The Princess Problem by Diane Darcy Page A

look great.”
    Alicia curtsied. “Why, thank you, kind sir. You look pretty good yourself.” And he did, his snug T-shirt showing off his fit physique and his jeans hugging his muscular thighs. Wow.
    Alicia realized Mike was filming them again, and smiled briefly for the camera then ignored him.
    Jonas cleared his throat. “I have something for you.”
    “Yeah?”
    He reached behind a bed set and picked up a vase with a beautiful lavender rose inside.
    Alicia put a hand to her suddenly pounding chest, then glanced up into his eyes. “Thank you, it’s gorgeous.” She took the vase from him and admired the flower. “I’ve never seen a rose this color before.”
    “It’s actually called a blue rose. They’re genetically engineered to achieve this color.”
    Alicia was having a hard time meeting his gaze again. She couldn’t help thinking about the love-at-first-sight rose Jonas had given her, and now she wondered what the meaning of a blue rose could be.
    “Aren’t you going to ask me the meaning of a blue rose?” He asked, as if reading her mind.
    Breathless, she asked, “What is the meaning of a blue rose, Jonas?
    “Some say that blue roses are associated with royal blood, regal majesty, and splendor. Which is apt in this case.”
    She smiled at him, but felt slightly disappointed that it meant nothing more.
    “Others say a blue rose is a symbol of love, prosperity, and wishes granted.”
    “That’s nice. So a rich princess?”
    He nodded. “But it has a third meaning that I like the best.”
    “Oh?” She could barely breathe.
    “In Chinese folklore, the blue rose signifies hope against unattainable love.”
    Unattainable? After the way she’d kissed him last night he thought she was unattainable? She wanted to assure him that she wasn’t.
    Willa walked over and saw the rose. “Oh, my. A blue rose. You know, since we’re finished here, you should go see the International Rose Test Garden.”
    “We should.” Jonas agreed. “How about it? Will you go?”
    “Yes. I’d love to.”
    “I’ll pick you up here in an hour.”
    “Sure.”
    After Jonas left, Mike came forward. “You guys are going to the gardens? I want to go, too. I’ve been wanting to visit that place.”
    Willa was visibly alarmed. “Oh, Mike. I’m sure I have some work here I need to go over with you.”
    Alicia smiled at Willa. “Don’t worry. Mike is teasing us.”
    Willa, visibly relieved, smiled. “Did you know that Jonas’s father courted me with roses?”
    Alicia nodded. “He sounds like a sweetie.”
    “He was, but you know what this means, don’t you?”
    “What?”
    “Jonas is courting you, dear.”
    “Oh.” Sudden fear lanced through Alicia. Jonas was, well, he was Jonas. He was a little too everything. Too good-looking, too rich, too capable of breaking her heart. If she couldn’t hold onto a regular guy, how did she expect to hold on to one of Portland’s most eligible bachelors? On the other hand, Katie had said it was just dating. Seeing if they were right for each other. She didn’t actually have to lose her heart or anything. She could just enjoy going out with him. If it worked out, great. If not, well it was just dating, right? She headed to the restroom to change.
    She really hated it when she had a hard time lying to herself.

Chapter Nine
     
     
     
     
    Jonas followed Alicia to her townhouse so she could wash off the thick makeup and change clothes. They both got out of their cars and excitement rushed through her as she clutched the vase with the blue rose and watched him walk toward her. He smiled as he approached and her knees went a little weak. “Come on,” she said. “This way.”
    He followed her to her door and she unlocked it and invited him inside. He looked around. “Nice. I like it. It’s very feminine, like you.”
    Alicia looked at the flowered sofa, the bright throw pillows, the vivid paint, and all the family photos hanging on the walls and gracing the fiWith mantle.