“I’m sorry. Forgive me. I’m just surprised.” I ran my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck. “I guess this is a sore subject?”
He scoffed. “You could say that.”
I pulled him back and kissed his forehead again before cupping his cheeks and looking into his eyes. “Do you want to talk about it?”
He shrugged. “It’s one of the reasons I’m here, actually. She has a new movie coming out, which means I suddenly become the catch of the day with the entertainment media.”
“Even living in a small town like you do?”
“Especially living in a small town. They come in droves, news vans and camera crews. The entire town thinks it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. They make money hand over fist with the influx of new consumers, and they beg me every time to play up to the press to drag it out as long as I can. The more exposure Hobie gets, the better our summer lake season is for all the business owners. They act like I owe it to the town to help out by letting it happen.”
“Felix, that’s terrible.”
He blew out a breath. “Yeah. It is. That’s why I couldn’t stand it this time. This movie is going to be huge, and I know it will be the craziest media frenzy yet. I just couldn’t deal. I hate the paparazzi. Hate them. And I hate my mother for bringing me to their attention.” The last part was mumbled, but I still caught it.
I realized with sudden clarity that the same thing would happen if word ever got out that we’d slept together. He would be the center of attention once again, but this time it would be because of me. I’d be the one responsible for putting him in the spotlight he so desperately hated.
“Oh fuck,” I breathed.
“Yeah. Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring down the mood.” It was an attempt at a joke, but I couldn’t even fake a chuckle. “Do you think the pizza is ready yet?”
I stood up to check the pizza. My entire body seemed to have gone numb at the realization that I was no better than Felix’s mom if I was willing to risk his exposure for my own benefit.
As we sat at the table eating our dinner, my mind spun. Surely Felix knew something was up with me, but he didn’t ask. Instead of our usual easy conversation, there was silence.
Finally, after we’d finished and cleaned up the mess we’d made, Felix turned to me.
“Listen, I get it. Now that you know who my mom is, you’re not interested. It’s fine. You don’t need to worry about hurting my feelings or anything. Honestly, it’s actually better than the opposite. Usually guys want into my pants when they find out, not out of them.”
“Felix—”
He held up his hand. “No, really. It’s cool. I’m just going to head back to my room and turn in. I have lots of work to do on my dissertation anyway.”
“Felix,” I said again. I could not let him leave like that, thinking I didn’t want him. What would the harm be in spending one more night with him in the comfort and security of the private estate? It’s not like anyone could catch us here.
“I don’t want you to go,” I admitted. “I… I really like you.” And that was the absolute truth. Even if there was no future that included the two of us together. “Please may I stay with you tonight?”
His face softened into a shy smile that squeezed my heart. “Really?”
I nodded. “Yes, really. But first, I was hoping we could take a glass tour of the castle. You can explain your theories to me.”
The sparkle returned to his eyes, and I let out a breath of relief.
“Let’s go,” he said. “I’ll show you my favorite first. It’s in the portrait gallery.”
I thought about the recent addition of my own portrait in the gallery. Surely, he’d seen it. “Actually, have you seen the hidden glass in the king’s bedchamber?” I said quickly.
Felix’s eyes widened. “Of course not. It’s off-limits.”
Not to me it’s not, I thought.
I grinned at him and grabbed his hand. “I’m sure Mari will overlook a little innocent snooping.”
Thank god, I had enough time to message Arthur to prepare the room for visiting before disappearing to his own room.
Chapter 16
Felix
After hours and hours of the most exciting and intriguing treasure hunt of my life, Lio and I returned to my room and fell into bed.
“That was amazing. Best Christmas present ever,” I gushed. “I can’t believe how many hidden passages you know about. And the glass handles in the royal water closet… they were amazing.”
Lio turned to look at me with a satisfied grin. “I’m glad you liked it. It was fun hearing about all the different techniques, especially considering those pieces were made hundreds of years ago.”