Read Online Royal Target by Traci Hunter Abramson - Free Book Online Page A

settled down to have an after-dinner drink, but many others were preparing to leave.
    Realizing her job was basically done for the night, Janessa checked with Martino before excusing herself. She moved out of the parlor and past the dining room, pleased when she found the kitchen. Janessa knocked on the door as she pushed it open. She spotted a slightly rounded woman with graying hair she guessed to be Enrico’s wife, Patrice.
    “I just wanted to compliment you on a wonderful meal,” Janessa said in Italian. She moved forward and extended her hand. “I’m Janessa Rogers.”
    “Patrice Saldera.” Patrice’s eyebrows lifted even as she shook Janessa’s hand. “Everything was satisfactory?”
    “Everything was delicious.” Janessa smiled.
    Patrice sighed, waving a hand at the counter where a tray of desserts lay, most of them untouched. She spoke Italian with a thick French accent. “I thought maybe they didn’t like it.”
    “I think too many of them are on a diet.” Janessa shrugged. “I’m afraid they didn’t give the prince a chance to eat his either. He may appreciate it if you save some for him.”
    Patrice nodded. “Signorina Rogers . . .”
    “Please, call me Janessa.”
    “Very well. Gianessa,” Patrice corrected herself, using the Italian version of Janessa’s name. She waved at the platters of leftover food. “Did you get enough to eat?”
    “More than enough.” She patted her stomach and nodded at the dessert dishes. “Mine is the empty one.”
    Patrice chuckled and nodded her approval.
    “Good night. Thank you again for a wonderful meal.” Janessa turned to leave just as the door opened behind her.
    “Oh, I beg your pardon.” Prince Garrett stopped just inside the door. Surprise flickered in his eyes. He looked from Janessa to Patrice and then back to Janessa. “I hope you didn’t get lost.”
    Janessa shook her head, her lips quirking up in the beginnings of a smile. “No, not at all.” She motioned to the food behind her. “You must be hungry. I’ll get out of your way so that you can eat.”
    “We just ate.”
    “ I just ate.” Her smile broke free. “ You entertained. Try the dessert. It’s magnificent.”
    Clearly surprised by her observation, he turned to see Patrice smiling at him. “She’s right. My boy never eats enough at these dinners,” Patrice said in a matronly tone as she waved toward a doorway on the other side of the kitchen. “Go sit down. I’ll fix you a plate.”
    All formality melted away as Garrett grinned and crossed to kiss Patrice on the cheek. “You’re too good to me.” He kissed her other cheek. “And you’re still the best cook in the province.”
    “You just want me to make you fresh strawberry pie.”
    Garrett chuckled. “That too.” His grin was still in place when he turned to Janessa and asked, “Will you join me?”
    Janessa’s eyebrows rose. “I thought you would appreciate some time alone.”
    Garrett shook his head. “I don’t like to eat alone, and Patrice doesn’t ever sit down until the dishes are done.” He winked at Patrice and gave Janessa a boyish smile. “If you don’t eat with me, she might put me on dish duty like when I broke the breakfast room window when I was twelve.”
    Now curious, Janessa followed him into the breakfast room. “How did you manage that?”
    “Home run.” Garrett shrugged as he pulled one of a dozen chairs out for her. “I guess we should have been trying to hit away from the chateau.”
    “Lesson learned.” Janessa laughed. She sat down at the square table, amazed at how quickly Garrett had shed his formal air and become once again the man she had spent so many hours talking to on the phone.
    Garrett waved in the direction of the kitchen. “Did you get enough dinner? I can have Patrice fix you a plate too.”
    “I had more than enough. As I told Signora Saldera, I don’t think I can eat another bite.” She watched Patrice put a full plate in front of Garrett and then a