Page 22 of Royally Matched
Chapter Seven
Lily’s reaction to his decision at the memorial and church service touched Max. As he mulled it over during the next couple of days, he realized that he wanted to do something to show her he cared in return.
He found her reading in the royal library. It must have been an epic book because her face was buried in the pages. Max used her preoccupation to his advantage, watching her from across the room.
She looked beautiful. Her curly golden-brown hair was half pulled back, revealing her delicate neck and shoulders. Today, she was casual in her attire, wearing a blue blouse and a pair of cream pants. Even in something so effortless, she was breathtaking.
Quietly, Max made his way over to her side and sat down next to her.
Startled, she slammed the book shut as her eyes darted up to meet his. “What are you doing here?”
“I was looking for you.” Taking the book from her hands and setting it on the nearby table, he added, “I was wondering if you would like to go horseback riding with me. If I remember correctly, you’re an accomplished rider.”
“I’m surprised that you remember that. I have plans later this afternoon to help Margo with a few last-minute wedding plans,” glancing at her phone, she added, “but I’m free right now.”
“Does that mean you will go?” Max asked, hoping the answer was yes.
Lily nodded. “I would love to. I just need to go change. Are there any spare riding habits in the palace?”
“The king keeps several sets on hand for guests when they visit. I’ll have one of the servants bring a set to your suite.”
“Thank you,” Lily said with a smile. “I could use the fresh air and exercise.”
“Is that the only reason you’re agreeing to go?” Max asked with a frown, let down by the reasons she gave.
“No, I also enjoy spending time with you. It’s just hard to admit sometimes. I’m still afraid you‘ll hurt me again.”
“What do you mean ‘again’?” Max asked in confusion. “You’re the one who broke my heart.”
“What are you talking about? I saw you with Georgina after the championship game. It’s why I broke things off the next day. I couldn’t be with you knowing you were still seeing her on the side.”
“But I wasn’t. When I was with you, I was withonlyyou,” Max protested, reaching out to take her hand.
“You don’t have to deny it, Max. I saw you kissing her,” Lily said, pulling away from his touch defensively as she scooted away from him. “Lying won’t get you anywhere.”
“I’m guessing you didn’t wait until the end. If you had, you would have seen me pull away from Georgina. I told her I was in love with you and I didn’t want to be with anyone else.”
Lily’s face turned white as she whispered, “You did?”
Max nodded. “When you broke up with me the next day, I tried to get you to tell me why. I had no idea it was because of that. You said it was because I was a player, and would never change; that you couldn’t be with someone like that.”
“But you can understand why I would think that,” Lily said defensively. “I was in love with you too. It devastated me to see you with Georgina.”
“It was one-sided; she only wanted to get the spotlight back. Georgina never cared about me, but only the fame she could get by being with me. When you ended things, I decided I would never get hurt again. I kept things casual with women after that. At least until you came back into my life, and all my old feelings resurfaced.”
“I’m sorry,” Lily said in a sad tone. “My stupidity caused me towaste all these years thinking the worst of you.”
“We were young. We both made mistakes, but I’m glad it’s all coming out now. I never want you to think I cheated on you. I might have been a lot of things, but a cheater’s not one of them.”
“I’m glad to finally know the truth,” Lily said, scooting back over to be next to Max. She took his hands in hers and asked, “Will you forgive me for not believing in us?”
“Of course I will,” he said, squeezing her hands back. “At least now we can move forward together, not dwelling on a past in which we both misunderstood.”
Lily stood to her feet and smiled. “Let me go get changed. I’m looking forward to spending some time with you now that everything is cleared up between us.”
As Max watched Lily retreat from the library, he realized he was getting a second chance. He was grateful for it, and he would do whatever it took to keep their relationship from being ruined this time.
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