Recklessly Royal Read Online Free Page A

but it appears you already have.”
    “I—I think it’s coming back to me now.” I swept the dirt into the dustpan and chewed on my lip. “I’m really sorry. I don’t usually drink that much. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever drunk that much before. Ever. And never will again.”
    He poured the dirt back into the pot. When he stood my eyes lined up with the collar of his shirt, and I tried to not notice the way the material strained across his chest. My gaze trailed upward, over his scruffy jaw, nose, and sharp cheekbones to meet his warm stare.
    “David Rhodes.” He held his hand out to me, his eyes running over my face.
    “Yeah, I remember that now.” I wrapped my fingers around his. “I’m Cathy.”
    “Nice to meet you, Cathy.” His fingers squeezed mine and his eyes twinkled with mischief. “Again.”
    “I’ll never live last night down, will I?” I laughed.
    “Not if I can help it.” His fingers tightened on mine briefly before he let go. “It’s not often that a princess orders me to take my clothes off.” His voice took on a distant tone.
    “I’m just Cathy here.” I frowned. I hated being reminded of my title. As if I ever forgot. And the way he had said it—almost like he found the idea distasteful.
    “Here?” He raised an eyebrow.
    “At Sam’s place.” I shrugged. “Here I don’t have to be Princess Catherine.” Why was I explaining myself to him?
    “Because she’s American? Or not really royalty?” There was no mistaking the defensive tone.
    “Because she’s Sam.” I narrowed my eyes. My headache was starting to make its presence known once again. “Titles have nothing to do with it.”
    “Okay.” David nodded his head as if I had answered correctly.
    “Are you testing me?” I frowned. “Because I have a killer hangover and am not really in the mood.”
    “I just wanted to make sure you really liked Sam. She talks about you a lot.” He shrugged.
    “I love Sam.” Insulted, I took a step away from him. “She doesn’t need you to show up right before her wedding and start taking a poll. She’s quite able to take care of herself and really good at keeping assholes in check.”
    “Looks like she may have taught you a thing or two.” Rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand, he smiled sheepishly. “Sorry.”
    “Sorry that you’re an asshole or for insinuating that I would use Sam?” I felt my upper lip twitch.
    “Right now, both.” He shrugged. “Sam’s like my little sister. I just wanted to make sure she really was happy over here. It’s really different from back in Minnesota.”
    “I’m busting my hump to make sure her wedding goes off without a hitch and that she’s not bothered by any of the stressful bits.” Crossing my arms over my chest I glared at him. “Everyone wants Sam to be happy.”
    Leaning over, he picked up my sunglasses and offered them to me. “I’m sorry. Truce?”
    I took the glasses from him. “Then I hope there is more coffee where you got that.” I pointed at his cup. “Because I’m going to need it.”
    “It so happens that there is a pot full, minus one cup, in the kitchen.” He walked over and opened the door he had come through.
    The smell of the coffee did not make my stomach turn, which I took as a good sign. Walking to the cabinets I grabbed a mug and poured myself a cup. The stool at the island scraped along the floor as David took a seat. I could feel his eyes on me as I whipped up some foam and made a small bull’s-eye on top. I wasn’t an artist like my brothers, but I could give a good barista a run for her money. Goose bumps erupted along my arms and I berated myself for caring. Distractions weren’t welcome right now, nor were attractive men and their preconceived judgments.
    “So,” I said turning around. My mother had taught me that anger usually came from confusion, and as much as it killed me to be pleasant when I really felt like a piece of poop, I’d try. For Sam. Not because David