Page 42 of A Royal Obligation
“I would actually like it if you stayed,” he said, setting his hand on her shoulder.
She blushed but quickly collected herself.It looks like Jules was right about what a simple touch can do.
Barrett sat down in the seat perpendicular to her. He moved to get his work out of his bag, but paused and glanced at Charlotte. “You know what? I can work later.” He set his bag on the floor. “I would rather hear about how you’re doing. We haven’t had that many opportunities to talk.”
“We haven’t, but I completely understand. You’re a prince who has much more important things to worry about than catching up with an old acquaintance.”
“That isn’t an excuse though. You’re my guest, and I would like to get to know you more.” He rubbed the side of his face, trying to remember the information Jules had told him about what Charlotte liked to do. “So, tell me what you’ve been doing in Findorra. Do you still enjoy your community work? I know you used to love volunteering at the orphanages.”
“I can’t believe you remembered!” She grinned at him. “Yes, I still very much enjoy spending time in the orphanages and reading to the children. I’ve also expanded to do some more work in our community like bettering our public libraries and making sure local businesses feel supported.”
Generous and hard-working. Check and check.
“That is very generous of you. I always believe the best people are those who give back to those around them rather than sit in their wealth.”
“I agree. That’s why I was very interested in helping with your school renovations. It breaks my heart when children don’t have a welcoming, clean environment to be able to learn in. We have to take care of the next generation,” she said.
“You are quite right.” He smiled at her as she set her hand on his arm. But he felt nothing. No fireworks. No tingling sensation running up his arm. Not like what he felt for Jules.That’s okay, right? I’m looking for someone who would be a good queen and balance me. Strong feelings of attraction would only be a distraction.At least he would keep telling himself that.
“So, do you still like eating?” he asked.
“I mean everyone has to eat to live.”
“I meant chocolate. I know you always loved chocolate.”
She chuckled lightly. “Yes, I still enjoy chocolate treats. What kind of person doesn’t like chocolate?”
“I prefer vanilla myself,” he replied with a shrug.
“But vanilla is so plain and predictable.”
“That’s what I like about it. I always know what I can expect when I grab something vanilla. When you grab something chocolate, you could get white, dark, or milk chocolate. You could get something with peanut butter or mint or raspberry and not know until you’ve bitten it.”
“But then you may never know what could’ve been. What if it was your new favorite flavor combination? But you didn’t know because you never tried it?”
Are we even talking about chocolate anymore?
“I suppose I’m the kind of person who would rather stick with something I know I like rather than venture into unknown territory,” he said.
“Well, let me know if you ever want to try out something new. I can give you some good recommendations.” She smiled, keeping her lips pressed together.
We’re definitely not talking about chocolate anymore.
“I should get going. I had an afternoon planned with Jules to work on some stuff for my parents. I’ll see you at dinner.” She stood up to walk away, but stopped before she left. “I’m excited for our trip to the apple orchard tomorrow.”
“Me too,” he replied.
He watched her walk away and breathed easier when she was gone. Jules’s advice had helped him tremendously, but he still felt nervous around women.Well, every woman except Jules.
He clenched his fists as he stood and paced by the large wall of windows. Looking out over the gardens, he tried to think of all the reasons why he could never be with Jules:
1. He needed to marry someone of royal standing.
2. Charlotte was here so that he could pursueher, not her personal assistant.
3. Love was frivolous and would only conflict with his sense of justice and purpose as future king.
4. The idea of being with someone like Juliette Smith scared him senseless.