Her summer prince, p.1
Her Summer Prince, page 1
HER SUMMER PRINCE
(A Bliss Cay Novella)
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Written and Published by
FREDA ANN
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Edited by: Viva Sisante of Vespertine Editing
Cover Design by: Green Lizard Designs
Formatted by: Green Lizard Designs
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Epilogue
A note from the Author
About the Author
Copyright © 2020 by Freda Ann
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All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof in any form.
No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author.
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment and is a work of fiction. All names, people, places, incidents, events are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people (living or dead), businesses, places or events is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.
Chapter 1
Harry
“I know it hurts, Harry. But I promise it will be worth it. You want to walk normally again, don’t you?” Father looks up at me.
Blinking through the tears clouding my eyes, I answer, “Yes, father.”
“Then you must put forth the effort. That’s how you’ll regain strength in your broken leg now that it’s healed. You have to make your muscles strong through exercise. Since you like to ride horses, I thought it would be good for you since horses can be therapeutic. Now, focus on the horse and not on the pain. Can you do that for me?”
“I’ll be able to climb trees with Eddie soon if I do?”
“Yes.”
“And run around the yard with my friends?”
“Yes, my boy. You’ll be able to do all of those things and more if you do as I say.” He pats my back with a grin.
“Alright, father.” Using the back of my hand, I wipe my eyes and sit tall in the saddle on Rocky’s back.
Since I started riding at the tender age of three, he has been my favorite horse and my best friend. At least as far as animals are concerned.
Though I’m holding the reins, father grips the lead rope to keep me safe. “We’re going to start out walking around the ring. I want to see how you do.”
Moving forward, he tugs on the rope. Rocky walks lazily behind him. Eyeing me frequently, he asks, “How are you doing, Harry? Are you in much pain?”
“It hurts, but I’m looking ahead and petting my horse so I don’t think about it.”
“That’s my boy. Go on, talk to him. You know he likes it.”
After pushing myself to ride every day, within a month I’m posting almost as smoothly as I was before the injury, and Eddie is chasing me around the house like he used to, which only helped make me feel normal again. Father was right—horses do help you heal.
On the last day of my therapy, I climb down from the saddle and throw my arms around father’s waist, bursting with excitement. ”Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, son. I’m just glad you’re better.”
Squinting, I turn to face him. “How did you know, father?”
“Know what?”
“That horses can heal you?”
Chuckling, he admits, “Your grandfather showed me, just like I showed you.”
He sits on a bale of hay and motions for me to sit beside him. “How?”
“Well, his butler’s son suffered from bouts of anxiety. The poor man wasn’t sure what to do for him. Since your grandfather loved horses as much as you and I, he told him to bring the boy to the stables one day. After weeks of spending time talking to and riding the horses, the lad was better able to manage his anxiety. My father even bought him a toy horse to keep with him in case he felt anxious. And you know what? It worked like a charm.”
“Really?”
“It sure did.”
I stare at Rocky. “Maybe we should let our horses help other kids.”
Father snickered. “Did you know that is my dream? Maybe one day you and I can make it happen. We can start a camp or school for kids with disabilities.”
I nod eagerly, “Okay!” He ruffles my hair.
“First I need to tell your mother about it and convince her it’s a good idea—she tells me I stretch myself too thin as it is. Well, we better get up to the house before she sends someone after us.”
Ever since then, father’s words have stayed with me throughout the years. Staring through the living room window of the villa, I pull myself back to the present, smiling at the fond memory. “One day father, I will make our dream come true.”
“Are you talking to yourself again?” I flinch as Nate sneaks up behind me.
“Good Lord! Make some noise would you?”
He laughs. “There’s no fun in that. So what’s weighing on your mind? And don’t tell me nothing. Sharing a house for three years, I’ve come to know you too well.”
Nate is one of my best friends from school. For years we talked about coming to the states to attend a university and in our junior year we planned it all out. After graduating, our parents reluctantly let us come to Florida.
“It’s father. For some reason, he’s been on my mind more lately.”
“Is everything alright?”
“I’m sure it is. You know mother would let me know if it wasn’t. I think it’s finally hitting me how soon I’ll be able to see him again—it seems like forever since I was there for spring break.”
“Call and see if he can talk.”
I glance at my watch. “He might not be out of his meeting.”
“Well, you won’t know unless you call, will you?”
“I suppose not.”
He grabs the car keys from the island and heads for the door leading down to the carport. “I’ll take care of the grocery shopping while you talk to your folks.”
“Alright. If you’re not back, I might take a short walk before dinner.” Nate waves his hand through the air as he shuts the door behind him.
Making my way to the sofa, I stretch out and phone home. The royal butler answers. “Hello Howard. Is father available?”
“He’s just finishing. One moment, sir.”
Shortly after he puts the phone down, I hear, “Harry, darling. How are things on the island?” Mother asks.
“Bliss Cay is as peaceful as ever. How have you been, mother?”
“As well as can be expected. Things have been quite hectic around here. Your father and I are anxious for your return. Must you stay the entire summer? We really could use your help.”
“Mother, you have Eddie there to help. He’s been doing a wonderful job. Both you and father really need to learn how to delegate better—your lives would be less stressful if you did.”
“It’s my last summer in Bliss. I would like to use the time to unwind before diving back into the family business.”
“I still wish you’d change your mind. Oh, here is your father. Sending my love, Harry.”
“I love you too, mother. Goodbye.”
I hear the shuffling of the phone. “Hello, son. I’m glad you called. We’re very excited for your return.”
“Thank you, father. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon. Mother said things have been hectic. I wish you’d lean on Eddie more. He’ll do anything you ask. You know he loves being a royal.”
He chuckles. “Unlike you. I understand, Harry. Your heart has never been in the family business, as you call it. But it is your birthright. It’s also your duty to the Crown.”
I sigh, “You don’t have to remind me, father. Mother has that covered, every chance she gets. I’m sure you realize Eddie is better suited for the title, and he will perform his duties with enthusiasm and a smile. If I am forced to take over, the people of Shorewick will see a frowning, grumpy man leading their country. I assure you they will come to hate me.”
“All I’ve ever wanted was for my boys to be happy. It pains me to think of your misery. I’m afraid it would rock the monarchy if we break the line of succession. You know it’s never been done.”
“Yes, father, I realize that. But why should we let the past dictate our future? When I was a boy, you told me to be myself and find the path that makes me happy—and you know what would that would be.”
“I do, son. Creating a non-profit foundation in my father’s name with our horses would mean the world to me too. But at this point in time, there are too many irons in the fire to plan something of that magnitude. I can’t keep up with everything as it is.”
As my thoughts begin to run away with me, I ask, “What if I were able to plan it all, down to every little detail? Would you support it, but more importantly help me convince mother how beneficial it would be to the people of Shorewick?”
Silence fills the air. He tells me, “If you were to come up with a detailed, concrete plan including financials, you will have my support. Honestly, it would be a dream co me true. It’s something I never imagined I’d see in my lifetime.”
Elation rushes from head to toe. “Oh father, I can’t thank you enough for your faith in me.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, son. There’s a lot of work involved. When you return, there’s several projects lined up for you already. I’m not sure when you’ll have the time.”
“All I ask is a chance, father. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. And if I need to spend part of my summer working on it and crunching numbers, then that’s what I will do. This is too important to me.”
He laughs. “I’ve always loved your determination, Harry. You know, I see myself in you.”
“Thank you. That means more to me than you know.”
I hear voices in the background. “Sorry, son, but I must go. It seems I have another call. We’ll speak again soon.”
“Alright, father. Goodbye.”
Acting like a fool, I hoot and holler, pumping my fists. “Yes! Thank you God!”
Too excited to stay put, I slide my deck shoes on and pluck my sunglasses from the table near the door. Tipping my head up, I look at my reflection in the oval mirror. “It’s actually going to happen.”
Wearing a larger than life grin, I close the door behind me and jump from the steps into the sand. I pull the salty air into my lungs. Easing it out, I turn right at the end of the pathway and walk onto the beach.
“Hey, Harry!” A familiar voice calls out as I look behind me.
“Hello, Harley. How have you been?” I ask the long, blond haired lifeguard, who is close to my age.
“Good. I’m glad school is out. It’s time to enjoy the beach.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“Well, I’ve gotta go. I’ll see you soon.”
“Alright, goodbye.”
As he zooms off on the four-wheeler, I stroll down the beach eyeing the white caps rolling in as the sun eases closer to the horizon.
Approaching the pier, I notice the vendors locking up. Their hours of operation should be extending any day now to accommodate the large influx of summer guests the island draws.
Bliss Rental limits the amount of residents they allow every day, which is one of the reasons I come here—you can actually enjoy the beach without having people on top of you.
When the conversation with father filters through my brain, I grin while plopping onto the bench across from the entrance to the pier. It’s a good place to watch the sun set.
I hear giggling and look to the right noticing a young couple embracing. Young love. Someday I hope to find a woman that lights my face up that way.
Looking ahead, I notice a beautiful blonde to my left with a joyful glow. Wearing a broad smile, she makes her way across the dock right up to the end.
A few seconds later, a disheveled college kid staggers along the rail and stops. He eyes the woman, clearly up to no good. “Hmm, this can’t be good.”
Chapter 2
Charlotte
“Hey—you! The lady said to leave her alone. I suggest you do it. Now!”
I scan the direction where the contemptuous voice came from, and a tall dark figure steps from the shadows full of grace and virility.
Good Lord, where did the Adonis come from? I swear my heart skips a beat. A sigh of relief escapes me as my eyes, acting of their own volition, are drawn to what I can see of his face.
Not stopping there, they examine his firm features and confident shoulders. Please tell me I’m not dreaming. This guy is a photographer’s dream. Whew!
My involuntary perusal of the individual in front of us seems to be amusing as a corner of his mouth curls up. He pulls his gaze away, eyeing the idiot who has me pinned against the railing of the dock, an arm on each side of me.
When I strutted to the end of the dock moments ago, my focus was on a sliver of the moon peeking out from the horizon, and while I was snapping photos I suppose I should’ve been more aware of my surroundings.
Barely able to stand, the man restricting my movement glares at the Adonis with glassy eyes, as if he was from another planet. “I saw—“
He hangs his head low, looking pale before finishing, “I—saw her f—first.”
“Huh. So you saw her last year…before I proposed to her on this beach?” I raise my brows as Adonis fans his hand through the air while easing closer.
The guy, reeking of alcohol, glances in the direction Mr. Perfect motioned to. His legs wobble when he attempts to turn back around.
While the guy struggles to stay upright, Adonis flicks his head at me for my attention. Duh…does he not realize he’s had it from the minute he showed up? I tip my chin up, watching to see what he’s going to do.
He uses dummy proof sign language, pointing to the inebriated man and motioning for me to move out of the way when he grabs him.
Bobbing my head, he wastes no time going into action and I take off running halfway down the dock to watch for the fallout.
As luck would have it, not a hair was harmed on his head or anywhere else on that hunky body. The weakened man didn’t even attempt to put up a fight.
Holding tightly onto him, they pass by me with a strong odor of alcohol in their wake. I trail behind flailing my hand in front of my face trying to breathe fresh air.
At the end of the dock, he mumbles something to the guy before pointing him to the left. He gives him a push off for good measure. I’m surprised he didn’t fall over.
He watches intently until the lanky frame fades into the night. As Mr. Perfect turns to face me, the light reveals his compelling blue eyes with a faint hint of humor bubbling beneath the surface.
Feeling more nervous than I was while being held against my will, I exhale and lock eyes with my savior. “Thank you, um…for that.” I point to the dead air feeling like a dumb blonde. “I was afraid I might have to resort to unladylike measures before you came along.” I snicker.
He grins looking devilishly handsome. The shadow of his well-groomed, closely shaven beard gives him an even manlier aura, if that’s even possible. Bearded men aren’t typically my type, but the guy totally rocks facial hair.
“I was happy to be of assistance.” He gives me a sideways nod. Well, that was different. Who nods like that?
The man has a very appealing British accent which compliments his tall, dark and handsome physique. Could Adonis get any more perfect?
Unable to think of a more intelligent conversation, I babble. “I’m sure you’re wondering why a woman would put herself in such a predicament. Please don’t think I’m always this careless. You see, my friend Kathy had to go…um, to the little girl’s room, but I wanted to get some shots of the moon as it was rising.” I lift the camera hanging from my neck, as if he couldn’t see the antique monstrosity I’ve come to treasure. “And there’s a short window to do it. So, I told my friend to go ahead and I’d meet her back at the room when I finished.”
Catching a glimpse of amusement on his face, I ignored it and continued. “Being a photographer, I knew the best shot would be from the pier so I hurried to the end and waited for the perfect moment.”
Watching me closely, he ponders my words as he props his chin up with his hand. Adonis’ stormy blue eyes search my face.
Ahem. “Well, I was so taken by the beauty of the moon that I didn’t hear someone walking on the dock. As I started moving away, I turned to get one more look and that’s when the drunk put his arms on each side blocking me. And as they say, the rest is history.” Cocking his head, he squinted.
Feeling my face turn twenty shades of red, I flip my head around and glance at the villas. Wow, that was way too much information for a complete, but totally hot, stranger.
“Are you always this nervous? Or is it just I that has that effect on you?” He pins my eyes with his when I notice his mouth twitch.
“Why do you think I’m nervous?” When the words come out, I realize it’s a dumb question. The man sees right through me.
