Page 83 of Duke, Actually

“Grand,” Max said. “I’ve brought the bride a treat, but if you groom’s-side people are nice, perhaps we’ll share.” He caught Dani’s eye again and winked as he produced a bottle of Dom Pérignon.

“I’ll put yours here,” he said to Dani, setting a flute on a dressing table after he’d distributed glasses to everyone else—Verenewas still futzing with Dani’s dress. “And for the flower girl,” Max said, turning his attention to Gabby, and then to the door, through which appeared a palace worker holding a sparkling pink drink. The drink-bearer was followed by several more people, one pushing a cart and others bringing covered dishes and tableware, which they set up into a mini buffet.

“Max,” Marie said with fondness. “You think of everything. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

Mr. Benz appeared holding Dani’s repaired shoe, and Max said, “All I did was the drinks. Credit to Mr. Benz for the food.”

“Everything should be bite-size and free of sauce or anything that might ruin gowns,” Mr. Benz said.

“So thoughtful of you,” Max said, beaming at Mr. Benz in a way that made the equerry frown. “It’s so nice to know that one’s loved ones are being so well looked after.”

“Daniela, my dear,” Verene said, “this hidden zipper at the side of your gown isn’t hiding well enough. May I ask you to raise your right arm and turn away from me?”

The resulting pose twisted Dani away from everyone and had her effectively hiding behind her arm. So when she heard a phone buzz from near where she’d left hers, she said, “Is that mine? If so, can you grab it, Leo?” Leo knew her code from back when they were neighbors, and he used to read Vince’s texts to her when she couldn’t bear to do it herself. “Actually, silence it. It won’t be anything important.”

After a moment, she heard Leo chuckle.

“What?”

“It’s actually pretty important. It’s from someone named Caroline, who I’m gathering is your divorce lawyer. She says, ‘I knowyou’re out of town. Wanted to let you know that the judgment is in. As of today, you are officially divorced. Congrats.’”

Dani’s stomach dropped, and without thinking about poor Verene, she whipped around and made eye contact with Max, who was already looking at her.

It was funny that her eyes found him in a room full of people. There was Leo and Mr. Benz and the servers still buzzing about setting up the snacks. So many people between them. But he was the only one she wanted to see.

I swear to god, the moment the divorce is final, I’m going to do it with the first moderately attractive man I lay eyes on.

Her joking vow crash-landed in her mind. She wondered if he remembered it.

His eyes were burning as he stared at her. They contained blue fire, like in the center of a flame—the searing, powerful part.

He remembered.

She started to sweat, which was not good for her delicate crepe dress. She tried not to fidget, but she had butterflies all of a sudden. But they weren’t just in her stomach; they were all over. She kept looking at Max, though, and he kept looking at her.

“Is it bad luck that you’re getting divorced the same day I’m getting married?” Leo asked, breaking their spell. She could tell from Leo’s tone that he was joking and maybe also that he was trying to save her from herself.

Because if she held Max’s gaze any longer, she was going to make good on her pledge from so long ago.

“The cars will be arriving in forty-five minutes for the drive to the chapel.” Mr. Benz looked up from his phone. He made a slightgesture with his head, and the servers scurried out of the room. “I’ll leave you now, but please don’t hesitate to summon me if you need anything.”

“Oh, Mr. Benz,” Max said breezily, apparently having shaken off the intensity of a moment ago. It was disconcerting how easily he could make the shift given that Dani was still internally reeling. “Might I trouble you to check in on my brother?”

“Of course. Is everything all right?”

Max beamed at Mr. Benz. “Yes, but I believe there is one small matter with which you could assist.”

“Certainly. Unless I’m summoned, and again, please don’t hesitate to do so, I’ll be back before the cars are scheduled to arrive.” Mr. Benz left, Max smiling after him.

Verene patted Dani’s arm. “All done, dear.”

Dani hitched up her skirt so she wouldn’t trip as she stepped off the pedestal she’d been standing on for alterations. Without her even seeing him arrive—last she knew, Max had been on the other side of the room making strange faces at Mr. Benz’s back—Max was there with a hand.

He helped her down, which wasn’t unusual, but the fact that he did so without looking at her was. Max was solicitous. She’d gotten used to it and no longer even felt, much less indulged, the impulse to shut him down when he offered help. But usually a hand extended in a situation like this would come with a wink or a smile, or at least eye contact.

The other part that was unusual? She was shaking like a leaf. Not because of wedding nerves, but because ofhim. And it wasn’t just the generic “sex feelings.” It was a visceralwantingthat wasstartling in both its intensity and suddenness. He was only touching her lightly with his hand, but it felt like he was touching her all over.

As soon as she was down, he let go.