Page 72 of We Three Kings

She glances toward Gaspar. “Excuse me sir, but her phone keeps going off from the closet where I stored her coat and bag. I thought it might be something important.”

The poor woman is trying to cook dinner for all of us, and my cell is probably annoying her. “I’m so sorry!”

Although I don’t want to be rude and leave my hosts, I want to fix the problem I’ve caused unintentionally. I look to Balthazar for direction of how to proceed.

“Go ahead angel and get your phone. It’s okay.”

Gaspar nods his agreement too. “We’ll wait here for you.”

Relief eases some of my guilt, and I follow Mary out of the den. “I’m really sorry it bothered you. I have no idea who it could be.”

She moves fast, and I hurry to keep up.

“It’s okay. I just wanted you to know in case it’s an emergency but hopefully it’s not.”

I hope not either.

We stop in front of a door tucked in the hallway behind the winding staircase, and she reaches in to grab my things. “It’s in my pocket.”

She hands me my jacket, smiles, and strides away, giving me privacy. I really like her a lot.

She’s kind yet efficient, and I know she runs their household well for them to trust her so much.

The screen shows twelve missed calls from Bree. I tap the most recent one and try to calm my racing heart.

“Why didn’t you answer my calls?”

Fear shouts through the speaker. “I couldn’t hear my phone where we were sitting. What’s wrong?”

“Are you okay?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because you’re with him and didn’t answer your phone!”

The implication hurts a little. She doesn’t need to fret when I’m with Balthazar. No one protects me better than he does. “I’m fine. We’re in the den eating appetizers with his father. It’s very nice and safe, I promise.”

A huff turns into a sigh. “Okay. I’m sorry. I just wanted to say happy Thanksgiving and make sure you were doing okay without us. I guess I got a little carried away. I worry about you.”

“I know but you don’t have to. I’m fine and having fun.”

“Good.”

Hesitation still streaks her enthusiasm.

“What’s his father like?”

Sexy.

Oh my god. Where did that come from? I curl my free hand around one of the thin black posts in the stair railing. What is the matter with me? “He’s great. He’s made me feel very welcome.”

“Is he controlling like Balthazar?”

Alex’s muffled voice comes through too. I can’t understand what he says but the admonishment is clear.

“Sorry! I shouldn’t have said that. How’s the food?”

“Really good. Their housekeeper is an excellent cook.”

---