Page 2 of His Impossible Heir

Emma made a sound like air escaping from a balloon. “If the book wasn’t brilliantly written, then no one else would have paid any attention to my recommendation and you know it.”

Rayed had been sitting back, listening quietly to their conversation. But he sat up and nodded his agreement. “I’ve read every one of your books so far and I love them all. When’s the next one coming out?”

Amanda smiled with appreciation for this man who had treated her friend so well. Prince Rayed was…amazing! Smart and funny, charming and relentless. If she ever found a man like Rayed, she’d hold on to him like a monkey hanging over an alligator pit!

Alas, the men she’d recently met online hadn’t…uh…measured up. The online dating world was a dreary, disappointing place.

Emma distracted her by asking about Amanda’s next novel and the upcoming conference. “By the way, you’re coming to a big state dinner thing tonight, so as soon as we drop you off at your hotel, you’ll need to take a nap, but not a long one. Then I’m picking you up again and we’re going shopping. You’ll need an evening gown for tonight.”

It took a moment for Emma’s words to process, but as soon as they did, Amanda’s jaw dropped. “I’m sorry…but what did you just say? A state dinner?”

Emma waved her hand dismissively. “Well, not anofficialstate dinner. It’s more of just…well, a party sort of.”

Emma’s evasiveness made Amanda suspicious. “A party…where?” Amanda demanded, narrowing her eyes. “What did you do?”

Emma sighed and Amanda ignored Rayed’s soft chuckle. “Rayed was talking to an old college friend recently and mentioned that he was going to be visiting Paris. Then someone else heard about the Paris visit and it sort of…exploded. So, some bigwig in the French government quickly organized an…event…for tonight.”

Amanda’s stomach clenched with dread. “Nope.” She forced the dread down and politely folded her hands over her crossed knees. “Not gonna happen,” she declared with what she hoped was a firm tone. “I will be in my hotel room, ordering room service, while you attend whatever monumental gala is on your schedule tonight.” Amanda nodded as if that was the end of the discussion. No way was she attending a political gala or…whatever, tonight! No way!

Apparently, Amanda’s tone wasn’t firmenough. Emma’s gaze shifted from wary to pleading. “Oh, please Amanda! Youhaveto come tonight! First of all, I’ve already told them you’d come. So, the seating arrangements are finalized.”

Amanda shrugged dismissively, stubbornly refusing her friend’s pleas. “I’m positive that the organizer of such an elaborate and important event knows how to shift last minute details, like seating assignments. I’m sure absences happen at every event and the event organizer will cope with it accordingly.”

Emma sighed and dropped her head. “I know. You’re right. But…” she lifted her blue eyes to Amanda’s green ones. “But will you do it, for me? Will you come just to hang out with me? The food will be amazing,” she promised. “Plus, I can’t tell you how many times Rayed starts conversations about financial issues while I’m standing by his side, my mind going numb from boredom.”

Amanda glanced over at the man in question. He didn’t appear offended by his wife’s commentary on his business conversations. In fact, he seemed downright amused. While she watched, he lifted their twined hands to his lips and kissed his wife’s fingers. Amanda heard the slight intake of breath, watched as their eyes met and held. There was an almost electric fission that passed through the interior of the limousine and Amanda had to look away. The matching expressions of love and lust on their faces were difficult to watch. Especially for someone who hadn’t ever experienced even a fraction of that level of emotion.

Amanda’s world was more isolated than Emma’s. As a mystery writer, Amanda spent long periods of time alone in the small house she’d bought after Emma’s wedding and after the explosion of her book sales.

“So, will you do it?” Emma asked entreatingly, pulling Amanda’s attention away from the window. “Will you please come tonight?”

Amanda had never been able to say no to Emma. Ever since they’d become roommates during their freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania, Amanda had been awed by Emma’s energy and her passion for life.

Amanda’s life was the complete opposite. Amanda was introverted and quiet. Amanda’s favorite pastime was sifting through the racks at thrift stores, finding hidden treasures among the trash. Clothes, furniture, and accessories could be found for a fraction of the price at thrift stores. Her entire home was decorated with refinished thrifted items and she adored every inch of her little cottage.

“Yes,” she blurted out, surprising herself. Emma’s delight caused Rayed to chuckle. She looked at Rayed and they shared an amused glance.

“Excellent!” Emma crowed, bouncing in the seat. “We’re here.” She glanced through the window at the hotel and nodded her approval. “This is a good hotel, but are yousureyou don’t want to stay with us? There’s plenty of room at our house.”

Amanda knew that Rayed owned a house in Paris that probably had a bajillion bedrooms, each with their own luxurious bathroom, as well as a fabulous personal chef and an entire staff of dedicated servants.

Amanda shook her head. “Thanks again. But the book conference is here at the hotel. So it will be more convenient for me to attend once the conference starts in a couple of days if I’m staying here.” Amanda had explained this to Emma twice already.

Emma grimaced. “I know it would be easier for you,” she grumbled. “But it’s not easier for me to see you.”

Amanda’s heart warmed at her friend’s grousing. She grabbed Emma’s hand, squeezing it lightly. “We still have three days to hang out before the conference starts.”

Emma brightened. “You’re right. So go,” she said, wiggling her fingers toward the window. “Have a brief nap and I’ll come get you for shopping later today. Don’t nap too long or your sleep cycle will end up out of whack.”

Amanda chuckled. “Why do I get the sense that you’ve somehow managed to manipulate me?” She pushed the door open and smiled her thanks to the bodyguard standing beside the door, holding her suitcase.

Apparently, someone had called ahead to let the hotel know that she was about to check in because a hotel employee waited just inside the revolving doors of the beautifully decorated lobby. Gold and silver brightened up the space with a massive chandelier shimmering over a round table. In the center of the polished table was an enormous bouquet of white flowers with some sort of gold twirly things sticking out at various angles.

“Good morning, Ms. Thomas,” the tall, beautiful brunette greeted her politely.

After having spent the past fourteen hours traveling in a cramped airplane seat with no sleep and crappy food, Amanda couldn’t help but feel frumpy next to this sleek and sophisticated woman. She even knew how to tie a perfect knot on her silk scarf and how in the world had she gotten her hair to be so smooth? There wasn’t a single strand out of place!

Amanda truly hated gorgeous women. Especially when she was so exhausted and rumpled, feeling like she was probably swaying on her feet from fatigue. Oh, and she desperately needed a bathroom!

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