Royally Benevolent (Resplendent Royals #4)

48. The Waiting Game

48

THE WAITING GAME

WYATT

“ I am going to take Theo out,” Mom said.

“Why? Odette will be here soon.”

“He can see her when we return from the village,” Mom said. “He will have something to be excited about.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“Well, it’s happening. And we’re going to keep him at ours this evening. Have a bit of a sleepover,” Rebecca said.

“You don’t need to do that. You two realise that we don’t… we might not…”

I couldn’t bear to bring up my until-recently tragic sex life to my female family members. We were close but didn’t need to be that close.

“Well, if the moment sparks, it will be an option .”

The family compound had two little houses. Isla and I bought the first for ourselves but then purchased the cottage next door. Mom usually stayed with me but elected to stay with my sister this time. I now understood her motives. I figured I’d just annoyed her.

“I don’t need you intervening.” I spied Theo coming into the living room toting the faux-Grieg he’d been carrying with him everywhere since he saw Odette on the television, dedicating a new library.

“You do need my help. You need help to save yourself from overthinking.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Papa,” Theo said. “Can we go walking later?”

“That is the plan, yes,” I said.

I didn’t mention our new arrival. Odette planned to hike with us that afternoon, but if I told him that, Mom would have to hear a million questions about when she was coming. Theo did not comprehend time.

“Come on. We’ll have fun at the museum!” Mom urged, taking Theo’s hand.

They ducked out, and I paced. I was alone in a quiet house—a rarity—and Odette was almost here. I’d have her all to myself. I did prepare properly. I had a sleeve of condoms in the nightstand. The house wasn’t a complete disaster. And we’d probably have a few hours before we had to look presentable. The prospect was exciting, but the reality was terrifying. It seemed wrong but also fun.

I was nervously unloading the dishwasher when the doorbell rang. Odette stood on the doorstep, followed by one of her plain-clothed henchmen. He, of course, held her luggage. I wondered if she’d ever carried a bag in her life. She looked cute—dressed down in a pair of jeans. She had a pink soft-shell jacket and a red and pink beret. As always, she was perfectly matched.

“Hello,” Odette said, voice shaky. She was nervous.

“Come in. Hope the trip wasn’t bad.”

“There were no ditch detours,” Odette laughed, still sounding uneasy.

She stepped in, as did the man holding the bag. I walked forward. “I’ll take it, thanks.”

He stepped back, pulling the door closed behind him.

“Where will they stay?” I asked.

“Uh, they booked a place somewhere. They take shifts. Don’t overthink it. Where is everyone?”

“Mom took Theo downtown. My sister and her husband are at a brewery. They promised to bring back beer.”

She rocked back and forth on her heels. “Sounds good. ”

“We have the place to ourselves.”

“I can see that.”

“Shit! Your coat,” I said, picking up Odette’s jacket quickly.

“Sorry,” she said.

“No. Don’t apologise.”

I put the jacket in the hall closet, and she removed her boots and handed me her hat.

“I didn’t quite know how to dress.”

“You look beautiful.” I closed the closet door with more of a thud than I would have liked and grabbed her back. “Come with me. I’ll get you settled in.”

She nodded politely and followed me upstairs. Something was off. She held back too much, and I didn’t know how to fix it.

“Are we… sharing a room?” Odette asked.

“I didn’t think that was the best idea. That doesn’t mean you have to stay in here. I just… Theo tends to ignore doors. I would hate for you to be here changing and have him traipse in.”

Odette giggled. “That sounds about right. My nieces and nephews have no boundaries. I’m aware.”

“Okay, well, don’t think I’m icing you out. I’m delighted you came, and I want you to make yourself at home. I can let you get settled?—”

I didn’t make it that far. She pulled me in—grabbing me by the shirt—and kissed me. It was back again. The feelings returned once more. I pushed her against the door jam, wanting everything to come together. I also wanted to confirm that was where we were headed. I pulled away, my hands still holding her face. She breathed heavily and stared up, lips half-parted.

“Do you want to take me to your room?” Odette asked. “Or will that cause more trouble?”

“It will cause just the right kind of trouble,” I answered.