Page 32 of A Royal Obligation
“You ready, Jules?”
“Mm-hmm.” She nodded, even though everything in her told her she was definitelynotready. “Another flirting technique that is very easy but has great outcomes is touching the person you are interested in. Holding her hand. Putting your hand on her arm while you’re talking. A slight nudge with your shoulder when you’re teasing her. Tucking her hair behind her ear. All of these kinds of things can help get a girl’s heart racing and show you’re interested. You want to make sure you’re doing it naturally; don’t force it or she’ll know.”
“How do I make it natural and not forced?”
“I can’t tell you because you have to feel it for yourself. If I were to tell you a tragic story from my past, what would you do?”
“I would tell you how sorry I was?” he said in more of a question than a statement.
“Right. And if you did that while also patting my hand or placing your hand on my arm, that would make it feel even more personal and like you really cared for me.”
His eyes lit up as the connection was made. “I think I get it. You’re really good at all this.”
“Thank you.” She gave a fake bow. “Some other things to keep in mind when it comes to flirting are making sure you maintain eye contact, lean in when you’re talking to them, and give them sincere compliments. Finally, be confident in yourself. Women find confidence attractive.”
“It seems like a lot of these things are simpler than I thought. Except the confidence part.”
Jules nudged his shoulder. “You have so much going for you, Barrett. You have to believe in yourself, and those around you will feel that, too.”
He looked into her eyes and gave her a smile that warmed her soul. Every time he looked at her, she felt as if she was really seen for the first time.
She shoved her feelings down and shot up off the couch. “I think that’s enough for today’s lesson. Do you feel like you sufficiently know how to flirt now?”
“I think I can manage.”
“Splendid. I hope you have a great rest of the day.” She speed-walked out of the room. When she rounded the corner, two figures appeared right in front of her. Jules stopped on her heels, causing them to skid on the marble floor.
“Oh, hi, Jules,” Charlotte greeted her.
“Lady Charlotte. Prince Liam.” Jules curtsied.
“I am going to return my father’s phone call. Thank you for the company, Liam.” Charlotte smiled sweetly at him and walked around them.
Liam turned to go, but Jules reached out and gently grabbed his arm.
“I’m actually glad I ran into you. I wanted to apologize about the ball. If I had realized it was your mother’s dress that Barrett had provided me with, I never would have worn it. I hope you can forgive me and that we can be friends during my time here.” Jules chewed on her bottom lip as she waited for Liam to respond.
“It is I who should be apologizing to you, Miss Smith. I overreacted and treated you rudely, which was uncalled for. I hope you accept my sincerest apologies. I get a bit … sensitive when it comes to things with my mother, but that is something I am working through.” Liam gave her a sad smile.
“Please call me Jules. Can we maybe start over?”
“I would like that. I guess you may call me Liam, if we are to be friends.” He reached out his hand and shook hers firmly.
“Thank you, Liam. I won’t keep you any longer.” She gave him a small curtsy and walked back to her room.
Jules was making her way to the dining room for dinner when Charlotte caught up to her.
“I have some unfortunate news. My father is trying to gain the support of Baron Richard Pearson for a wellness center project I am spearheading. He is assisting me in my time here by trying to help me secure the funds I need. However, he hasn’t been able to reach Lord Pearson like he wanted to, and I can’t let this project fall through the cracks. It’s too important for the Findorran people. I’m friends with the daughter of the baron, so my father wants us to come home to see if I can persuade them to financially back the project.”
“Do you know how long we’ll need to stay there?” Jules asked.
“I’m guessing it will take about four weeks.”
“A month is a long time. Are you planning on returning to Wistonia?”
“Yes, I want to complete the project we began with Prince Barrett. I hope he won’t mind that we have to step out for a while.” Charlotte pulled her lips together and released a breath.
“I don’t think he’ll mind one bit,” Jules said. “Are you planning on telling them at dinner?”