Dream Trysts: A Sleeping Beauty Story (Passion-Filled FairyTales Book 4) by Rosetta Bloom

with Dwennon and Hilly. But to see James? It wasn’t the best. It was a simple pale pink dress that, in retrospect seemed rather girlish as opposed to womanly. She frowned, wishing she’d thought to change into something more elegant. Even the new dress Hilly had bought her would have been nice.
    Her thoughts were interrupted by voices nearby. She took a step forward, peeking around the side of a tree and saw two young men walking in the clearing. It was him: James. And he was walking with another man, one similar in looks, chestnut hair, athletic build, friendly smile and nearly the same height.
    “James,” said the other man, slightly stern. “You cannot keep denying father’s request. He wants his heir married. And many of the women you’ve been introduced to are incredibly fetching.”
    James scowled. “Peter, I’ve told father I will find a wife in my own time.”
    The other man, whom Rose now presumed was Peter, shook his head. “You’re the eldest. You don’t get the luxury of your own time. Father wants his affairs settled, lest he pass away.”
    “Only they’re not his affairs,” James said, his voice jovial, despite the serious nature of the conversation. “They’re my affairs, and I know exactly the girl I wish to marry.”
    Peter’s mouth popped open a little wider and he said, “You sly devil. You have a girl in mind. Just tell father. He wouldn’t even care if she was a commoner. He just wants the matter settled.”
    James sighed and shook his head. “It’s not that easy,” he said, stroking his chin. “I haven’t exactly met her yet. Not in real life. You might say she’s more of a dream girl.”
    Peter patted James on the back. “I’m afraid it’s time to wake up then, because father isn’t interested in dream girls. Not unless they step right out of your dream and into the castle.”
    James looked down at the ground and sighed. “I know,” he said.
    Peter smiled at him. “Don’t look so down, brother. Why don’t we go back to the castle and have a treat?” Peter raised an eyebrow mischievously. “I heard that cook was making a cake.”
    James shook his head and said, “No, I think I’ll sit here for a moment.”
    “Very well,” Peter said, and he headed off in the opposite direction.
    Rose smiled as she watched James, now alone, settle himself on a rock and look out toward the evening sun. Her heart was giddy, and she could wait no more. She ran from her spot hidden among the trees, straight toward him.
    The look of surprise on his face as he stared at her barreling toward him was worth every bit of trouble she’d be in if Dwennon and Hilly discovered her gone. James blinked twice, a smile breaking over his face as he watched her, but he said nothing.
    She slowed as she reached him, stopping just short of colliding with him. She was breathless as she stood before him, a huge grin on her lips.  “I was tired of waiting around for you to come find me, so instead I came to you,” Rose said.
    James still seemed uncertain, blinking one more time, then reaching out a hand and touching her arm. “You’re real,” he said, wonder on his face. “You’re really here.” And then he pulled her toward him, wrapping his arms around her and kissed her. His warm, soft lips pressed hard against her mouth, a desperation in his touch, as if he’d never kiss her again.
    Rose felt the same, her body yearning to be close to him, tingles of joy running through her as she pressed close to him, his arms cradling her, and her mouth wanting only to gently caress his, to linger there, warm and happy.
    He pulled away from her finally, and said, “How? How did you find me? Especially since I’ve looked for you everywhere.”
    Rose eyed him curiously. Everywhere? “You’ve been looking for me?”
    James sat back down on the rock and pulled Rose into his lap. He stared at her as if she were the only human being on the planet. A robust smile made his face look even more handsome. He took