Suddenly Royal(89)

“Samantha?”

“Yeah?” I leaned my head to the side so I could see him.

“What would your best friend tell you to do about Alex?” He lifted his glass to his mouth.

“Jess would tell me to hit that.” He sputtered into his cup and I laughed. “Actually, she has told me to hit that. Several times now.”

“She sounds like a smart woman.”

“You’d love Jess.” I turned my attention back to the ceiling. “Her boyfriend e-mailed me pictures of engagement rings. He’s going to pop the question soon. I was sad at first that I wouldn’t be there to celebrate with her, but then I realized it had worked out for the best. They’re going to need their own space.”

“I’m sure she’ll still want you to celebrate with them. Maybe you guys can go dress shopping this summer when she comes to visit.”

“Oh, God. You take her dress shopping. I’ll send my card—just don’t make me go with you.”

He laughed at me. “I’ll set her up right.”

“Good.” I bit my lip before turning to look at him. “Why did you argue with your boyfriend?”#p#分页标题#e#

“It’s complicated.”

“Oh, come on! I spilled, you spill. That’s how this works.” I sat up straight and tried to give him the puppy-dog look. He laughed at me so hard he tipped his wine glass and had to use his jacket to wipe the liquid off the desk.

“Okay, okay.” He sighed. “Daniel technically isn’t supposed to be gay.”

“Daniel?” I leaned forward. “Adorable Daniel, the Duke of Minsington?”

“That’s the one.” He sighed into his cup. “Want another glass of wine?”

“Why not? I sense a good story coming.” I stood up and we made our way back to the kitchen. Stanley and Margie had left, but the bottle of wine was still sitting on the island. I poured us both another glass and headed for the family room. Stanley had stoked a fire, so we sat down and watched the flames.

“Okay. Daniel and I have been seeing each for years now. It works, because I was living at the palace and he usually makes a trip to the city at least twice a month.” He sighed. “The thing is, it can’t last the way it’s going. He won’t officially come out. He’s worried that his family will cut him off.”

“Can they do that? I thought Lilaria legalized gay marriage.” I set my glass down on the table.

“Yes, gay marriage was legalized, but that doesn’t mean his family is a fan.” Chadwick stared into the fire. “Danny could stand up to his family. They can’t take away his title or disown him, but they could make his life hell.”

“And that’s enough to keep him away?”

“No. He keeps trying to figure out a risk-free way. He’s all about playing it safe and covering all his bases.” He took another swallow of his wine. “I’m just tired of waiting.”

“Chadwick, you didn’t have to come here.” I frowned. “You could have stayed and figured something out.”

“We didn’t fight because I moved out here with you. I wanted to come. His estate is only an hour from here. We fought because I’m tired of being careful. I don’t want to have to keep my distance or only stay in. I want to live life with him and we can’t do that in a bedroom. Well, there’s only so much we can do in a bedroom.”

“Oh.” I looked at the wine in my glass. “Even without the wine, I wouldn’t have any sage advice.”

“Ah. Well, maybe I do.” He pursed his lips when he turned to look at me. “You have someone who wants to be with you. Do you know how much he had to rearrange to be able to come out here with you?”

I shook my head no.

“A lot. A ton. He called in favors to get people to cover some of his appearances. That man is willing to go out of his way for you. Stop being dense.”

I blinked at him in surprise. “Sorry.”

“Don’t tell me. Tell him. Everyone has baggage, Samantha. His just happens to be very public. He needs someone who will be with him that he can trust. He needs someone who isn’t going to use him or let him forget that he’s human.” Chadwick reached over and poked my shoulder. “He needs you.”

“You just poked me.” I looked at his finger.

“I did. I poked a duchess.” He snorted. “That’s a first.”

“You really think he needs me?”

“I think you need each other.”

“Oh, geez.” I sighed. “What if he breaks my heart? It’ll be all over the tabloids. The American duchess that was dumped by the prince.”