Once Upon a Royal Billionaire Read online

  Rhett waved back. “She’s going next!”

  The Valdez boat cheered, and Emily smiled.

  “You have fans.”

  “I’ve missed this.”

  Rhett smiled. “Move back. Live here again.”

  She turned away and started adjusting a ski boot. “You remember how I like to run?”

  “Perfectly.” She skied at twenty-two miles per hour, unless dipping around a buoy, sometimes she liked to take it slower.

  “Good.” She lifted her ski and zipped up her life vest.

  “Hey, you okay? You don’t have to move back…”

  “I know. I—I’m fine.” She sat on the back platform, slipped the ski on, and then slid down into the water, rope in hand.

  He tossed the rest of the rope out into the water and turned on the boat, idling forward slowly to take up the slack. When the rope was taut and she was ready, she shouted, “Hit it!”

  Rhett gunned it at exactly the speed she preferred. She popped up out of the water with her signature shout. “Wooo! Woop, woop, woop!” And then she immediately dug in, cutting through the water with a huge rooster tail spraying out behind her. He could see her smile through his mirror. And it was a beautiful thing.

  He’d love to see that smile every day. But she would go back to America in three weeks, and he had no idea when he’d get to see her again. But, at least she would talk to him now. Things were already much better than they had been.

  She took the first buoy, digging in, whipping her ski around it, and cutting across the wake so fast even Rhett was amazed. He’d seen her ski a thousand times; he’d trained with her growing up. They had basically learned together. But he’d never seen her ski with such a vengeance.

  She took the next buoy before she even arrived there, swinging her ski forward and around, and cutting back before she’d even finished the huge rooster tail. They finished the course with a perfect run. He was astounded. She signaled she wanted to keep going, so he turned to find some smooth water on the other side of the bay, with her digging and cutting all the while.

  The more he watched, the more certain he became. Somehow, someway, he’d have to convince her to stay.

  4

  Rhett kept the boat at a slow, no-wake speed as they cruised back into their bay. Emily dabbed her face and neck with a plush towel. Rhett watched her. So far, he hadn’t said anything, but she read his face so well. A part of her was pleased that she could still guess at what he was thinking.

  She adjusted her ponytail. They obviously still shared a good amount of attraction. Did she want to step closer to his solid, packed chest? Heck yes. Did she really want him to push the friendship envelope, though? Last time that hadn’t worked well at all. And now she had Lily to think of. And he lived on an island in the Mediterranean. And she had her career. And—

  “Stop.” Rhett held up his hands, laughing.

  “What?”

  “Just stop that train of thought right now.”

  “Oh, you think you know what I’m thinking?”

  “Probably, and you’re overthinking things. Look, I’m just happy you’re back in my life and not frowning at me.”

  She laughed, chagrined. She’d been steamrolling herself into a panic. “Well, I’m happy about that too.” She sat in the chair next to the driver seat. “I would not want us to continue with this strange silence for another ten years.”

  “Exactly.” He turned on the motor again. “How long are you here?”

  “Two weeks, remember? Maybe three.” She replaced her sunglasses. “But I have meetings for Mountain Blue, and we have Harrington family stuff to take care of.”

  “And a water ski competition to win.”

  “Well, yes.”

  “Okay, I respect that you’re busy, but in the middle of all that, let’s be together.”

  “Together?” She raised an eyebrow. That was bold, even for him.

  “Together as friends, or friendly. Together not fighting?”

  She nodded, slowly. “I’d like that. I could use more friends. Sorry, not just more friends. I could use my oldest, best friend, back in my life.” She smiled sincerely, hoping he knew she meant it.

  “I’ll be back in your life however you’ll take me.”

  They pulled back up to his dock as she considered him. She knew he was in between relationships. That he’d have another pretty girl on his arm before too long. But she wasn’t sure how serious he’d been about any of them, or how true the tabloids’ reporting was. She exhaled slowly. She absolutely could not let her heart become engaged; she couldn’t move forward with any sort of expectation that their relationship would progress past friendship. But she was tired of the discord, and she longed to mend things. “Friends would be perfect.” Though she had to admit that she hadn’t come solely for Rhett. “And I need the guys.”

  “What was that?” Rhett had the ropes and was gathering up life jackets.

  “I need the guys. I need to pick up a few more sponsors.” She hoped she’d kept the desperation out of her voice. She was meant to pitch it like the great opportunity it was, not like a last-ditch effort to save her company—which it also was.

  “Okay. Do you want to just pitch it to me?”

  “I could, but I need everyone in. It will work best if we all agree together.”

  “Now I’m curious.”

  “Maybe I can practice my pitch on you.”

  “I’d like that. And I get first dibs on whatever financial opportunity this is. Anything Mountain Blue is involved in turns to gold.”

  If only that were true. “Of course. I’ll give you first dibs after you hear the pitch. Listen to see if you want in.”

  “I already know I do.” His confidence in her spurred a twinge of guilt and a new warmth of feeling toward him.

  “Thanks.” Once everything was stowed away, they walked up the boat ramp towards the house. “I can’t believe I’m back here.”

  “It almost feels like we jumped back in time and we’re all still eighteen.”

  “Almost.”

  Clint fell out the two-story window, Donovan hanging onto his ankles.

  “Some moments more than others.”

  As soon as they entered the door, Emily’s older brother Carlson crossed his arms. “What’s this?”

  “Hey, Carlson!” Rhett held out his hand for a fist bump, but Carlson kept his arms crossed.

  “Something I should know about here?”

  Emily shook her head. “No, we were just catching up. As friends.”

  “Finally.” Rhett smiled.

  “Really?” Carlson stood taller and reached for both of them, pulling them against his sides. “Guys!” he shouted to the whole house.

  The rest of the guys gathered at the top of the stairs.

  “The duo is back!”

  “We already knew that!” A few of them grumbled as they made their way back into the upper loft.

  “So does this mean we can attend the Princes Gala again?”

  Rhett frowned. “You were never barred from the gala.”

  Carlson rose both eyebrows in Emily’s direction.

  “Oh.”

  “Yeah, Emily wouldn’t let us go.”

  Emily stepped away. “So, why don’t you guys have any girls with you? I’m almost drowning in testosterone. ”

  Brooks, one of the most eligible men in the world and their friend, scooted over and waved. “You’re enough woman for all of us. Come on, let’s catch up.”

  She couldn’t help it, her eyes went to Rhett. He was watching, but she forced herself to act casual. She needed to get all these guys on board with Mountain Blue. And Brooks didn’t just have dark, thick hair and striking blue eyes, he also had a sharp intellect and owned more businesses than any of them. She sat next to him, and he smiled his signature grin. “So how’s the incredibly talented Emily?” He seeped sincerity. Even though it might sound a bit over the top, he was the kind of guy who meant what he said, and because of that, his complime
nts always warmed down to her toes.

  “Heh. Not sure how she’s doing, but I’m doing well.”

  “Did I hear Lily is ten now?”

  Touched that he even knew her daughter’s name, she bumped him with her shoulder. “Yes, and currently being spoiled by my father.”

  “I’m glad you could come, Em. Things are…better when you’re around.” His gaze flashed to Rhett.

  “I’m here on business too.”

  His eyebrows rose in interest.

  “Yes, I have an investment opportunity. I’m giving the Prince Society first dibs.”

  Brooks leaned forward. “I’m interested and might be the most solvent of anyone right now. I could jump in tomorrow.”

  Emily forced herself not to jump all over that opportunity. “You’re in. I’m calling a meeting in the next few days to tell everyone about it. I’ll save you second pick.”

  “Uh, second?” His eyebrow rose.

  She glanced at Rhett, who was still watching.

  “Ah, say no more.” He leaned away.

  “No, it’s not like that.”

  “Like what? You two are simmering with tension—the good kind.”

  Her face heated, and it spread to her toes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Then how come we’re getting Rhett’s death stare?”

  “I’m not looking over there again.”

  “Well, you know the look. And I’m getting it.”

  She laughed because she didn’t know what else to do. “Well, whatever that is has nothing to do with me.”

  His gaze turned speculative. “More than one of us here would love to talk more with you. Explore things.” He rested his arm behind her back. “But we’ve all felt like you’re untouchable.”

  She swallowed, unsure where she wanted this to go with Brooks, or any of the others.

  “You don’t have to answer now. Just think about it. Is the awesome Em available?” He searched her face, his eyes full of his signature sincerity. “I’d like to be the first to know about that, too.”

  She nodded. But someone was gonna have to tell her first. Was she available? Was she ready to date again? She glanced back at Rhett, who still hadn’t stopped looking in their direction. Then she searched the room full of men she’d known since she was a little girl. She used to think this would be the last place she’d find a husband, but now she knew that some of the best men she’d ever met were all in this house. And she’d known them her whole life.

  But she had a business to think of and even more important, a daughter. She just didn’t think she could have another relationship. After her first, did she really want one?

  5

  Rhett wanted to punch his friend. Brooks’ smiles, Emily’s laughs, his arm across her shoulders—it all made him ill, even though he had no right to feel that way. Two weeks. What would he do with these two weeks? Convince Emily to let him date her again? Watch while one of the other guys got smart and scooped her up right in front of his eyes?

  The party was winding down. He’d watched Emily make her way around the room, talking to all the guys. Rhett assumed she was getting their support for her new financial venture. He was proud of her. And he couldn’t believe how far she’d come. Mountain Blue was one of the most respected sports and recreation gear companies in the world.

  The guys started to trickle out, except for Brooks, Carlson, and a few of the Valdez brothers. Rhett hoped Emily was lingering to talk with him. But she hadn’t come near him at all. Rhett texted his staff, telling them when to come clean up. He was suddenly tired.

  None of the old games were as fun for him anymore. Maybe he would hit the sack early and the guys could show themselves out. They’d done it countless times before. Emily laughed, and Brooks put his hand on the small of her back. Rhett ignored them, rolling his shoulders as he stepped into his office. A couple things from the committee on environmental reform were weighing on him. Perhaps he would check a few emails.

  He left the door cracked and was soon lost in his overflowing inbox.

  He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when the soft clearing of a throat caught his attention.

  He looked up. “Emily.” The pleased rush that roared in his ears made him smile. He checked his watch. “Oh, wow, it’s late. I’m sorry. Have you been there long?”

  “In the doorway? No.” She stepped closer. “Can I come in?”

  “Sure, yes, of course.”

  She walked around the office, studying his pictures on the walls, mostly of waterskiing. She stopped at one of her winning the water ski championship.

  “This is incredible. I haven’t seen this picture in years.”

  “It’s when you won Worlds.” He stood, making his way to stand next to her. “I’m actually in it. If you look really closely, you’ll see my blurry photo bomb.”

  She squinted, her eyes close to the image. “Oh yep, I see you, wearing red.”

  “The very one.”

  She turned to him, standing closer than he expected. “You keep it hanging on your wall?” She backed up to lean against the wall, and Rhett missed her nearness.

  He stepped closer. “I do. And sometimes I come and look at it.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes, this woman here, she inspires me. She entered this championship in the men’s category and kicked our sorry skiis to the shoreline. She dug in around each buoy, showing us how talent and grit can change the world.”

  Her eyes widened, and she opened her mouth but said nothing. Then she swallowed.

  “You’re amazing, Emily. I hope things are going well for you. That someone in your life tells you how great you are, and often.”

  Her face clouded in pain, and she turned away.

  “Cause I’m happy to fill that role.”

  “You’d be my royal flatterer?”

  “Well, sure. I do find it easy to point out your awesomeness whenever it’s required, but I was thinking I could be a bit more than that.”

  Her eyes shone. “I just don’t know how I let so much time go by without trying to reconnect.”

  “It’s how we roll though, isn’t it? Too busy to connect with people outside of our day-to-day life.”

  “Is that how we roll?”

  “Not anymore.” Rhett stepped closer. “I don’t know anything except that I am never letting that happen again.”

  “Friends?” Her eyes were filled with hope, so he hid his own disappointment that she wasn’t interested in anything more.

  “Friends.”

  He tugged at the front of her shirt and pulled her closer. She stepped into his arms, her softness pressed up against him. As his arms circled her back and his chin rested on the top of her head, he realized again how precious she was. Her strength was a cover for the tender, sincere woman he’d known almost all his life. As he hugged her, his protective instincts kicked in and he wanted nothing more than to shelter her for as long as she would let him. “Come live here.”

  “What!” She stepped away. “No.”

  “I just meant…”

  “Look, Rhett, you can’t think this friendship is going anywhere. We’re friends, that’s it.”

  “You don’t need to be blunt. I get it.” Hurt shattered him. He tried to bury it, but he could feel the resentment building anyway.

  “Rhett, I came here for two weeks, on business. I’m happy to see you—”

  “But I’m not the reason you’re here.”

  “Right.” She reached a hand out to rest on his arm. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not happy to mend things, to be friends again.”

  “I’m just saying I think you might be happier here.”

  “With you?”

  “Yes—no. Yes, with me, your best friend—with all your friends. This isn’t a marriage proposal, don’t flatter yourself.” The words came out before he could bite his tongue.

  “Believe me, I’m not.” She stepped away. “I don’t need you that way, Rhett. I need investors. Come
to my meeting. Support my efforts. That’s what you can do for me. Otherwise…leave me alone.” Her face was pinched in pain and she turned away.

  “Emily, don’t.”

  She paused. Then shook her head. “We’re fine. We’re friends. That’s the best place to leave this.”

  “Understood.”

  She nodded and turned from him.

  The next few hours, alone in his office, passed slowly. And no matter how many scenarios he reviewed in his mind, he couldn’t come to one that didn’t end in the same disastrous way. He and Emily had never been able to successfully be anything but friends. So, friends it would be. If that was the only way he could be close to her, he would be happy—he thought about Brooks and gritted his teeth—even if he would once again have to watch while she married another.

  6

  Emily knew she should be reviewing the pitch she was about to give to a room full of some of the wealthiest people in the world, but instead she was scrolling through old photos. Albums of her and Rhett and the guys when they were all young. She zoomed in on their earliest photo—it was the earliest one she had because that was the year she got her first camera phone. They were sitting on towels and holding lime popsicles, and their skin was as brown as she had ever been. Sun-kissed in every way, she’d fit in with most of the Mediterranean royals in color and in the careless recklessness of youth, particularly youth with unrestricted wealth.

  They held up their treats, Rhett’s impish smile making her laugh even now, so many years later. Right before the photo was taken, they had thrown their towels over the proof of their prank on the royal house of Torren. They were sitting on cans of shaving cream and rolls of toilet paper, bumpy and uncomfortable under their backsides.

  She went through the images, and she saw in her and Rhett’s faces the moment when they started to feel differently for each other. His spark was more protective, hers more self-conscious. And then the picture she should have buried long ago. Someone had caught a snap of her watching him give a speech. Her face said it all, adoration in every feature. She remembered clearly the day he had addressed his nation about the deep environmental problems facing the Mediterranean and how proud of him she was. He’d even used some of her words. They’d agonized over the phrasing before it went through PR. She sighed.