"You have a wonderful family. I wish I could stay here with all of you forever."
"What about your job in Cockshire?"
"Oh, yes. Forgot about that for a minute."
Maybe I want him to stay here forever too. I could go with him back to England. My job is done over the internet, so I could live anywhere. Ben hasn't asked me to go with him. He suggested he might want to stay here.
We enter the village of Hartmoor just as the last ribbons of sunset sink below the horizon. I've never been to this town, so I can't resist gawking at the historic buildings and the quaint houses as we wend our way down the streets. Finally, we pull into a small parking lot in front of what looks like an old two-story house that's been converted into a restaurant. Ben parks near the building.
When I reach for the handle on my door, Ben declares, "Do not move, Sam."
I've never heard him sound so commanding before. And yeah, it makes me hot for him.
He comes around to my side and opens the door, offering me his hand. "Now you may disembark, my lady."
"You're the royal. I'm just an average American."
"Not for tonight. You are my queen, and I have a splendid feast arranged for you."
As I get out of the car, I glance around. "Why aren't there any other vehicles here?"
"Because I arranged for us to have a private meal."
"Really? I've never had a restaurant all to myself."
"Mind sharing it with me?" he asks with a smirk.
"I meant all to myself with you."
"Ah, I see." He holds out his bent arm and waits for me to hook mine around it. "Allow me to escort you into our banquet hall."
"You're committed to the royal-speak tonight, aren't you? Don't get me wrong, I like it." I snuggle up to him with my cheek on his upper arm. "But you don't need to impress me. You've already done that plenty."
"Have I? Not sure how I did it."
"By being you. I liked you a lot before you told me you're a crown prince."
He pauses with his free hand on the doorknob. "You liked me when I was just Ben the massage therapist?"
"Yes. Did you think I was faking it before I found out you're royalty? I had sex with you before that."
Ben scratches the back of his neck, his head bowed. "I know you aren't the sort who lusts after a title, but I guess I can't believe a woman like you wants me for more than sex."
"Then what's the deal with this big date? You obviously want more with me. I want more with you, for sure."
"More what?"
"Everything." I lay a hand on his cheek. "We've known each other for a week, and already I don't want you to leave. You're important to me."
"I feel the same way. But…" He shuts his eyes and sighs, then looks at me again. "I don't know if our lives can ever mesh."
Yeah, I'm not sure about that either. I mean, Ben the massage therapist is just a regular guy. But then there's Bennett Worthington Montague, crown prince of Mithoria. It's a little scary to think about that part of his life because I don't know if I could handle the pressure.
"Just for tonight," I say, "let's forget about everything and enjoy our date."
"All right. I can do that."
He leads me through the door and into a short hallway that has muted lighting and ends at the main restaurant area where I can see tables with chairs, and booths tucked into secluded corners. The lighting is just as subdued in that area as it is here in the entryway. Soft, romantic music plays, but I don't think that's a recording. It sounds like a jazz ensemble playing an easygoing, sensual tune.