- -
- 100%
- +
He gave a nod. “Ma’am.”
She narrowed her eyes and returned her gaze to Stefan. “He’s from Texas.” She paused a half beat and her eyes widened in realization. “He’s with Coco Jordan. Is she here? How did I miss her?”
“I told you I would handle this. You weren’t feeling well, so Bridget, Phillipa and Fredericka had tea with her today.”
“Tea?” Eve echoed in disdain. “You gave a girl from Texas tea? And I bet it wasn’t iced.” She took a deep breath. “What’s going on?”
“We can discuss this later,” Stefan said.
“That’s fine,” she said. “In the meantime, I’d like to meet a fellow Texan.” She moved toward Benjamin. “Hello. I’m Eve Devereaux,” she said, extending her hand.
“My pleasure,” Benjamin said. “I’m Benjamin Garner. Hate to see your sleep disturbed. I’m sure your husband and I can finish our talk.”
“Bourbon or whiskey?” she asked with a faint smile and sank into a chair.
“Eve,” Stefan said. “I insist that you return to our quarters.”
“Only if you promise I can meet with both Benjamin and Coco tomorrow. And only if you promise to give Benjamin his choice of liquor. You must also take a drink with him,” she said.
“As you request,” he said, his mouth tight with impatience.
“And,” she said.
“And that’s enough,” he said firmly.
She smiled and rose. “Had to try,” she said and pursed her lips in a smooch before she exited the room.
Stefan gave a heavy sigh. “Please be seated. Peter, please get Mr. Garner something to drink.”
The man stepped next to Stefan’s desk. “Yes, sir. What would you like?”
“Whiskey will do,” Benjamin said.
“I’ll take the same,” Stefan said. He met Benjamin’s gaze. “Now that you’ve gained my wife’s attention, I should warn you that I’ll be ruthless if you take advantage of her kindness.”
Benjamin lifted the glass of perfect single-barrel whiskey in a salute to Stefan. “Glad to hear it, Your Highness. Wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Stefan knocked back his whiskey. “Very well. There will be a family visit tomorrow. One of the advisors will also convey Miss Jordan’s financial inheritance. I should warn you that the amount is meager. These days, royals earn their pay and are encouraged to live on the palace grounds.”
Benjamin nodded. Although he would protect Coco’s financial interests, he knew what she wanted most. “Make it as friendly as you can. You met her. She’s no shark.” He stood, leaving the rest of his drink on the desk. “I think we’re about done. Your wife is waiting for you and I don’t want to keep you.”
Stefan stood and nodded. He offered his hand. “Good night,” he said and left the room.
Benjamin was immediately led out of the palace to the waiting car. He suspected that Mr. Bernard would have liked to dump him on the curb once they reached the villa, but the man exited the car and held the door open. “’Night, Bernard,” Benjamin said.
“Good night, sir,” the man said.
Benjamin walked to the front door and found Coco where he’d left her. No sounds coming from the nursery monitor. All was good. He picked up Coco and carried her to the bedroom where she’d slept last night. His hands itched to carry her soft body to his bed, but he knew better.
He just hoped tomorrow would be better for her than today had been. He slid her down to the bed and pulled the covers over her. She wiggled as if she were on the edge of awakening. Then she sighed and pressed her face into the pillow.
He should have resisted, but he didn’t. Benjamin leaned down and brushed her cheek with his lips. She was the softest, sweetest thing he’d ever felt against his mouth.
* * *
“God help us. Another family meeting,” Bridget said to her sister, Phillipa, affectionately known as Pippa as they walked down the palace hallway toward Stefan’s office. “Do you think he found out that we smiled at Coco Jordan? I’m starting to wonder if he used a hidden camera in the room while we were having tea.”
“That would explain why he scowled at us just before he left yesterday,” Pippa said. “It’s ridiculous that he insists that we can’t be friendly with her.”
“I know,” Bridget said. “I felt like I was kicking a puppy. She seemed very nice. I have a hard time believing her goal is to bring down the House of Devereaux.”
“Someone has got to get through to Stefan,” Pippa said.
“Good luck,” Bridget said with a sigh. “The only one who can reason with him when he’s like this is Eve, and she’s having so much nausea from her pregnancy right now, I can’t bring myself to bother her.”
“I know,” Pippa said, placing her hand over her own pregnant belly. “I had a few bad weeks, but it seems to have passed. Eve’s just seems to be getting worse. Stefan’s terribly worried about her, and I can’t say I blame him.”
“Well, here we go,” Bridget said and knocked on Stefan’s office door. The door immediately swung open and she was surprised to see Eve sitting in the room, eating a piece of toast. Stefan was on the phone.
“Eve, how wonderful to see you. How are you feeling?”
“Fine,” Eve said, clearly fibbing. “I’m just not used to being restrained from regular activities. Plus, according to all the books, the nausea is supposed to have passed.”
“I’m so sorry,” Pippa said, hugging her sister-in-law.
“I am, too,” Bridget said, reaching down to brush a kiss over her sister-in-law’s cheek.
“How’s the ranch coming?” Eve asked.
Bridget smiled at the fact that Stefan’s wife hadn’t forgotten the outrageous project Bridget and her Texas-born husband were pursuing. A ranch on Chantaine. “Thank you for asking. As you know, we’re in the house. The whole ranch and animal thing will take a while.”
“I’ll help when I stop feeling so terrible,” Eve said.
“Concentrate on taking care of yourself,” Bridget said.
Eve made a face. “So boring.” She glanced at Stefan, who was still on the phone. “So what did you think of Coco? Is she a villain in disguise?”
“I’d be shocked,” Pippa said. “She was refreshingly genuine. I think you would have loved her. She says she loves to go fishing in her spare time, although she rarely has any spare time since she’s taking care of a motherless baby. These are all clearly signs of a sociopath.” Pippa scowled at her brother, who was too busy on his phone call to be aware of her.
“She did seem quite nice,” Bridget said.
“What did Fredericka think?” Eve asked.
“Fredericka has more experience masking her emotions,” Bridget said. “She’s already gone back to Paris.”
Eve’s face fell. “What a shame. I would have liked her to meet Coco in better circumstances. That’s why you’re here. I insisted that Stefan allow you to meet Coco in a more natural, welcoming way. Her fiancé was ready to take her back to Texas. I think if dueling were still in style, he would have challenged Stefan.”
Bridget gaped at Eve. “Engaged? I didn’t know she was engaged.”
“Apparently, she and her employer fell for each other. Easy to understand with the devotion she’s showing to his daughter,” Eve said.
“Hmm,” Pippa said. “She didn’t mention an engagement.”
“We didn’t exactly invite her to overshare, especially after Stefan showed up and gave us his devil glare,” Bridget said.
“True,” Pippa said and leaned toward Eve. “So what’s the plan now?”
“We’re going to have a family gathering today,” Eve said. “With everyone. All the children.”
“The twins?” Bridget echoed. Her beloved stepsons were sweet, but terribly active toddlers.
“Everyone. Even Stephenia,” Eve said. “And we’re inviting Coco and her fiancé and his baby. I believe her name is—”
“Emma,” Pippa said. “I read the dossier,” she added.
“Are husbands required to attend?” Bridget asked.
“It’s not expected, at such short notice, but if you can coerce them, that would be wonderful,” Eve said and munched on her toast.
“I’ll try to tear Nic away from his satellite meetings,” Pippa said doubtfully. “If he knows there’s a time limit, I’m more likely to be successful.”
“Ditto,” Bridget said, thinking of her doctor husband’s demanding schedule.
Stefan hung up his phone and turned to the group. “I have an announcement. We’re going to have a family gathering this afternoon with Coco Jordan, her fiancé and his daughter.”
“We already know,” Bridget said. “We just need to know the start time.”
Stefan frowned. “How would you know?”
“Did you really think we were going to sit here quietly while you talked on the phone?” Bridget asked.
Stefan narrowed his eyes. “There’s no need to be disrespectful.”
“There’s no need to keep us waiting, Your Highness,” she said, giving in to the need to needle her brother. She was the one most likely to push back besides Eve.
“Darling,” Eve said, scrubbing her arm with a brush. “You were busy, so we already discussed the plans.”
Stefan, clearly distracted by the way she scrubbed her arm, switched focus. “You’re not feeling well, are you?”
“I’m fine,” she said for the umpteenth time. “Your heir just likes sitting on my liver. Which makes me itch. It will end in a few months.”
Stefan went to her side and cupped her cheek. “How can I make this up to you?”
“I’ll think of something,” Eve said and rubbed herself with the brush again.
* * *
After lunch, Coco, Benjamin and Emma entered the office of a palace advisor, George Singleton. “Welcome,” he said, waving his hand to the two seats across from the desk. “It’s my privilege to inform you of your inheritance from Prince Edward.”
“Inheritance?” Coco echoed as she balanced Emma on her knee. She glanced at Benjamin in surprise.
“Just let Mr. Singleton bring you up to speed,” he said.
She nodded. “Okay. Thank you, Mr. Singleton.”
“Unfortunately, the prince’s trust is set up to benefit the heirs who work for the benefit of the Devereaux. There is also a housing credit for all heirs who live on the palace grounds.”
Coco nodded, but was having trouble taking it all in. Truth be told, she hadn’t thought she’d inherit one penny from Prince Edward, since she was in her twenties when her paternity was revealed.
“Therefore you are due $103 American dollars per month after all taxes are removed. Additionally, you will receive an education stipend of $5,000 American dollars payable after your completion of an undergraduate degree.”
“Oh,” she murmured. “I couldn’t finish my degree because my mother died.”
Mr. Singleton cleared his throat. “Perhaps an exception could be made.”
“Perhaps it could,” Benjamin said.
Mr. Singleton nodded. “I’ll discuss this with the other advisors. I must inform you that although it appears that royals lead an easy financial life, they must meet several criteria for financial support. The list of appearances they make is endless.”
Coco nodded again. “I—”
Benjamin placed his hand over hers. “That doesn’t alter any obligations toward Prince Edward’s offspring—Coco.”
Mr. Singleton sighed. “Very true, sir. I’ll tell you the results of my discussion with the other royal advisors. Mr. Bernard shall now guide you to the family gathering. I understand you’ll be meeting outside due to the favorable weather.”
Mr. Singleton rose and extended his hand. “Miss Jordan,” he said extending his hand. He turned to Benjamin. “Mr. Garner.”
Benjamin shook the man’s hand. “Nice meeting you.”
“Thank you, sir,” he said and Mr. Bernard arrived to lead them outside.
“It’s a beautiful day. Princess Eve has determined that everyone would enjoy the warm sunshine. There will be a time at the playground so the children can release their energy. Princess Bridget’s twins will especially enjoy the opportunity to play and explore, as will Princess Stephenia.”
“Princess Stephenia?” Coco asked, trying to recall what she’d heard about the name.
“Princess Stephenia is Prince Stefan’s daughter.” He chuckled.
“Why do you laugh?” Coco asked.
Mr. Bernard frowned. “I’m not laughing.”
“Yes, you did,” Coco said. She sighed. “You’re safe. We won’t rat on you. Why did you laugh?”
Mr. Bernard slid her a sideways glance. “Princess Stephenia is quite the handful. When she arrived here, she screamed every time she encountered the prince.”
“When she arrived?” Coco echoed.
Mr. Bernard pursed his lips. “That’s all I have to say. Princess Stephenia is a delightful child.”
Coco glanced at Benjamin. “Looks like you and Stefan may have more in common than you thought.”
Benjamin glared at her.
The car stopped beside a playground with a slide, swings and climbing equipment. “It looks like a lot of fun for the children,” Coco said.
“We are happy to please,” Mr. Bernard said and moved outside the car to open the door. “A stroller will be brought to you for your convenience.”
Surprised at the thoughtfulness, Coco automatically extended her hand to Mr. Bernard’s arm. “Thank you. That is so very thoughtful.”
Mr. Bernard looked at her in surprise then glanced away. “As I said, we’re very happy to please. Call me for any need,” he said and got back in the car.
She and Benjamin watched the car drive away.
“Weird guy,” Benjamin said.
“But nice,” she said. “I think the royal stuff keeps him from being too real.”
Benjamin shrugged. “Maybe. Let’s give Emma a try in the swing before everyone else shows up.”
Coco smiled. “Great idea.”
They strapped Emma into the baby swing and Benjamin gently pushed it from the front. Coco stood to the side and watched the baby’s eyes grow round. Benjamin increased the force of the push and Emma began to laugh. With each successive swing, she let out a shriek of delight.
Seeing Benjamin with his baby girl in such a happy moment brought tears to Coco’s eyes. When she’d first arrived at Benjamin’s home, they’d both seemed terrified of each other. Now they were truly starting to bond. Coco knew that Emma was one lucky girl. Benjamin was on the road to becoming a terrific father. She was so caught up in watching Benjamin and Emma that she didn’t notice Princess Phillipa until she appeared by her side.
“Oh, hello, Your Highness,” Coco said and started to curtsey.
Phillipa shook her head. “Not necessary, and please call me Pippa.” She pointed toward Benjamin and Emma on the swings. “He looks like excellent husband material. I hear congratulations are in order for your engagement.”
Coco blinked for a few seconds then remembered the pretend agreement she and Benjamin had made. “Thank you,” she said, uneasy with the deception. “It was nice of Prince Stefan to arrange this time on the playground for us.”
Pippa chuckled. “You can thank Eve for that. Ah, here she comes, along with Stephenia, and the twins and Bridget bringing up the rear. When will Bridget learn not to wear heels when she’s chasing toddlers?”
“Boys, Stephenia,” Pippa said, stepping in front of the galloping toddlers. “Careful of the swing.”
The three youngsters stared at the baby in the swing. The little girl with ringlet curls pointed at Emma. “Who?”
“That’s Emma,” Pippa said. “She belongs to Mr. Garner and Miss Jordan.”
Benjamin waved at the kids and Pippa made the introductions. He continued to push Emma in the swing. The toddlers scrambled onto the various pieces of miniature playground equipment.
“I didn’t realize there were so many children,” Coco said, trying to recall what she’d read about the Devereaux offspring on the internet.
“And more on the way,” Pippa said, touching her abdomen. “Eve is due before I am, but I’m having such an easy time compared to her that I feel guilty.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” Coco said to the tall, dark-haired woman.
“It’s not high-risk, just extremely uncomfortable,” Eve said.
“How are you feeling today?” Pippa asked Eve.
“I’m fine. I slept longer than usual,” Eve said then turned to Coco. “Coco, it’s my pleasure to meet you and welcome you to where the wild things grow here in Chantaine,” she said with a smile. “I hope you’ll enjoy your time here.”
Bridget glanced around the playground. “Where are my little darlings?” she muttered, narrowing her eyes. “Ah, in the hide-and-seek house. Should have known.” She turned to Coco and smiled. “So nice to see you again. That’s a darling baby in the swing. Hope the man is just as darling, too. The Devereaux seem to have a weakness for Texans.”
A shriek of distress sounded from the other side of the hide-and-seek house. “Excuse me,” Bridget said. “That’s mine. I know his voice.”
“I never would have believed what a great mother she’s become,” Pippa said.
“She fell for the doctor and his boys hook, line and sinker,” Eve said. “A joy to watch. Bridget always gave the impression of being the royal fashion plate, and single forever. Turns out her heart was squishier than she thought.”
At that moment, Coco began to feel a little hope that maybe she wasn’t completely alone in the world after all. Maybe the Devereaux actually were a little bit like her. At least on the inside.
After playtime, which included Benjamin chasing the toddlers and making them laugh until they were breathless, everyone went inside for lunch. Nannies arrived to take the children when they grew restless. Stephenia, however, wanted to stay, and Eve permitted it.
Coco noticed that Benjamin talked very little. She could practically feel his mind clicking with all his observations. He put his hand over hers and her brain instantly stuttered. Even though she knew his touch was just for show, it still affected her. Bridget gave her apologies as she left for an event at a library. Pippa received a call from her husband and left the room to take it.
Eve had seemed to grow much more weary as the day proceeded. Coco feared that Eve’s desire to make her feel welcome was making Eve stay longer than she should. “It’s been wonderful having this opportunity to get to know all of you better. I can’t tell you how much I’ve appreciated the time with you. We should probably get back so Emma can take a nap.”
“Are you sure I can’t do anything else for you?” Eve asked as she shared a small cookie with Stephenia while the toddler sat on her lap.
“Not a thing,” Coco said and stood.
“Well, if you’re sure,” she said and set Stephenia on her feet. Eve stood, and the blood appeared to drain from her face. “Oh,” she murmured and collapsed onto the floor.
Benjamin was by the woman’s side in an instant. Stephenia began to cry, so Coco set Emma on a blanket and picked up the distressed toddler. “Is she okay?” Coco asked. “We need to get help,” she said and stepped into the hallway where a man stood outside the door.
Moments later, the room was filled with a doctor, nurse, two guards and Pippa.
“I keep telling her she’s doing too much, but she won’t listen,” Pippa said, wringing her hands. “She’s just not used to sitting still for anything. She thinks it’s a sign of weakness.”
“True Texan spirit,” Benjamin said, now holding Emma. “Good luck to her husband.”
Stephenia was still upset, but quiet as she clung to Coco with one hand and soothed herself with her thumb in her mouth. “She’ll be okay,” Coco said to the child resting on her hip. “See, she’s sitting up.”
“Already fussing at the doctor,” Pippa said in a wry tone.
Eve waved aside the crowd around her and stood. The doctor and guards, however, stayed within arm’s reach. “I’m fine. Completely fine.”
“One of the top lies spoken every day,” Benjamin said in a low voice.
Eve glanced across the room and spotted them. “Oh, no. I’ve frightened Stephenia,” she said, walking toward Coco.
“She’s okay,” Coco said and set the toddler down onto her feet.
“Mamaeve,” Stephenia wailed, lifting her arms for a hug.
Eve bent down and Benjamin pulled out a chair for her to sit down. Eve flashed a look of impatience. “Honestly, there’s no need for a fuss.”
“The fainting thing cancels out your denial. You know the old saying—actions speak louder than words,” Benjamin said.
“I’m glad someone else said that,” Pippa said.
Eve still looked irritated. “I don’t like being forced to sit.”
“You’re not being forced,” Coco said. “You’re being helped.”
Eve rolled her eyes in disbelief.
“It’s true,” Coco said. “You have a very important job to do. Probably one of the most important jobs of your life. You’re nurturing a baby. There are two lives at stake and both are very important to many people. Even though it seems that sitting down or resting is being lazy, it’s not. You probably think it’s difficult and boring, but it’s a necessary part of your job.”
Eve stared at Coco for a long moment. “I guess I never thought of it that way. I just expected to take pregnancy in stride and keep doing what I’ve always done.” She glanced at her doctor. “I guess it doesn’t always work out that way.”
“Quite true, Your Highness,” he said.
“I’m just not the fainting type,” Eve said.
“As long as you follow the doctor’s direction, you won’t become the fainting type,” Pippa said. “Like you were today.”
Eve bared her teeth slightly then sighed. “Okay, my job is to gestate. Hopefully someone will help amuse me.”
“The line forms behind me,” Pippa said with a smile.
Coco felt another invisible thread connecting her to Eve and Pippa.
* * *
That evening after Coco and Benjamin both bathed Emma, they sat on the love seat and propped their feet on pillows placed on the coffee table. Benjamin rotated between a soccer game and a television show on the BBC.
“I feel like I need subtitles. The British English is so different from Texas English,” Benjamin said.
Coco laughed, and the sound made his chest tighten and expand.
“Does that mean you feel the same way?” he asked.
“I guess so. I just never thought of it that way,” she said and met his gaze. “Thanks for being with me today. Between the meeting with the advisor and Eve fainting, it was a roller-coaster ride.”
He nodded. “Yeah. What do you think of the Devereaux now?”
“I think they bleed,” she said. “Like you and me.”
He met her gaze and something inside him grew and expanded. Coco was deep, sometimes sad, but he could tell that she kept trying to be positive and hopeful. Despite everything she’d been through, she wanted to give people the benefit of the doubt. Being with her made him want to be less cynical.
“You did well today,” he said.
She laced her fingers together then unlaced them. He covered her hand and her fidgeting stopped. She glanced up to meet his gaze. The moment stretched between them.
Fighting a massive internal debate, Benjamin lowered his mouth to hers. Slowly. Slowly enough that she could turn away if she wanted. But she didn’t. Her gaze was locked with his. Her eyelids lowered with each millimeter he drew closer. He wanted to take her mouth, absorb her into him. He wanted to rush, but he made himself go slow.
Eons seemed to pass. He finally pressed his mouth against hers. Her lips were soft and sweet. There was a sense of waiting and wanting in the air. He inhaled briefly, wanting to focus on her mouth.
She responded, rubbing her lips against his.
The sensation of need ran through him like wildfire, and he felt a little of his self-control shatter. Clenching his hand into a fist, he tried to regain control. But then she rubbed her lips against him again and he felt it all the way down from his mouth to his chest to his gut to his groin.
Benjamin opened his mouth and slid his tongue into her mouth. She tasted sweet and wild. When she slipped her hands around his neck, he just wanted more.
Chapter Eight
Coco felt as if she were stuck on the top of a ferris wheel. She sank against Benjamin’s chest as his mouth took hers. She hadn’t allowed herself to want him. She’d scolded herself not to be attracted to him. He was her boss, and he was wounded from his experience with Emma’s mother. A bad combination.