A Princess Under The Mistletoe

“Sounds like you didn’t spend much time with your parents when you were growing up,” he said, curious about her background.

“I didn’t,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest. “My father’s business required a lot of social engagements, so my parents traveled more than they stayed home.”

“Hmm,” he said. “What about sports games and programs at school? Did they show up for those events?”

She shrugged. “Occasionally. We were always cared for, but we were also raised to be independent. But enough about—” She broke off. “Sam!”

Panic rushed through him. Gavin glanced in the direction of his son. He’d barely taken his eyes off him, but Sam was now up to his shoulders in the water. Gavin ran toward his son with Sara rushing beside him. He grabbed one of Sam’s arms and pulled him closer to shore.

“I told you not to go any farther into the ocean,” Gavin scolded, his heart hammering.

“I wanted to be in the waves,” Sam said. “I didn’t get my face wet.”

“One more step and you could have,” Gavin said.

Sam hung his head. “I’m sorry.”

Sara squeezed Sam’s shoulder. “Of course you are. And I’m sure you’ll be more careful next time. You don’t want to frighten your father and me. The ocean can be tricky even for experienced swimmers. Have you had swimming lessons?”

Sam shook his head.

Sara met Gavin’s gaze. “Perhaps we can add that to the schedule.”

Gavin nodded. “Good idea. I should have thought of it before now.”

“You’ve had a lot on your mind. But even after your swimming lessons, you always need to have a buddy,” she said firmly. She then gave both Gavin and Sam a once-over.

He couldn’t resist returning the favor. Her rolled-up jeans were plastered to her body and the shirt under her jacket had gotten a big splash, making it transparent. He would have to be blind not to notice the little lacy bra she wore and the way her nipples pressed against the light covering. The sight grabbed at his gut and lower. He felt an odd rumble of awareness and want. It had been a long time since he’d allowed himself to get aroused, and he wasn’t going to start today, he told himself. He tore his gaze from her body, but an unwelcome restlessness still rippled through him and his mouth watered with the forbidden idea of tasting her, starting with her lips and working all the way down the rest of her body.

“We weren’t prepared for a full-out swim today, but it looks like we got one anyway,” she said with a wry laugh.

“Can’t disagree. Next time we’ll be better prepared,” he said, but he couldn’t help wondering how he was going to rein in his imagination if Sara was wearing a bathing suit instead of being fully clothed.

* * *

Sara gave Adelaide a bath and put the baby in her crib with a few toys while Gavin helped Sam with his shower. Afterward, she managed a quick shower, too. Piling her damp hair on her head, Sara picked up Adelaide and headed for the kitchen.

Gavin was heating soup and grilling sandwiches. “I’m not that good in the kitchen, but I make a mean grilled cheese.”

“Ah, American comfort food,” she said, nodding.

“How did you know?” he asked.

“I once had an American nanny,” she said. “I also learned about peanut butter and jelly from her, although European peanut butter doesn’t compare to the American version.”

“Tell me about it,” Gavin said. “I should have stocked up before we came to Chantaine.”

“So true. Shall I help? I can stir the soup,” she said, thinking how attractive he looked standing next to the stove with his ruffled hair and broad shoulders. He wasn’t nearly as refined as the men with whom she usually spent time, although heaven knew she hadn’t had much time to spend with anyone. She’d been dedicated to piano perfection from such an early age. Her parents and royal advisors had told her the country would always be proud of her abilities and performances.

So much for that. She and her siblings had been tossed aside like rubbish. Sara wondered if she should have tried for a career in engineering. Much more practical, she supposed.

Thoughts about her country made her feel troubled and itchy inside. She wiggled her fingers. Music had always provided her with solace. “I haven’t noticed music around the house. I have music stored on my cell phone, but no speakers.”

“Speakers,” he echoed as if it were a foreign concept.

“You have children,” she said, unable to edit herself. “Children need music.”

He blinked. “I hadn’t thought about it. I’ll get some speakers,” he said as he reached for his phone. “I’ll write a message to myself.”

Sara’s heart softened. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so adamant. “Perhaps, I could play something on the piano in the meantime. I may be a little rusty, though,” she warned him.

Gavin glanced at her and nodded. “Yeah. That would be great.”

Sara went to the den and ran her fingers over the keys, then she began to play an upbeat elementary piece by Bach—Minuet in G. She played until the end and found Sam standing beside the piano staring at her. Up to this point, she’d been so busy when both children had been in the house that she hadn’t played for Sam. “A little Beethoven? How about “Ode to Joy”? Much better with a full orchestra, but I’ll do my best,” she said as she started playing the piece.

Aware of several blunders, she soldiered through and took a deep breath.

She turned and found Sam and Gavin, who was holding Adelaide, staring at her in amazement. “I thought you said you’d taken a few lessons.”

“I did,” she said. “Was it that bad?”

Gavin shook his head and chuckled. “Bad was not a word that came to mind. Are you sure you’re not a professional?”

Sara shrugged. “In the arts, the word professional is relative. I’m far from the best.” She smiled. “You enjoyed it?”

“I did,” Gavin said. Adelaide kicked in approval. “Adelaide did. What about you, Sam?”

Sam stared at Sara as if she’d suddenly gained magical powers. Or a third head. He glanced at the piano, then at her. Then he nodded.

“Time for dinner?” Sara asked, wanting to divert attention away from herself.

Gavin nodded and grinned, oozing a masculine charm that made her feel a strange tingle inside. “I didn’t burn the sandwiches.”

Sara fed Adelaide carrots while she, Gavin and Sam munched on their sandwiches, soup and chips. It was a meal mostly devoid of nutrition, but satisfying. Adelaide spit out a spoonful of carrots, but it only hit the tray.

“Yes, Your Highness, we are done,” Sara said and put the carrots aside. “We must all learn from our mistakes, and strained peas are the worst,” she said to Gavin.

He shot her a look of commiseration.

Sara squeezed Adelaide’s sweet cheeks and the baby smiled. “She’s clearly not underfed,” Sara said, then met Gavin’s gaze. “You’re a good father.”

Gavin took a swift breath. “That’s debatable.”

“Not by me,” she said. She wiped off Adelaide’s face. “Would you like to give your princess a bottle and put her to bed tonight? Sam and I can read.”

“Good idea,” Gavin said. “Thank you for coming home early.”

Sara took Sam to the den and read the same book three times. Sam kept eyeing the piano, but Sara thought she should keep the house quiet since it was bedtime. She read the same book again and Gavin came to collect his son.