Libby rose on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around Alex. The action surprised even herself, but he returned the embrace without hesitation. She inhaled deeply, loving his masculine scent. "Thank you, Alex. This is above and beyond what Connie or I expected. I know she will really appreciate it."
Alex pressed his lips close to her ear, making her shiver. "And what of Libby?" he whispered.
She swallowed hard, hiding her face in his shoulder. "Libby appreciates it, too."
"Good." He let go and Libby reluctantly stepped away. His eyes sparkled while his tone teased. "You're impossible to please. I was beginning to think it couldn't be done."
She put a hand on her hip and pretended to glare. "I'm incredibly easy to please when you make even half an effort."
"Funny. And I thought I'd been trying so hard."
The doorbell rang before Libby could reply, breaking the flirtatious banter between them.
"That must be the repairman or cleaning crew," Alex said. Was it her imagination, or was his voice huskier than it had been before?
Libby blinked, taking a step back. "Uh, right. You let them in. I'll try and find something to wear to the party."
Alex nodded, and Libby slipped into her room to change. Luckily she had a few other dress choices for upcoming events. Maybe one of them would work for the party.
She'd been so wrong about Alex. He was thoughtful and kind and a decent man.
And her heart was definitely in trouble.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Everything changed after the flood. For the next two weeks, Libby felt a warmth and sincerity from Alex that had been carefully guarded before. She found herself keeping a mental tally of all the things she wanted to tell him when they were together about her day, and laughed at his stories about uptight diplomats and near-catastrophic state dinners. The press continued to adore her, and for the first time since Isla's public breakup, Alex's approval ratings were positive.
Sometimes, Libby almost forgot their entire relationship was based on a paycheck. But she had a feeling that tonight she'd earn every penny.
The limousine pulled to a stop at the end of the red carpet, and Libby's heart pounded furiously in her chest. She spun the heavy art deco ring around and around on her finger. It was a beautiful piece she'd found at a flee market, genuine silver with dozens of tiny cubic zirconium diamonds arranged in a large oval, but had always been just a little too big. She really should get that resized sometime soon. Like right now, instead of going to this party.
Alex's hand landed on top of hers, stopping the motion. "You'll do fine tonight," he said, his tone soothing. "You've done great so far."
"Those were small events," Libby sputtered. "Not fancy birthday parties for the prime minister."
"You'll do fine," Alex repeated. The door opened and he pulled her onto the red carpet. "Now smile."
This so wasn't how she'd imagined her escape to Durham going. Libby blinked, trying to clear the constant camera flashes from her retinas.
"It's her!" a reporter called. "What's it like dating the crown prince, darling?"
Wonderful. Terrifying. Oh yeah-and a total lie. She figured that probably wasn't what the reporter wanted to hear. Actually, it probably was. That'd make a great headline. She swallowed back the hysterical laughter threatening to bubble forth.
Alex drew her hand into the crook of his arm as though sensing her nerves, and she shrank against him. "Just smile and ignore their questions. The royal family never engages the press, except for official announcements."
Maggie had drilled that into Libby's head for the past month, but Libby had never faced so many reporters. They'd seen them on dates, of course, but they'd mostly kept their distance.
So much for dating a prince being easy. She was totally out of her depth here.
Libby let Alex lead her down the red carpet and into the palace. Heavy doors swung closed behind them, blocking out most of the noise and chaos, and she let out a sigh of relief.
"You're doing great," Alex said encouragingly, his accent sliding over her like warm icing over a cinnamon roll. "Sorry about the press. They are unfortunately a rather permanent fixture in my public life."
"Then why have they left us mostly alone before tonight?" Libby muttered.
Alex laughed. "Because we weren't at events where people go to be photographed. Tonight is all about showing up in the society column. At least, it is for most of the guests."
"Great," Libby muttered.
She handed her wrap over at the coat check before reclaiming Alex's proffered arm. She could feel the heat of his skin even through his tuxedo jacket and it made her entire body tingle. Careful, girl, she reminded herself. This isn't real.
She reminded herself of that a lot lately.
Despite dating Alex for nearly a month, Libby hadn't been back to the palace since that first meeting with the king and queen, and it wasn't like she'd exactly been given a tour on that occasion. She entered the palace's grand ballroom and let out a gasp. Magnificent archways with intricate carvings and gold filigree framed the entrance to the ballroom. White marble glimmered underneath the light of six magnificent crystal chandeliers. A musician coaxed classical music from a white grand piano tucked into one corner, and a gentle murmur of voices filled the room with a pleasant buzz. Men in tuxedos and women in elegant evening gowns floated around the room, glasses of champagne in their hands. Libby was sure she'd recognize a number of the guests if she ever paid any attention to magazines or television.
A tall woman, perhaps in her mid-forties, immediately walked up to them with a broad smile on her face. She dropped into a graceful curtsy. "Your Highness, it's so wonderful to see you."
"You as well." Alexander tugged Libby forward. "Libby, I'd like to introduce you to Sara Greene. She's the hostess of Durham's most popular morning talk show. Sara, I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Miss Liberty Claybourne."
"So the rumors are true." Sara held out her hand and Libby quickly shook it. The woman's grip was strong and precise. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Miss Claybourne. You've been all the papers can talk about. I'd love to do an exclusive with you. Durhams are dying to hear what it's like to date the crown prince."
Libby forced a smile. "That's very flattering, but I think I'd better pass."
Sara let out a tsk but didn't seem surprised. "Well, if you ever change your mind … "
Alex placed a hand at the curve of Libby's waist and pulled her against his side. Libby placed a hand on his chest to steady herself. Somewhere nearby, she saw the flash of a camera.
"We're all very curious for details," Sara said. "I especially love watching you with that baby you nanny, Libby. The three of you are so cozy together. Like a little family."
"I'm very lucky to have a job that I love," Libby said.
"And how long do you expect to continue that job?" Sara asked. "Perhaps you've got something else in mind for the future?"
Libby stared at Sara, surprised by the blatant attempt for information. She opened her mouth to respond, but Alex pressed his hand against her back, urging her in another direction.
"You won't be getting anything more from us tonight, Miss Greene," he said. "Will you excuse us? I see an old friend I'd like to introduce Libby to."
"Of course," Sara said. But Libby didn't miss the calculating look in her eyes.
"Why wouldn't you let me talk?" Libby asked in a furious whisper. "You made me look like a complete idiot who can't speak for myself."
"You don't understand this world." Alex's condescending tone had Libby's defenses rising. "Sara Greene is incredibly shrewd. She'll see through our ruse in an instant if we aren't careful."
"Sure, because my plan was to tell her that I'm being paid to date you. I love flushing ten million dollars I don't have down the drain."
Alex blinked. "I didn't mean-"
"I may not be heir to a country, and I may not wipe my nose with hundred euro bills, but that doesn't mean I'm an idiot," Libby said. She'd really hit her stride now, and it felt good to let this infuriating man have it. "I have learned a thing or two in the month we've been dating, you know. If I'm asked a question, do me the courtesy of letting me answer."
Alex paused, then inclined his head. "I apologize. I didn't realize my actions were offensive. That certainly wasn't my intent."
His sudden one-eighty threw her. Lately, she never knew whether she'd get the Alex who saved her from arrest, or His Royal Highness Prince Alexander of Durham. "Thank you," she said finally. Because really, what else could she say without coming off as a total jerk?
A tall and handsome man strode toward them, and Alex's face broke into a grin. "Nicholas," he said, and the two men clapped each other on the back.