A Royal Amnesia Scandal(14)

She cringed, as if she just realized what had come out of her mouth.

“It’s okay,” he told her, kissing the tip of her nose. “I’ll make sure your boss gives you the rest of the day off. You deserve it.”

* * *

That talk didn’t go nearly the way she’d rehearsed it in her head. Coming off the euphoria of having mind-blowing sex with Luc in the shower had seriously clouded her judgment, and obviously sucked out all her common sense.

So now here she was, wearing her favorite blue halter dress, letting the wind blow her hair around her shoulders and face while Luc steered his boat to the main dock of the island’s small town. Most people traveled by boat to the village, where scooters were the preferred mode of transportation. The marina was lined with crafts of various sizes and colors. As they’d made their way toward the waterfront, they’d passed by other boaters and waved. Kate really liked this area. Too bad she’d probably never be back after the mess she’d created came crashing down on her.

Through her research she knew the locals would line up along the narrow streets, set up makeshift booths and sell their goods. From what she’d seen online, she might find anything from handmade jewelry and pottery to flowers and vegetables. She was excited to see what caught her fancy, perhaps taking her mind off the fact her body was still tingling from Luc’s touch.

She’d never be able to shower again—especially in that master bath—without feeling his body against hers, his breath on her shoulders. Without hearing his demanding words in her ear as he fully claimed her.

Then he’d let his guard down and opened up to her about his feelings. Slowly, she was falling in love with the man she’d been lying to, the man who was off-limits in reality. She’d opened up about her past, wanting to be as honest as she could in an area that had nothing to do with what was happening right now.

Luc secured the boat to the dock, then extended his hand to help her out. With a glance or simple touch, the man had the ability to make her stomach quiver, her heart quicken and her mind wander off into a fantasy world. Still, that was no excuse to have let the charade go this far.

There was no going back now, though. The charade may be all a farce, but her emotions were all too real.

Kate knew she should’ve told Luc about the false engagement when he’d hinted that he wanted to make love to her. She should’ve told him right that moment, but she hadn’t, and now here she was on the other side of a monumental milestone they would both have to live with.

She was falling for him; there was no denying the truth to herself. What had started as physical attraction long ago had morphed into more because of his untimely incident.

How did she keep her heart protected, make sure Luc stayed safe until he remembered the truth on his own and keep hold of the man she’d come to feel a deeper bond for? There was no good way this scenario would play out. Someone was going to get hurt.

“You okay?” Luc asked, hauling her onto the dock beside him.

Pasting on a smile, Kate squeezed his hand. “Fine. Let’s see what this island has to offer.”

Other boats bobbed up and down in the water on either side of the long dock. Luc led her up the steps to the street. Once they reached the top, Kate gasped. It was like a mini festival, but from all she’d heard about this quaint place, the streets were always this lively.

Brightly colored umbrellas shaded each vendor. A small band played live music in an alcove of one of the ancient buildings. People were laughing, dancing, and nearly every stand had a child behind the table, working alongside an adult. Obviously, this was a family affair.

Kate tamped down that inner voice that mocked her. Her dream was to raise a family, to have a husband who loved her, to watch their babies grow. Maybe someday she’d have that opportunity. Unfortunately, with the way her life was going now, she’d be looking for a new job as opposed to a spouse.

Suddenly, one of the stands caught her eye. “Oh, Luc.” She tugged on his hand. “I have to get a closer look.”

She practically dragged him down the brick street to the jewelry booth. The bright colors were striking with the sun beating down on them just so. It was as if the rays were sliding beneath the umbrella shading the area. The purple amethyst, the green jade, the yellow citrine—they were all so gorgeous. Kate didn’t know which piece she wanted to touch first.

“Good afternoon.”

The vendor greeted her in Portuguese. Kate easily slid into the language as she asked about the wares. Apparently, the woman was a widow and the little girl sidling up against her was her only child. They made the jewelry together and the girl was homeschooled, oftentimes doing lessons right there at the booth.

Kate opened her small clutch to pull out her money. There was no way she could walk away and not buy something from this family.

Before she could count her cash, Luc placed a hand over hers and shook his head. He asked the lady how much Kate owed for the necklace and earrings she’d chosen. Once he paid and the items were carefully wrapped in red tissue paper, they went on their way to another booth.

“You didn’t have to pay,” she told him. “I don’t expect you to get all of the things I want, Luc.”

He shrugged, taking her hand and looping it through his elbow as they strolled down the street. “I want to buy you things, Kate.”

“Well, I picked these out for my mother,” she said with a laugh.

Luc smiled. “I don’t mind buying things for my future mother-in-law, either. Really, think nothing of it.”

What had been a beautiful, relaxing moment instantly turned and smacked Kate in the face with a dose of reality. A heavy ball of dread settled in her belly. This was getting all too real. Kate’s parents had been inadvertently pulled into this lie. They would never be Luc’s in-laws, and once he discovered the truth, they might not even be employees of his family.

They moved to another stand, where the pottery was unique, yet simple. Kate eyed a tall, slender vase, running her hand over the smooth edge. Before she knew it, Luc had paid for it and the vendor was bagging it and wrapping it in several layers of tissue for protection.

“You don’t have to buy everything I look at,” she informed Luc.

“Did you like the piece?” he asked.

“I love it, but I was wondering what it would look like in your new house.”

Luc kissed her softly on the lips before picking up the bag and moving away. “Our house, Kate. If you like it, then it’s fine with me. I’m not much of a decorator.”

“No, you prefer to demolish things.”

Luc laughed. “Actually, our little project was my first experiment in destruction, but I did rather enjoy myself. I really think I’ll tackle that kitchen before we leave, and give the contractors a head start.”

They moved from place to place, eyeing various trinkets. Kate ended up buying a wind chime and fresh flowers while Luc was busy talking to another merchant. She wanted to liven up the dining area in the house, especially since the room was in desperate need of paint. The lavender flowers would look perfect in that new yellow vase.

Once they had all their bags, they loaded up the boat and headed home.

Home. As if this was a normal evening and they were settled in some married-couple routine. Kate shouldn’t think of Luc’s house as her home. She’d started getting too settled in, too comfortable with this whole lifestyle, and in the end, when her lie was exposed and his inevitable rejection sliced her in two, she would have nobody to blame but herself.

These past few hours with Luc had been amazing, but her fantasy life wouldn’t last forever.





Nine

Sometime during the past hour, Kate had fully detached herself. She’d been quiet on the boat, quiet when they came into the house. She’d arranged fresh flowers in that beautiful yellow vase and placed them on the hideous dining room table without saying a word.

She’d made dinner, and the only sound he’d heard was her soft humming as she stirred the rice. Now they’d finished eating, and Luc couldn’t handle the silence anymore.

He had something to say.

“Kate.”

She stepped from the kitchen, wiping her hands down her dress. Luc remained standing, waited for her to cross to him.

“I know you’ve got a lot on your mind right now,” he started. “But there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Wait.” She held up a palm. “I need to go first. I’ve been trying to figure out a way to talk to you about your amnesia.”

She sighed, shaking her head. “I don’t even know how to start,” she muttered. “I’ve racked my brain, but nothing sounds right.”

“The doctor said not to prompt me.” Luc reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet pouch. “While you’re thinking about the right words, why don’t you take this?”

She jerked her gaze up to his, then stared down at the present in his hand. “What is it?”

“Open it.”

Her fingers shook as she took the pouch and tugged on the gathered opening. With a soft gasp, she reached in and pulled out an emerald-cut amethyst ring.

“Luc.” She held the ring up, stared at it, then looked to him. “What’s this for?”

“Because you don’t have a ring on your finger. It hit me today, and I don’t know why you don’t, but I didn’t want to wait and find out. I saw this and I knew you’d love it.”