Page 17 of A Royal Temptation

Eduardo stopped at the steps with her two suitcases. “Just leave them. I’ll take it from here,” Juan Carlos said. “Thanks, Eduardo.”

The man nodded, but it looked more like a bow. “Your Highness.”

Juan Carlos rolled his eyes.

She chuckled. It would take him a while to get used to being royalty.

“Stop laughing,” he whispered out of earshot of his bodyguard.

“I’ll try,” she whispered back. “Not promising anything.”

He shook his head but grinned like a schoolboy.

She was up against massive charm and a killer body.

“Let me show you around.” Juan Carlos took her arm and guided her inside.

The living room was cozy with a large brick fireplace and old wood floors that looked as though they’d been scoured and polished. A new patterned rug was laid down between two sofas covered with floral tapestry pillows. The smell of fresh drying paint filled the room.

“Come see the kitchen,” he said, taking her hand. “It’s rustic, but I didn’t have the heart to replace everything. I’m assured the oven is in working order.” The oven was indeed, quaint and lovely. She could tell it, too, had been scoured to a new brilliance, but it must date back to the l940s. The refrigerator had been replaced, and the counters were chipped in places but the sink had passed the test of time. A kitchen table sat in front of windows overlooking the backyard grounds. Someone had recently plowed the area and planted a garden of fresh flowers and herbs so the immediate view was quite picturesque.

“It’s charming the way it is.”

“The refrigerator is stocked. Would you like a cold drink?”

“Sure.”

He opened the door and peeked inside. “Lemonade, soda, orange juice and sparkling water.”

“Lemonade sounds good. I’ll get the glasses.” She flipped open a few cupboards and found them. It was obvious the dinnerware and glassware were all new, or imported from the palace. “Here we go.” She set two glasses in front of him on the counter and he filled them.

A cool, refreshing swallow quenched her thirst and as she sipped, she strolled through the kitchen, exploring. She passed a utility room and then entered a large bathroom. Juan Carlos was just steps behind her and prickles of awareness climbed up her spine. She felt his eyes on her and as she turned slowly, he didn’t even try to look away. He was in the doorway, his arms braced on the doorjamb, his shirt hanging open loosely from his shoulders. All that pure masculinity in one man didn’t seem fair.

He stared at her for long seconds, until regret seemed to dull the gleam in his eyes. She had the same regret. If only she was just a woman and he was just a man and they were here together, sharing a grand adventure.

She swiveled around, pretending interest in a claw-foot tub, running a finger along the porcelain edge. “Makes you wonder about what life was like here when the farm was active.” She turned to him again. “Do you know if there were animals?”

“Hmm. I think so. There are many outer buildings on the acreage. Supply sheds, barns and feed shacks. They owned livestock. Probably sheep, maybe cattle, but definitely horses. Do you ride?”

“Horses? Yes, I do. I’m no expert but I know how to plant my butt in the saddle.”

He smiled.

“Will we be riding?”

“Possibly. There’s five thousand acres here to investigate. Between the Jeep and the horses, we should be able to scour the entire grounds. The horses will be here this afternoon.”

“Did your family ever live here?”

“I don’t think a Salazar ever lived here. But a Montoro must have at some point. This land is all part of the Montoro holdings.”

“Do you have any idea where to start looking?”

“I’m thinking we should stick close to the house today and if we come up empty, we can venture out tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. I have to admit, I’m eager to start.”

“Okay, then I’ll get your luggage. Your room is upstairs at the end of the hallway. It’s been painted and furniture was brought in yesterday. Take some time to relax. I think you’ll like the room, but if there’s anything you need, just let me know.”

“I’m sure it’s fine.” She’d roughed it with Jasmine, after all. She really could handle her own luggage, but His Majesty would never allow that. His sense of gentlemanly duty would become tarnished. And darn, if she didn’t find that amazingly appealing. “Thank you.”

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