The Royal Contract

He guessed she had every right to question his motives. He silently admitted she was correct that he had no idea what he was thinking, bringing her here and setting up this surprise.

Yes, it was a date, no matter what his excuses were. Pure as his intentions might initially be, the result was still the same. He was not even sure if he was ready to go forward.

Then, the last part she said to him. It hit him like an arrow going to the bullseye. It went straight to his heart. Was he ready for a serious commitment because that was what she was asking him?

Did he only want to get laid and get this woman off his system? He doubted, but where did he think this would go? Could he consider marrying her and wanting to be the father of her child?

“I am sorry. I did not mean to get upset.” Zach finally heard her speak after she considerably calmed down. “I...”

“No, don’t be sorry, Ria. I think you were right about everything you said.” He stopped her before she could say more. “And you have every right to be mad at me for always messing up.”

Then, he reached for her hand, not caring if she slapped him in the face for daring to touch her. All he knew was that he had to tell her what was going through his thoughts or he might regret missing the chance.

“Do you mind if it is my turn this time to talk?” He carefully watched her reaction, wondering if she would demand that he take her back to the hotel and never speak to her again.

.....

But she only nodded, agreeing to listen to whatever he had to say. Therefore, he carefully thought about it, not wanting to waste his only opportunity to correct his mistakes.

“Thanks.” He said as he took a deep breath, searching for the right words to say to her. “First, let me admit that I am very attracted to you. You are constantly in my mind that it is driving me crazy.”

He could see that her eyes registered a slight surprise, but she kept silent as she listened. He thought it would be easy, but the words seemed to elude him as he stared at her tear-stained face.

He grabbed the napkin and lightly dabbed it on her face. Suddenly, the thought of making her cry did not sit well with him. He wanted her happy and smiling, just like earlier when they took care of those eggs.

“But you were right. I did not know your world. I have no idea how complicated your life could be.” He moved closer to her as he knelt before her. “Maybe you are right.”

“It might be more than I am bargaining for.” He held her eyes that appeared astonished as his words started to sink into her mind.

“But the shocking thing is...” He squeezed her hand and placed a single kiss on her knuckle. “I want to understand your world if you let me.”

“What are you saying?” She finally reacted to his statement, appearing confused and hopeful.

“I can’t promise more than what I can give. But I like you a lot to give you up that easily. I am willing to try this relationship with you and your son.” He knew it was a big step and a huge commitment, but he was ready to take it if she was.

“Are you sure you are ready for that?” She sounded skeptical. But could he blame her after what she had been through in her life? “Because you are not only building a relationship with me but also with my son.”

He understood what she was saying, and after careful consideration, he believed he knew what he was getting himself into by entering this kind of commitment.

“I think I understand it perfectly.” He answered her as he moved closer again, but cautious not to scare her away. “I want to try to make you happy. That includes your son.”

He could finally hear her soft breathing as their faces were inches away. Still, he waited for her to push him away and tell him to get lost. But instead, she smiled. Her face seemed to light up as she tilted her head toward him.

He knew it was an enormous responsibility that he was putting on his shoulders. But it was something he was willing to do for a girl like her. He firmly believed that she was an extraordinary person, and he was not ready to lose her.

“But...” He could see it in her eyes. “You are still afraid. Funnily, I am too. But what is life if we don’t take a few risks? At least, this time, we are doing it together.” He wanted to assure her, but what better way to show her? He guessed he just needed to prove it to her.

He finally closed the gap separating them, allowing his lips to communicate with her supple ones. Then, he wrapped his arms around her body, savoring her warmth against his. He hoped that maybe his action would speak louder than his words.

He was not expecting this relationship would be easy, but he was willing to give it a shot. He would not know if his best would be good enough, but he would try his damndest to make this work.

This time, he knew his life would not be the only one affected if this relationship failed but hers and her son. Maybe he was growing up since he was not only thinking of himself. But he hoped it was enough.

“Are you willing to take a chance with me?” Zach finally asked her when he came up for air.

He could still see a slight hesitation in her eyes as she thought about his question. But when she finally spoke up, he knew she had finally made a decision.

“Yes!” Ria finally answered with a bright smile on her lips.

He did not know that such a simple word could have such an immense impact on his heart. It was like he had won the lottery as he felt overjoyed.

Was this love?