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“Your drinks,” the bartender said with a smile.
“Thank you,” I said.
As Veronica and I both reached for our glasses, our hands bumped awkwardly. We paused for a split second, then lifted our glasses in a synchronized fashion that looked almost choreographed as we both took gulps of our tasty drinks.
Turning toward the group, I raised my glass and toasted, “To wild and untamed Africa, where adventure and surprises wait at every corner!”
The group echoed with enthusiastic “cheers” as we clinked glasses. It wasn’t long before we had all finished our second drink.
“I think it's time we head back and rest up,” Veronica said. “It’s been a long flight and an even longer day.”
We bid farewell to Simon and Sabrina and began ambling toward our tents. Not even a minute later, Veronica stopped abruptly and turned, giving us a suspicious glance.
“Are you two following us?” she asked.
I grinned, trying to appear innocent. “No, we’re just heading to our tent as well. Pure coincidence.”
“Wouldn’t it be hilarious if they accidentally gave us all the same tent and we had to sleep together in the same bed?” Caleb asked. “I saw that in a movie once.”
“Not funny,” Veronica shot back quickly, then let out a sigh when she noticed our tents were indeed right next to each other. “Seriously? I can’t believe we’re neighbors. Just don’t get any ideas.”
“Me?” I feigned surprise. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
She eyed me skeptically. “I know what you’re thinking, August, but close proximity will not wear me down.”
As I paused in front of our door, I couldn’t resist teasing her a bit more. “The only thing I was thinking about was a nice hot bath, but if you’re hinting you’d like to join me …”
“Not on your life,” she retorted sharply.
“Enjoy your bath!” Daphne called out, laughter in her voice as they continued down the path.
Once inside our tent, Caleb flopped onto one of the beds, looking up at me with a wry smile. “She’s not making it easy, is she?”
I shook my head, my resolve hardening. “No, but it’s to be expected, given everything I put her through. She can resist all she wants, but she’s going to find out soon enough that I’m not here to play games. I’m here to win her back. And I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“I’m rooting for you, but how do you plan to do that?” Caleb asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and amusement. “Maybe I should be taking notes.”
I smirked, feeling the familiar thrill of a challenge stir within me. “Let’s just say the future king of Verdana isn’t out of moves yet. And I’ve got more than a few tricks up my sleeve.”
Chapter Five
Princess Veronica
The Next Morning …
Daphne and I both groaned simultaneously when a soft knock echoed through our tent suite at 5:30 a.m. It was our “wake-up call” so to speak, which gave us exactly thirty minutes to get dressed and meet our group outside for the game drive. I normally needed double that to get ready in the morning, but we both agreed we did not want to give up any more of our precious sleep than necessary since we had been so tired the night before.
“So, this is what hell feels like,” Daphne whined, her voice thick with sleep as she fumbled for the light switch. “The last time I got up before six, I was wearing diapers.”
I laughed. “Sounds like you’re still a baby.”
“The afternoon game drive would have been perfectly fine, you know.”
“August knows I’m not a morning person, so he would never expect me to get up this early,” I said as I slid out of the bed. “This is my best chance to avoid him, for at least half the day.” I straightened out my pajama top, then opened the door and smiled at the two employees. “Good morning.”
They both smiled, then the first employee said, “Good morning to you. Here are the two coffees and assortment of fresh baked pastries you requested.”
I gestured to the table against the wall. “Right over there is fine. Thank you so much.”
