“You could come home and go back to college right here in El Bahar,” her mother said pointedly. “Wouldn’t that be nice?”
“Yes, living with my parents and waiting for my father to arrange a marriage. It would be beyond great. How many camels do you think I’m worth?”
Her mother studied her. “Bethany, you know we worry about you. You’re obviously not happy with what you’re doing and we want to help.”
“I know, Mom. And while college is something I’m thinking about, I’m still not sure.”
She hated to give up her work with her horses. But working at the royal stable wasn’t a long-term solution. Buying her own place was an option, but where? If she stayed in El Bahar, she would always be the king’s daughter. If she moved to the States, she wouldn’t know anyone. Maybe she should be more independent, but the thought of dropping herself into unknown territory was more than a little scary. As for Happily Inc, well, she was more than a little interested in any opportunities here, but what could they be? It wasn’t as if she could go to Cade and say “Hey, have you thought about taking on a partner? I happen to have a royal trust fund. Yay me.”
“What, darling?” her mother asked. “You’re upset about something.”
“I wish I hadn’t lied to Cade about who I am.” She held up her hand. “I know, I know. It’s on me. I’m the one who wanted to travel under an assumed name.”
“You like him.”
Not a question, but she answered anyway. “I do. He’s sweet and funny and he doesn’t get mad when Rida throws him.”
“So tell him the truth.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Your grasp of English is excellent. I’m sure you can find the words.” Her mother’s smile faded. “Bethany, he’s going to find out eventually. Better to hear it from you.”
“How is he going to find out? I head home in a few days and he’ll never see me again.” A reality that made her feel sick to her stomach. “It’s okay,” she added quickly. “I’ll be fine. I miss you and Dad and the boys.”
“We all miss you, as well. Hurry home.”
“I will. Bye, Mom.”
They hung up. Bethany turned off her computer, then walked to the window. The truth was getting to be a heavier burden every day. She would decorate the tree with Cade tonight and tell him in the morning, no matter what. She had to. She really cared about him and until she came clean, she couldn’t begin to express her feelings. He would probably hate her, but that was her own fault. Every decision had consequences.
*
IT TOOK NEARLY an hour to untangle the lights. Bethany kept laughing at Cade’s frustration.
“Why didn’t you coil them up last year?” she asked, doing her best not to grin.
“I wasn’t here last year,” he grumbled. “This isn’t my fault. The tree should come prelit.”
“You’ll have to take that up with God. To be honest, a prelit real tree would freak out most people.”
“I’d like it.”
“Well, then. It must be done.”
They managed to string the lights. Cade opened boxes of ornaments. Some were old and delicate, wrapped in yellowing tissue paper. Others were from when he’d been a kid. One was a tiny handprint and there were several made of Popsicle sticks, and one kind of strange creature made from pipe cleaners.
“I think that’s supposed to be a reindeer,” he said, sounding doubtful.
“It kind of looks like a lizard, and it’s green. Why would a reindeer be green?”
“I can’t believe you’re being critical of my work.”
“I know. I’m a horrible person.”
He opened another box filled with shiny ornaments from a discount store. “Are you mocking my creative ability? It’s already a sore subject. Nick is a famous artist. I’m doing the best I can, but sure, crush my childhood dreams.”
She laughed. “Poor broken bunny.”
“That’s me.”
“Shall I kiss it and make it better?”
She’d meant the comment to be teasing, but the second she spoke, the air became charged. Cade’s gaze sharpened and everything inside of her went still.
Wanting flared to life. Wanting and need and a thousand other emotions that made her realize that sometime, when she hadn’t been paying attention, she’d fallen for this man.
He reached for her and in that split second before his hand touched her body, she knew she had to make a choice: a single night or the truth. Because she couldn’t have both. And even knowing it was the wrong decision and one she might regret forever, she took a step toward him and raised her face for his kiss.
*
BETHANY HAD ONLY been with two men in her life. Cade made three. But to compare making love with him to what had gone on before was to compare a great ocean to a glass of water.
He touched her gently, almost reverently, but with confidence that had her surrendering to him. He explored every inch of her, finding the places that made her gasp and moan, then taught her the same about himself. By the time dawn broke over the horizon, she was satiated, weak and unable to hide from the fact that she’d fallen totally in love with him.
She got up to check on Rida, then returned to his bed. They slept nearly until noon before waking up to make love again. Finally they made it to the kitchen for something to eat.
He’d pulled on jeans and a T-shirt, while she wore one of his long-sleeved shirts over panties. They kissed and touched as much as they cooked, which meant the eggs were well-done and the pancakes had burnt edges, but that didn’t seem to matter to either of them.
They sat across from each other at the small table. Cade smiled at her.
“You okay?” he asked.
Because he wanted to be sure. Because no matter what, he would take care of the people in his life. For a second, she let herself pretend it was all going to be okay, that she would tell him who she was and he would forgive her. Only it wasn’t going to be like that.
“I am,” she told him. “Last night was...amazing.”
“Yeah?” His grin turned smug. “For me, too.”
“I’m glad.” She drew in a breath for courage. “You’ve been an unexpected part of my trip here.” She plucked at the collar of his shirt. “I don’t usually do this sort of thing.”
“Dress like a man?” he asked, his voice teasing.
She wanted to smile back and laugh with him. She wanted to know it was going to be all right, but it wasn’t. She’d put off telling the truth long enough.
“Cade, I’ve really enjoyed my time with you. More than I should have, I think. I like you a lot.” Which was the coward’s way of avoiding saying she loved him, but one confession at a time seemed the most reasonable path.
He leaned toward her and took her hand in his. “I feel the same way, Beth. I like to tease, but the truth is you’ve made a big impact on me. I know it’s happened fast and we have to get to know each other better, but I’m hoping we can figure out a way to make that happen.”
“First I have to tell you something.”
He stiffened slightly and drew back. “What?”
“It’s not bad.” Or maybe it would be to him. “I mean, I’m not married or dying or anything else. I’m exactly who I said, with one small difference.”