Royally Benevolent (Resplendent Royals #4)

30. Instant Swoon

30

INSTANT SWOON

ODETTE

“ I ’ll see you at the breakfast for private-public partnerships tomorrow?” Wyatt asked.

What was I going to say? He could have proposed almost anything, and I would have said yes. His taste still lingered on my lips. Vibrating with excitement, I only nodded yes . A small, almost bashful smile crossed his face. The lines around his eyes creased slightly—as they did when he was relaxed and happy. Wyatt wouldn’t throw a parade to announce his feelings, but he would be honest. He would tell the truth.

“Good.” Wyatt kissed my forehead and stepped back to depart. “Sleep well.”

A quiet “thanks” slipped through my lips.

I marvelled as he left the hotel suite, casually as he came. Grieg stood at the door, whining as it shut. Even he missed Wyatt already. I sat in the quiet, trying to deconstruct the reality of what transpired. My entire body tingled. I wanted him to do it again and again—and all over my body. I shuddered, thinking about how good it felt to have his hand on my breast. It was too soon and I was out of my depth.

But he didn’t want to do more? I wanted to do everything against every fibre of good judgment left within me. What good did waiting much longer do?

Grieg returned, sniffing the food Wyatt brought. I decided to pivot and see what he’d brought me. A steak and potatoes. He had no idea I was a vegetarian. At least he’d tried. That was more than my ex would have done.

My phone buzzed on the coffee table. Astrid’s face popped up. I answered.

“How’s the conference? I haven’t heard more from you. Alex was sick, so I thought I’d bother you for her.”

I smiled, her voice settling me. “It’s good. I… I’m good. I just had dinner with the Vice President.”

Well, for a moment.

“Amazing. She’s got to be brilliant, yeah?”

“Totally! She was so cool. She’s a friend of Wyatt’s.”

“Oh, interesting. Anything happen there?”

I looked at Grieg. His ears pricked, encouraging me to spill.

“Well, he just kissed me. And then I kissed him . And it… well, it spiralled but ended, and I’m so confused and…”

“And what?”

“Horny?”

“You say that like it’s a question! Of course, you are if it was good.”

“But he said he wanted to date me properly and that this wasn’t… fair?”

“Oh, we stan a short king who can treat a lady!”

I rolled my eyes. “He’s not that short. You and Alexandra just ended up with super tall guys.”

“I’m not dunking on him. He’s hot. Wait, how did you kiss him? Is he there ?”

“We travelled together because… he asked if anyone from the board wanted to take the second spot.”

“Does Alex know that?”

“I didn’t think it was relevant.”

“Uh-huh.”

“So, are you going to do more? ”

“We leave tomorrow. He wants to take me on a date. I’m frightened.”

“Why? That’s adorable.”

“What if we get caught? Alex will kill me.”

“Why? You’re a grown woman dating a perfectly nice man. He’s not a murderer or war criminal.”

“He’s thirteen years older than me.”

“And she’s married to someone a decade older. If anything, you should worry about Rick’s toxic masculinity resurfacing. And he can also tangle with me if it does.”

“He’s been sweet and trying to help me get out more. I’m pretty sure he won’t care.”

“Never underestimate the caveman lurking inside a perfectly serviceable male.”

I snickered. “Your view of men is so negative.”

“My view on people is negative. Men just aren’t sending their best.”

I agreed. My experience suggested this was true.

“So, go out with him. Say, ‘Thanks, Daddy, for dinner.’ If all goes well, enjoy him. If he’s willing to take you out properly, he’s probably not too selfish, right?”

I had nothing to gauge things against.

“I didn’t have sex with Guy,” I said. “Not all the way.”

“Not intercourse . That’s fine. He probably won’t care. I worried and worried no man would want me because of it. Instead, Parker worked harder to ruin it for the next man.”

“He was successful?”

“There was no second man, so yes,” Astrid sighed. “Sex isn’t magic. It’s great, but it’s not a secret potion. It’s fun. Don’t focus on it like it’s this stressful, massive thing, okay? Let it happen when it happens.”

“So I shouldn’t worry he’ll think I’m hopeless?”

“Nah. I had all those fears. Instead, Parker just worked harder. I cannot fault the man for trying. God, my first time was way better than it should have been. But you’re not there yet. If the kiss was good, do it again. Go on a proper date! That’s a good thing. And he’s a widower… it might take him a bit to be ready. Men are people, too. Contrary to what you’ve been told, they’re not always ready to go just to go. Many of th em have boundaries—the ones worth keeping, I think. I don’t see you as having a casual fling. I could have handled it, but you and Alexandra? Nah. Wouldn’t work.”

“Excuse me! I’m cool,” I laughed.

“Uh-huh. I mean, my love, you are cool, but you’re in your feels more. It will be even better when you’ve got that connection. It was for me.”

I hoped she was right.

“So don’t panic?”

“He fancies you! Enjoy dating someone you like who wants to treat you well.”

“He said I deserved to be treated like a queen.”

“Swoon. Instant swoon.”

I blushed. “That’s what butterflies are, right?”

“Total butterflies moment. Lap it up. Enjoy the lovesick new relationship energy,” Astrid said. “And be happy. You deserve happiness and love. If he gives it to you, ignore the ugly voices telling you otherwise.”