Page 25 of The Princess Sister Swap

‘Hi,’ she said a little stupidly as he leaned against the door frame, his dark eyes glowing in admiration as he looked her up and down. Clem resisted the urge to smooth her shirt down, glad she’d picked the floaty sunshine-yellow silk skirt and teamed it with a short delicate lace white blouse. It wasn’t the most practical of outfits, but she liked how feminine she felt, liked the way the skirt swirled around her calves, the flattering fit of the shirt, deceptively demure with its high neck, yet cut to flatter her every curve—and Akil’s not too subtle once-over proved it did.

‘Hi. You’re looking beautiful today.’ His voice was a low rumble and she felt it vibrate through her.

‘Thank you. You’re not looking too bad yourself.’ Now that was an understatement. He was delectably handsome in a white linen shirt and jeans, off duty and perfectly masculine. ‘I’ve bought pastries.’ She handed him the bag and he unleashed one of his devastating smiles.

‘Now you’re doubly welcome.’ He bent his head to drop a lingering kiss on her mouth and her body responded enthusiastically. This kind of passion was so different from anything she’d experienced she’d never actually gone weak at the knees before.

Clem entered the apartment and headed straight over to Tiger, who uttered a miaow as she reached him, stretching out so that she could reach his cream and ginger tummy.

‘Hello, gorgeous,’ she crooned, and Tiger stretched even further demanding worship. ‘How are you?’

‘Is it wrong I’m jealous of my cat?’ Akil asked and she threw him a mischievous grin.

‘Cats need to be paid their dues first, you know that.’

She continued to croon at Tiger while Akil put the pastries onto a plate and poured fresh coffee, bringing them over to her and sitting next to her on the big leather sofa. She loved the domesticity of it, cuddling up to him, ignoring the world outside.

‘How was the hospital this morning?’

‘Good. There’s a couple of new kids in, but they came to the reading. I still can’t believe that this is something I do! I keep waiting for someone to ask who I am and why I’m there. To throw me out.’

‘They’re always looking for ways to make it an easier experience for the children. And don’t worry, I vouched for you.’

‘And it’s that easy? No background check, no references?’

‘You’re not alone with the children at any time, are you?’

‘No, of course not. But I didn’t mean for it to get to be a regular thing. What happens when I leave in three weeks’ time?’

‘I’m on the hospital board...’

She turned to face him. ‘You never said.’

He shrugged. ‘It didn’t come up.’ No wonder no one had challenged her presence. ‘But you’ve shown that we have a need for this kind of entertainment, maybe in more than the children’s ward. It’s being looked at.’

‘Look at me influencing hospital policy.’

‘You have good instincts and a good heart. It would never have occurred to me if you hadn’t shown me the way.’

An unexpected pride washed over her. She might not be the Crown Princess, but she might have achieved some good in the time she was in her sister’s country.

‘So what’s the plan for today?’ she asked as she finished the pastry.

Akil flashed a grin at her. ‘I was thinking that it’s time I introduced you to the most important woman in my life.’

Clem stiffened. Hiswhat? Surely he didn’t mean his mother? She had never got the impression that they were that close and it was way too early—and too temporary—for that, and wasn’t his sister abroad? He must have seen her alarm because he hastily added, ‘My boat.’

That was more like it. ‘I love boats. Did you know I grew up by the sea?’

‘You may have mentioned it a hundred times or more, which is why I hoped you would like this idea. Then it’s a date?’

‘Absolutely!’

‘Let’s pick up some provisions, then...’

‘Look at you with the nautical terms.’

‘I’ll have no insubordination on my ship, thank you. Tell Henri I’ll drive you back. It may be late.’

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