The Royal Pain by MaryJanice Davidson Page B

her but she seemed not to notice. She was more distant and chilly than usual, acting like—well, acting almost like a guy who’d gotten his and now wanted to be gone.
    â€œI’ll—I’ll give you a ride back to the hotel,” he said.
    â€œThat would be great.”
    â€œMaybe you want to get a drink or something first?”
    â€œNo,” she replied. “I’m really tired.”
    â€œYeah, I guess you’ve got another big day tomorrow.”
    â€œI guess you’re right.”
    Well, fine. We both got ours and now we’re being adults about it.
    Then how come he felt so shitty?

Chapter 12
    â€œT his has been nice,” she said as they pulled up to the hotel.
    â€œYeah, a laugh a minute,” he said flatly. He put the car in park and slung an arm over the back of the seat, looking at her. “That’s a new one for me. The snow bank.”
    She giggled; she couldn’t help it. “Not for me. I’m from Alaska.”
    At last, at last he smiled. Oh, she loved that smile. “Spare me your snowy lovemaking ways. On second thought, don’t.”
    There was a pause, and she realized he was waiting for her to invite him up to her room.
    â€œThanks again for—” The tour. The smile. The fabulous big cock. The laugh. The ride. The other ride. “—for everything.”
    â€œNo big. Are you sure you don’t…uh…need anything?”
    â€œNo. It’s been a long day, and Jenny’s going to want to debrief me. I’d better get up there.”
    â€œYeah, okay. Well, see you later.”
    â€œI’m not sure,” she replied, “I’ll have to check my schedule.” She opened her car door and stuck a leg out, only to stop in surprise when she felt his arm on her elbow.
    â€œJust a minute here,” he said, squinting at her in the sudden glare of the dome light. “Just so we’re clear, I’m giving you the brush-off. Right? I mean, we had a one-night stand and now I’m the one saying that was nice, see you never.”
    â€œOh, of course,” she assured him. “That seems fine to me.”
    â€œWait a minute!”
    She stopped again in mid climb. “What?”
    â€œIt sounds like you think you’re the one giving me the brush-off.”
    â€œWell, I’m really going to be very busy in the next few weeks…”
    â€œSo am I!”
    â€œOkay,” she said, trying to keep her temper. What the hell was this guy getting so worked up over? Not to sound like a reverse chauvinist, but he was a guy. He got laid and there weren’t any strings. He should be zooming off into the dark, singing a happy tune. “So I guess this is good-bye.”
    â€œLike hell it is!” he nearly shrieked.
    â€œFor God’s sake, will you keep it down? There are people with guns around, you know.”
    â€œI’ve got news for you, Princess. We’re going on a date . Tomorrow.”
    â€œBut my itinerary…”
    â€œShove your itinerary up your tight ass.”
    â€œYou never mind my ass!” she cried, stung.
    â€œWe’re going out. This was not a one-night stand. Repeat,” he added through gritted teeth, “after me.”
    â€œThis was not a one-night stand,” she parroted obediently.
    â€œDamn right it wasn’t! So cancel whatever you have to cancel; I’m picking you up at seven.”
    â€œWe could have a nice dinner in my hotel room,” she suggested.
    â€œYou’re damn right we could!”
    She finally escaped from the car, and watched from the sidewalk as he roared off.

Chapter 13
    T he phone was ringing as she stepped into her hotel suite. Jenny rose to meet her, picked up the phone, and said, “Good evening, Your Majesty…yes, she’s right here…at once, Sir.”
    Alex took the phone, covered the receiver with her palm, and whispered, “I have to shift some things around