her bagel, but her eyes darted back to the phone. Her mouth fell open at the image of an incoming call with a picture of her and Rosalie on the screen.
“Hello?” she answered the call, drawing out the greeting.
“Hey, I was thinking about you and your…situation, and thought I should call and check-in.” Rosalie’s sunshine personality came through, even on the phone.
“Your ears must’ve been burning because I was about to call you.”
“It’s our friendship telepathy kicking in. Now, tell me everything, girl.”
Bri blew out a long breath. “Since the last time we talked, Drew and I have hung out a lot, and it’s only made everything more confusing. He cooked me one of the most delicious dinners I’ve ever eaten.”
