Home > The Playboy Prince's Pregnant American(2)

The Playboy Prince's Pregnant American(2)
Author: Leslie North

“Thank you, Dr. Meriter,” Kyra said and took her seat.

Meriter rambled on for a little while after that, updating everyone on where the project stood. Marcus tried to pay attention, but it was all so dry that he noticed even the others around him couldn’t keep their attention fully focused. Marcus let his mind wander until he heard that intriguing American voice again.

“I have some ideas, including partnering with local nonprofits to receive clothing and toy donations, as well as working with the Women’s Business Stars Association to procure interviews for our residents—things that will help our residents become independent and re-establish themselves as community members once they are ready.”

Just hearing Kyra’s voice had him engrossed in a way he hadn’t been for the whole meeting. Her Southern accent exuded warmth and intelligence, and he couldn’t stop listening. Suddenly, this project had become much more interesting.

On a whim, he decided to jump into the conversation.

“I have a friend who works in fashion merchandizing,” Marcus said. Several board members looked at him as if he had three heads. He knew they weren’t taking him seriously, but he went on. “I’m sure she would be thrilled to come in and help the women put together interview attire.”

At first no one said anything, but Kyra piped up.

“That’s a fantastic idea.” She smiled broadly at him. “We do something back home like this. Our residents are given the opportunity to come into a partnering resale shop, and someone is assigned to help them choose the right things. It’s like having a personal shopper for a few hours, and the women really feel valued afterwards. Not to mention, having the right clothes is a big help in making a woman feel confident and prepared for an interview.”

“I’m sure my friend would be willing to donate her time for something like that,” Marcus said, feeling that he’d been able to bring something constructive to the conversation.

“We should probably focus on funding for the structure now,” Meriter said. “We can come back to things like transition for the residents later. Clothes are a secondary concern compared to putting a roof over their heads.”

Marcus had no ideas for funding. He zoned out for a while until Kyra started talking again. “So, basically the funding for construction of the facility and its workings should be covered. We’ll need to start partnering with nonprofits for things like self-care products, food, personal care needs.”

“Local grocery stores,” Marcus interjected. “I’m sure if given the opportunity to donate, they would.”

Kyra beamed at him.

“I like the way your mind works, Mr. …” She paused and he filled in the blank.

“Marcus,” he replied and shot her a grin. “Marcus Ashton, third prince of Sovalon.”

She nodded. “Well, I like your approach of involving the community in this project. Community support is a huge factor when it comes to the success or failure of a place like the women’s shelter. Thanks so much for your input.”

“Happy to share it,” he said and grinned at her.

As the day dragged on, Marcus found himself unable to keep his eyes off of Kyra. He knew he was supposed to be keeping a low profile and avoiding any new romantic entanglements, but would it really be a crime to get to know the young American better? As board members began closing up shop for the evening, Marcus made his decision.

“Kyra.” He approached her as she packed up her things. She looked up at him and smiled, and he took note of her dark doe eyes. “I loved your ideas today,” he said. “It’s so refreshing to have you join us to share your expertise all the way from Georgia.” He tried to pronounce the state with a Southern twang, and she chuckled at his attempt.

“Glad to be here, Prince Marcus,” she said and eyed him pleasantly. “Or am I supposed to call you ‘your majesty’? I have to admit. I’ve never met a prince before.”

“Well, then today is your lucky day,” Marcus joked. “And please, call me Marcus. How about we get out of here and go out for a few drinks? We can get to know each other a bit better.”

A blush rose onto Kyra’s cheeks, making Marcus’s heart pound in his chest.

“I know a great place just around the corner from here.” He tossed his satchel over his shoulder and started for the door, expecting her to follow.

“It’s so kind of you to invite me, but I need to get back to my hotel,” she said. Was she rejecting him?

This was new.

Disappointment flooded over him. Most women he’d met jumped at the opportunity to join Marcus for anything—a drink, a good time. The fact that Kyra didn’t, made him want to get to know her even more.

 

 

Kyra tried to avoid Prince Marcus’s eyes and continued packing up her things. “I’m still a bit jet lagged, and I have a lot of work to do to get ready for tomorrow’s meeting.” As the words left her lips, she could feel the blush crawl up her neck and onto her cheeks, betraying that she wasn’t quite as calm and nonchalant as she was trying to appear.

“Oh,” he said, looking a bit taken aback.

“Thanks for the offer, though.”

She couldn’t believe she’d just turned down an invitation from a prince.

An extremely sexy prince, for that matter.

But she’d had to. This trip to Europe was not a vacation. It was a chance to prove herself. She’d been waiting for months for the chance to show Lance, her boss, that she was worthy of a promotion at Lifestrings, the highly regarded social services consulting group she worked for back in the US. She’d never had an assignment this high profile before. In truth, she wasn’t supposed to have this assignment, which had originally gone to Lance. But when Lance fell ill, his supervisor had asked her to go instead. She knew the minute they asked her to go that this was it—her chance to prove herself.

So, no matter how much of a hottie Prince Marcus was, she didn’t have time to go out for drinks with him. She had to buckle down and get working on the logistics for the shelter so she could make this project the success she needed it to be.

When Kyra was finished arranging her things, the prince was still hanging around.

“So you’re from Atlanta?” he asked.

“Born and raised,” she said.

“A Southern girl,” he said.

“Through and through.”

“The accent’s great.”

Every time she travelled people remarked on her accent. To her, Marcus was the one who had the accent. “Thanks,” she said to him and started out of the boardroom. He followed.

“How’s your hotel?” he asked.

This prince seemed hell-bent on making conversation. Kyra didn’t want to be rude, but she wasn’t much for small talk.

“The hotel is quite comfortable, thanks for asking.”

“Good,” he said. “My family is always concerned that guests to Sovalon have a positive experience while they’re visiting.”

“So far so good.” Was he going to walk her all the way out of the building?

“How have you found the kingdom so far?”

“Great,” Kyra responded. As she scrolled to the Uber app on her phone, she went on without thinking. “I haven’t really seen much of Sovalon yet. I only just arrived last night.”

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