Page 134 of Loyally, Luke
Her laugh burst out. No, she wasn’t dreaming, because his response proved classic Luke. “Sounds like there’s a story attached to that statement.”
He shook his head slowly, his smile growing wider. “Let’s just say I’m certainly going to need another reward after the car ride I just survived to be here.”
Oh... heavens. She drew on all of her practice as a royal to keep her expression steady. “So... is this a real date?”
“I don’t wear a tux for fake ones.”
She pulled in a shaky breath. “I must say, Mr.Edgewood, I think we should invest in a great many real dates in the future if I can see you wear a tux on occasion.”
He stepped closer, the heat from his eyes sending warmth to her cheeks. “It’s not so bad to wear it if you keep looking at me like you are.”
“Believe me, it is no hardship on my part at all.”
“I’d say the feeling is mutual on that score.” His gaze trailed down her again, leaving a lovely trail of tingles in its wake. “You’re—” His breath caught. “Breathtaking.”
The power it took within her not to breach every protocol and kiss him proved she’d developed a great deal of self-control in the last few years. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
His entire expression grew tender, except for the quirk in those lovely lips. “It seemed a shame not to get the full Skymarian experience.”
And though his words teased, his eyes told her much more. He came for her. And only her.
She stepped closer to him, almost afraid to touch him for fear he might disappear. “It would be a shame to leave without a royal ball, a harrowing car ride, a snowstorm, and your name in the gossip columns.”
He studied her a moment and then looked around the room, one brow rising in unison with the crook of his lips. “Well, while I was watching my life flash before my eyes on the way here, I realized there isoneSkymarian opportunity I have yet to experience.”
“What is that?” She barely voiced the question, her pulse beating in her ears.
He drew in a deep breath, as if preparing for some challenge, and then offered his hand. “Dancing with a princess.”
“Oh, you really are dangerously charming when you put your mind to it.”
“Seems I just need the proper inspiration.” Her hand slipped into his, those ridges and calluses a wonderfully familiar touch.
“I feel as though you’re showering me with your particular brand of chivalry, Luke. A press conference, showing up to a royal ball, and now you offer to dance with me?” She stepped into his arms, and the warm scent of spice and coffee filled her senses. “I could get used to this.”
“I’d do about anything, Princess Elliana, if it meant one more date with you.”
***
Luke almost turned around three times once he crossed the threshold into the castle. Every step on the plush carpet or glistening marble, every glimpse of the ornate chandeliers and intricate tapestries, practically screamed how out of place this country boy was.
But then he saw Ellie, looking every bit the part of a princess in her silky blue gown that fell to the floor. One of her shoulders showcased a bow of some sort and the other side revealed her beautiful bare shoulder.
He promised himself right then and there that he’d embrace this night like the fairy tale it felt like, complete with a midnight curfew.
With her in his arms on the dance floor, he didn’t care how ridiculous he looked in a tux or how much the guys back home would tease him about attending a royal ball. In fact, nothing outside the look Ellie gave him mattered.
Being with her mattered.
Maybe the royal gig wasn’tsobad.
Parts of it, anyway.
The Ellie parts.
And the service parts.
And the ability to plan for good change as well as the power to make it happen.
