Mistress to the Prince Read Online Free Page A

insensitive Jeffrey to enjoy the painful opera by himself.  What could be the worst that could happen?  Her friend might be a little upset but once Tara explained the evening, wouldn’t that wipe away any irritations? 
     
    Tara knew that leaving during the intermission would be unbelievably rude and that realization was the only thing that stopped her from turning to the right which led to the exit and freedom. 
     
    Tara sighed and walked back into the opera house, taking her seat at the last possible moment before the lights were dimmed and the opera started again.  It was unfortunate that she’d been up since five o’clock that morning and she’d only had sugar for dinner.  Because the long hours and stress o f the day , the slow movements of the actors , plus the sugar low from her “dinner” crashed in on her at the same time.  Within fifteen minutes after the intermission , her eyes drifted closed and she propped her head on her hand, hoping her date wouldn’ t be offended at her rudeness but not really caring since consciousness had completely receded. 
     
    Fortunately, he didn’t even notice. The opera ended on a loud bang and Tara sat straight up in her seat, instantly awake and looking around, trying to figure out what had just happened.  The lights were still dark but everyone was cheering loudly, obviously impressed with the actors and their efforts.  Tara wondered if she’d missed something during the second half but wasn’t about to ask her date. 
     
    She turned to face him at that point and found that Jeffrey was clapping loudly, thrilled with the performance.  “Wasn’t that amazing?” he asked, looking at her as if he’d just had an epiphany and she couldn’t help but have experienced it as well. 
     
    Tara couldn’t understand how the man had been so unconcerned for her that he didn’t even know she’d been asleep for the past hour.  “It was definitely an experience,” she said diplomatically.  Jeffrey didn’t notice her lack of enthusiasm, still so thrilled by the performance that his excitement was all but bubbling over.  All she wanted to do was get home and crawl into her bed. 
     
    “How about a drink?” Jeffrey asked as they made their way out of the theatre .  “I feel to o energized to just stop now.  I’m guessing you probably feel the same way?  How could anyone not feel that way after this kind of a performance ?   Can you imagine the kind of patience those actors have to have in order to…” Jeffrey kept talking the whole way back to his car.  He barely even waited for Tara to nod or smile appropriately before he moved on to talk about the next amazing aspect of the opera.  By the time they reached his car, Tara had stopped responding, understanding that there was no need since the man was in his own world that consisted only of himself and his awe of the Chinese opera . 
     
    Over the top of the car, Jeffrey smiled across to her, the excitement obvious in his expression.  “Let’s head over to a quiet bar I know of.  We can relax and talk, get to know one another,” he said then ducked his head into the car as if he was taking her agreement for granted .  As soon as they were seated inside the car, he put his hand on her thigh and smiled broadly .   “Are you game?”
     
    Tara stared down at his hand in shock.  Picking up his hand, she placed it on the seat next to his own leg , horrified that the man would take such liberties after such a short acquaintance .  “I appreciate the offer but I’m really tired and I have an early morning .”
     
    Jeffrey didn’t take rejection well.  His face crinkled up as if he were sneering at her and his soft eyes turned beady and a little mean.  “Oh, come on ,” he whined .  “ The night is still young.  It’s been too wonderful already.  I can’t believe how fascinating that was,” and he started the engine while rhapsodizing on the amazing performance she had just slept