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The sun was resting on the horizon casting an orange glow across the ground. Catherine felt like she was floating. The air was perfect for running, and as she made her way alongside the lake enclosed in green pasture a warmth spread through her. Glad none could see her ridiculously wide grin, she bared her teeth to the sun. St. Andrews had been a madhouse every since it had been announced that he would be coming in the fall. Phillipa, her younger sister, had been apart of the girls excited about it. Over the summer, Pippa, as she was called by her friends, had come up with a hundred and one plans to get her older sister to know the future king. Pip, also, reminded her every chance she got of the monstrous poster that had adorned her dormitory and home walls when she was a teenager. Luckily, there were no pictures found in the family photo albums to prove it. Catherine prided herself on the level of calmness she'd maintained compared to the hoards of girls hoping to "accidentally" run into the Prince, fall in love, and then marry him. She often sniggered at their ludicrous scenarios as they plotted out loud, but today even she had to succumb to the magic that was William Wales; a pure stroke of luck and she'd had an encounter with her childhood crush. It was amazing. An hour after the "incident" at the bulletin board she still could not recall what words had left his perfect lips.. He was gorgeous up close. His skin smooth and highlighted with rose patches. His lips deliciously pink hiding a handsome smile. His jaw strong and perfectly structured. And his hair. She could just imagine her hands running through his golden mane. He even wore a soft cologne; just enough to be inviting, but not over powering. The memory was so vivid that her heart pumped ferociously against her chest, a blush spreading once again in her cheeks as she started back. Tonight would be "Potluck" Wednesday on the girls floor, but running made her a little famished. She decided to pick up a snack before heading to finish preparing her own dish.
William sat in the dining hall eating with his buddies. Ollie, a rambunctious chap, stood humped over in excitement telling a fanciful tale of hunting and waterfalls. Will hadn't caught any of the vital information that linked hunting to water, but he shook his head in laughter as the rest of the table of friends did. William was, instead, focusing his attention on what looked to be many conversations about himself. Anytime he caught a pair of eyes or fingers pointed his way, they were retracted almost immediately in not so subtle ways, embarrassed at being caught by the subject of their gossip. One set of eyes he didn't see was of the stunning brunette who'd railed him in the corridor. Somehow, through all of the excitement he'd been exposed to today, including a welcome by the men of the hall involving a suitcase of ladies underwear and condoms, she, "Beautiful Kate," as named on the picture, remained steadfast in his mind. She was beautiful. Looking down into her hazel eyes, Will had gotten lost in the green and blue specks. It was as if her eyes were literally twinkling. And the blush that highlighted her dimpled plump cheeks was absolutely adorable. She'd hurried off so fast, bashful and pretty, that he doubted she'd even heard the words he spoke before her whispered apology. The dim classroom lights had not given her credit for her stunning natural features. In his face, were he could study her briefly, but thoroughly, she was worthy of her unofficial school nickname. She'd, also, unbeknownst to her earned points in his book for her impressively calm demeanor at his presence in class. Glitter, blush, and eye shadow exploded onto him from the throngs of women over indulging in cosmetics. If only they knew how useless it was. Kate had, however, no traces of a women infatuated with him. He suspected her jeans and sweater were of her very own comfortable wardrobe. Tuning back into yet another of Oliver's anecdotes, William thought about how fortunate he was to at least have her in class. Perhaps, one day soon, he would have the chance to befriend her,too.
Running certainly worked ones' appetite, and Catherine was almost tempted to purchase a full dinner, but there was still a lasagna waiting to be popped into the oven and the mass of bodies spilling through the cafeteria doors would prevent a swift departure from the lines. She knew that he was in the canteen immediately. Although, the staff worked excruciatingly hard at providing exquisite cuisine, many of the students opted to make use of the dormitory kitchens in their various residences. Again, much of the crowding could be credited to the women hanging about pretending to discuss politics and sciences. As she entered the congested room a hand reached out to grab her. Turning around abrasively , Catherine saw her boyfriend Rupert had caught up with her. He mistook the redness in her cheeks for happiness to see him. In actuality, she was silently reprimanding herself for not having thought of him throughout the day. He leaned down and aimed a kiss at her lips, but it was somehow absorbed in her cheek.
"Hey, Katie," he said grinning broadly.
"Hi," she replied masking annoyance at being called Katie; a fact she was reminding him of infinitely.
"I thought you were busy slaving over that dish for your thing tonight. What are you doing here? Especially, in your workout clothes. Every guy in here is looking at my girlfriend," he inquired.
"Jealous?" she joked to lighten the mood, a little shocked at his envious tone.
"I'm just saying. I don't like the way they're gawking at you," he said not easing the tension in his voice.
"Calm down...everyone knows I'm yours Rupert. Besides, I only stopped in to pick up trail mix and juice. I am heading to finish dinner for tonight right now," she said picking up the items and handing her meal card to the cashier as she made it to the front of the line. Wheeling around with Rupert on her heels a sight in the corner caught her eyes. Blue eyes were staring right at her. Catherine checked over both shoulders just to be sure, but there was no mistaking his steely blue eyes were scanning down her body. She fidgeted as he started at her hair, moved over the red spandex top, raised an eyebrow at the black bike shorts, and licked his lips over her long tanned legs. She watched his eyes scan the body guiding her through the crowd. She was sure she imagined the flash of a grimace on his face as he gazed at their intertwined hands. A yank pulled her away from his inspection and out of the door. Bringing her around to his lips, Rupert planted a kiss successfully on her lips. " Okay, babe, I'm going to finish studying. You can head back to your dorm and change and enjoy your night. He walked away before she could reply. She noted the order he slid in his goodbye. Opening the small package she emptied a handful into her mouth and walked briskly back home with a little twinge of an emotion she couldn't identify sitting in her stomach. Lasagna was calling. She'd talk and laugh and eat. Then, she would sleep. William would probably still be on her mind.
The night air wrapped around the young prince and the security officers who stood behind him failing to blend into the scenery. Fellow students made their way off of the paved concrete being cautious to not step in his path. That was one thing he hoped would stop as he spent more time amongst his peers. As he sped up, not wanting to in the company of his watchers, William thought about the sight he'd just seen in the dining hall. All the thoughts of her he'd been thinking of her all day materialized and she stood there in front of him. Earlier he'd seen a naturally gorgeous girl. Tonight he'd seen a naturally sexy woman. The spandex she wore fit her body perfectly, and Will was tempted to start running in hopes of crossing her path; he'd be joining the Armed Forces after school anyway. How many years away was it really? No time like the present to get into shape. The fantasy he'd formed in his head had not, however, included the tall boyfriend she'd been standing with. When he caught Will looking at her he'd maneuvered her out of the room at an astonishing pace; a righteous move for a boyfriend. He had to be threatened with a girlfriend that attractive. Still, she seemed shy and down to earth. The peek at what her sweater and jeans hid in class heightened his interest even more. A door swung open as he arrived at his destination. He looked back to wave off his officers who'd already retreated to their spying locations. Relieved he took the stairs two at a time smelling evidence of the ladies dinner night beginning. He found himself wondering if the brunette co-ed was participating in the festivities as he turned the knob to his room. A single room equipped with the highest security possible was part of the perks of being who he was, but he was so delighted to be in the school housing with other people his age, he decided to procrastinate on his homework in the common lounge at the end of the hallway. He passed by a few fellows hanging about and greeted them with the customary fist bump. Then he made his way into the lounge area. A glass pane separated the kitchen unit from the lounge area. His eyes widened when he saw a brunette bent over the oven. His feet moved on towards her without instruction. Just as he arrived in the room her finger slipped on the piping hot pan she was pulling off the rack. Still unaware of his presence he watched her lift the injured finger to her lips and rub her tongue along the side. He felt his heart jerk as he had an inappropriate thought of using his own tongue to sooth her finger. A sigh escaped his mouth involuntarily, and she spun around. Her eyes grew larger illuminating her face. Her mouth gaped open and closed with no words leaving her throat. He held his hands up and said to her, " I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you, Miss?"
"Middleton," she managed. "Catherine." This was the umpteenth time she'd glowed red today. Catherine could hardly believe it. She was in a kitchen, a small kitchen, and for the second time exchanging words, few as they were, with the future king.
"Hi," he flashed his brilliant smile, again, " I'm William. I...you...you look like you could use a little help." He stammered badly.
"Oh..yes," she answered cautiously. " The kitchens were all taken upstairs and I just came down to use this one," she said stating the obvious.
"Well, I can take this for you," he started, "if you save me some. It smells delicious," he finished slyly.
"Absolutely," Catherine replied sure that she was the color of a beet, but very pleased that she'd managed a voice this time. William shifted behind her to place a hand over each of the potholders she was grasping. She removed her hands quickly as if they'd been set on fire.
"I'll just take that," he said lifting the dish and gesturing with his head for her to lead the way. She walked calmly seemingly relaxing along the way. William grinned at her confidence. She was certainly rattled by his sudden appearance, but refused to be intimidated by him. She kept getting better and better in his eyes. As they made their way to the girls floor, she opened the door to a bevy of girls sitting crossed legged on the carpets. They all seemed shocked at seeing him, but a few raised their eyebrows at their peer escorting him. He flashed a grin at them all and looked at Catherine who looked to be feeling the heat of the glare of the women.
"You can just sit it here," she said hurriedly, gesturing to a spot on the door with her name. He bent down to put the dish on the ground just as the door opened. The blond girl who'd lent him a pencil in class stepped out.
"Well, well, well...," she smiled broadly, "if it isn't the Golden wonder. I'm Emily." Amused by her boldness, William reached out to shake her hand. Cute. She was cute he thought, simultaneously casting a look over at the brunette beside her.
"I'll be going, now," he said briskly. Leaning down to Catherine, he added, "I'll be expecting a saved slice." With that he retreated back to his floor.
The giggling burst out before the door could release and close behind him. Catherine walked into her room under the guise of finding utensils. She really needed to breathe. She could just see the animosity and curiosity of the girls in the hall steaming off their shoulders. Emily walked in behind her.
"Are you going to tell me?" She could barely contain the shriek as she directed the question to Kate.
"There's nothing to tell. He saw me in their kitchen, offered help, and did," she replied to the sighing blonde.
"I hope Rupert didn't get a look at the way he was looking at you," Emily replied. " He is delicious with a capital "D"."
"Emily, calm down. It was a walk up a staircase. And I think he only helped, because he remembered me from class," Catherine replied.
"Well,honey, he can help me with anything," she sang back at Catherine grinning and walking out the door. "Come, on," she called back.
"Alright," Catherine headed towards the hallway to face the inquisition awaiting her, and slightly disturbed by her roommates affinity for William. If they kept bumping into each other, she thought closing the door, she might have an affinity for him, too.