Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

June was glad the clerk had told them the best time to go to breakfast, because even though there were still a good number of people in the lobby, they were able to find a seat apart from the rest of the patrons. The food wasn’t anything special, but it would be enough to keep her going until they could stop for lunch on their way to Maine.

June was looking at the trip as a grand adventure, one she hadn’t thought she’d ever really get a chance to take. Better still, she hadn’t had to spend any of the money she’d painstakingly saved. She felt bad about Cal paying for the hotel, which was one of the reasons she hadn’t balked at sharing a room. She appeased her guilt by telling herself he’d have spent money on a room even if he’d been traveling alone.

But the bigger reason she’d agreed—more time with Cal.

He was unlike any man she’d ever met. He was protective and alpha, yet she could tell that he was uncomfortable around people at the same time. He was a prince. Should be used to being around scores of people. Except he clearly wasn’t. She figured that a lot of that was probably because of what he’d been through while he’d been held captive.

He was also patient and observant and didn’t mind when people cut him off, both on the road and in line at the breakfast buffet. He didn’t take himself too seriously, and while she was sure that if the situation called for it, he could morph into the royal he’d been raised to be, she had yet to see him be rude or inconsiderate to anyone.

If he’d been hoity-toity or impolite to others, June wouldn’t like him nearly as much as she did. And she liked him a heck of a lot. More than was probably smart.

No matter what he said, she was not princess material. Sure, she’d probably replay his words in her head when she needed a confidence boost, but that’s all they were—words. She had a feeling if he brought her home to meet his parents, they’d see right through her. Tell their son in no uncertain terms that she wasn’t going to cut it in their privileged family.

And the thought of ever being introduced to the king and queen of Liechtenstein made her want to barf.

No, she and Cal came from very different worlds, and the sooner she got that through her skull, the better off she’d be. She appreciated his assistance, but she had a feeling as soon as they got to Maine, and he settled back into his routine, he’d wonder what he was thinking, rescuing her from her situation and allowing her access to his life.

In the meantime, however, she was going to enjoy the unexpected change in her circumstances as long as she could. Starting with the runny oatmeal, lukewarm eggs, and mushy hash browns in front of her. It was pretty subpar, but it was also food she didn’t have to buy or prepare and therefore was extra appreciated.

“It’s not great,” Cal said, reading her mind with a grimace after taking a sip of the coffee he’d gotten from a large carafe in the corner of the lobby.

June couldn’t help but giggle. “You should see your face.” She grinned.

He smiled dryly. “I can’t help it. I got used to amazing British breakfasts the two mornings I spent in DC. Although I have to say, the company here is just as good as it was there.”

June felt herself blushing. This man. He had a way of saying the perfect thing. If she was more worldly, she might think he was flirting with her.

“Ugh,” he said after taking another sip. “I can’t drink this. I miss your peppermint tea. I’m going to throw this in the rubbish bin and get a juice. You want anything while I’m up?”

“No, I’m good,” she told him, pleased that he’d enjoyed the tea she’d made for him.

She watched as he stood and headed for the trash can in the corner of the room. She saw more than one woman’s gaze follow him, and her lips turned up in a small smile when he didn’t seem to notice. The man was the most oblivious attractive person she’d ever met . . . or maybe she was just used to the way Carla preened everywhere she went, how she expected to be stared at.

June had a feeling if Cal knew how much attention he earned—not because he was Prince Redmon, but because he was a very good-looking man—he’d be appalled. He did his best to fade into his surroundings, but it was impossible. Even if he hadn’t been a prince, he’d garner respect and attention everywhere he went.

Movement to the left caught June’s attention. An older man was sitting by himself attempting to eat, but his hand was shaking so much, he promptly dropped his fork on the floor. She watched as he stared at it for a moment before sighing and pushing his still-full plate away.

June was moving before she thought better of it. She picked up the extra set of cutlery on their table—Cal had brought her a set, not knowing she’d already grabbed her own—and walked over to the old man’s table. She pulled out a chair and sat, saying, “Hi! I’m June.”

He looked up in surprise but gave her a small smile. “Edgar.”

Without making a fuss, June unwrapped the unused plastic cutlery as she spoke. “I’m from Washington, DC. I’m here with my friend—he’s over there, getting some juice, because he’s a tea snob.” She whispered the last part, as if admitting a state secret.

The old man chuckled. “Can’t blame him. I’m partial to a hot cup of tea myself.”

“Are you here alone?”

“Yes,” he said quietly.

“What brings you here?” she asked as she nudged the man’s plate closer to him and scooped up a spoonful of eggs before placing the cutlery in his hand. She held his hand with her own, and he stared at her in disbelief mixed with what she hoped was relief, not irritation.

She held her breath, praying she was doing the right thing. She truly wasn’t trying to be rude or pushy, but she couldn’t sit a table away and watch someone go hungry because of a physical disability.

Finally, he moved the utensil toward his mouth. She held his hand steady as he wrapped his lips around the spoon.

“I’m on my way to visit my wife’s family. She died last week,” Edgar said sadly.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” June replied gently, helping him scoop up another mouthful of eggs. “Were you married a long time?” she asked.

“Sixty-one years,” Edgar said proudly. “She was the love of my life. I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.”

“Oh, that is a long time.” June continued to assist. It seemed as if he was lost in his memories, barely aware he was still eating. “You must miss her so much.”

Edgar looked up and met her gaze. “She always helped me eat . . . just like you are.”

June gave him a tender smile.

“Everything okay?” Cal asked.

June felt his hand on her shoulder and tilted her head up to look at him. “Hi, Cal. Everything’s perfect. This is Edgar. He’s my new friend.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Cal said, giving June’s shoulder a squeeze. “May I join you?”

Edgar gestured to the seat across from him.

To her relief, Cal didn’t question what she was doing. He simply went back to their previous table, grabbed the coffee she’d been drinking, threw away their empty plates, and joined her and Edgar.

As she helped her new friend eat, he and Cal launched into a conversation about the Army. It turned out Edgar was a veteran, and he and Cal had a lot to talk about. June didn’t think Edgar even realized when he finished his breakfast. She got up to get him a hot cup of coffee, careful not to fill it so much it could spill in his shaky hands, and when she returned, he and Cal were still chatting away.

She put an elbow on the table and her chin in her hand, listening with a small smile on her face. After a while, Edgar looked over at her.

“Sorry, you must be bored out of your mind.”

“Not at all,” June protested. “I’m fascinated.”

“How long have you two been married?” Edgar asked.

June dropped her hand and looked at Cal in embarrassment.

He didn’t miss a beat. He reached over and took her hand in his, bringing it to his mouth and kissing the back before saying, “It feels like both forever ago and just yesterday that we met.”

June’s cheeks were burning, but she couldn’t take her gaze from Cal’s. Her heart was beating hard in her chest, and butterflies swam in her belly.

Edgar chuckled. “That’s how I felt about my Betty,” he said.

June turned her gaze back to the older man but was very aware that Cal hadn’t dropped her hand. She wasn’t sure what was happening at the moment, only that it felt . . . right.

The three talked for another ten minutes or so before Edgar finally looked at his watch and declared that he had to be going. They all stood, and Cal took Edgar’s dishes over to the bins.

“Thank you,” Edgar told her solemnly. “You didn’t have to help me.”

“Of course, I did,” June countered. “And it was my pleasure. You’ve made my day, and I hope maybe when you get to where you’re going, you’ll keep in touch?”

“I’d like that,” he said gruffly.

Cal returned, and he put his hand on the small of June’s back. It felt like a brand on her skin, and she surreptitiously leaned into him the tiniest bit.

Cal held out his hand to Edgar, and the two men shook.

“You’re not what I expected,” the old man said seriously.

“You recognize me?” Cal asked, clearly surprised.

Edgar nodded. “From the second I saw you across the room.” He gestured to June with his head. “She’s one of a kind,” he said. “Don’t let her go.”

Cal nodded. “She’s definitely one in a million,” he agreed.

“Are you driving to where you’re going?” June asked tentatively. She couldn’t imagine him behind the wheel of a vehicle, considering she had to help him eat.

“Lord, no,” Edgar said. “My son-in-law is meeting me here in about ten minutes. He’s driving down from Hartford this morning. My daughter dropped me off here last night.”

“Okay, then,” June said, feeling sad that they had to leave him.

“I’ll be fine, child. But I appreciate your concern. Most people wouldn’t even have taken a second glance at me.”

“Well, then they’re missing out,” June said firmly.

“Thanks again,” Edgar said. “I’ll be in touch.” He pocketed the business card Cal had slipped him at one point. Then he turned and limped toward the hallway that led to the lobby.

“You ready to go?” Cal asked in a tone June couldn’t read.

She nodded.

They headed for their room and gathered their stuff, and June waited patiently while Cal checked out. He took her elbow in his large hand and led her to the parking lot. They stowed their stuff, then Cal walked June to the passenger side of the luxury SUV. He opened the door, and when she would’ve climbed in, Cal stopped her.

She looked at him, frowning when he didn’t say anything. He just stared at her for a long moment.

“What? Do I have something on my face?” she asked self-consciously.

Cal shook his head and brought a hand up to palm her cheek. “The more I learn about you, June Rose, the more fascinated I become.”

June shook her head, although she didn’t really know why.

“You were great with him,” he said.

“Edgar?” June shrugged. “He needed help.”

“He was right, you know. No one in that lobby looked twice at him. Except you. And not only did you see him, you saw that he needed help, and you acted. And actually seemed to enjoy his company.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” she asked a little defensively. “He’s old, not diseased.”

“You like the elderly?”

June’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Yes, why?”

“I don’t know. Some people are uncomfortable around them.”

“Well, that’s silly. They’re just people. And like you found out today, most have fascinating stories and histories to share, if we just stop long enough to listen. I think we could all learn a lot from our older generation, but most of the time, we’re too busy with our faces locked on our phones and other electronics, too busy going, going, going to stop and talk to them.”

“I agree,” Cal said. His thumb barely brushed her lower lip.

“Why didn’t you tell him we weren’t . . . together together?” she blurted.

Cal didn’t seem fazed by her question. “Didn’t seem right at the time,” he said easily.

His answer told her nothing, but she already knew him enough to realize that if he didn’t want to explain, nothing she said would convince him to elaborate.

June took a deep breath in through her nose. She could’ve stood there forever, staring up at Cal, smelling his clean scent, memorizing his face, trying to figure him out. But that wasn’t logical. They had places to go, things to do. “Are we leaving?” she whispered.

“Yeah,” Cal said, but he didn’t step away from her.

She gave him a small smile. “I’m not sure you can drive from where you’re standing.”

He grinned. “Probably not.” Then, slowly, he leaned in. Giving her time to protest, to pull away, to ask him what the heck he was doing.

But June wasn’t about to do any of those things. She knew whatever was happening at the moment couldn’t last. He’d get bored with her quickly enough. She wasn’t a model like Carla, and she wasn’t exactly the most interesting person in the world either. She hadn’t ever left DC, hadn’t ever eaten a hotel’s crappy breakfast. And she was almost entirely dependent on him.

He’d help her get settled; she had no doubt about that—he was too honorable not to—but then he’d figure out anything brewing between them was an aberration, and he’d get back to his life.

But he was here now. Standing so close she could feel his body heat. And leaning ever closer with a glint in his eye that she was sure resembled her own gaze. She lifted her chin slightly and was rewarded with the tightening of his fingers as their lips met.

At first, he merely brushed her own lightly, fleetingly. Quick and almost unsure.

June couldn’t stop herself from touching him. Her hands rested on his chest as she made a small noise in her throat.

Then his lips were on her again, the polar opposite of the last kiss, moving with a confidence that took her breath away. If she were a more romantic woman, she would’ve called it a claiming.

His tongue licked along her seam, and she eagerly opened for him. He tasted sweet, like the juice he drank at breakfast. June felt light headed and off balance as his tongue caressed her own, and her fingers dug into the material of his shirt as she did her best to stay upright. But Cal wasn’t going to let her fall. His other hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her close, holding her against him even as his head tilted, and he deepened the kiss.

June had never felt this way before. As if she wanted to devour and be devoured. Cal’s kiss was passionate but not obscene. He didn’t slobber all over her, didn’t try to force his tongue down her throat. He didn’t manipulate her head this way or that, just moved naturally as they explored each other.

Way before she was ready, Cal’s head lifted, but he didn’t go far. He rested his forehead against hers as he struggled to slow his breathing and regain his composure. June was relieved she wasn’t the only one so affected by their kiss.

“I shouldn’t have done that,” he said after a long moment.

Every muscle in June’s body tightened. He regretted kissing her?

God, how humiliating. She tried to pull away, to put some space between them, but Cal’s hold tightened as he lifted his head and stared at her.

“I shouldn’t have done that . . . but I’ve never been given a sweeter gift. You’re amazing, June. You’re the most giving person I’ve ever met. You’re tying me in knots after mere days, and I’m not sure if I should be scared out of my head or if I should tie you up, throw you into the cargo area of my Rolls, and spirit you off to some abandoned cabin to keep you for myself until the end of my days.”

June was so surprised, she burst out laughing. “You’d be bored silly in no time,” she assured him, then licked her lips, loving how his flavor lingered there.

His gaze locked on her lips, and he inhaled deeply. “I seriously doubt that. Are you okay?”

She frowned. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Cal shrugged. “Just wanted to make sure you don’t regret coming with me. You’re safe. I won’t force myself on you. I just . . . lost my head there for a moment.”

June frowned. It sounded as if their kiss was a onetime thing. That he had control of himself now, and he was telling her it wouldn’t happen again.

Disappointment filled her, but she patted his chest and did her best to smile. “It’s okay. I trust you.”

“Thank you, princess. Shall we get going?”

She nodded, shivering slightly as he dropped his hands from her, and she climbed into the passenger seat. He closed the door, and she took a deep breath, trying to get control over her emotions as he walked around the car.

She wanted him. More than she’d ever wanted anything in her life. She’d even agree to go back to DC and be an unpaid, unappreciated burden in her stepmother’s life if it meant she could have one night with the man climbing into the driver’s seat next to her.

And not because he was a prince.

Not because he was rich.

Not because he drove a car that cost more than most people’s houses.

Because he was Cal. The kind of man who would take the time to talk with an elderly man he’d just met. Who would hold a woman all night and not try anything sexually. Who could see through Carla and Elaine’s lies to the truth beneath.

And because he turned her on more with a mere kiss than others had managed with sex.

“And we’re off,” Cal said lightly as he started the engine. June turned her attention to the navigation system. She’d been in charge of it the day before, telling him where the rest areas were located and when they were approaching traffic. He gave her an address in Newton, and she entered it. The electronic voice of the British lady on the nav app, who managed to sound refined instead of robotic, informed them that their destination was three hours and forty-three minutes away.

A few minutes of silence went by as Cal steered them onto the highway. Then he put his hand on the console between them, palm up.

June looked at it, up at Cal, then back at his hand. She struggled internally for two seconds, then mentally sighed before placing her hand in his.

He squeezed her hand but didn’t say a word.

They drove northward hand in hand, and June did her best to convince herself she wasn’t falling in love with the man next to her. She couldn’t be. It was too soon. She barely knew him. She was too plain. He was too . . . everything.

But no matter how she tried to argue with herself, a part of her deep down knew it was too late. She’d already fallen, hard and fast.

Closing her eyes, June rested her head on the seat back. She had no idea what her future had in store, but she was determined to enjoy her time with Cal . . . because sooner or later he’d be gone, and she’d be alone again. Until then, she’d absorb every ounce of his attention she could, and she promised herself she wouldn’t make a scene when he eventually put distance between them. She was who she was . . . Cal was who he was. And that was as far apart as two people could get.

Tuning out the pesky part of her that was determined to fight for what she wanted, that was trying to convince her she was just as worthy of Cal as anyone else—certainly more than her stepsister would’ve been—June turned her thoughts elsewhere. What she’d do with herself once she got to Maine. How she could make a living. She’d do whatever it took to not have to go back to DC. To not fall back under Elaine’s thumb.

Whether or not she succeeded depended on her ability to stand on her own two feet, and that was exactly what she was going to do.