Page 48 of Awaiting

“I can stay at your house,” Alex suggested. “Or, at the hotel.” She swallowed. “I don’t mind.”

“You actuallywantto go home with me for the weekend?”

“I’ve never been to Kansas.”

“I’m sure there’s a reason for that.”

Alex shrugged and said, “I’d like to go. But if you were only joking or just being polite, I understand.”

“I’ll be moving my grandma into her new place.”

“I can help.”

“Alex, this will besoboring for you.”

“No, it won’t. I promise, it won’t.” Alex tried to think fast and added, “I was going to ask you to come to Balmoral with me.”

“You were?” Bexley asked, sitting on the bed.

“Yes. I thought we could pick a weekend.”

“I came here to work, and I’m already in another country for the weekend. I can’t just do it–”

“Let me show you at least part of my home,” Alex said softly.

“So, you’re going to see my home, and I’m going to yours?”

“Why not?” Alex asked.

“Can I saymaybe?”

Alex nodded and replied, “Of course. I should leave you.”

“Why?” Bexley asked. “I thought I was getting the tour.”

“You don’t want some time alone?”

“No. Unless you do.”

“What about work?”

“I can do that after St.Rais pizza,” Bexley said, standing back up.

“Okay. Then, let me show you around.”

???

“And that is Sophia,” Alex said, pointing to a portrait on the wall. “She’s growing like a weed.”

“There’s no portrait of their son,” Bexley noted.

“Not in that spot, no. That spot is reserved for the portrait of the next in line. I have my own portrait in the palace back home in a similar spot. My brother’s is down the hall.” She winked at Bexley.

“It’s all so crazy to me how this works. You were born two years earlier, so you’re next in line to inherit a throne.”

“And Soph was born two years before her brother, so she’s up first here.” Alex sat down on the sofa next to Bexley.

They’d both enjoyed their pizza and wine, and now, they were sitting facing the roaring fireplace. Alex placed her arm loosely over the back of the sofa but didn’t attempt to touch Bexley.