His dirty dishes could just sit there until morning, she decided. Seeing him again tonight would just remind her of the disappointment she felt when reality hit her. Even though she’d told herself over and over that she didn’t want anything to do with Colin, a little part of her had been imagining them sharing dinner, talking, and laughing. And if she were brutally honest with herself, a part of her hoped for more flirting, and even another kiss.
But she’d seen the real Colin tonight and hadn’t liked what she’d seen. For the briefest time, she’d let her physical desires override her common sense, let the promise of pleasure cloud her vision. Now more than ever, she knew that the man had to go, had to be removed from her life before her vision clouded again, and she did something she’d be sorry for later.
Feeling on more even ground, she was just about to get up and take her dishes to the kitchen when she heard Colin’s bedroom door open. The sound of rattling dishes was punctuated by a couple of cuss words, then she heard the door close again. For a second, she wondered if he’d just put his tray out in the hallway, but then she heard footsteps.
From her perch on the chair, she just caught a glimpse of him carrying his tray into the kitchen and cursed the way her heart leaped in her chest. She wanted, no, she needed to dislike Colin, but he was making it difficult again. When he reappeared from the kitchen and poked his head into the room, her palms got sweaty, and her heart started pounding in her chest.
She had the strangest sense that something important was about to happen, and the butterflies in her stomach seemed to agree. “I’m sorry I acted like such an ass earlier. I have no excuse for my behavior,” he said.
When she didn’t answer because her heart was doing flip-flops in her chest, he went on. “If it makes any difference, it was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten, better than anything I’ve had at the castle.”
Darby wanted to stay mad, but his words struck her somewhere deep inside, and a little part of her was happy that she’d brought him pleasure. “That’s because most of what you just ate was either grown right here on the farm or somewhere close,” she said, trying to keep her composure. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Colin looked a little confused. “Isn’t this the same food I always eat?” he asked.
She had to suppress a sigh. “No, all the food you eat at the castle is brought in from outside Ballentine,” she said. “It costs twice as much, but somewhere along the line, the royals decided that they couldn’t eat the same food as the common people. You didn’t know?”
“No,” he said, a look of embarrassment on his face. “I never really thought about where my food came from.”
“Maybe you should,” she said. “And while we’re on the subject, I’d be happy to lend you some money so you can find someplace to stay and pay for your meals until you can go home.”
“Lend me money...” Colin said, still looking confused. “I thought...couldn’t I just stay here?”
Darby opened her mouth to refuse, but he looked so innocent and lost at the thought of leaving that she felt herself weakening. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to stay here. You’re the prince; you should be staying someplace better than an old farmhouse,” she said.
Colin looked around him. “I like it here. It’s quiet, and the food is incredible,” he said.
“What about the king and queen? I’m sure they’re looking for you by now,” she said. “I don’t want to get in the middle of anything that’s going to bring the guards up here. I can’t afford it.”
“It would serve them right if they were worried,” Colin said. “But I’m sure your friend Eli has already told the entire town that I’m here.”
“Eli knows better. He’d never do anything to attract attention like that,” Darby said, but a little part of her was worried that he might. “But that’s even more reason for you to go back into town tomorrow. I’m sure now that you’re cleaned up, someone will believe that you’re the prince, and I’ll give you some money if that will help.”
“It could be dangerous for me in town,” Colin said, coming into the room and sitting down across from her.
The sight of his naked chest took her breath away, and she felt her brain beginning to get cloudy again. Trying to think logically, she offered, “Your parents wouldn’t put you in any danger; you’re supposed to take over the throne someday.”
A look of sadness spread across his face. “They told me they’re going to pass the crown onto my brother right before they kicked me out of the castle,” he said.
Despite her best efforts, Darby felt herself weaken further. “I guess a few days wouldn’t hurt,” she finally said. “But then you have to move on; your parents will start looking for you eventually.”
The smile that spread across Colin’s face did nothing to calm the desire racing through her, and it was at that moment she knew that she’d made a mistake. But he was on his feet and out of the room before she could say she’d changed her mind, leaving her sitting there wondering what she’d just agreed to.
Chapter Nine
***Colin***
Colin walked back to his room, a huge smile on his face. He should have felt bad about how he’d played Darby, but he’d gotten her to agree to let him stay, and that’s what mattered. Now he’d have a few days of rest and relaxation, not to mention terrific food before he had to face his parents and the mess he’d made of his life. He’d never really considered the possibility that his brother might be given the crown, but when he’d said it out loud just now, it hit him that it might actually happen.
Disappearing from Ballentine might just be the leverage he needed to get himself back in his parent’s good graces. No matter what he’d told Darby, he was sure that they hadn’t totally abandoned him, that somewhere their spies were looking for him. After a few days, they’d be more than happy to welcome him back, past transgressions or not, and life could get back to normal.
Until then, he’d be happy to while away the time, lounging around watching television and plotting how he was going to get Darby into his bed. He’d never met a woman quite like her, and he was anxious to see if the passion between them was as promising as it felt. There was a fire inside her that he wanted to ignite, to see just how hot she could burn, and if he got singed in the process, all the better.
Pulling back the covers on the bed, he started to get in, delicious images of he and Darby together floating through his mind. But then he saw that the bed was filled with crumbs from his dinner and scrunched up his nose in disgust. He’d have to remember to tell Darby in the morning that he liked clean sheets every day, he thought, brushing the crumbs out.
Satisfied that the bed was as clean as he could get it, he slipped off the pajama pants and climbed in. Making himself comfortable, he flipped through the channels until he found a movie he liked, then settled in for a night of mindless entertainment: his favorite kind. But he soon found himself looking around the room and realized that he was going to need a few things to make himself comfortable.