Free Scandal With a Prince by Nicole Burnham Page A

she’d appear to be going over the hotel information with Stefano.   It also helped cover the fact her hands were shaking.   “She’s a bright, curious, and well-adjusted girl, Stefano.   She’s had the opportunity to see more of the world than I ever believed possible and she values what she’s learned from experiencing other cultures.   She’s lived exactly the kind of life you’d want for her.   She’s healthy and she’s happy.   So am I.”
    He took a moment to absorb her words.   She thought he’d acquiesce…until he opened his mouth.   “But your job—”
    “What about my job?”   Her voice held more snap than she’d like, especially given that more guests were drifting into the restaurant, but a quick look around ensured that she hadn’t been overheard.   In a more rational voice, she asked, “What is your concern?”
    He eyed her as if unsure what to make of her jumpiness.   “Correct me if I’m wrong, but it’s my understanding that work like yours, developing conference and event facilities, is transient in nature.   Once a venue is up and running, with a stream of bookings to ensure future income, you move on.   So even if Anna has all the benefits you claim, they’re not permanent.”
    She took a deep breath and told herself that he was asking so many questions out of concern for a child rather than to attack her.   “You’re not wrong.   It’s rare in my industry to be in one place as long as I’ve been at the Grandspire.   And I’ll be leaving soon.   A full-time sales force is taking over the bookings now that the facilities are complete.”   At his smug look, she continued, “However, I applied for this position when Anna was young specifically because the project was so extensive it would keep me in one location for several years.   My success here sets me up to search for another position, one in which I hope to remain until Anna graduates from high school.”
    “But you don’t know where?”
    “Not yet.   I’m looking for a situation that fits both my career goals and what I want for Anna.”   He didn’t sound like he was asking out of curiosity about where she’d live, but accusing her of failing to plan ahead.   She shut the folio, then smiled across the table as if they were nearing the end of a successful business meeting.   “I know this is hitting you out of the blue, so I’m trying to be patient with your questions.   But my job is no different than many others, across a number of industries.   Every so often, I have to move.   In fact, many other jobs would require me to travel for days or weeks at a time.   This doesn’t.   I’m available for Anna whenever she needs me.   So if you’re insinuating that I’m not raising her properly, a child you don’t even know—”
    “That’s the problem, isn’t it?”   His eyes shone as he leaned closer.   “I don’t know her.”
    His simple declaration left her stomach in knots.
    “Maybe,” she admitted.  
    Yes.  
    If he knew Anna, if he caught her sneaking a joyous cartwheel in one of the hotel hallways or witnessed the pride on her face when she earned an A on an exam, he wouldn’t have doubts.   Megan wouldn’t be compelled to justify her parenting decisions as if arguing before judge and jury.   Tears stung her eyes at the sight of the emotion in his, but she fought them back as yet another group entered the restaurant for breakfast.  
    “I can’t know that she’s happy, Megan.   Hell, I don’t even have a clue what she looks like.”   He glanced toward the new diners, who were being seated only a few tables away, then straightened slightly in his chair.   Careful to keep their conversation discreet, he said, “Look, what’s done is done.   No matter what the circumstances, whatever the reason Dagmar failed to inform me of your calls—something I plan to investigate, by the way—all we can do is move forward.   That’s why I needed space last night, to