Читать книгу Christmas with the Prince: Christmas with the Prince - Michelle Celmer - Страница 15

Liv was on her way to breakfast the following morning when she was greeted—more like accosted—by one of Aaron’s sisters at the foot of the stairs on the main floor. Was it Friday already?

She was nowhere near as tall as her brother and had a slim, frail-looking build, and while they didn’t exactly look alike, there was a strong family resemblance. She was dressed in a pale pink argyle sweater and cream-colored slacks and wore her hair pulled back in a low bun. In the crook of one arm she cradled a quivering ball of fur with bulging eyes. A dog, Liv realized. Probably a shih tzu.

The first impression that popped into Liv’s head was sweet and demure. Until the princess opened her mouth.

She squealed excitedly when she saw Liv and said, “You must be Olivia! I’m Aaron’s sister Louisa.”

Liv was so stunned by her enthusiasm—weren’t princesses supposed to be poised and reserved?—she nearly neglected protocol and offered a hand to shake.

“It’s nice to meet you, Your Highness,” she said, dipping into a slightly wobbly curtsy instead. She had barely recovered when Louisa grabbed her hand and pumped it enthusiastically.

“Call me Louisa.” She scratched the canine behind its silky ears. “And this is Muffin. Say hello, Muffin.”

Muffin just stared, his little pink tongue lolling out of his mouth.

“I can’t tell you how excited we are to have you here,” she said, smiling brightly. “Aaron has told us wonderful things about you.”

Liv couldn’t help but wonder exactly what he’d told them. She would be mortified if he’d said something about their kiss last night. Having had the entire night to think it over, she decided that it would definitely never happen again. At least, not until she’d decided what to do about William. Although, probably not then, either. What she needed to concentrate on was the job she had come here to do.

“Has my brother been a good host?” Louisa asked.

Good didn’t even begin to describe the sort of host he’d been. “He has,” Liv assured her. “He’s made me feel very welcome.”

“I’m so glad. I can’t wait for you to meet the rest of the family! Everyone is so excited that you’re here.”

“I’m anxious to meet them, too.”