Page 93 of Loyally, Luke
“No better way to start a friendship among men than a solid hit to the face.”
Her soft laugh and a scoot or two brought her closer. “I feel you’re owed a substantial reward for your amazing work as a champion for children across Skymar.”
His pulse took an upswing at her reference. Yep. She kept getting better and better.
“And for contemplating the very idea of fake dating.” He frowned, even though the closer she came, the happier he felt.
“I was trying to stick with some of the tropes that keep popping up in our lives.” Her palm settled on the collar of his shirt, giving the slightest tug. “But I agree—I only want the real dates.” She edged closer. “And the very real rewards.”
There were times in life when a man needed to take charge. This wasn’t one of them.
Being a princess and all, Ellie seemed to have the situation well in hand... or, in this case, her lips had his. And boy, did they. Certain. Soft. Taking their ever-loving time to show him a great deal of appreciation.
How on earth was he supposed to go back to anything else after her?
Sure, he didn’t belong in any sort of royal life. And he could never measure up to the expectations her family likely had, but his heart teetered on the edge of throwing every one of his own fears aside to jump headlong into a future with her.
If she would have him.
As the SUV drove away from the Frasiers’ a half hour later, his lips still happily tingling, a bruise of pain ached in his chest.
She was a princess.
He wasn’t on the list.
And there was a good chance those kisses weren’t so much a reward as a goodbye.
***
Text from Izzy to Luke and Penelope:So... how did the luncheon go?
Luke:I think it went pretty well. The board seemed really supportive of my ideas.
Penelope:Well, the gossip columns are all aflutter about you, Luke. One even hinted that you were trying to steal Princess Elliana from her duke, or earl, as the case may be.
Penelope:But I’m not too impressed with the duke anyway. You’re much more handsome and actually change your facial expression.
Luke:I don’t really care what the tabloids say, Penny-girl. They’re not where I go for news. Or truth. Or even reading material.
Izzy:The two of you do make a nice pair, though, Luke. And you looked great in that green! Brodie really has an eye for that sort of thing. *sigh* He’s wonderful.
Penelope:Do you think it’s a Skymarian thing? Matthias is great at fashion too. He even bought a hat for me last week and it was PERFECT.
Penelope:See what a little fashion can do for you, Luke? You’re practically dating a princess!! Just imagine where your life could be if you shaved that beard!
Penelope:Stop sending me photos of Aragorn with and without the beard!
Izzy:Did Ellie seem pleased with how things turned out at the luncheon?
Luke:Yeah, she did. I think it was a good step for her too. The more she can show the public how much she cares and how she’s grown from a few years ago, the better for her. And she’s getting a little more confident, I think.
Izzy:Well, when you’re not teasing us into delirium, you’re really good at encouragement.
Penelope:AHH!!! I can’t believe we’re talking about Ellie as if she’s a regular person!!!!
Luke:She is a regular person, Penn!
Penelope:A princess kind of regular person! Which is not regular at all. But you would know better than me. *blinking eyelashes and thinking twitterpated thoughts for you*
