Her Real Life Prince Charming

By R.G. Millican

Sarah Sinclair, a small town, southern girl living in New York City, meets the man of her dreams. Unfortunately for her, he's her new client and a prince. After convincing her to spend a romance-filled weekend with him, he leaves her with more than just a broken heart. When he finally realizes he wants a long-term relationship, can he convince her to accept his love, giving her a happily-ever-after?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483518770

Book preview

Epilogue

Chapter One

Sarah rushes through the doors to her office building, taking the time to wave to the guard as she hurries to get in line for her usual coffee and muffin. As the line inches forward, she tries to see if any of her favorite muffins are left. If there aren't any left, I only have myself to blame. I shouldn't have stayed up late last night watching that movie and hitting the snooze button twice this morning.

It's finally her turn and she greets Laura who works the counter at the coffee shop in her building. Frowning she says, Good morning, Laura. I guess I'm too late for my favorite muffin.

Smiling, Laura reaches down below the counter and pulls out her favorite muffin. I saw they were going fast so I pulled one just for you, Laura replies.

You're an angel, Laura. I really needed that muffin this morning. I stayed up late last night and slept late, so I'm all discombobulated this morning. This will help me get my morning back on track.

You're welcome sweetie. Hope your day gets better, Laura replies, taking Sarah's money and handing over her coffee and muffin.

Sarah continues on to the bank of elevators and sees several people waiting, so she knows the elevator should arrive soon. The elevator arrives and everyone shuffles into it, pressing the buttons for their respective floors. Sarah is the last in and just as she pushes the button for her floor, she hears someone yell to please hold the door.

As she tries to find the open door button and press it quickly, she drops her muffin. Oh phooey! She manages to get the doors to open back up and reaches down for her muffin, which luckily stayed in the brown bag in which it was contained. Just as she tries to pick it up, a very expensive man's shoe steps on the bag, smashing the muffin.

Excuse me, but you are stepping on my muffin.

Pardon? The stranger replies.

My muffin. You are stepping on my muffin. I dropped it when I pressed the button to keep the doors open.

Stepping off the muffin he replies, I am sorry, I did not see it.

Sarah picks up the smooshed muffin and as she starts to stand, she takes notice of the long legs standing in front of her and continues her ascent taking in more of this stranger's gorgeous body.

He is wearing a very expensive suit that seems to have been hand tailored, fitting him perfectly in all the right places. His legs are long and muscular, but not too muscular, like maybe he's a runner. He has a flat stomach and broad shoulders. He is at least 6' 2" and his face is beautiful, if you can call a man beautiful. He has a head of dark, full hair, a square jaw, and the most incredible baby blue eyes with dark, long eyelashes.

Her breath catches for a second. Feeling as if she has been staring for way too long, she says, It's okay. The way my morning has been going anyway, I figured it's the universe's way of telling me my hips didn't need this muffin. Why did I just say that? He probably thinks I'm crazy now.

The gentleman smiles down at her revealing dimples. Oh my gosh, dimples! I think my heart just skipped a beat. I can never resist dimples.

I really appreciate you holding the elevator for me. I am running late for a meeting and did not want to be further behind waiting on another elevator. I am Luc, by the way. How can I make it up to you? pointing to the muffin and speaking with an accent Sarah can't quite place.

There's no need. It was the last one like it today and like I said, my hips don't need it. There I go again mentioning my hips. Why do I keep saying that?

Oh, I would not say that. I think they are very nice hips. he grins and winks at her.

Trying not to blush, she looks at the buttons for the floors. She realizes he hasn't pressed a button for the floor he needs and she hasn't told him her name.

Um, thank you? Oh, I'm Sarah by the way. What floor did you need? Sarah blushes and sneaks a peak at him to see him continuing to look at her.

Thirtieth floor, he responds and reaches over her to press the button. His shoulder touches her as he reaches and she gasps at the spark that she feels from such a simple touch.

I wonder what it would feel like to have him touch me all over. Ugh, stop that right now. Someone as handsome, and obviously successful as he, would never be interested in someone like me. He probably likes women that are tall like him, not short with too many curves.

The elevator reaches her floor and she side steps to get around him so that she can exit. She's determined not to look at him again as she gets off the elevator, but just as the doors close, she turns to get just one last peak and finds him watching her and he winks.

Sarah hurries to her desk, plops down in her chair and quickly calls her best friend to come to her cubicle. Beverly, or as her friends call her, Bev, rushes into her cubicle asking what is so urgent.

Sarah lets out a deep breath, I think I just made a total fool of myself in front of the most gorgeous man I have ever seen.

How, Who, Where? Bev replies as she sits on the edge of Sarah's desk.

In the elevator just now. I don't know who he is but he is sex on legs and has the most fascinating accent. I can't figure out where the accent is from. It's like it is a combination of accents and is unique.

Sarah tells Bev what happened on the elevator and how he winked at her when he caught her looking back at him just as the doors closed.

I think you made an impression on him, Bev says.

Yeah, that I'm a klutz and worry about my hips getting big. That's the way to really impress a guy.

He did say you had nice hips and he winked. Why would you think he wouldn't be interested in you?

Are you kidding me? Why would he be interested in a short woman like me with way too many curves? He is at least a foot taller than I am and probably has tall model like women throwing themselves at him all the time. You're his type more than me.

Bev and Sarah look like Mutt and Jeff. Bev is 5' 10, thin and athletic, not flat chested like a lot of models, but just right for her build. Sarah is 5' 2, curvy and a little too big up top in her opinion. However, they had been best friends in college and were lucky to be hired by the same firm together right out of college.

A lot of tall men like shorter women, Bev tells her. It seems to me that most tall guys like shorter women. I only seem to find the short guys who are interested in me.

Well, anyway, I guess it won't matter. I made a complete fool out of myself.

Did you at least get his name?

Yes, It's Luc.

Bev and Sarah talk for a few more minutes before Bev returns to her desk and Sarah gets started on her day.

It's been hard concentrating on her work this morning. It's because I woke up late and didn't have my muffin. Whom am I kidding; I can't concentrate because I keep thinking of him. I wonder where he's from. I wish I could place his accent. It's so sexy. Well everything about him is sexy. Ugh! I've got to get these papers reviewed or I'll never be ready for that meeting this afternoon.

At twelve-thirty, after listening to her stomach rumble for the fifth time in the past ten minutes, she decides to run down to the corner deli to get a sandwich so she can get through the rest of her day before her meeting at four o'clock. It would be pretty embarrassing if my stomach rumbles during the meeting. I don't want to look like a complete nincompoop today.

Sarah presses the button to call the elevator and wonders if Luc will be on the elevator this time. The doors open and no one is on it. She presses the button for the lobby and steps to the back of the elevator. She brought a few of the papers she's reviewing so that she can continue to look at them while she's waiting in line at the deli. Concentrating on her papers, she doesn't look up as the elevator dings and the doors open.

Hello, Sarah.

Sarah yelps and her papers go flying everywhere before falling to the floor. You scared me, she says holding her hand over her heart. Why do I keep making a fool of myself in front of him? Ugh, can this day get any worse?

Again, I am sorry. I seem to make you drop things, Luc replies looking at her through hooded eyes.

It's okay. I just seem to be punchy today. It's not your fault. Sarah blushes trying to gather her papers from the floor.

Luc reaches to help her gather the papers and takes her small hand in his very large hand. Were you headed to lunch? May I buy you lunch to make up for the muffin and scaring you?

Staring at their hands, Sarah is quiet for a moment trying to figure out what to say. She really likes the feel of his hand holding hers but knows he's only being nice to her because he's trying to make up for the muffin and the scare. What the heck, I might as well let him treat me to lunch. Maybe he won't feel bad about what happened and maybe I can redeem myself and not look like a dimwit again.

Oh, alright, Mr. Scary Muffin Smoosher. However, I have to make it quick as I have a meeting at four o'clock and I still need to finish preparing for it. I was just headed down to the corner deli. Would you like to join me?

I would love to, he answers her. Mr. Scary Muffin Smoosher?

Sarah blushes, Yeah. You know, you scared me and smooshed my muffin.

When the elevator stops at the lobby, Luc puts his hand on her lower back guiding her out of the elevator and leaves it there until they exit the building. A shudder runs down Sarah's spine from the touch of his hand and feels a loss when he removes it. Okay, girl. Get a hold of yourself. It's just his hand. It's something most men do when walking with a woman.

Which way? Luc asks as they exit the building.

This way, Sarah says as she turns left headed for her favorite deli. I just love this deli. They have the best sandwiches and the people who run it are always friendly. I like that. In a big city sometimes, the businesses forget it's about people and focus too much on profit. I'll go out of my way to give my business to one that makes me feel welcome and treats me like I matter to their business.

Sarah looks up at him and sees that he's smiling at her. Sorry, I didn't mean to get on my soap box. I came from a small town and I miss how my home town always made me feel like I mattered.

Do not apologize about something that matters to you. More people need to have a passion about things that matter to them.

When they enter the deli, the owners call out to Sarah, she smiles and waves back. Standing in line Luc looks over the menu above the counter. What do you recommend? he asks.

I've tried just about everything here and I've liked all of it. I don't think you can make a bad choice.

What are you having today?

I think I'm going to have the chicken salad sandwich. It's my favorite.

Well then, let us make it two.

They order their lunch and find a table. While waiting for their food, Luc says, Tell me about yourself.

Me? she blushes. There's not much to tell. I'm just your average girl.

Somehow I do not think so, he replies trying to get her to reveal more about herself. You said you come from a small town. Where is that?

I grew up in a small town in the south totally opposite of New York City. Everyone knows who you are and what you've been up to, so not much privacy. When I was growing up, it was a pain in the heinie that everyone knew who I was and everything I did. After being away from home to go to college and now living here where I seem to be just a number, I can appreciate my hometown. I'm not just a number there. I'm Sarah Sinclair, daughter of Ian and Rose Sinclair, little sister of Duncan, Derek, and Kyle.

Where did you go to college and how long have you been in New York?

I went to Auburn getting a degree in public affairs and I've been in New York for three years now. My best friend from college, Bev, and I were hired by McConnell and Associates right out of college. It was great having a friend to help with the transition from small town to big city.

So that would make you twenty-five years old?

Yes. And may I ask how old you are?

I am thirty, so not much older.

Their food arrives and Sarah takes a moment to study him while they eat.

How do you like the sandwich? she asks him.

You are right; it is probably the best chicken salad sandwich I have ever eaten.

Okay, I've told you something about myself. How about you spill it.

Spill it? he asks confused at the phrase.

Yeah, you know tell me all there is to know about Luc.

He sits quietly for a moment thinking of what he should reveal to her. It's obvious that she doesn't know who he is and that is refreshing. Most women when they find out who he is throw themselves at him. Those that he chooses to date expect him to take them to the latest clubs and restaurants, to buy them expensive gifts and use him to be in the spotlight to further their own standing in society. It's nice to just be himself and not worry if there is an ulterior motive.

Well, I am not from New York City although I am here a lot. I have lived all over Europe and various places in the United States.

Is that why you seem to have a very unique accent? she asks.

I guess I have picked up a little from the various languages that I speak, he shrugs.

Well, I like it. It's very sexy. She blushes. If I keep blushing like this, I'm going to stay permanently pink.

A big smile spreads across his face revealing his dimples. Why thank you. I think your blushing is very sexy too.

Yeah, right, she says looking down at the table to keep from seeing if he really means it or not.

He reaches over placing a finger on her chin and lifts her face to look at him. I do think you are very sexy.

Not knowing how to react, she looks at her watch and jumps up. I really have to get back to the office. I have so much to do before my meeting. Thank you for lunch. Consider your debt paid for the muffin and the scare. She runs out the door without looking back.

Stunned and not knowing what to think of the situation, Luc shakes his head, leaves a tip and heads back to his office. Sarah is definitely unlike any woman he has ever met and is very intrigued by her.

When Luc returns to his office, he calls the head of his security team and asks him to find out everything he can on Sarah Sinclair. What are you doing Luc? You do not have time for a new woman in your life right now; definitely not one who is a forever type woman. You have a business to run and a country to lead into the twenty-first century. A woman that wants you for sex and what you can do to advance her standing in society but is willing to walk away when the relationship is done. That you can handle right now, not someone like Sarah who seems so innocent and does not know how the game is played.

≈≈≈≈≈

Bev sticks her head into Sarah's cubicle about an hour before their meeting. Are you ready for the meeting? she asks.

Ugh, I'm trying to focus but I'm having a hard time.

Why? Bev asks sensing that there's something to her statement other than after lunch brain fog. She sits on the edge of her desk looking at Sarah with a look that tells Sarah that she isn't going away until she tells her what's going on.

I had lunch with Luc! she exclaims.

What? And you didn't come tell me as soon as you got back! Bev says giving her a hurt look.

I'm sorry. I still had so much to get done before the meeting and was having a hard enough time concentrating that I tried to push it out of my mind.

What happened?

When I was headed to the deli to get a sandwich so I could work through lunch, he scared me on the elevator and I dropped all the papers I was reading. To make up for the muffin and for scaring me, he asked if he could buy me lunch.

And? Bev looks at her with a look of anticipation to hear the rest of the story.

Well, we talked about where I was from, where I went to college and how long I've been in New York. I found out he's thirty and has lived all over the U.S. and Europe. I told him that must explain his unique accent and said it was sexy. Of course, I blushed as soon as the words were out of my mouth. He told me he thought my blushing was very sexy. I didn't know what to say so I jumped up, told him thank you for lunch and ran out of the restaurant. I didn't even get his last name. I made a ninny of myself again. Why can't I be one of those sophisticated women who always know what to say and do?

Oh, sweetie, if he doesn't appreciate you the way you are, then he doesn't deserve you. However, I think you underestimate yourself. He did say he thought your blushing was very sexy.

Well, he doesn't live here in New York so it probably doesn't matter. He was just trying to be nice to make up for what happened this morning. No big deal. I probably won't see him again. Sarah's shoulders slump as she thinks about not seeing him again.

I'm about done here. Let me get everything together and I'll meet you in the conference room for the meeting in fifteen minutes. Bev agrees and leaves the cubicle to get her stuff for the meeting.

Okay, Sarah. Pull yourself together. You have a meeting to conduct with the new client and you need all your wits about you. Push Luc to the back of your mind. You can think about him tonight in your dreams.

Chapter Two

Sarah meets Bev and the rest of the team in the conference room fifteen minutes before the meeting is set to start to make sure everything is in place. Seeing that everything is set to meet with the Fortier Corporation, she takes her place at the head of the conference room table. Just as she prepares to sit down, the door opens and the new client and his team enter the room. Looking up Sarah sees the new client and promptly plops down so hard in her seat that she almost sends it flying out from under her.

Oh no, no, no. This cannot be happening. How can I get through this meeting when I keep making a fool of myself in front of him? This is too big a client to make a mistake. She takes a couple of deep breathes. Okay, Okay, Okay. I can do this. I just need to talk to him as if we were talking at lunch, only try not to tell him he's sexy.

Sarah quickly looks at Bev with a look of panic. Bev raises her eyebrows at Sarah with a what is going on look. Sarah gives her a not now, I'll tell you later look in return.

Luc smiles when he enters the room seeing that Sarah is going to be conducting this meeting. He watches the various emotions racing across her face and sees that she is beginning to blush again. Hmm, I wonder what is going through that pretty, little head of hers. Now that we will be working together, I have an excuse to ask her to dinner tonight. This is going to be a very interesting meeting.

Sarah takes a deep breath and pulls herself together. Welcome to McConnell & Associates. Please come in and have a seat so we can get started. Not bad, so far. I can do this. I am a professional. I've done these meetings hundreds of times.

Let me introduce myself and my team. I am Sarah Sinclair, lead Public Affairs Manager for your account and this is Beverly Carter, who will be assisting as lead Graphics Manager. Roger Howard, Amy Lewis, and James Major make up the rest of our team. We are very excited to be working with your company and are sure that this will be a very successful campaign. I would appreciate if someone from your team could introduce your team members.

Luc smiles and nods to the gentleman sitting next to him indicating for him to make the introductions. The gentleman stands and introduces his team. I am Charles DuPont, lead advisor. Pointing to his right he continues to make introductions. This is Douglas Shaw, Elizabeth Fay, Jackie Foss and this, pointing to his left, is Giovanni Luciano Fortier, President of the Fortier Corporation and His Royal Highness Prince of Andoria.

Luc watches Sarah's reaction as she absorbs the fact that he is a prince. Her face reflects shock, confusion, and then appears to blush but quickly turns red as if angered.

Interesting. Not what I thought her reaction would be. Usually when a woman finds out I am a prince, a greedy look appears in her eyes. Not Sarah, she seems angry. Why? I definitely will have to get an answer this evening when I take her to dinner.

Sarah clears her throat taking a second to gather her thoughts before beginning. I have to get through this meeting first and then I'll deal with the lying toad.

Let us begin now that the introductions have been made, she says, not looking Luc in the eye but to a spot directly to the left of his shoulder.

Sarah begins her presentation followed by each team member's presentation. She then finishes with a concise summarization and asks if their team has any questions or comments. After a two hour meeting which seems to be successful, Luc calls the meeting to an end and requests to meet with Sarah alone for a few minutes.

After everyone leaves the conference room, Luc turns around and looks at Sarah with a question in his eyes.

What? she says, clearly irritated though he's not sure why.

You seem mad at me. What have I done? I thought we had a very pleasant lunch today. Am I wrong?

We did have a pleasant lunch today but you lied to me!

How did I lie to you? he asks stepping closer to her.

You said your name was Luc. Your name is Giovanni. You knew I worked for McConnell and Associates but you didn't say anything about meeting with my company today. In addition, you are a prince. How should I address you, 'Your Highness' or 'Prince Giovanni' or 'Mr. Fortier'? No, I know, how about 'Your Royal Ass'! she says stepping away from him. You didn't think it was relevant that I know this information? Where you trying to make me feel like a dimwit?

Luc raises his eyebrows at her 'Your Royal Ass' comment. I like her spunk. Yes, my name is Giovanni; Giovanni Luciano Fortier. I go by Luc as my father goes by Giovanni. I did not know I would be meeting with you today. Is this not a large company? Would it be possible that many meetings are taking place today at your company?

Yes, of course, but….what about being a prince? she utters as she tries to process this day in her head.

Sarah, I am sorry that you were taken by surprise with me attending this meeting. I am sorry that you feel that I lied to you. I did not mention being a prince because when I am conducting business for my company, I do not refer to myself as a prince. I had my company long before I became the ruling prince of my country. I find mentioning that I am a prince sometimes creates problems when trying to conduct business that I would rather not deal with. Nevertheless, Sarah, I liked your team's presentation and I would like to take you to dinner to discuss it further. What do you say? Do you forgive me? May I take you to dinner?

Sarah looks