A Royal Christmas Proposal Read online

  She spent most of the rest of the afternoon walking the floor with him in his arms. Fearing he might be catching Nanny’s cold, she touched his face and body, but he didn’t appear to have a fever. He did, however, seem to be chewing on his pacifier more than sucking on it.

  “You’re teething,” she said, feeling like a dumb bunny. “Maybe some ice?”

  The night turned into an endless search of relief for Leo’s sore gums. She felt as if she tried everything, but nothing worked for more than fifteen minutes.

  Changing into her pajamas, Ericka rocked Leo in the rocking chair beside his bed. He calmed and she put him in his crib then headed for her own bed. Not long later, he cried again and Ericka tried the solar system, but it was clear that Leo was hurting. She rocked him again, put him down and headed again for her bed. Just as she fell asleep, Leo cried out again.

  For the five hundredth time during the past four months, Ericka encountered the truth again: this is single motherhood. Sometimes it was one day at a time. Other times it was five minutes at a time. Tonight was the latter. She rocked then turned on the solar system light until it all became a blur. Sometime after midnight, she wondered if this night would ever end.

  * * *

  Treat took a swim and looked at the lights in the cottage. He noticed that some form of light kept illuminating the nursery. The room went dark and he swam a few more laps then paused. The light from the nursery flickered on again.

  Deciding to give it a few more minutes, he returned to the guest suite, took a shower and pulled on sweat pants and a tank. Restless, he walked outside and looked at the nursery window. The light was on. Well, darn. He was going to have to do something.

  Treat waited a few more moments and the room went dark. Edgy, he decided to check on the princess and her baby. He unlocked the door, approving of the fact that Ericka had indeed locked it, and walked down the hall to the nursery. The door was ajar, so he walked inside to silence. Ericka was crumpled into a rocking chair, clearly asleep. Treat walked closer to the crib and saw that Leo was sprawled on his back, also asleep.

  Putting his hands on his hips, Treat assessed the situation. He definitely didn’t want to wake the baby, but Ericka needed to be in bed. As soon as possible. Taking a silent deep breath, he approached her and touched her arm. She didn’t awaken. It must have been a rough evening, he thought. Sliding his hands underneath her, he picked her up and carried her to her room.

  He gently put her on her bed and her eyelids flickered. She looked up at him and batted her eyes again, as if to clear them. “Treat?”

  “Yeah,” he said, his face inches from her.

  Her eyebrow wrinkled. “What—”

  “You fell asleep in the nursery and looked uncomfortable, so I brought you back to your bed,” he said.

  “Leo?” she asked and his heart softened because she automatically asked about her son even though she wasn’t totally conscious.

  “He’s sleeping. Looks like a deep sleep,” he said.

  “Oh, thank goodness. Poor thing. He’s teething,” she said.

  “Ah,” he said, unable to pull away from her.

  For a fraction of a second, she lowered her eyelids then looked him straight in the eye. “Thank you,” she whispered and wrapped her hand around his neck and kissed him.

  Her mouth was so soft and sweet he immediately wanted more. He wanted to taste her. And heaven forbid, take her. He slid his tongue past her lips and tasted a delicious combination of citrus and mint. He felt her lift her fingers through his hair and a rush of arousal raced through him.

  Her combination of sweet and spicy undid him. Treat couldn’t stop himself from devouring her mouth. She opened easily to him, making him want more and more. She pulled him down against her. He gave into her urging and relished the sensation of her warm, feminine body beneath his. It would be all too easy to kiss away her nightclothes then kiss her all over her body. All too easy to touch her in all her secret places and make her ready and wanting for him. All too easy to thrust inside...

  Treat was suddenly so hard with need he trembled from it. She kissed him again, thrusting her sweet tongue in his mouth. He swallowed a thousand curses at how she made him feel. Strong, tender, fierce. Out of control.

  He couldn’t get out of control. He could not.

  Even as she wriggled beneath him and took him with her mouth, he knew he needed to draw back. For her sake and his.

  It was tough, but he did it. He pulled back, gasping for air. “Whoa,” he muttered.

  “Wow,” she said, her eyelids half-shuttering her eyes in a sexy glance. She slid her hands down his shoulders to his arms.

  She made him feel strong, sexy and all too aware of the fact that he hadn’t been with a woman in a long time. But she was different. She wasn’t just any woman.

  “I didn’t mean for that to happen,” he said.

  “But it was a good thing to happen,” she said. The expression in her eyes was so inviting he had to look away.

  “Can’t deny that,” he admitted, and kissed her on her cheek. Her lips were far too dangerous. “You need sleep,” he said. “Get it while you can.”

  “I won’t forget that kiss,” she whispered.

  “Neither will I,” he said, and forced himself to rise from the bed. Then he forced himself to walk out of her bedroom and out of the cottage. His body was hot, his heart was hammering in his chest and he was hard with want and need. Returning to the guest suite, he headed straight for the bathroom. He stripped off his clothes and stepped into a cold shower. Standing under the cold spray, he waited for relief from his need for Ericka. He waited for fifteen minutes, but relief never arrived.

  Leaving the shower, he dried himself off and pulled on a pair of underwear. He went to his self-made gym and began to work out. An hour later, his muscles were tired, but his brain still drifted toward the sensation of Ericka’s body and mouth beneath his. He wondered if he would ever be able to rid himself of the memory.

  * * *

  Ericka slept like the dead until Leo’s cry awakened her from the baby monitor. Stumbling from her bed, she walked to the bedroom and spotted Sam mewing on the shelf above Leo. “Okay, okay,” she said. “I’m here.”

  She looked down at Leo and put her hand on his tummy. “How are you feeling today, sweetie?”

  Leo squirmed and wiggled then smiled at her. Ericka’s heart squeezed tight. “Good for you, sweetheart,” she cooed as she changed his diaper. “How are your gums? Are they a little better?” she asked.

  Leo giggled and her heart caught again.

  “You are clearly a morning guy,” she said while she lifted him into her arms. Carrying him to the kitchen, she pulled a bottle from the fridge and sat in the den and fed him. Burping was compulsory and she squeezed several gas bubbles from him.

  “So let’s do little sign language while you’re fresh,” she said, turning on a video lesson.

  She lifted his hands to follow the signs during the lessons, but again, Leo seemed to prefer playing patty-cake. She laughed. “Come on. Give me a try for cat. You can do that,” she said, pointing at Sam who stared at them as if they crazy. She gave the sign of stroking a cat’s whiskers and helped Leo do the same. “Cat,” she repeated.

  Sensing he was being discussed, Sam came closer and allowed Leo to pet him. He gave a meow then walked away. Leo grunted and waved toward Sam.

  “Leo loves Sam, doesn’t he?” she said then gave her baby a squeeze.

  Leo wasn’t drooling quite as much today, so she hoped he would rest more comfortably during his naps. She put him down for his morning nap and was surprised that he slept soundly, but Ericka was no fool. She used the time to make several phone calls and get work done. When he awakened over an hour later, Ericka fed him and kept him awake until he grew cranky. Then she put him to bed.

&n
bsp; After that, Ericka couldn’t stop thinking about Treat and how his body had felt against hers, how his mouth had felt against hers. She couldn’t remember when she had felt more like a woman, more wanted in a man’s arms. She could still taste him on her lips.

  Her heart hammered in her chest at the thought of him. She wanted to be with him, to feel his mouth on hers, to feel him on her...inside her.

  Ericka bit her lip, thinking and plotting and planning. The last time she’d attempted to seduce a man, it had been her ex-husband. This, her second time, she planned to seduce her bodyguard and the thought of it made her so nervous she could hardly stand it.

  Leo was cooperative. He awakened early evening and she fed and played with him. Apparently his gums weren’t hurting tonight. Great for her and him.

  She rocked him to sleep and he easily settled into sleep. It seemed like a miracle to her. Or, perhaps, destiny, she thought, and dressed in a skimpy black tank dress. She fluffed her hair and said a crazy prayer then pressed the intercom button for Treat. “Do you mind coming over to the cottage?”

  “No problem. I’ll be right over,” Treat said.

  Ericka sat on the sofa. Then she stood. Then she sat down again.

  Treat walked through the front door. “Problem?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she said, her heart thumping in her chest. “My problem is that I want you very, very much.”

  Treat took a deep breath. “Ericka,” he said.

  “I’ve put my feelings on a plate. Can you do the same?” she asked.

  Treat closed his eyes and looked away. “You know this is wrong,” he finally said.

  “Wrong?” she echoed, rising from the sofa. “But we’re adults. We can determine what’s best for us.”

  Treat shook his head. “I can’t do this,” he said. “If I’m with you, I don’t know how I can be rational and protect you the way I need to,” he said. “It’s not that I don’t want you,” he said.

  Ericka struggled with his rejection. “Right,” she said, trying to figure out her next step since her first step had clearly failed.

  “No, really—”

  “Oh, stop,” she said. “You clearly have no problem resisting my attempt at seduction. Enough humiliation. Let’s just go to our separate beds.”

  “You’re wrong,” he said, moving toward her. “I do want—”

  “Stop,” she said, lifting her hand. “I made a mistake and now we’re both uncomfortable. Let’s just try to forget it all.”

  “I can’t do that,” he said.

  “You may have an easier time than I will,” she said. “Good night, or as my sister-in-law Eve would say, sweet dreams.”

  Ericka walked to her bedroom and stripped off her dress. She suddenly felt a century old and as sexy as a stone. Humiliated, she put on her comfy jammies and climbed into her bed. Treat was not in her future and she needed to forget that mind-blowing kiss they’d shared. It had been an illusion. He might say that he wanted her, but he clearly didn’t want her as much as she wanted him.

  She needed to shut those desires and needs down. Now and forever.

  * * *

  The following afternoon, Nanny returned appearing less congested and more rested.

  Ericka decided she needed a little outing, so she told Treat she wanted to visit her sister but also told him she wanted to drive herself. He could follow in his own vehicle. After her failed attempt at seduction last night, she couldn’t bear the prospect of him in such close quarters with her.

  Driving her small car onto Bridget’s ranch, she pulled to a stop and skipped to the front door. She knocked.

  Seconds later, Bridget, immensely pregnant, opened the door and squealed. “You’re here. Where’s the baby?”

  “Resting,” Ericka said. “I just needed a sister visit.”

  “Well, you’ve got one. Come on inside,” Bridget said, and led her inside to a comfortable sunroom. “You picked a good day. The twins are in a quiet mood. Playing Lego. Under all that quietness, I’m convinced they’re trying to take over the world. My husband says swelling from my pregnancy is making me crazy, but I know better.”

  Ericka gave a circular nod. “If you say so.”

  “I’m just kidding,” Bridget said. “How’s sweetie-pie Leo?”

  “Perfect,” she said, sinking into a comfortable couch. “But I think I may need to get out a little more often.”

  “Getting a little crazy?” Bridget asked.

  “I wouldn’t have put it that way,” Ericka said, but knew Bridget had nailed it.

  “Well, why not kill two birds with one stone?” Bridget asked, clapping her hands together. “As you know, the royal family is hosting a holiday art event. I know a hot, young Italian guy who could cheer you up,” she said.

  “Italians flatter too much,” Ericka said.

  “There are times when we could all use a little flattery. I’m not asking you to marry him. Just enjoy him for the evening. You don’t even have to take him to bed,” Bridget said.

  Ericka stared at her sister in shock. “Bridget, shame on you. I’m not that desperate.”

  “Of course you aren’t,” she said. “But you could use a little fun. I’m looking out for your mental health,” she said.

  Ericka couldn’t help chuckling. “I’m not sure this is a good idea. I was thinking a luncheon or a visit to our museum.”

  “This is similar to a visit to a museum. You’ll just dress up a little more and enjoy the company of an attractive man. Like I said, it’s not forever. You could use a little fun. You’re looking a little unnecessarily serious and cranky,” Bridget said.

  Ericka blinked. “That’s sounds a bit insulting.”

  “Just tell me you’ll go on the date,” Bridget said.

  Ericka took a deep breath. She clearly needed to get out. She was getting way too hung up over a bodyguard who didn’t want to be with her. “I’ll do it.”

  Bridget clapped her hands together. “Great. I can’t wait to talk to Antonio.”

  Ericka visited with the twin boys and a few of the animals. She promised to bring Leo soon. As she got into her small car, she spotted Treat waiting. She waved at him because it seemed like the right thing to do. Then she drove home. Along the way, she wondered if she should have agreed to the blind date via Bridget, but she hoped it would be a very welcome distraction.

  She needed to stop thinking about Treat. Maybe Antonio would help. Arriving at the cottage, she stepped out of the car and waved toward Treat as he pulled in behind her. “I’m going to a formal event tomorrow night. Representing the Devereaux family. The palace will provide a car.”

  He met her gaze. “This is new.”

  She shrugged. “Good to know we’re keeping the job interesting. Ciao,” she said as she walked into the cottage.

  Chapter Eight

  The next day, Ericka awakened early to the sound of Leo’s lusty cry. She waved Nanny back to her bed as she made her way to her son’s room. Today, she was determined to brighten her outlook. Perhaps Bridget was right. She’d become too serious for anyone’s good. She had plenty going for her. She had a healthy, happy baby. Her child’s nanny adored him. She had a supportive family and she lived in a lovely cottage on a beautiful neighborhood.

  Ericka looked down at Leo as he whined. “Good morning, beautiful boy,” she said, putting her hand on his chest to comfort him then stroking his face. She smiled and he quit crying. After changing his diaper, she put in his hearing aids even though she now knew they helped his hearing very little, if at all.

  “I bet you would like a bottle,” she said, and carried him to the kitchen where she grabbed a bottle from the refrigerator. He slurped down his nourishment and she helped him burp. If she were following her normal schedule, she would share a little sign language session wit
h him then move on to tummy time, but the sun was shining brightly and she’d heard the weather should be reasonably warm.

  She decided to take Leo for a stroll. With a cap over his head covering his hearing aids, even if the paparazzi took a picture, they wouldn’t spot anything unusual. She changed into jeans and a light jacket and put a jacket on Leo, grabbed the stroller and headed out the door. The sun was so bright Leo squinted his eyes.

  “Sorry about that, sweetie,” she said as she pulled the top of the stroller forward to offer him a little shade. She walked to the gate and pushed the button for it to open. Just as she walked through it, she heard footsteps behind her. Glancing behind her, she saw Treat and felt a strange combination of excitement and annoyance.

  “What are you doing?” he asked, catching up to her.

  “I’m taking Leo for a stroll,” she said.

  “You’re supposed to tell me,” he said.

  “Nothing personal, but I didn’t want to invite you.” She shrugged. “Well, maybe it is personal,” she said. “I’m not going far.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I need to have eyes on you if you leave the gate. Anything could happen,” he said.

  “But it probably won’t at seven a.m.,” she pointed out. “Most of the citizens of Chantaine don’t rise much before nine.” She frowned. “This is Leo’s first stroll in a week. Don’t ruin it.”

  He blinked and lifted his hand. “Okay. Just pretend I’m not here.”

  “Not likely,” she muttered under her breath but gave it a good effort. She looked at the trees and her neighbor’s well-tended garden. She tried to take a deep breath and fill her mind with so many good thoughts that they would crowd out her awareness of Treat. After a few moments of walking, she stopped to check on Leo. The little sneak appeared to be sleeping.

  “You little rascal,” she said, adjusting his jacket.

  She felt Treat look over her shoulder. “Sleeping on the job?”

  “I was hoping this would be stimulating for him, offering him a new experience.” She chuckled.

  “You really can’t blame him. He’s nicely bundled and shaded. The temperature is perfect with a little breeze. The movement of the stroller probably lulled him to sleep. Perfect nap situation,” he said.