Page 13 of His Royal Request

He smiled at me. “I moved everything around, so I’m free for the day.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to be a burden. I’m perfectly fine finding my way around.”

He shook his head. “Honestly, it wasn’t anything that couldn’t be decided over email. I took care of things and if they want to meet in person next time, I’m sure we can. I have more important things to do today.”

I blushed at his words. He was so sincere, not like he was trying to flirt. Was everyone in Lochland this nice?

“Look, there’s Galway Bay.” He pointed out my window so I turned and gasped. I was really here. The place I’d read about and researched for the past several months.

I’m here Mom.

I had to believe she was watching over me, just as excited as I was to actually be here.

We turned the corner and my eyes ate it up. The throngs of people moving in every direction, but no one seemed rushed or stressed. Banners hung back and forth across the street and music filled the air.

“Oh wow.”

George pulled to the curb and Aiden jumped out. “Come on, it’s best to walk.”

I looked at George who nodded and smiled. “I’ll come to find you both later.”

“Thank you.” I stepped out of the car and met Aiden on the sidewalk. Even though we were surrounded by people, it felt strange being alone with him. George had been the ice breaker, but now Aiden’s attention would be focused on me.

I turned and took in the mismatched buildings, street performers, and flags swaying gently overhead. Music floated through the air and I turned to see a man playing a guitar and singing an Irish folk song. The smell of fried foods wafted toward us from the pub on the other side of the street and blended with the smell of freshly baked pizzas from the restaurant next to us.

“I’ve been to Quay Street dozens of times but it still feels like sensory overload,” Aiden said while looking around.

I laughed and nodded. “It’s a lot to take in.”

He smiled down at me. “I like that I get to experience it for the first time again.”

I took two steps before stopping and looking around again. I read the signs written in Gaelic trying to understand them. A man playing the harmonica winked as I passed him. “There’s too much to see.”

He stopped next to me. “Take your time. We’re in no rush.”

I hoped he didn’t feel awkward now that it was just me and him. I didn’t want him to feel obligated to entertain me, but he’d already canceled his meetings so I didn’t want to waste his time.

We strolled along and I paused in front of a gelato shop with a storefront that resembled a castle.

“Would you like some?” Aiden asked.

I shook my head. “No, I’m just taking it in.” I pulled out my phone and took a few pictures before continuing on. I only took a few steps before stopping again. This place needed to come with blinders so I could only take in bits and pieces at a time. I felt like if I blinked I’d miss something incredible. A man wearing a kilt and playing the bagpipes strolled passed us as if it was completely normal.

We came to a spot where another street intersected, creating a large open area. I paused just as a dancer queued her music. She smiled at the crowd that had stopped and as the beat changed her legs kicked and shuffled to the music.

“Irish stepdance.” Aiden leaned down and whispered. A shiver ran down my back when his breath touched my neck.

My mouth dropped as the dancer spun and floated across the sidewalk. Her feet moved so fast it hard to keep track. I’d never seen anything like it and the dancer kept a relaxed smile on her face the entire time. Like it was effortless. As easy as breathing for her.

“Stunning,” I said.

The song ended and Aiden held out his hand with gold and silver coins. “You can put this in her hat.”

There was a black felt hat next to her speakers where people were dropping coins and bills as they walked by. I rushed over to take my turn. I felt like a child getting ready to throw a coin into a fountain to make a wish, but mine had already come true. Getting a private tour of the city I’d dreamt of seeing with a handsome man was more than I could have asked for.

The dancer winked as I tossed the coin. “Thank you,” she said.

I hurried back to Aiden and a woman with vivid red curls that flowed down to her waist grinned as she passed. “This place is magic.”