“You’ll either end up hating me or in my bed.” His eyes grew dark. “And I know which one I’d prefer.”

Heat raced over my body and I had to take a deep breath. Unfortunately, that meant inhaling more of his delicious scent. His eyes narrowed and he leaned a little closer to me.

“If you keep looking at me like that, we’re not going to even be able to pretend to be friends.” His voice was husky and the room seemed to narrow around us. Like tunnel vision I forgot there were members of the detail and the maid in the room. It wasn’t until Rose cleared her throat that I came back to my senses.

“This is going to be an interesting challenge.” Alex smiled as he leaned back in his chair.

“Well, I think they’re ready for us to order.” Rose looked at me with a suspiciously bland face. “I hope you’re hungry, Samantha.”

I stood up and brushed my hands on my jeans, embarrassed to be caught in the staring contest with Alex. I took the menu Sarah handed me and took a seat at the table.

Alex sat next to me, his knee brushing mine. I should have moved my leg but I didn’t. Apparently I felt like torturing myself today. When Rose sat down across from me, I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing at the ridiculousness of my life. Sarah joined us for lunch, discussing the itinerary for the next two days.

“So we leave on the Friday?” I picked at my salad, pushing the cucumbers out of the way.

“I know that is soon, but I have several engagements coming up.” Rose tore a piece of bread in half and put a little butter on the slice.

“No, I understand. I just have a lot to take care of by then.”

“I’d be happy to help make any arrangements.” Sarah smiled at me over her food. “It would really be no problem. Just let me know what you need.”

“I’ll have to make a list. I’m not sure I’ll think of everything.”

“That’s part of my job. I’ll sit down with you before you leave. Do you have a passport?”

“I do. I need to pack and talk to my roommate. Thankfully, I’m paid up on rent for the next few months.” The waitress whisked away my half-eaten salad and replaced it with a plate of small sandwiches. It had seemed like the safest choice, but now I was regretting not ordering something heftier.

“Is there anything we need to address in particular with the press release?” Sarah opened a notebook next to her plate.

“No matter what we say, they are going to latch on to the story.” Alex sipped from his water glass and watched me over the rim. “Another reason to make a hasty exit.”

“Why are they so interested?” I looked around the table. “So what if my ancestor was a royal? It’s another country. It has nothing to do with anyone over here.”

“You don’t get it. You’re like an American Cinderella.” Alex laughed at my expression.

“Last time I checked, I didn’t own any glass slippers.” I scoffed at the idea. It wasn’t like I was being rescued by the prince. Or whisked away to be married. Not that I would say that part out loud. “No wicked stepmother forcing me to sleep at a hearth.”

“It’s the idea of it all. A young woman who’s been working hard finds out she’s the long-lost descendant of a royal family. It’s exciting. Even in Lilaria, you’re going to be an object of interest.” Rose sighed thoughtfully. “There isn’t much to be done about that.”

“There have been other families, right? You said other families left Lilaria and the queen was looking for all of them.”

“You’re only the second to come back. Two of the other lines have ended.” Rose frowned. “And while you’re the second to reclaim your title, Duke Thysmer is quite a bit older than you.”

“You mean he is almost seventy years old.” Alex laughed. “No, you’re going to be far more interesting because you’re a young American. People will be curious about your background, how you adjust to your new life, and if you make any waves.”

“I wasn’t planning on it.” I frowned at him, wondering why he seemed to think I would.

“Sometimes waves are a good thing. Rock the boat a little.” Alex’s smile was entirely too sexy to be in the friend zone, so I looked back at my food and tried to ignore him. I wouldn’t mind rocking a boat with him.

“You’re going to do fine, dear.” Rose smiled at me. “And we will make sure you have someone to help you every step of the way.”

After lunch, Alex had to leave for some diplomatic engagement I was entirely too overwhelmed to even think about. He lifted my hand to his lips and I felt my breath catch at the feel of his mouth on my skin again.

“I hope to see you soon.” I didn’t respond, just nodded my head. Words had failed me.

Once he was gone, Sarah had me cornered on the couch and was giving instructions on what to pack.

“You won’t have to worry about any immunizations, just your passport. Do you speak any Lilarian?” When I shook my head she sighed slightly but didn’t look too put out. “That’s fine. I will get you one of the audio programs to listen to. For the most part, we are a bilingual country, but all the formal ceremonies will be held in Lilarian.”

“Of course.” I swallowed and questioned my decision for the umpteenth time.

“Samantha, I have to meet with the Governor tonight. If you need anything, let Sarah know. We’ll send you a copy of the press release in the morning. The sooner we get that done, the sooner we can try to keep things in check.” Rose came out of her room dressed in formal wear.