Page 67 of Royal Agenda

Grandma clasped her hands together in front of her and smiled with pride as if she’d made this moment possible.

“You look good too,” she replied as she stepped forward. She and Ryker kissed on both cheeks, his lingering against hers. A perfectly acceptable greeting in front of her grandmother even though she’d taken the opportunity to breathe in his spicy scent.

She would expect nothing less proper from Ryker even if she wanted him to dip her low and kiss her long and slow. Her body was all over getting close to him–humming in anticipation and fogging up her vision so he was the only one in the room–and yet her brain held her back. She was after answers–not kisses tonight.

Although . . . kisses would be so much more fun, her heart-side argued.

Grace mentally rolled her eyes at herself. Her two halves needed to come together soon or she would go nuts.

“Your chariot awaits,” Ryker offered his hand.

Grace paused, knowing that if she accepted, she would be going into the lion’s den of temptation with him. Ryker was all that she’d ever wanted. The only man who had ever been able to handle all of her–all her stories, all her intuition, and all her passion. It was unfair that he came with the exact type of baggage that left her doubting a future with him.

Grandma cleared her throat.

Grace blinked and took his hand. The moment their fingers touched the humming in her body kicked up three notches, consuming her.

Ryker tugged her gently out the door and motioned to the curb. “I hope this will be suitable.”

Grace turned and then gasped. Her hand flew to her cheeks in surprise.

Parked in front of Grandma’s pink bungalow was a white Cinderella horse drawn carriage. The lanterns glowed softly, even though it wasn’t dark. The driver wore a gray jacket with tails and a tophat, which he removed as he bowed for Grace.

She blinked. Was he trying to tell her he was a prince without actually saying the words?

“Come,” he said in his come-hither accent deep voice that made her rational side fall over in defeat as her heart did a victory dance.

He handed her into the carriage as if it was second nature and then settled in the seat next to her. Their driver did not ask for directions. They circled around The Palms, drawing stairs and fond smiles from the residents who were out and about.

She waved at Don, who sat on the front porch with Amelia. She had a quilt over her lap and a soft smile on her face.

Rosa was on her lawn with a gaggle of grandchildren. They all clapped and waved as if seeing a real prince and princess. Ryker chuckled beside her. He clasped her fingers and brought them up to his lips for a kiss. “They think you are a princess, si? Wave to them.”

He waved, and the movement was so perfect she lost her senses and threaded their fingers together.

The carriage stopped in front of the bridge that led to the library. Fairy lights lit the way up to the library steps. “We’re going to the library?” she asked.

“Si. You will like it.” He offered his arm, and she slipped her hand in the crook, snuggling close. He’d gone to so much effort. He must have worked all afternoon to make this happen for her.

The large library doors swung open with ease, and they were greeted with a fire in the stunning fireplace. The room was cozy with the glow of three dozen candles. She glanced around quickly and didn’t find a dry-paged book in the vicinity, thank goodness.

The twinkle lights continued along the floor to the stairs and then up.

She stopped and glanced above them to the glass dome. “Are we going up there?”

A brief flash of uncertainty swept across his face, and then was gone. “We will follow the lights and see where they take us–together.” He moved his arm and then slid his fingers down her skin before taking her hand.

Grace touched the banister with reverence.

“You like the finish work?” he stopped to ask.

“I appreciate the workmanship.” She smiled. “Someone took time to make an impression, and I am impressed.” She hugged his arm and pecked a kiss to his cheek.

His eyes smoldered. “I hope the rest of the evening will also impress you.”

“Me too.” She leaned into him as they continued up the stairs. If he was the prince, did she expect him to spill royal secrets? Was it fair of her to ask so much? Then again, could she love and marry a man without speaking his real name?

The lights continued over the top stair and then circled a table with a white tablecloth and two tall candles. Steam came off the plates of Italian food and the smell of fresh garlic bread hung in the air. The sun had set, and they were now in that space between day and night. In no time, they’d be able to see the stars overhead.

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