Once Upon a Duke by Carina Rose

Author:Carina Rose
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Carina Rose
Published: 2021-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

It didn’t matter that he was back in his own bed; Cameron barely slept a wink all night. All he could think about was the position he’d put Janine in. The sooner they told his parents they wanted a long engagement and got back to Virginia to move on from the lie, the better. Except after their reception last night, he had a feeling it wouldn’t be as easy as he originally had thought.

He waited until the sun breached the horizon before he got out of bed, showered, and dressed in a pair of gray cotton trousers and a white button-down shirt. Although still a bit early, he had a feeling Janine would be awake—jet-lagged or not.

Good morning. Are you awake?

Cameron imagined her sleeping in the large canopy bed a few rooms down. It happened to be one of his favorite rooms in the house. Thanks to a terrible storm about a decade ago, a few trees had come down in front of the window, allowing for a better view. Anytime he needed to think, he’d go into that room, especially in the winter, when the lake house wasn’t an option.

Janine: Yes, I did some work, showered, and I’m now getting dressed. I hope we picked out the right clothes. Do you know what we’re doing today?

She had enlisted his assistance while she’d packed. Although she preferred jeans and her tennies, she’d brought several skirts, dresses, flats, and heels. To him, she’d look good in anything.

Breakfast will be first. Then I’d like to show you around the grounds. Wear comfortable shoes.

After last night, he wanted a relaxing day with Janine—she deserved that much. When he’d slipped the family heirloom on her finger, everything suddenly felt real. And when he’d seen her tears trickling down her face, he’d wanted to talk to her, but the surprise party that came shortly after had made it impossible.

Janine: Sounds good. I’m ready when you are.

Cameron ran his hand through his hair before walking out of his room and knocking on her door. When she opened it, she took his breath away.

He couldn’t help but allow his gaze to roam up and down her body. Janine’s hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, her blue eyes seemed to sparkle beneath her long lashes, the simple floral dress she’d chosen reminded him of the castle’s garden when in full bloom, and, as he had suggested, she’d selected a pair of flat shoes.

“You look beautiful,” he couldn’t help but say.

“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said with the same curtsy and nod she’d given his parents. “Are you sure this is okay?”

He knew it was proper. He knew it was required, but he didn’t want her to curtsy or bow before him.

“Yes, perfect. And please, when it’s just us, please don’t do that.”

“But—”

“No. I don’t like you bowing before me.”

“How about I just do it here, since it’s expected and proper.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. She had a point. Regardless that he still didn’t like it, he nodded.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.