Free The Cinderella Princess by Melissa McClone Page A

“Did you tell Luc what you wanted with the show?”
    “Yes.” Brad punctuated the word with a nod. “I told him drama, sexual innuendoes, and hot kisses so viewers would be enticed to watch week after week.”
    “And what did Luc say?” she asked.
    This was his cue. Luc walked across the tiled terrace. “I told him any respectable princess qualified to be my wife isn’t going to open up on camera, let alone be affectionate. We’re taught from birth to be private and be on-guard in front of cameras.”
    And most were, unless partying. Talking in front of cameras, unless for a scheduled interview or appearance, went against his nature.
    “That explains the lack of interesting conversations and romance.” Emily crossed her arms over her chest.
    The action brought more attention to her breasts. He took a peek, then raised his gaze to her face.
    “Why didn’t you listen to Luc?” Emily asked Brad.
    The producer shrugged. “The royalty consultant thought Luc was being difficult.”
    Emily’s gaze narrowed in on Brad. “This was the same consultant you fired for incompetence, correct?”
    “Yes, but this was before we found out she knew nothing about royals, but was one of Kendra’s BFFs from college.” Brad glanced at his cellphone, not the least bit apologetic. “We’d better figure out a new strategy for his date today.”
    See you here at bedtime tomorrow night.
    It’s a date.
    No one would know about Luc’s exchange with Emily last night. Brad must be talking about something else. “I have a date?”
    A satisfied smiled formed on Emily’s lips. “Yes, with Princess Brigitte of the Isle d’Etoile.”
    Emily amazed him, and her smile suited her pretty face better than a frown. “How did you set up a date for today when you arrived yesterday?”
    “WiFi. I contacted princesses during layovers. I should hear from more soon. I’m hoping to find you a dinner partner.” She motioned to him. “But right now, you need to come with me so we can figure out the best way for you to sweep Princess Brigitte off her feet.”
    Luc shook his head. “I know how to romance a woman.”
    “How?”
    He thought about his most recent dates. None came to mind, only women he’d met at parties or clubs. Most, if not all, had come onto him. Zero had played hard to get. A drink, a compliment, maybe a dance but that didn’t seem to be a deal breaker, and he’d be set for the night.
    “So…” Emily said.
    Damn. Luc didn’t want to tell her he was the one pursued by women. Nor did he want to lie about not having to go to much effort or romance. “You’ll see when it’s time. Until then, tell me your ideas on how to woo a princess.”
    *
    Standing on the terrace next to Luc, Emily struggled for something to say. Random ideas swirled through her head like water disappearing down a drain. She’d expected him to tell her how he romanced women, and they would go from there, not have to come up with something from scratch.
    Luc looked at her expectedly. “You do have a plan.”
    “I always have a plan.” And she would, as soon as she had time to think. She’d never been romanced Reality TV style. Her dating life was more about convenience and companionship than romance. But she’d imagined perfect dates more than once. She would have to do the same here.
    “But since this is your date, let’s start with you.”
    He drew back. “Me?”
    Emily nodded, as ideas became more concrete. “Take me to your favorite place at the villa.”
    “I have two.”
    She wanted to see both, but there wasn’t time. “Which one would be best for tea?”
    His mouth puckered as if he’d eaten a lemon. “Tea is not what I’d call a romantic first date.”
    “Anything can be romantic.” She remembered helping Nick surprise Addie on her birthday with dinner on the beach. Not even wind or a bunch of navy trainees running across the sand could spoil the meal. “The right frame of mind and a thought-out setting can make all the