At His Majesty's Convenience (4 page)

Jake's mouth broadened into a smile at the sight of her. “You look great.” His dark eyes shone with approval.

She shrugged. Something about the ensemble felt funny. Too casual, maybe. It didn't seem right to wear jeans in a royal palace.

“You didn't bring any shoes.” She pointed to her bare feet.

“Maybe I wanted to admire your pretty toes.”

Heat flared inside her as his gaze slid down her legs to the toes in question. She giggled, feeling suddenly lighthearted. “My toes would still like to find some shoes to hide in. Why wasn't I wearing any last night? I looked in the bedroom and the dressing room, but I didn't see any.”

“I don't know.” Jake's expression turned more serious. “You were twirling barefoot on the lawn when I found you.”

Andi's skin prickled with unease again. “So we decided to get engaged, and then I lost my memory?”

Jake nodded. His guarded expression didn't offer much reassurance.

He took a step toward her. “Don't worry, we'll get through this together.” He slid his arms around her waist. Heat rippled in her belly. His scent stirred emotions and sensations and she softened into his embrace. She wondered if he was going to say he loved her, but he simply kissed her softly on the mouth.

Pleasure crept over her. “I guess I'm lucky it happened right here, and that I'm not wandering around some strange place with no idea who I am like those stories you see on the news.”

“It is fortunate, isn't it?” He kissed her again. This time both their eyes slid closed and the kiss deepened. Colors swirled and sparkled behind Andi's eyelids and sensation crashed through her, quickening her pulse and making her breath come in unsteady gasps. Her fingers itched to touch the skin under his starched shirt.

She stepped back, blinking, once they managed to pull apart. Were their kisses always this intense?

Jake smiled, relaxed and calm. Apparently this was all par for the course. Andi patted her hair, wishing she could feel half as composed as he looked. Terror snapped through her at the prospect of facing strangers and trying to pretend everything was normal. “Can we keep our engagement a secret for now?”

Jake's eyes widened for a second. “Why?”

“Just so I don't have to answer a lot of questions when I don't even know who I am.”

He frowned. “I'm afraid it's too late. I told someone on the phone last night.”

“Who?” Not that she'd even know the name.

“Maxi Rivenshnell. She's a…friend of the family.”

Andi paused. The name had a nasty ring to it. Maybe it was the way he pronounced it, like something that tasted bad. “Maybe she won't tell anyone.”

“I suspect she'll tell everyone.” He turned and strode across the room. Shoved a hand through his dark hair. Then he turned and approached her. “But nothing's going to stop me buying you a ring today, and you're going to choose it. First, let me summon your shoes.”

 

Jake parked his Mercedes in his usual reserved spot in the town's main square. No need for chauffeurs and armed escorts in tiny Ruthenia. He rushed around the car to help Andi out, but she was already on her feet and closing the door by the time he got there.

She'd devoured her breakfast of fruit and pastries in the privacy of his suite. At least he knew what she liked to eat. Despite obvious confusion over little things like how to find her way around, she seemed healthy and relatively calm, which was a huge relief.

Of course her reluctance to announce their engagement was a slight hitch in his plans to unload his unwanted admirers, but word would get out soon enough. Ruthenia had more than its share of gossiping busybodies, and for once they'd be working in his favor.

He took her arm and guided her across the main square. Morning sunlight illuminated the old stone facades of the shops and glinted off the slate tiles of the church steeple. Pigeons gathered near the fountain, where a little girl tossed bread crumbs at them and two dogs barked a happy greeting as their owners stopped for a chat.

“The local town,” murmured Andi.

“Does it look familiar?”

“A little. Like I've seen it in a dream rather than in real life. It's so pretty.”

“It is lovely. You and I saw it together for the first time three years ago.”

She paused. “You didn't grow up here?”

“No, I grew up in the States, like you. I didn't come here until the socialist government collapsed in a heap of corruption scandals and people started agitating for the return of the royal family. At first I thought they were nuts, then I realized I could probably help put the country back on its feet.” He looked at her, her clear blue eyes wide, soaking in everything he said. “I couldn't have done it without you.”

His chest tightened as he spoke the words. All true. Andi's quiet confidence and brisk efficiency made almost anything possible. The prospect of carrying on without her by his side was unthinkable.

“Was I good at being your assistant?” Her serious gaze touched him. “I don't remember anything about my job.”

“Exemplary. You've been far more than my assistant. My right-hand woman is a better description.”

She looked pleased. “I guess that's a good thing, since we're getting married.”

“Absolutely.” Jake swallowed. How would she react when her memory returned and she realized they were never romantically involved? He drew in a breath. She wasn't in love with him. Still, she was sensible enough to see that marriage between them would be in the best interests of Ruthenia.

And that kiss had been surprisingly spicy. In fact, he couldn't remember experiencing anything like it in his fairly substantial kissing experience.

Maybe it was the element of the forbidden. He'd never considered kissing his assistant and it still felt…wrong. Probably because it was wrong of him to let her think they'd been a couple. But once a ring was on her finger, they really would be engaged and everything would be on the up and up.

At least until her memory came back.

“The jeweler is down this street.” He led her along a narrow cobbled alley barely wide enough for a cart. The kind of street he'd have to fold in his wing mirrors to drive down without scraping the ancient walls on either side. Thick handblown glass squares glazed the bowed window of the shop, giving a distorted view of the luxurious trinkets inside.

Despite its old-world ambience—or maybe because of it—this jeweler was one of the finest in Europe and had recently regained its international reputation as part of Jake's Rediscover Ruthenia campaign. He'd bought quite a few pieces here—gifts for foreign diplomats and wealthy Ruthenian acquaintances. Why had it never occurred to him to buy something lovely for Andi?

He opened the heavy wood door and ushered her in, unable to resist brushing her waist with his fingers as he
coaxed her through. The formally attired proprietor rushed forward to greet them. “Welcome, sir.” Jake was grateful the man remembered his aversion to pompous titles. “How can we assist you today? A custom commission, perhaps?”

Jake hesitated. Andi might well like a ring designed to her exact specifications—but he needed a ring on her finger right now to make an honest man of him. He certainly didn't want her memory coming back before the setting was tooled. “I suspect you have something lovely in the shop already.”

He took Andi's hand in his. It was warm, and he squeezed it to calm her nerves. “We're looking for an engagement ring.”

The elderly jeweler's eyes opened wide. His gaze slid to Andi, then back again. He seemed unsure what to make of the situation. Perhaps he'd been following the local gossip columns and was already designing one with Maxi or Alia in mind. “Should I be offering you my congratulations?”

“Most certainly.” Jake slid his arm around Andi.

“Wonderful.” The jeweler bowed his head slightly in Andi's direction. “My best wishes for you both. And in time for Independence Day, too.” A smile creased his wrinkled face. “The whole nation will be overjoyed. I do think a custom creation would be most appropriate. Perhaps with the family crest?”

“Why don't we take a look at what you have in stock?” He tightened his arm around Andi's waist, then loosened it, suddenly aware of how intent he was to hold on to her. Not that she was resisting. She leaned into him, perhaps seeking reassurance he was happy to provide.

A large tray of sparkling rings appeared from a deep wooden cabinet. Jake glanced at Andi and saw her eyes widen.

“See if anything appeals to you.” He spoke softly,
suddenly feeling the intimacy of the moment. The first step in their journey through life as a married couple. The rings were nearly all diamonds, some single and some triple, with a large stone flanked by two smaller stones. A few more had clusters of diamonds and there was a large sapphire and a square cut ruby.

Andi drew in a long breath, then reached for a small single diamond in a carved platinum band. She held it for a moment, then extended her fingers to try it on. “Wow, this feels weird. Like you should be doing it, or something.” She glanced shyly at him.

Jake swallowed. He took the ring from her—the diamond was too small, anyway—and gingerly slid it onto her slender finger. His skin tingled as he touched hers and a flutter of something stirred in his chest. The ring fit well and looked pretty on her hand.

“What do you think?” She turned her hand, and the stone sparkled in the light.

“Nice.” He didn't want to criticize, if that was her choice.

The jeweler frowned. “It's a fine ring, but for the royal family, perhaps something a bit more…extravagant?” He lifted a dramatic large stone flanked by several smaller stones. The kind of ring that would make people's eyes pop. Jake had to admit it was more appropriate under the circumstances.

Andi allowed the older man to slide her choice off her finger and push the big sparkler onto it. His face creased into a satisfied smile as it slid perfectly into place. “Lovely. Much more suitable for a royal bride, if you don't mind my saying.”

She tilted her hand to the side and studied the ring. Despite the large size of the stones it also looked elegant on her graceful hands. Jake wondered how he'd never noticed
what pretty hands she had. He'd been watching them type his letters and organize his files for years.

“It's a bit over the top….” She paused, still staring at it. “But it is pretty.” She looked up at Jake. “What do you think?”

“Very nice.” He intended to buy her many more trinkets and baubles to enjoy. It was worth it to see the sunny smile on her face, and they were supporting the local economy. “Let's buy it and go get a hot chocolate to celebrate.”

She hesitated for a moment more, studying the ring on her finger. When she looked up, confusion darkened the summer-blue of her eyes. She seemed like she wanted to say something, but hesitated in front of the jeweler. The shop owner tactfully excused himself and disappeared through a low door into a back room.

“I guess he trusts us alone with the merchandise.” Jake grinned. “There must be a million dollars worth of rocks on this tray.”

“I'd imagine a crown inspires a certain amount of trust.” She looked up at him, eyes sparkling. “I'm still getting used to the idea that you're a king.”

“Me, too. I'm not sure I'll ever be completely used to it, but at least it's starting to feel like a suit that fits. How does the ring feel?”

Andi studied the ring again. “It is lovely, but it's just so…big.”

“He's right, though. It makes sense to go dramatic. Do you want people muttering that I'm a cheapskate?” He raised a brow.

Andi chuckled. “I guess you have a good point.” Then she frowned. “Are people going to be shocked that you're marrying your assistant?” She bit her lip for a moment. “I mean…did they know that we're…intimate?”

Jake inhaled. “We kept it all pretty private.”

“Did anyone know?” Her serious expression tugged at him.

“A few people may have guessed something.” Who knew what people might imagine, even if there had never been anything to guess? “But on the whole, we were discreet so it'll be a surprise.”

Andi's shoulders tightened a bit. “I hope they won't be too upset that you're not marrying someone more…important.”

“No one's more important than you, Andi. I'd be lost without you.” It was a relief to say something honest, even if he meant it in a business sense, rather than a romantic one.

“I guess I should get the fancy one. If they're going to talk, let's give them something to talk about.”

“That's the attitude.” Jake rang the bell on the counter and the jeweler appeared again like Rumpelstiltskin. “We'll take it.”

The old man beamed. “An excellent choice. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.”

Me, too,
thought Jake. He'd need to think on his feet when Andi snapped out of this thing.

A
ndi blinked as they stepped out of the dark shop into bright morning sunlight that reflected off everything from the gray cobbles to the white-crested mountain peaks that loomed over the town. The cold air whipped at her skin and she drew her warm coat about her. Out in the open she felt violently self-conscious about the huge ring on her finger, and gratefully tucked it into her coat pocket.

“The coffeehouse is just up the road.” Jake took her arm. “You may not remember, but they have the best hot chocolate in the known world and you love it.”

Andi's muscles tightened at the reminder that he knew more about her than she did. “Do you go there often?” It seemed odd for a king to frequent a local café. Then again she had no idea what was normal. Very strange how she remembered things like old fairy tales but not her own life.

“Of course. Got to support the local businesses.”

He certainly was thoughtful. That cozy feeling of being protected and cared for warmed her as he slid his arm through hers again. How lucky she was! No doubt her memory would come back soon and—

A moped skidded past them on the narrow street. Its rider, a man in a black leather jacket, stopped and leaped off, camera in hand. “Your Highness, is it true you are engaged?” he asked, in a French accent.

Jake paused. “It is true.” Andi stared in surprise at his polite demeanor.

“May I take your picture?”

Jake took Andi's hands in his. “What do you say, Andi? He's just doing his job.”

Andi cringed inwardly. She didn't want anyone seeing her in her confused state, let alone photographing her. She also didn't want to make a fuss in front of a stranger. That might give the game away.

She swallowed. “Okay, I guess.” She pushed a lock of hair self-consciously off her face. She hadn't had time to style it—not that she even remembered what style she usually wore—but Jake had assured her it looked lovely.

The man took about fifty pictures from different angles through a long, scary-looking lens that would probably show every pore on her face. Jake was obviously used to the attention and remained calm and pleasant. He even adjusted them into several dignified romantic poses as if they were at a professional shoot.

Almost as if he'd planned this encounter.

She fought the urge to frown, which certainly wouldn't be a good idea for the pictures. How did the photographer know they were engaged when it had only happened last night?

Jake managed to politely disengage them from the impromptu photo session and continue down the road.
He smiled and nodded at passersby, all of whom seemed quite comfortable rubbing shoulders with their monarch. But when they reached the main square she saw two more reporters, a woman with a tiny microphone clipped to her jacket and a tall man with a notepad. They greeted Jake with warm smiles and asked if congratulations were in order.

Andi tried to maintain a pleasant expression while unease gnawed at her gut.

“How does it feel to marry a king?” asked the woman, in soft Ruthenian tones.

“I'm not sure yet,” admitted Andi. “Since we're not married. I'll have to let you know after the ceremony.”

“When will that be?” asked the man. Andi glanced at Jake.

“We'll make an announcement when we have all the details sorted out. A royal wedding isn't something you rush into.”

“Of course.” The reporter was a middle-aged woman with soft blond hair. “And you've kept your promise of choosing your bride before Ruthenia's third Independence Day next week.”

“The people of Ruthenia know I'm a man of my word.”

Andi only just managed not to frown. He'd become engaged to her at the last minute because of some promise he made? That was awfully convenient. The knot in the pit of her stomach tightened.

The woman asked if she could see Andi's ring. Andi pulled it out and was alarmed to see it looked even bigger and brighter out here in daylight. The camera flashed several times before she could hide her hand back in her pocket again.

When Jake finally excused them, her heart was pounding and her face flushed. She let out a silent sigh of relief as
he guided her into the warm and inviting coffee shop. She removed her coat and hung it on a row of iron hooks that looked hundreds of years old.

“I'm glad they didn't ask any questions I couldn't answer.”

“The paparazzi are polite here.” Jake took her hand and led her to a secluded table. “They know I can have them clapped in irons if they're not.”

She glanced up to see if he was kidding and was relieved to see a sparkle of humor in his eye.

“The press has been helpful in letting the world know about my efforts to bring the country into the twenty-first century. It pays to keep them happy.”

“How could they know about our engagement already? Did that girl you spoke to phone them?” Andi sat in the plush upholstered chair. A small fire snapped and sizzled nearby. The coffee shop had dark wood paneling and varied antique tables and chairs clustered around the low-ceilinged space that looked unchanged since the 1720s—which it probably was.

“I doubt it. They seem to know everything. It's a bit spooky at first, but you get used to it. Maybe they saw us inside the jeweler's?”

“Or maybe he tipped them off.” Andi gingerly pulled her be-ringed hand from her pocket to take a menu from the elegantly attired waiter.

“Old Gregor is the soul of discretion.” Jake studied his menu. Andi wondered for a second how he knew to trust Old Gregor. Had he commissioned gems for other women? But he said they'd been dating for years.

She cursed the hot little flame of jealousy that had flickered to life inside her. Why were they suddenly engaged after years of dating? Was it somehow precipitated by this promise he'd made, or had she previously refused?

For a moment Andi was hyperaware of people at tables all around them, sipping their drinks and eating. Could they tell she was missing a huge part of her life?

He shrugged. “It's their job. We live in the public eye.” He reached across the table and took her hand. His strong fingers closed around hers. She squeezed his hand back and enjoyed the sense of reassurance she got from him. “You'll get used to it again.”

“I suppose I will.” She glanced warily about the interior of the intimate coffeehouse. “It's so unnerving not to even know what's normal. Then you can't figure out what's odd and unusual.”

“It would certainly be odd for us to sit here without drinking hot chocolate.” He summoned the waiter and ordered a pot of hot chocolate and a dish of cream. “And, just so you know, the waffles with summer berries are your favorite.”

“Did we eat here together a lot?” The place didn't look especially familiar.

“Yes. We often brought business associates and visitors from the States here, since it's so quaint and unchanged. Now that we're engaged…” He stroked her hand inside his and fixed his dark eyes on hers. “It's just the two of us.”

Andi's insides fluttered as his gaze crept right under her skin. If only she could remember what their relationship was like. It didn't sound as if they ate out unless in company, which was a bit odd. A secret affair.

It must be strange and unsettling for him to have her behaving like a different person.

Then again, he didn't seem rattled by the situation. His handsome face had an expression of calm contentment. The chiseled features were steady as the mountains outside and it was hard to imagine him getting upset or bothered by anything. Jake was obviously the kind of man who took
things in stride. Her hand felt totally comfortable in his, as if he was promising her that he'd take care of her and make sure only good things happened.

Why did it feel so bizarre that such a gorgeous and successful man was all hers?

Well, of course she had to share him with a small nation, but after the lights went out he was hers alone. Hope and excitement rose through her, along with a curl of desire that matched the steam rising off the hot chocolate.

Jake kept his gaze on her face as the waiter poured the fragrant liquid into two wide round cups and then dropped a dollop of thick whipped cream on top of each one. When the waiter moved away, Jake lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. Sensual excitement flashed through her body at the soft touch of his mouth on her skin, a promise of what would come when they were alone together.

Andi fought the urge to glance around to see if anyone had witnessed the intimate moment. She drew in a deep breath and forced herself to display the kind of cool that Jake possessed naturally. She'd better get used to being in the public eye, since she'd be spending the rest of her life in it.

If she really was marrying Jake. The idea still seemed too far-fetched and outrageous to truly believe. He gently let go of her hand and she moved it quickly to her cup and covered her confusion with a sip. The rich and delicious chocolate slid down her throat and heated her insides. Perfect.

Everything was perfect. Too perfect.

So why couldn't she escape the niggling feeling that when she got her memory back she'd discover something was horribly wrong?

 

Andi grew increasingly nervous as they drove back to the palace. None of the other staff knew about their
engagement—at least as far as she knew. How would they react?

She climbed out of the car on shaky legs. Did she have a best friend here in whom she confided? Or was that person Jake? Tears hovered very close to the surface, but she tried hard to put on a brave face as they approached the grand doorway up a flight of wide steps.

“Good morning, sir.” A black-attired man opened the door before they even reached it. “And may I offer you congratulations.”

Andi cringed. They all knew already? Word spread around this tiny country like a plague.

“Congratulations, Andi. I'm not sure whether it's appropriate to tell you that, as usual, the mail is in your office.”

She didn't even know she had an office, let alone where it was. She gulped, realizing that she'd be expected to do her job, regardless of whether or not she could remember how.

Either that or tell everyone that her mind had been wiped blank, and she couldn't face that. “Thanks,” she managed.

She kept her hand buried deep in the pocket of her wool coat as they crossed the marble-floored entrance hall. Faces looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn't remember names or if they were friends as well as coworkers. Jake stopped to answer some questions about a phone call they'd received, and Andi hesitated, unsure which direction to walk in, or where to even hang her coat. Worse yet, a girl with lots of red hair rushed up to her, wide-eyed. “Why am I the last to know everything?”

Andi managed a casual shrug.

The redhead leaned in and lowered her voice. “I see you decided not to leave after all?”

Andi's eyes widened. “Leave?” She glanced up to see if
Jake had heard, but he was still deep in conversation several yards away.

“Stop acting innocent. I saw the suitcases you bought in town. Still, obviously something better than a new job came up.”

“I don't know what you're talking about.” Truer words were never spoken. Anxiety churned the hot chocolate in her stomach. Suitcases? A new job? That was odd. She needed to get to her room and see if she could find something to jog her memory.

If only she knew where her room was.

She remembered the way back to Jake's suite, and was tempted to head that way without him just to get away from the inquisitive redhead. Then again, he was apparently her boss, so that might look odd.

The ring practically burned her finger, still hidden deep inside her coat. “Let me take that for you.” An older man with neat white hair crossed the floor. Andi stared. “Your coat,” he continued, demonstrating the hanger in his hand. “I wonder if it's premature to call you Your Majesty?” he asked with a kind expression.

“Probably.” She managed a smile while shrugging the coat off. She looked up at Jake and their eyes met. He must have seen the plea in her face as he detached himself from his questioner and strode to her side. “Let's head for my office.”

As soon as they were on the stairs, she whispered that she didn't know where her room was. He frowned for a second, then smiled. “We'll go there right now.”

The hallway was empty. “I don't even know anyone's name. It's the most awkward feeling. People must think I'm so rude.”

“That was Walter. Worked here back when it was a hotel
and always the first to know every bit of gossip. He probably spread the word.”

“This building was a hotel?”

“For a while. It had a few different lives while my family was in exile in the States. It took a lot of work to get it looking like this, and you were in charge of most of it.”

Andi bit her lip, walking along carpet she may even have selected. Jake pointed to the third polished wood door in a long hallway, only a few yards from his. “That's yours. It wasn't locked when I came to get your clothes.”

She tried the handle and it swung open. A neat, hotel-like room greeted her, with heavy brocade curtains and a small double bed. The dark wood furniture looked antique and impressive. She cringed at the sight of a pair of panty hose draped over the bed.

“Um, maybe I should spend a little time alone here. See if anything jogs my memory.”

“Sure.” Jake stroked her back softly. Her skin heated under her T-shirt as he turned her toward him and lowered his face to hers. All worries and fears drifted way for a few seconds as she lost herself in his soft and gentle kiss.

“Don't worry about anything.” He pointed to a dresser. “Your phone's right there and you've always told me I'm programmed in as number one.” He winked. “I'll head for my office to deal with this electrical supply situation that's cropped up. Call me if you need anything, and even if you don't.”