Leanne Banks: The Doctor Takes a Princess / Pregnant with the Prince's Child

There was something about the combination of his strength and passion that did things to her. It was exciting. And perplexing.

Preferring to have her own chauffeur, Bridget met Robert Goodwin, the governor’s son, in the lobby of her hotel. He was a distinguished-looking man in his mid-forties who reminded her of one of her uncles. She decided that was how she would treat him.

Her bodyguard Raoul, who occasionally played double duty in making introductions, stepped forward. “Your Highness, Robert Goodwin.”

She nodded and extended her hand. “Lovely to meet you, Mr. Goodwin. Thank you for escorting me to an event that will raise awareness for such an important cause.”

“My pleasure, Your Highness,” he said, surprising her when he brought her hand to his mouth. “Please call me Robert. May I say that you look breathtaking?”

“Thank you very much, Robert. Shall we go?”

By the time they arrived at the historical hall, Bridget concluded that Mr. Goodwin’s intentions were not at all uncle-like and she prepared herself for a sticky evening. Cameras flashed as they exited the limo and Mr. Goodwin appeared to want to linger for every possible photo as he bragged about her title to the reporters.

“Everyone is excited to have a real princess at the event tonight. People paid big bucks to sit at our table.”

“I’m delighted I could help the cause.” Sometimes it amazed her that a single spermatozoa had determined her status. And that spermatozoa had originated from a cheating jerk of a man who had never gotten her first name right. Her father.

“Would you join me in a dance?” Robert said, his gaze dipping to her cleavage.

“Thank you, but I need to powder my nose,” she said. “Can you tell me where the ladies’ room is?”

Robert blinked. “I believe it’s down the hall to the left.”

“Excuse me,” she said and headed for the restroom, fully aware that Raoul was watching. She wondered if she could plead illness. After stalling for several moments, she left and slowly walked toward her table. Halfway there, Ryder stepped in front of her.

“Busy as ever,” he said.

Her heart raced at the sight of him. “So true. I arrived back in town this afternoon and had to turn right around to get ready for this event.”

“With the governor’s son,” Ryder said, clearly displeased.

“He could be my uncle,” she said.

“Bet that’s not what he’s thinking,” Ryder countered.

She grimaced and shrugged. “It’s not the first time I’ve had to manage unwelcome interest, and if my appearance generates additional income for this good cause …”

“True,” he said, his eyes holding a misery that grabbed at her.

“What brings you here?”

“Dr. Walters. He has had an impact on hundreds of doctors, but now he can’t recognize himself in the mirror.”

“I’m so sorry,” she said, her heart hurting at the expression on his face. “Seeing you, hearing you, makes me glad I came. I’m ashamed to confess that I was tempted to cancel because I was so tired after returning from Chicago.”

His gaze held hers for a long emotional moment. “I’m glad you didn’t give in to your weariness this time.”

“Even though I have to face Mr. Anything-but-Good Robert Goodwin,” she said.

“Give me a sign and I’ll have your back,” he said.

She took a deep breath. “That’s good to know. I can usually handle things. This isn’t the first time.”

His gaze swept over her from head to toe and back again. “That’s no surprise.”

Her stomach dipped and she cleared her throat. “I should get back to my table. I’m told people paid to sit with me. I’m sure it has nothing to do with my title.”

His lips twitched. “Not if they really knew you,” he said.

“You flatter me,” she said.

“Not because you’re a princess,” he said.

“Call me tomorrow.”

“I will,” he said.

Bridget returned to her table and tried to be her most charming self and at the same time not encouraging Robert Goodwin. It was challenging, but she was determined.

After the meal had been served, he turned to her. “I’m determined to dance with you.”

“I’m not that good of a dancer,” she assured him.

He laughed, his gaze dipping over her cleavage again. “I’m a good leader,” he said and rose, extending his hand to her. “Let me surprise you.”

Or not , she thought wishing with all her heart that he wouldn’t surprise her. She didn’t want to embarrass the man. She lifted her lips in a careful smile. “One dance,” she said and stood.

They danced to a waltz, but he somehow managed to rub against her. She tried to back away, but he wrapped his hands around her waist like a vise, drawing him against her. Suddenly, she saw Ryder behind Robert Goodwin, his hand on his shoulder. Robert appeared surprised.

“Can I cut in?” Ryder asked.

Robert frowned. “I’m not—”

“Yes,” Bridget said. “It’s only proper.”

Robert reluctantly released her and Ryder swept her into his arms.

“Thank goodness,” she murmured.

He wrapped his arms around her and it felt entirely different than it had with Robert. She stared into his eyes and felt a shockwave roll through her. “When did you learn to dance?”

“A generous woman taught me during medical school,” he said, drawing her closer, yet not too close.

Bridget felt a spike of envy but forced it aside. “She did an excellent job.”

He chuckled. “It was all preparation,” he said. “Everything we do is preparation for what waits for us in the future.”

“I would have to be quite arrogant to think your preparation was for me,” she said, feeling light-headed.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he said, clearly changing the subject. “I hate having to share you with anyone else.”

Her stomach dipped. “It’s part of who I was born to be. Duty calls,” she said.

“But what does Bridget want?” he challenged. “Meet me in the foyer in fifteen minutes.”

“How?” she asked.

“You’ll figure it out,” he said.

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