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sort of blur as the limo sped down the street, then they stopped at a traffic light. Not only could she see the lights and tinsel, ornaments and pine branches that decorated streetlamps and buildings, but the city itself was huge and modern.
    She’d noticed that on her shopping trip that afternoon, but New York City was such a far cry from Grennady that it once again stole her breath. The crazy feeling that she was in over her head tried to sneak in and ruin her confidence, but she wouldn’t let it. She might not be experienced, but she was educated.
    And she had a goal to make Aasera’s wish a reality. She would have to be tough enough that one city or one guy’s opinion wouldn’t shake her. She also had to be able to face the princess and her husband on her own, to apologize to Alex for doing something he hadn’t wanted done.
    She straightened her shoulders, sat taller in the limo seat. She could not— would not —fail because she let her confidence waver. She could do this.
    When Dean finally hung up the phone, she didn’t care what had happened between him and Prince Alex. Taking responsibility for this trip and responsibility for contacting the one person Alex hadn’t wanted to be contacted was another step in her growth as a businessperson. Dean would probably call that lesson three, clean up your own messes.
    Rather than endure the oppressive silence or let him think she was brooding because he wouldn’t tell her why Alex hated him, she said, “The city’s already decorated for Christmas.”
    â€œYes. We seem to start earlier every year.” He paused then said, “Have you never been to New York before?”
    She turned from the window to face him. His serious dark eyes caught hers. The now familiar tingle skipped along her skin as they studied each other.
    He was so gorgeous that it was hard to believe no woman had snapped him up. Of course his personality did leave a lot to be desired. He might be so handsome that she sometimes lost her breath when their eyes met. But he was a grouch. Her job tonight was to make him seem normal—maybe even likable. She had to remember that task and do it, not lose her breath or wish he was different.
    â€œI haven’t been very many places. Except for university, I’ve been a homebody.”
    â€œYet you want to start a charity that would technically be global.”
    His tone wasn’t demeaning, more like curious, so she answered honestly. “This thing that I did with you,” she said, pointing from herself to him and then back again. “It was like the first step in getting myself out of my shell and into the real world.”
    â€œAmbitious.”
    She laughed, glad he was no longer grouchy, just his usual stiff and formal. “Most people wouldn’t think a flight to Paris would turn into a trip to New York. You’re giving me a crash course in how rich people operate.”
    â€œGlad I can be of service. I want to do as much for you as you’re doing for me. The more professional we keep this and the more equitable our deal, the easier it will be to manage.”
    â€œLesson number four?”
    â€œNo, that relates back to lesson two. Don’t mix business and pleasure.”
    â€œRight.”
    He frowned. “What was lesson three?”
    â€œClean up your own messes. I figured it out myself. Your disagreement with Alex has no bearing on the fact that I went behind the backs of the royal family to meet with you. So I have to own up to it and apologize.”
    â€œGood point.” He peered over at her. “So we’re officially counting them now?”
    â€œThe lessons?”
    He nodded.
    She laughed. “Sure. Why not?”
    â€œYou do recognize that this evening is four or five hours of me introducing you to important people. Potential contacts. You’d do well to make a good first impression and remember names.”
    â€œI never have a