“There’s not much to do.” I shrugged and rinsed out one of the rags while he swept the trash I had collected into the dustpan.

“Still, I said I would help.” He frowned.

“It’s really okay.” I headed for the office where our coats were hanging with him following close behind.

As I reached for my coat, I was spun around and pressed against the wall. Alex leaned down to nuzzle my neck before dragging his lips across mine. There it was, my new drug of choice. His kiss was hot and hungry. His hands weren’t patient this time as he slid them over my body. It was as if our first kiss had answered a question and now he was sure of what he wanted.

His phone beeped and he muttered something that had to be a curse. The kiss slowed. There was something serious and dangerous behind his kiss—something that made my heart stutter and my panties catch fire. When his phone beeped again, I pulled back so there was just enough space between our mouths that I could feel our breaths mingle.

“You should probably get that.” My voice was husky and thick. It had taken a lot of willpower to pull away from him.

“They can wait.” He started to lean forward again but I shook my head.

“I can’t. I need to go see my dad.”

He sighed but nodded his head. “I understand.”

“Are you leaving soon?” I bit my lip, surprised I had asked him. Did it matter? I guess it did, considering how my heart was beating rapidly.

“I’m waiting to see what you decide.” He brushed some of the hair out of my face.

“Is that why you’re kissing me? To try to convince me to come to Lilaria?” The words seemed to freeze the air between us and I felt my stomach clench.

“You think I would kiss you to try to get you to come back?” He leaned farther away. “I’m not sure what you think having you in Lilaria would accomplish for me, but I assure you I don’t go around kissing people to make political alliances.”

“I’m sorry.” I closed my eyes and thunked my head against the wall. “I just can’t imagine why you… I’m just…”

He pulled away from me with a look of frustration. “Do you realize how insulting that is?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”

“You didn’t mean to insinuate I would stoop to such a thing, or you didn’t mean to insinuate you’re not attractive enough to make me forget my senses?” He stood up and ran a hand through his hair. “I do want you to come to Lilaria. I think it would be good for you and for your father. I think if you would let yourself, there could be something good between us, as well.”

“This is happening too fast. There’s too much going on.”

Alex pulled his coat off the rack. “Don’t think your whole life is here. Your ancestors were courageous—don’t let them down by hiding.”

I watched as he walked out of the little office, my mind a complete mess.

Chapter Nine

Lilarian Healthcare Makes Headway with Homeopathic Medicines

—Durren Pathology Center

It had taken a lot of arguing to get my security detail to stay in the car. Becca had insisted on standing at the door, but I finally convinced her she would get frostbite if she did. I used my key to let myself in and sighed in relief. It was nice to be back in my childhood home.

“I’m in here.” Dad’s voice drifted over the sound of the television in the living room. The smell of lasagna meant he was in the kitchen.

“Hey.” I hung my coat on the back of the chair and smiled at Patricia. She gave me a hug and then held me out at arm’s length.

“Girl, what on Earth have you been up to?” Apparently she had been watching the news.

“It’s a really long story.” I shook my head.

“A really crazy one, I’d guess.” She narrowed her eyes at me and lifted my chin. She tsked under her breath and gave me a knowing smile and wink. “You’re all flushed.”

“It’s minus ten outside. Of course I’m flushed.” I tried to not grimace when she laughed.

“That’s not the same kind of flushed.” She lowered her voice. “I bet it has something to do with that gorgeous man I saw you on the cameras with.”

“What?”

“There’s video of you walking around on campus laughing with that prince. He’s a good-looking guy. I’d let him get me all flushed, too.”

“I’ll let him know you’re interested.” I laughed as I walked past her and into the kitchen. I threw my arms around Dad’s neck and pressed my face against his shoulder.

“Don’t make me spill this!” He was trying to transfer the lasagna from the dish onto plates. I had learned with my mom you never took time for granted, so hugged my dad as often as possible.

“I’m gone, you old fart!” Patricia hollered from the living room.

“Get out of here, woman!” Dad yelled back. I could hear her laughing even after the door closed behind her. I knew for a fact that even though they enjoyed pestering each other they were the best of friends.

“So, I thought you had a headache today.” I carried our plates to the table and then went to get glasses out.

“I did, but feel a bit better tonight. I figured you might need your favorite dinner after I saw you on TV.” He smiled at me as he brought the milk carton to the table. “Lasagna is always good for dinners where there’s stuff to discuss.”