Royally Benevolent (Resplendent Royals #4)

27. Sudden Departure

27

SUDDEN DEPARTURE

WYATT

“ S ee you in the morning.”

Odette turned away on her heels with military precision. Confused, I looked over at Mary. Everything was fine… until it wasn’t. I’d asked an organiser if we could be at Mary’s table because I thought Odette would enjoy talking to her idol. Now, Odette left in a huff. She claimed she had a headache, but that didn’t track. She looked upset.

“Was it something I said?” I asked.

Mary smirked. “You haven’t gotten better at this with age, have you?”

“What?”

“It was what I said,” Mary said. “I think I upset her. I am sorry.”

“How? She loves you. She thinks you’re so ‘cool’.”

“Wyatt, I think she sees me as competition.”

“For what?” I was even more confused.

“For you . Are you really that dense? You’re hopeless! This is why Isla had to make the first move. Remember how I joked that I thought she’d have to hire a skywriter?”

“Yes, but I always thought that was stupid. We got drunk at a party and slept together.”

“You two were always running in the same circles—for months. It was painful watching her throw herself at you while you ignored her. You underestimate your appeal.”

“She was always too good for me,” I chuckled.

“We both pick women we don’t deserve. But in your case, you somehow manage to keep them.”

“You sell yourself short,” I assured. “I am sure Odette is just having a headache.”

I didn’t buy it, but I also didn’t think Odette liked me—not like that.

“Wyatt, she has a crush on you. A huge crush!”

“I doubt it. She thought we were interested in one another—she teased me about it. I assured her I wasn’t your type.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Shit. Was she jealous ?” Mary might be right.

“Yes. I think I cockblocked you, Wy. That is, if you’re interested in dipping a toe into that pool. Maybe you don’t want to? Although I did once dip my toe into a royal pool, and it wasn’t bad.”

“What?”

“Leah Roughy. The Queen’s niece. She and I had a thing. It’s old news.”

“The actress?”

Mary smiled broadly, as if proud of herself. Leah was a sex symbol. I marvelled at Mary’s ability to chase beautiful women without apologising for it.

“I bow to you. That is… impressive.”

“She’s way cooler than I am. Anyhow, Odette doesn’t know I’m gay. We assume everyone does.”

“She’s a bit sheltered, I think.”

“But smart. Pretty. Too good for you,” Mary ribbed.

“She’s too young, a princess, and impossibly kind.”

“You’re gushing.”

“She’s great with Theo. Adores him.”

“Still gushing.”

I groaned. “You think she’s into me?”

“Wyatt, this is silly. Yes. She’s angry with me. Someone needs to assure her that nothing is going on. And, if you like her, you need to say something about it.”

“I am not ready for?—”

“For what?”

“To fall in love with someone. Everyone wants me to move on and replace Isla?—”

“No one wants you to do that. Nor could anyone replace Isla. She was amazing. But you’re still young and relatively attractive. She’s a fox. You’d make a cute couple.”

“People would think I was just a billionaire having a third-of-life crisis.”

“You’re approaching middle age, my friend. Don’t flatter yourself. Do you like her?”

“I think she’s beautiful. We can talk for hours. That’s a new thing.”

“You realise you can date and care about someone without marrying them. That it’s not that deep unless you want it to be?”

“But Theo… he matters.”

“She adores him. What is the problem?”

“He likes her.”

“Again, I see no issues. Are you just trying to be miserable?”

“You sound like my mom.”

“Well, as I recall, she’s pretty no-nonsense. And I would defer to her here.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Wyatt, tell me you don’t think she’s cute.”

I crossed my arms.

“Tell me.”

“I think she’s gorgeous, yeah. I think she’s kind and funny and unusual in a good way. I don’t think she’s going to want to?—”

“Since when do you get to make choices for women in your life?”

I cringed.

“Go tell her the truth, at least. And if you have any feelings for her, tell her. Life is short. She’s sweet. Most of all, you deserve to be happy.”