“But I thought you said we were going to cut down a Christmas tree.”
“I said I was going to get one, but I never said anything about cutting it down.” She glanced over at him as he slouched down in the seat and adjusted his ball cap. “I’m sorry to disappoint you. But this is really much faster and easier for me.”
“Is it much further?”
“Not far at all. In fact, we’re here.”
She stared out the window at the familiar city lot that was cordoned off with fencing. Pine trees ranging in size from small chubby little guys to tall slender ones littered the lot. People from old to young meandered around, pointing at this tree and that tree. Smiles covered their faces and the years rolled away as each seemed to step back in time and remember the childhood fascination of choosing their very own tree for Santa to leave presents under. If only that feeling of wonderment stayed with everyone. Instead some learned the hard way that things weren’t always as they appeared. Sometimes life was nothing more than an empty illusion.
Reese’s jaw tightened at the grim thought. Anxious to get this over, she said, “I’ll just go check out what’s available that will fit in the foyer. Feel free to look around.”
“What about a tree for yourself?” When she cast him a puzzled look, he added, “You know, for the apartment?”
“I don’t want one. After what happened...oh, never mind. I just don’t have the time to bother.”
She threw open the truck door and hopped out. She’d already circled around to the sidewalk when Alex’s door opened. She noticed that he had the collar on his jacket pulled up and his hat shielded a good portion of his face. He must be cold. If he was here long enough, he’d get used to the cold weather.
He stepped up to her. “Let me know if you need any help.”
“I will. Thank you.”
His gaze moved up and down the walk. If she knew him better, she’d say he looked stressed. But that couldn’t be the case. Who got stressed going to the Christmas tree lot? Maybe a single mom of six active little kids. Now that could be stressful. But not a single grown man.
So what was the true story? Why was Alex all alone for the holidays?
* * *
What had he been thinking to agree to come to this very public place?
Alex glanced around to see if anyone had noticed him. It was far too early in his plan to have his true identity made known. Or worse, for someone to snap a picture of him and publish it on the internet. He pulled his ball cap a little lower. Sure, he had his disguise in place, but he knew that it would not hold up under the close scrutiny of the press’s cameras.
He slouched a bit more and avoided making eye contact with anyone. Fortunately no one seemed to pay him the least bit of attention. The people meandering about seemed more interested in finding the perfect Christmas tree than the couple of dozen other shoppers.
Thousands of holiday lights were strung overhead. This town certainly had a thing for lights, from the little twinkle ones to big flashing signs. He gazed at the trees, wondering what it’d be like to be here with his own family choosing the perfect tree—not that he had any immediate plans for a family. He knew a proper marriage was expected of him, but the thought didn’t appeal to him. His duty was to look after his father, the king.
After all, if it wasn’t for him, his mother, the queen, wouldn’t have been shot by a subversive. The poignant memory of his mother taking a bullet in the chest brought Alex up short. Because of one thoughtless act, he’d devastated lives, leaving his father brokenhearted and alone to shoulder the weight of Mirraccino’s problems.
That long-ago day was still fresh in Alex’s mind. He’d grown up overnight and learned the importance of rules and duty. He didn’t have the luxury to wonder what his life might be like if he were an ordinary citizen. He was a prince and with that came duties that could not be shirked—the consequences were too much to bear.
Still, that didn’t mean he should forgo his manners. And thanking Reese for her hospitality would be the proper thing to do. He stopped in front of a chubby little tree that would look perfect in the apartment. It’d certainly cheer the place up.
A young man with a Santa hat and red apron approached him. “Can I help you?”
“I’d like to buy the little tree in the corner.”
The guy eyed him up as though wondering why he’d want something so tiny. The man rattled off a price and Alex handed over the money.
With the little tree stowed in the back of the pickup, Alex sought out his beautiful hostess, who was pointing out a tall, slender tree to an older man with a white beard. His cheeks were chubby and when he laughed his round belly shook. Alex wondered how many times children had mistaken him for Santa. Even the man’s eyes twinkled when he smiled.
The man glanced at Alex before turning back to Reese. “This must be your other half. You two make a fine-looking couple. Is this your first Christmas together?”
“We’re not together.” Reese’s cheeks filled with color. “I mean, we’re not a couple. We’re...um—”
“Friends,” Alex supplied.
Although on second thought, the man’s observation did have some merit. In fact, the more he thought of it, the more he wondered if the man was on to something. Reese would make any man the perfect girlfriend.
She was certainly beautiful enough. When she smiled, she beamed. And in the short time he’d known her, he’d gotten a glimpse of her strength and determination.
She’d make the ideal fake girlfriend.
After all, he was supposed to be in the States because of a love interest. And with the speed with which he’d had to put this plan in motion, he hadn’t had a chance to find someone to fill the role. But if the need arose, would Reese be willing to play along?
Something told him that with some gentle persuasion, she could be brought round to his way of thinking. Okay, maybe it was more a hope than a feeling. But for now none of that mattered. Hopefully his brother’s rushed marriage would be resolved quickly and quietly so that involving Reese wouldn’t be necessary. But it never hurt to be prepared. His father’s motto was Hope for the Best, But Be Prepared for the Worst.
Perhaps Alex should do a little research and see what challenges he would be up against with Reese. He’d probe the subject with her when they were alone in the truck.
Alex leaned over to Reese. “You found a tree?”
“Yes, I did. I think it’ll be perfect.” She pointed to the tree the man inserted into a noisy machine. Alex watched as the tree’s limbs were compressed and bound with rope.
“It’ll make a great Christmas tree. You have good taste.”
Reese turned to him and smiled. Such a simple gesture, and yet his breath hitched and he couldn’t glance away. Big, fluffy snowflakes fluttered and fell all around them. And the twinkle lights reflected in her eyes, making them glitter like gemstones.
“As soon as they bundle it up we can go home.” She moved as if to retrieve the tree, breaking the spell she’d cast over him.
Alex, at last gathering his wits, stepped forward. “I’ll get it.”
She frowned as though she were about to argue, but then she surprised him by saying, “Okay.”
With the tree secured in the bed of the truck, Alex climbed in the heated cab. He rubbed his hands together. “I remembered everything for this outing except my gloves.”
Reese’s face creased with worry lines. “You should have said something. Here, let me crank up the heat.”
“Not necessary. The