The Wounded Guard and the Royal Stylist by Cami Checketts

Author:Cami Checketts [Checketts, Cami]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Birch River Publishing
Published: 2023-12-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Arianna was walking on clouds. The wedding had been even better than she’d envisioned because of the people involved. King Nolan, now-Queen Madeline, and all the royal family were genuine, beautiful, and had made the event even more magical. Every detail and stress had been worth it. A lifetime of hard work, including a week or so feeling hobbled by her confinement, had paid off, and she was singing heaven’s praises. She couldn’t wait to talk to her dad tonight.

Currently, Brad had his arm around her and they were riding up the elevator with Mason to the solarium. Everything had come together perfectly for the wedding. Could she and Brad come together tonight in the beautiful rooftop garden? Brad seemed nervous.

She didn’t understand Mason’s role. He was smirking at them and appeared to have no problem with her in Brad’s embrace. Had he given up on his pursuit of her? She couldn’t imagine he would push her toward Brad, but she didn’t know what else to think of the arrangement.

They exited the elevator and walked quietly past the fitness center and spa area. Arianna’s heels’ rhythmic clicking and Brad’s quick breathing were the only sounds. They made it into the solarium. Other couples milled about, looking out over the sparse lights of the valley or at the plants, trees, flowers, or water features. Some sat on benches, hugging or talking quietly.

Brad escorted her through the garden and to a quiet spot.

“I’ll be over here guarding you from intruders,” Mason said, winking and saluting as he stopped next to a potted plant.

“Thank you, my friend.” Brad returned the salute.

They walked to a bench and settled down. They had a measure of privacy with trees, flowers, and bushes blocking them from other couples. The well-maintained indoor garden was a beautiful spot, almost as magical as the royal wedding and the mystical and ethereal setting Arianna had created in the ballroom.

Brad took her hand, his hand trembling against hers. His obvious nerves had Arianna’s heart beating faster.

She waited for him to initiate the conversation. He’d gotten her alone, after all. Did he only ‘love her like a sister’ or could his love deepen into something more? Was that why he was nervous?

“You and Mason have become good friends,” she said to break the silence.

“He is a great man,” Brad said. He turned toward her, rubbing his thumb along the back of her hand and leaving tingles in its wake. “I’m so impressed by you and proud of you, Ari. The wedding was ideal in every way, and you are incredible at all you do.”

“Thank you.” His praise meant a lot, but she couldn’t help but ask, “Proud of me like a sister?”

Brad’s eyes grew wary. He released her hand, rubbed at his stubbled jawline, and then stood and paced to the next tree and back again.

Arianna stood. She’d been wearing these spike heels for hours and wouldn’t mind taking them off, but she appreciated the added height boost. Now she was eye-level with Brad’s chin instead of his shoulder.

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