A Princess By Christmas

And if they were all as easy on the eyes, she wouldn’t complain. After all, looking didn’t hurt anything. It was getting involved with men that set you up for a world of pain. Just ask her mother. And even Reese had been involved with someone after her father died who’d promptly dumped her when he found out she wasn’t a rich debutante. The memory still stung. How could she have been so foolish as to fall for her ex’s promises?

In the end, she’d learned an important life lesson—don’t trust men with your heart. Eventually they’ll hurt you when you least expect it.

As for Alex DeLuca, she was so far out of that man’s league that it was laughable. So what was she worrying about? She could relax and enjoy having some company for once.

She pressed the automatic garage door opener and started the truck. It coughed and sputtered and the breath caught in her throat. Please don’t let this be another thing I need money to fix. As though in response to her silent prayer, when she turned the key again the engine caught. She exhaled a pent-up breath and put the vehicle in drive.

In no time at all, Alex was seated next to her. “Reese, thank you for allowing me to ride along.”

The Rs rolled off his tongue in such a divine way. She stopped herself just short of swooning. He could definitely say her name as often as he wanted. Realizing that she was letting her thoughts wander, she reminded herself that he was her guest—nothing else.

“Um...sure. No problem.” In an effort to keep her thoughts from straying, she turned on the radio and switched stations until holiday music filled the air. As an afterthought, she said, “I hope you don’t mind some music.”

“Not at all. Back home my mother used to always have music filling the...house.”

She noticed his use of the past tense and then the awkward pause. She wondered if he too was a member of the lost-a-parent-prematurely club. It was not something she’d wish on anyone—no matter the circumstances. But then again, maybe she was reading too much into his choice of words, as English was obviously his second language.

In an effort to change the topic of conversation to something more casual, she said, “That’s right, I was supposed to guess where you’re from. I’m not great with placing accents, but I’m thinking somewhere in the Mediterranean. Maybe Italy?”

“Very good guess. Maybe you are better at figuring out accents than you think.”

English definitely had a different ring to it when Alex was speaking. It had a sort of soothing melody. She could listen to him talk for hours.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what brought you to New York?”

“Business. Or should I say, I am between business negotiations. With people being out of the office for the holidays, I decided to stay in New York and experience a white Christmas.”

“You hope.”

“What?”

She could feel his gaze on her. “I meant you hope to see a white Christmas. Snow around these parts is hit or miss. The snow we’re getting now might be all we get until after the New Year.”

Was it possible he had no family to go home to? Why else would he rent out an inn for the holiday? Pity welled up in her. She couldn’t blame him for not wanting to spend Christmas alone. She’d had a taste of that when her mother was having problems. It was lonely and sad, filled with nothing but memories.

Which led her to her next question: How did such a handsome, obviously successful man end up alone? Surely he wouldn’t have a hard time finding a date or two. Oh, who was she kidding? He could probably have a different date for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week, and still have plenty leftover. Perhaps if her life were different she might have given him a chance.

Alex cleared his throat. “Are you sure we’re going in the right direction? We’re heading into the city.”

She had been distracted by their conversation, but she couldn’t imagine she’d turned the wrong way. Just to be sure, she glanced around at the landmarks. “This is the right way.”

“But I thought you said we were going to cut down a Christmas tree.”

“I said I was going to get one, but I never said anything about cutting it down.” She glanced over at him as he slouched down in the seat and adjusted his ball cap. “I’m sorry to disappoint you. But this is really much faster and easier for me.”

“Is it much further?”

“Not far at all. In fact, we’re here.”

She stared out the window at the familiar city lot that was cordoned off with fencing. Pine trees ranging in size from small chubby little guys to tall slender ones littered the lot. People from old to young meandered around, pointing at this tree and that tree. Smiles covered their faces and the years rolled away as each seemed to step back in time and remember the childhood fascination of choosing their very own tree for Santa to leave presents under. If only that feeling of wonderment stayed with everyone. Instead some learned the hard way that things weren’t always as they appeared. Sometimes life was nothing more than an empty illusion.

Reese’s jaw tightened at the grim thought. Anxious to get this over, she said, “I’ll just go check out what’s available that will fit in the foyer. Feel free to look around.”

“What about a tree for yourself?” When she cast him a puzzled look, he added, “You know, for the apartment?”

“I don’t want one. After what happened...oh, never mind. I just don’t have the time to bother.”

She threw open the truck door and hopped out. She’d already circled around to the sidewalk when Alex’s door opened. She noticed that he had the collar on his jacket pulled up and his hat shielded a good portion of his face. He must be cold. If he was here long enough, he’d get used to the cold weather.

He stepped up to her. “Let me know if you need any help.”

“I will. Thank you.”

His gaze moved up and down the walk. If she knew him better, she’d say he looked stressed. But that couldn’t be the case. Who got stressed going to the Christmas tree lot? Maybe a single mom of six active little kids. Now that could be stressful. But not a single grown man.

So what was the true story? Why was Alex all alone for the holidays?

* * *

What had he been thinking to agree to come to this very public place?

Alex glanced around to see if anyone had noticed him. It was far too early in his plan to have his true identity made known. Or worse, for someone to snap a picture of him and publish it on the internet. He pulled his ball cap a little lower. Sure, he had his disguise in place, but he knew that it would not hold up under the close scrutiny of the press’s cameras.

He slouched a bit more and avoided making eye contact with anyone. Fortunately no one seemed to pay him the least bit of attention. The people meandering about seemed more interested in finding the perfect Christmas tree than the couple of dozen other shoppers.

Thousands of holiday lights were strung overhead. This town certainly had a thing for lights, from the little twinkle ones to big flashing signs. He gazed at the trees, wondering what it’d be like to be here with his own family choosing the perfect tree—not that he had any immediate plans for a family. He knew a proper marriage was expected of him, but the thought didn’t appeal to him. His duty was to look after his father, the king.

After all, if it wasn’t for him, his mother, the queen, wouldn’t have been shot by a subversive. The poignant memory of his mother taking a bullet in the chest brought Alex up short. Because of one thoughtless act, he’d devastated lives, leaving his father brokenhearted and alone to shoulder the weight of Mirraccino’s problems.

That long-ago day was still fresh in Alex’s mind. He’d grown up overnight and learned the importance of rules and duty. He didn’t have the luxury to wonder what his life might be like if he were an ordinary citizen. He was a prince and with that came duties that could not be shirked—the consequences were too much to bear.

Still, that didn’t mean he should forgo his manners. And thanking Reese for her hospitality would be the proper thing to do. He stopped in front of a chubby little tree that would look perfect in the apartment. It’d certainly cheer the place up.

A young man with a Santa hat and red apron approached him. “Can I help you?”

“I’d like to buy the little tree in the corner.”

The guy eyed him up as though wondering why he’d want something so tiny. The man rattled off a price and Alex handed over the money.

With the little tree stowed in the back of the pickup, Alex sought out his beautiful hostess, who was pointing out a tall, slender tree to an older man with a white beard. His cheeks were chubby and when he laughed his round belly shook. Alex wondered how many times children had mistaken him for Santa. Even the man’s eyes twinkled when he smiled.

The man glanced at Alex before turning back to Reese. “This must be your other half. You two make a fine-looking couple. Is this your first Christmas together?”

“We’re not together.” Reese’s cheeks filled with color. “I mean, we’re not a couple. We’re...um—”

“Friends,” Alex supplied.

Although on second thought, the man’s observation did have some merit. In fact, the more he thought of it, the more he wondered if the man was on to something. Reese would make any man the perfect girlfriend.

She was certainly beautiful enough. When she smiled, she beamed. And in the short time he’d known her, he’d gotten a glimpse of her strength and determination.

She’d make the ideal fake girlfriend.

After all, he was supposed to be in the States because of a love interest. And with the speed with which he’d had to put this plan in motion, he hadn’t had a chance to find someone to fill the role. But if the need arose, would Reese be willing to play along?

Something told him that with some gentle persuasion, she could be brought round to his way of thinking. Okay, maybe it was more a hope than a feeling. But for now none of that mattered. Hopefully his brother’s rushed marriage would be resolved quickly and quietly so that involving Reese wouldn’t be necessary. But it never hurt to be prepared. His father’s motto was Hope for the Best, But Be Prepared for the Worst.

Perhaps Alex should do a little research and see what challenges he would be up against with Reese. He’d probe the subject with her when they were alone in the truck.

Alex leaned over to Reese. “You found a tree?”

“Yes, I did. I think it’ll be perfect.” She pointed to the tree the man inserted into a noisy machine. Alex watched as the tree’s limbs were compressed and bound with rope.

“It’ll make a great Christmas tree. You have good taste.”

Reese turned to him and smiled. Such a simple gesture, and yet his breath hitched and he couldn’t glance away. Big, fluffy snowflakes fluttered and fell all around them. And the twinkle lights reflected in her eyes, making them glitter like gemstones.

“As soon as they bundle it up we can go home.” She moved as if to retrieve the tree, breaking the spell she’d cast over him.

Alex, at last gathering his wits, stepped forward. “I’ll get it.”

She frowned as though she were about to argue, but then she surprised him by saying, “Okay.”

With the tree secured in the bed of the truck, Alex climbed in the heated cab. He rubbed his hands together. “I remembered everything for this outing except my gloves.”

Reese’s face creased with worry lines. “You should have said something. Here, let me crank up the heat.”

“Not necessary. The sting from the pine needles is worse than the cold.”

“Let me know if you need anything when we get back to the house. Antiseptic cream, maybe?”

“I will.” This was his chance to broach the subject in the forefront of his mind. “What did you think of Santa back there mistaking us for a happy couple?”

“That he needs a new pair of glasses.”

“Surely being my girlfriend wouldn’t be so bad, would it?”

Once stopped at a red light, Reese gave him a long look.

He started to feel a bit paranoid, as though he had a piece of lettuce in his teeth or something. “What?”

“I’m just looking for some sign that you hit your head when you were swinging that tree around.”

“Very funny.” When she smiled, a funny sensation filled his chest. “You still haven’t answered my question. Would I make good boyfriend material?”

She jerked her gaze forward just as the light changed. “You can’t be serious. We—we don’t even know each other. And I’m not looking for a relationship. Not with you. Not with anybody.”

“Understood.” He was at last breaking through her calm reserve. He couldn’t push her too hard too fast. “I was just hoping your rejection of the idea of us being a couple wasn’t a personal one. After all, I showered and shaved today. My clothes are clean,” he teased. “And I carried that great big tree for you.”

“That’s the best you can come up with?” She smiled and his breathing did that funny little tickle thing at the back of his throat again.

“Pretty much. So if circumstances were different, would I stand a chance with you?”

“I’ll give you this much, you are persistent.”

“Or maybe I’m a glutton for punishment.” He sent her a pleading look.

“And I’m sure those puppy eyes work on all of the ladies, don’t they?”

He sat up a little straighter. “Is it working now?”

The chime of laughter filled the truck. “If you aren’t a salesman, you certainly missed your calling.”

Did that mean he’d sold her on the idea that he was worthy of a second or third look? He didn’t know why her answer had suddenly become so important to him. It wasn’t as though this part of his plan had to be implemented—yet.

Still, he found himself enjoying the smile on her face. It lit up the night. She should definitely do it more often.

Reese tramped the brakes a bit hard for a red light, jerking him against the seat belt. “I’m sure you’ll make some lucky lady the perfect boyfriend.”

It was his turn to smile. “Thanks for the ringing endorsement. What would it take to tempt you to play the part?”

“Of what? Your girlfriend?”

In for a penny, in for a pound. “Yes.”

She laughed. “Fine. If you must know, if by chance I was looking—which I’m not, but if I were—you might have a chance. But I seriously don’t have the time...if I was interested.”

“Ouch.”

“Is it your hands?”

“No. It was my ego. It just took a direct hit.”

She shook her head and smiled. “I’m sure you’ll survive.”

He leaned back in the seat as she skillfully guided them homeward. With Reese behind the wheel, Alex relaxed enough to let his thoughts wander.

How was it that someone so beautiful and entertaining could be single? Surely she wouldn’t be alone for long. The image of Reese in someone else’s arms took shape in his mind and with a mental jerk, he dismissed the unsettling idea. Her future relationships were none of his business. Period.

CHAPTER FIVE

PEACE AND QUIET at last.

Reese smiled to herself. The wedding party was off for the rehearsal and dinner. They wouldn’t be home until late. She’d even let the staff go early. After all, it was the holiday season and there was nothing here that she couldn’t manage on her own. And her mother was upstairs watching her favorite crime drama.

“Reese?” Alex’s deep voice echoed down the hallway.

“In here.” She was kneeling on the floor, sorting strands of twinkle lights.

He stepped into the room. “What are you doing?”

“Trying to get these lights to work. I need to replace the lightbulbs—one by one. Someday I’ll have to buy new strings, but not this year.” They would light up—even if she had to sit here all night exchanging the little bulbs. “What do you need?”

“I finished with my work and wondered if I could lend you a hand.”

“You spend a lot of time on your computer, don’t you?”

“It’s a portable office. It allows me to work from anywhere.”

She pulled out another bulb and replaced it with one she was certain worked. Still the strand remained dark. “So this isn’t a holiday for you?”

“I would rather keep busy. I am not good at sitting around doing nothing.” He knelt down beside her. “Let me have a try.”

She glanced at him, surprised anyone would voluntarily offer to fix Christmas lights. Before he had a chance to change his mind, she held out the strand to him. “Good luck.”

He moved closer. His warm fingers brushed over hers. His touch lingered, sending an electrical current up her arm. The reaction frazzled her common sense. She stared into his eyes as her heart pounded in her ears. He was the first to turn away. A sense of disappointment plagued her.

Regaining her senses, she jumped to her feet. She took a step back, hoping to keep her wits about her. She’d been avoiding him since that awkward moment with Santa—er, that man at the tree lot. Why the man had assumed they were a couple was beyond her. It wasn’t as if she looked at Alex with dreamy eyes. Okay, so maybe she just had. But it was just for a moment. And it wasn’t as if she was truly interested in him.

But then Alex had continued the conversation in the truck. What was that all about? She still wasn’t certain if he had just been joking around or if he’d been hitting on her. At least she’d set him straight—a relationship wasn’t in her plans. She refused to be lied to by another man.

Alex pushed a small lightbulb into the socket. Nothing lit up. “I don’t smell any food cooking. That’s a first. This place always has the most delicious aromas.”

In that moment, she realized in her exuberance to let everyone have the evening off that she hadn’t thought about dinner. And she didn’t have a good history with the stove. Anything she put near it burned—to a crisp.

“I’m afraid that I let the staff have the evening off. With the wedding party gone for the evening and the holidays approaching, I thought they would enjoy some time off. So I’m not sure what to do for dinner, as I’m an utter disaster in the kitchen.”

“It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. In fact, simple sounds good.”

Against her better judgment, she was starting to like this guy. “How simple were you thinking? I can work the microwave, but that’s about it.”

His brow arched as amusement danced in his eyes.

“Hey, don’t look at me like that. A person can’t be good at everything. So how about a frozen dinner?”

His tanned nose curled up. “Or we could order a pizza?” He loosened a bulb from the strand. “They do deliver here, don’t they?”

She nodded. “I’ll check to see if my mother will join us. I’ll be right back with the menus.”

She rushed out of the room and up the stairs to the little apartment that she’d been sharing with her mother since her father’s death two years ago, when her life had changed from that of a carefree college student with the whole world ahead of her to a college dropout, striving to keep a roof over her brokenhearted mother’s head.

Not that she would have ever made any other choice. Her mother had always been there for her—she’d made her smile and wiped her tears. Now it was Reese’s turn to pitch in and help. That’s what families did—took care of each other.

“Hey, Mom,” Reese called out, bursting through the door of their apartment. “How do you feel about—”

The words died in her throat as she noticed her mother sitting before a tiny Christmas tree on the coffee table. It was lit up and had a few ornaments on it. What in the world? Where had it come from?

Her mother was staring at it as if she were lost in her thoughts. Was she thinking about the past? Was her mother remembering how Reese used to beg her father for her very own Christmas tree?

The memories Reese had been suppressing for so long came rushing back. The image of her father’s joyful smile as he held a tiny pine tree in his hand had her chest tightening. Back then he’d call her his little princess, and she’d thought the sun rose and set around him. How very wrong she’d been.

“Mom?” Her voice croaked. She swallowed hard and stepped closer to her mother. “Are you okay?”

Her mother blinked and glanced up at her. “I’m fine. But I’m glad you’re here. I just had a phone call and your aunt isn’t doing well.”

Relieved to find that her mother wasn’t sinking back into that miserable black hole where she seemed virtually unreachable, Reese asked, “What’s wrong with Aunt Min?”

“She’s having a hard time adjusting since Uncle Roger passed on. That was her neighbor and she agreed to come pick me up. I know with the holiday approaching and the wedding this weekend that this is the wrong time to be leaving you alone, but no one knows your aunt as well as me.”

Reese wasn’t so sure about her mother leaving to comfort someone who was grieving. She knew for a fact it was not an easy position to be in. But her mother appeared to be determined, and she supposed there was nothing she could say to change her mind.

“What can I do for you?” Reese asked, ready to pitch in.

“Absolutely nothing. You already have your hands full here.” Her mother gave her a hug. “I’ve got to pack before my ride gets here.”

Her mother was headed for the bedroom when Reese called out, “Mom, where did the tree come from?”

“Alex. He thought you might like it.”

Her mother disappeared into her bedroom and Reese turned. The long-forgotten handmade ornaments on the little tree caught her eye.

Well, if he was so interested in having a Christmas tree, he could have it in his room—er, her room. She unplugged the lights, carried the tree to the bedroom and pushed aside her collection of miniature teddy bears—some that were as old as she was and some that were antiques collected from her grandmother and yard sales.

She’d always planned to update the room, but once she’d formally withdrawn from college, she’d packed up her apartment and put everything in storage. There wasn’t time to worry about knickknacks when there was an entire inn to run. And now she was just too tired after working and smiling at the guests all day to be worried about redecorating a room where she barely spent any time.

She glanced at the bed with its comforter haphazardly pulled up. She imagined Alex sleeping in it. There was something so intimate about knowing that the Mediterranean hunk was sprawled out in her bed. Just as quickly as the thought came to her, she vanquished it.

He was a man—not to be trusted. And he’d only gone and confirmed her thoughts when he went against her wishes with the little Christmas tree—even if it had been an effort to be considerate. Conflicting emotions churned in her stomach. Why couldn’t he leave well enough alone?

Not needing or wanting the aggravation, she pulled the door closed on the room. And that’s exactly what she needed to do with Alex—close the door on this thing that was bubbling just beneath the surface.

* * *

He’d put this off long enough.

Alex retrieved his phone from his pocket. It was time to let the king know that he was safe. In return, hopefully he would have good news as well. Perhaps this mess with his brother, the crown prince, had been quietly resolved. Then Alex could pack his bags and catch the first flight home—away from his beautiful hostess, who muddled his thoughts and had him losing focus on his priorities.

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