Romancing The Crown: Drew and Samira. Eileen Wilks

worries you.’’

      Her expression was calm, but her fretful fingers told another story as they slid the pendant back and forth on its chain. ‘‘That’s honest, at least. I’m not sure it’s flattering, since you think I’m nuts.’’

      ‘‘I think you’re brave and smart and lovely. Will you go to the ocean with me as soon as you can take some time off?’’

      ‘‘I…no, I don’t think so.’’

      ‘‘You pick the place, then.’’

      She grimaced. ‘‘Pushing me to make a decision won’t get you the answer you’re looking for.’’

      He wanted to push her, to make her agree, but some sliver of conscience or common sense held him back. ‘‘Just a minute,’’ he said, and got a business card from his wallet. He scribbled a number on the back of it and handed it to her. ‘‘That’s my cell-phone number, so you won’t have to go through the palace switchboard. Call me. Day or night, whenever you decide, call.’’

      She turned the card over, studying it as if it held a mystery more significant than a private number. ‘‘All right.’’

      When she got out, he didn’t stop her. He watched as she climbed the stairs, forcing himself to sit in the car instead of seeing her to her door. The drizzle had stopped, leaving the air clear, the shadows stark. A car moved slowly around him.

      No doubt he was blocking traffic. He couldn’t bring himself to care. He watched as she opened the door, watched as it closed behind her. And still he sat there like a fool with nowhere to go, feeling as alone as he ever had in his life.