Princess's Secret Baby(38)

                ‘Yes, well, my tongue had already worked that one out,’ James said.

                ‘Where are you going?’ Leila asked as he headed for the door and, unused to such a question, James stiffened.

                ‘We’re not married yet, Leila,’ James said, and continued towards the door, but he wasn’t quick enough to get out before she delivered her warning.

                ‘And if I have my way, we never will be.’





                                      CHAPTER EIGHT

                JAMES WASN’T PARTICULARLY looking forward to meeting with Spencer, but instead of the angry man who had spoken to him yesterday, Spencer was all smiles when James walked into his office.

                In fact, Spencer stood and actually patted him on the back when James would far prefer that he didn’t.

                ‘Well done!’

                ‘As I said, I thought the term used was congratulations.’

                ‘I’m not talking about the baby.’ Spencer grinned. ‘Thanks to your little charade yesterday The Chatsfield is now the place to stay. Anyone who’s anyone has got their PA ringing to make a reservation. We’ve got a certain royal couple coming over to New York to do some shopping. They’ve actually requested that the booking be changed from The Harrington to here! Isabelle will be spitting...’

                James said nothing, or rather James said little throughout the meeting. He loathed the work side of things and did his best to avoid being at The Chatsfield unless it was for social reasons. It also irked him that everyone saw the baby as some sort of marketing opportunity, and Spencer naturally assumed that the wedding would be held here.

                ‘We haven’t even got around to discussing that.’

                ‘Well, do,’ Spencer said. ‘A few more royal guests wouldn’t go amiss. You could have a ceremony there if her parents wanted and then another one here...’

                ‘Don’t try and organise my wedding for me.’ James stood. He could think of nothing worse than a Chatsfield wedding. ‘We’ll be going for something small and discreet.’

                ‘It’s a bit late for that,’ Spencer said. ‘Oh, and are you aware that Mommy Dearest has been trying to call you?’

                ‘I am.’

                ‘She thinks we should have a small dinner party in a couple of days to celebrate.’

                James rolled his eyes. ‘I’m busy.’

                ‘Might as well get it over with,’ Spencer said. ‘You know what they’re like. For appearances’ sake they’ll want it seen that you’ve taken your fiancée to meet them.’

                ‘I couldn’t give a rat’s about appearances right now,’ James interrupted. ‘Isn’t a public proposal enough?’

                ‘If you are going to marry, then they’ll have to all meet up sooner or later.’

                James shuddered at the very thought, as he imagined Leila snapping her orders and his parents’ response to the same. Still, with a sigh that Spencer recognised, he knew he’d have to face it.

                ‘I’ll tell them that you and your gorgeous fiancée will be there, shall I?’