Page 31 of That Prince is Mine
“Nothing specific, really.” The kid blushed, scratching his head. “I wanted to hear more about your thoughts on the practicality of an international treaty on climate change. How can we trust so many countries to take steps to achieve carbon neutrality?”
“Sometimes trust has to be the catalyst for change. No one wants to be made to look foolish, but expecting subterfuge will paralyze the countries from taking the bold, courageous steps that the world needs right now. It can’t always be about coming out on top.” He threaded his fingers together on his desk when his mobile buzzed. He gripped his hands harder to stop himself from reaching for it. “May I recommend some fascinating new papers for you to read?”
It was quite possibly one of the longest hours of his life. But when the clock struck five, he invited his students to return for his next office hour and firmly closed the door on them. He all but lunged for his mobile and unlocked it.
Emma:
Hi.
The message felt a bit anticlimactic, but he gladly responded.
Michel:
Hello.
Emma:
Where are you?
Michel:
At USC. Just finished office hour. About to head out.
He stopped himself from adding even more details to hint that he could see her anywhere, anytime. Preferably as soon as possible.
Emma:
Do you like Peruvian food?
Michel:
Yes. Absolutely.
He was sure he would like it once he tried it. He enjoyed all kinds of food.
Emma:
Can you meet me in an hour? I’ll send you the address to the restaurant.
His thumbs felt big and clumsy in his rush to respond.
Michel:
Yes, I can. Meet you.
Emma:
I’m glad. See you soon.
Michel:
See you. In an hour.
Eloquence had been bred into him. It was a royal superpower, if you would. Then why did he become a bumbling muppet every time he attempted to communicate with this woman? Maybe that was why she didn’t see him as husband material.
According to the address Emma sent him, the restaurant was in Old Town Pasadena, and he felt a spark of excitement at discovering a new city. He hadn’t visited many places in the Los Angeles area—or anywhere, for that matter. He’d traveled the world, but he went where his duties required. This meeting and that function. Endless embassies, auditoriums, and ballrooms.
Well, he had two months to actually see Los Angeles, and he might get to do that with Emma by his side. With his heart thudding and a smile spreading across his face, he gathered his briefcase and rushed out of his office. Sophie appeared beside him before he stepped out of the building into the bustling campus.
