Page 93 of That Prince is Mine
“I implore you not to,” he quickly amended, realizing his inner caveman had gotten the best of him for a moment.
“Hmm.” She took a step back after a lingering kiss on his cheek. “I’ll take it into consideration.”
“Thank you.” He tucked her hand in his arm and led her to his car.
“Oh my God. You look gorgeous.” Sophie glanced over from the driver’s seat and gasped as Michel helped Emma into the car.
“Aww, thank you, Sophie.” Emma blushed charmingly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She wore her hair down tonight in a curtain of luscious waves. “I kind of took it literally when Michel said I could overdress to my heart’s desire.”
“I think you in that dress is his heart’s desire.” Sophie couldn’t hold back her snort. “Perhaps you might want to close your mouth, my prince.”
Emma seemed to startle at the reminder that he was a prince. Michel studied her from the corner of his eye. Did she truly forget that he was a prince from time to time? Her sweet smiles and tender touches were all for him—not his crown. He was still Michel to her.
Until he met Emma, he didn’t know who he was apart from his title and duty. But she showed him that he was a regular guy who found joy in everyday things and loved to laugh—even at himself—especially with her by his side. And he never wanted to forget how good it felt to be that guy.
Once he dedicated his life to the people of Rouleme as their new king, he would lose that part of himself without her. But with her by his side, he could continue finding joy in the everyday and build a life that was meant just for them—for Emma and Michel. When they were alone, he would still get to be the man who loved her more than life—the man who was happiest when he was with her.
But what about Emma? What did she need?
Michel remembered his cousin’s fervent words. Be desperate, needy, selfish, greedy. Do whatever you need to hold on to Emma. He had to stop second-guessing himself. When he chose to come to America, he’d decided to put himself ahead of duty and responsibility—to be selfish for once. He had vowed not to settle for anything less than all-consuming love. Now that he found it, he would choose to be selfish again. He would fight for her heart, everything else be damned.
Suddenly, the love inside him felt too big, too alive to keep hidden. If he declared his love for her and asked for her hand in marriage—and she rejected him—then he could lose the three weeks he had left with her. But he couldn’t wait any longer. He needed her to know. Tonight. He would ask her tonight after an evening filled with magic. Maybe it would help her see that anything was possible—that she could be happy with him even if it meant leaving her life in America behind.
Michel reached out and linked his fingers through hers. She glanced his way with a soft smile. He picked up her hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles before placing a lingering kiss over them. Her breath escaped her in a rush, and he grinned smugly.
She leaned close with her hand on his thigh, her fingers drifting daringly close to his hardening cock. “I suggest you behave or this drive could become unbearable for you.”
“Are you trying to dissuade me?” he said in a rough whisper. “Or tempt me?”
When Sophie surreptitiously raised the volume on the radio, they jumped apart and scooted to their sides of the car. He didn’t even make eye contact with Emma until his pulse evened out and he was certain he could behave for his poor friend’s sake.
“Are you going to tell me where you’re taking me?” Emma asked with her composure restored. She glanced outside the window. “It looks like we’re headed to the Westside.”
“Patience, Emma,” he teased. “You don’t want to ruin the surprise, do you?”
“Maybe we’re going to watch a show.” She scrunched her mouth to one side, obviously not ready to give up. “But we’re a bit overdressed for a musical or a play. Maybe an opera?”
“I’m afraid we’re not re-creating a scene from Pretty Woman.” He smiled, enjoying himself immensely.
“Well, that’s a shame. I love that movie.” She gave him an exaggerated wink. “I especially love the Rodeo Drive scene. Hint, hint.”
Michel chuckled. “I’ll remember that for next time.”
“Ugh, I give up.” Emma slumped in her seat with a pout. “Do with me as you will.”
“I like the sound of that.” He gave her a pointed glance, and she blushed. Before things got out of hand again, he continued, “You’ll like this surprise.”
He certainly hoped he was correct. She turned even simple meals into events and celebrations. The theatrics and whimsy of the Magic Castle had to catch Emma’s fancy. Before they rounded the bend and the surprise was revealed, Michel urged, “Quick. Close your eyes.”
Emma closed her eyes even as she said, “What? Are you serious?”
“Yes.” He placed his hand over her eyes just to make sure she didn’t peek.
When the Magic Castle came into view, Michel realized that it was really more of a magic château, charming and quaint rather than opulent. But even he felt a thrill of excitement as they neared their destination, certain there was magic in the air. After reminding her to keep her eyes closed, he shot out of the car and waved aside the valet reaching for Emma’s door.
He wrapped his arm around her waist as he helped her step out of the car. “Open your eyes.”
“Shut. The. Front door,” Emma breathed as soon as she opened her eyes, then slapped his arm. “The Magic Castle?”
