“Funny,” he replied. “Hurry over here, I have things to do.”
“It’s Tuesday . . . What could be so important on a Tuesday?” I moaned.
“Lauren—”
“Oh all right—don’t be so pushy. Sheesh,” I said.
“See you soon,” he said and hung up.
I pulled up to the house, parked the car and got out. As I knocked on the door my heart started to race again. I touched my fingers to my lips, and shut my eyes, just as the butler was opening the door. He greeted me then led me to the parlour, where Nick was standing with coffee mug in hand.
“I’m here , your Highness,” I said, my voice still not fully awake.
“I see that,” he said, turning around, trying to hide his smile.
“What?” I felt myself checking for clothes. I was in yoga pants, T-shirt, red scarf and sweater. I hadn’t brushed my hair, just tossed it all up in a bun. What was I thinking leaving the house dressed like this? Meanwhile, Nick was dressed in a navy-blue two-piece suit with a crisp white collared shirt, two buttons undone. I felt underdressed.
He shook his head and chuckled. “Did you literally roll out of bed?”
“Well, you were being pushy.” I scowled, feeling my cheeks flushed. “Next time specify that you need me to be presentable before arriving.” I shook my head and started to walk out of the room. “Are you ready?” I asked.
He laughed a little louder and said, “You look great.”
“And you’re a liar. Let’s go,” I said and rolled my eyes.
“Are you hungry?”
“No, Nick let’s go.”
“Lauren, you got out of bed and came straight over. I know you had no time to eat. Sit down. I can have Samuel make you something to eat.”
“Nick—”
“Sit,” he said with a big smile, then left the room. I pulled my hair out of the bun and tried to brush my fingers through it. That didn’t help, so I tied it back up, took off my jacket and sat at the table. When Nick returned, he handed me a mug filled with coffee, pointing to the milk, cream and sugar cubes on the table.
I nodded and reached over, grabbing the milk. I was still trying to get my heart under control failing miserably. It didn’t help that every time he looked at me I wanted to jump him.
“So what do you have to do today?” I asked, sitting back, crossing my legs.
“Nothing much,” he said.
“Nothing much, huh?” I paused, eyeing his grin. “There you are all dressed in a nice suit, looking hot, and you are telling me that you have nothing to do today?” I scoffed.
“You think I look hot?” he asked, patting his chest down.
“Of course you do, Nick. Come on, you know you look good.” I rolled my eyes. There was nothing worse than modesty from a very attractive person.
“Oh, I know I look good. I just wasn’t sure you noticed,” he said, smiling. My lips parted and a gasp escaped. I didn’t know what to say after that. Then it fell silent for far too long, and it was getting uncomfortable, when Samuel walked in with a plate of food for me.
“Here you are, madam,” he said and placed it in front of me, then left the room. I looked down at the plate filled with bacon, toast and fresh strawberries, my mouth salivated. “This looks terrific. Let Samuel know I said thanks.”
“You can thank him when you’re done,” he said. I looked up at him just as he turned. “I’ll be right back,” he said as he exited. I picked at the bacon, taking it apart as I ate it. By the time I had finished most of the food on the plate, Nick had returned. Samuel also entered the room and took the plate.
“Thank you. That was great,” I said, looking up at him.
“You’re welcome.” He smiled widely.
“Ready?” Nick asked.