I can't believe it's been THREE months since I updated this story! I am so sorry to keep you all hanging. To be honest, I wasn't sure where I wanted to pick it up after that last chapter. Then I decided it was time to delve into what drives Will and Erin. And you know that if there is Dave Rossi and Erin Strauss together in a story, it HAS to be hinted that the cause of their underlying animosity toward one another might be the result of a long ago fling.

So, without further ado, here is the much waited for chapter...

One In A Million You

"When you put it like that, how can I not be intrigued?" Prince Will asked. "So, what do you have in mind?"

"Depends upon how badly you want to marry the princess," Erin purred.

A dark smile tugged at Will's lips. "About as badly as I want to rule her father's kingdom."

Erin cocked her head. "That's pretty bad."

"And I can't have one without the other. But Jennifer doesn't want me," Will groused. "She's 'in love' with some mystery guy."

"My step-son." Erin nearly gagged on the word.

"What does he have that I don't?" Will gave an exasperated sigh.

"You said it yourself," Erin replied as she leaned back in her chair, "mystery. Women are suckers for the 'tall, dark, and dangerous' type. Look at who her father is, and it's no wonder that she would go after a man with the same qualities."

"Except her father is king and this mystery - er, your step-son is a baseborn servant." Will examined the whiskey as though it held an answer that eluded him.

Erin's mouth twitched. "I wouldn't go that far, but he's not quite royalty, either."

"No matter what he is," Will argued, "he has my fiancée, and I am left being the royal laughing stock of my kingdom."

"For that, I apologize. I should have sent Aaron away when I had the chance."

"Why didn't you?" Will's tone was full of sarcasm.

Erin sighed. "When it comes to revenge, sometimes the brain overrules the common sense part. We all do things that we think will bring us the greatest pleasure. Sometimes it backfires."

"So get rid of him."

She gave a dry laugh. "The thought has crossed my mind more than once. But I've let him hang around for so long, I've become accustomed to his face."

"Bullshit! You are like the cat who has captured the mouse in the bathroom and has no desire to eat it, but doesn't mind playing with it and teasing it until the poor, frightened thing falls over from heart failure," Will remarked with a snort.

Erin's eyes flashed at the analogy. "I have to admit that playing with Aaron has been fun."

"But…?"

Erin pushed away from the desk and stood up. "Even the cat gets tired of a mouse. Plus, if that mouse is preventing the cat…or cats from completing their tasks, then it's time to eliminate it."

"You mean you would eliminate your step-son?" Will raised his eyebrows in question.

She clicked her tongue. "Tempting thought, but I would miss his cooking. No, I might have something else in mind for Aaron." She tapped a manicured finger on her chin. Will watched her in silenced awe as he could see her wrestling with the decisions weighing on her shoulders.

"What's in it for me?" she finally asked.

Will sipped his drink and took his time swallowing. It was a tennis match between them and now it was his return. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I'm going to be delivering a princess to you…at the cost of losing some reliable help." Erin walked around the desk and sat down on the edge. Crossing one leg in front of the other, she swung her leg so Prince Will could get a good view. Yes, she might be the mother to two grown sons, but her legs were still her greatest assets. And from the wanton smile on the young man's face, they still had it.

"I thought you and Aaron didn't like one another?"

"Not liking him doesn't mean that I don't appreciate what he does around the house. After all, he cooks, cleans, and does yard work. That alone is going to set me back a pretty penny when I have to hire three to replace one of him."

"Name your price," Will offered.

"What is the price of Princess Jennifer's hand?" Erin countered.

Will leaned forward. "That would depend on numerous things. But since you asked, I would say prime real estate in my kingdom."

Erin's eyes narrowed. "How 'prime'?"

Will set the glass down on the desk and stood up. "I heard that King Dave turned down your golf course project."

"He always was an arrogant bastard. Has been since the day we met."

Will smirked. "Oh? Is there a story there?"

Erin crossed her arms over her breasts. "Where?" she asked defensively.

"With the king? I sense something…I don't know….maybe a romance?"

"Try roll in the hay and it might be more descriptive to what we didn't have. But that is beside the point."

"No, I think this is the point. Now we really have a common bond."

"Which is…?" Erin wondered.

"We both want to get your step-son out of the picture, and we both want to bring down King Dave."

"I can't think of two more delightful projects on my agenda," Erin agreed. "So…?"

Will moved in closer. "So…you haven't named your price."

"And the King will go along with this?" Erin looked the young man in the eyes as though she was sizing up her opponent. She had already found his Achilles heel, but she needed a bit more ammunition. She wasn't going to go down alone if this failed.

"The King wants me to be happy. Having Jennifer will make me extremely happy. As I imagine getting rid of Aaron will make you the same. So, what is your price?"

"That pasture of land behind the school…you know which one?" Erin asked with a smile.

"The Greenaway farm."

"Eighteen holes of the most beautiful, pristine grounds on planet earth," Erin corrected.

Will considered the suggestion. "I like the sound of that."

Erin straightened the lapels on Will's dress coat and brushed off a stray piece of lint. "So do I. When do we finalize this deal?"

"How soon can you get your step-son out of the picture?"

"How soon can you get the wedding invitations from the printer's?" Erin challenged.

"Friday."

"It will be cutting it close," Erin sighed with feigned disinterest, "but I am sure that I can start interviewing replacement help starting Thursday morning."

"So, it's agreed?"

"The deal is sealed." Erin pushed past Will and walked to the back of her desk. Leaning over, she placed both hands on the desk top and leveled her gaze at the prince. "I expect the paperwork on my desk tomorrow."

"I can do that." Will extended his hand. "It was a pleasure doing business with you, Erin."

Erin shook his hand quickly. "The pleasure is all mine."

"I'm sure."

"Can I see you out?" she offered.

"I can see myself out. Good day, Erin." He nodded at her and closed the door behind him.

Erin gazed into space. A wicked smile danced on her lips.