“One of each?” the young woman asked.

Rosie nodded. “I can’t remember the last time I had candy.”

“Any carbonated water with a shit-ton of sugar and preservatives?” Brodie asked.

Rosalina rolled her eyes. “It’s no fun to eat junk food with an athlete. If I came over for dinner at the main house, what would I get?”

“Let’s just say we could write our own cookbook for all the ways to use a sweet potato.”

After paying, they carried their goodies back to the truck. On the huge movie screen, images from advertisements flashed and flickered, and as they passed cars, she could hear muffled laughter and conversation.

As soon as they climbed inside, Brodie fiddled with the radio dial until he found the right station to hear the movie.

She plucked a few greasy kernels off the top of the bag. “I didn’t even ask what we’re watching.” Popping them in her mouth, she chewed. Yum.

“Some James Bond movie.”

“Oh, cool.” She settled into her seat and reached for the seatbelt.

“You get that we’re parked, right? Unless Yellowstone’s volcano blows and sends us flying, we’ll be stationery the whole time.”

She burst out laughing. “I’m dutiful.”

He leaned over and released the belt. “And now you’re free.”

Caught in his gaze, she took in the curve of his sexy lips, the strong lines of his jaw, and the most vividly blue eyes she’d ever seen. She did feel free—freer than any other time in her life. She didn’t want the ticking clock of the vote, of her inevitable return to her country.

God, he was right there. She lifted a hand to cup his strong jaw. “How come you and Will are clean-cut, and your younger brothers are all long-haired and scruffy?”

“I don’t know. Personal preference, I guess.”

“I’ll bet there’s more to it. Like, I’m the dutiful sister. I look the part, whereas my younger sister, she gets to be whatever she wants. And the funniest thing? If my country ever changed the law to a female line of succession, my sister, with her pink-streaked hair and patent leather combat boots, would be the best ruler our country’s ever had. Not me.”

“You don’t want to rule?”

“I think you know the answer to that. I want to make perfume. Literally, that’s all I want to do. I love the whole process. I love discovering a flower and turning it into an essential oil. I love mixing ingredients together to come up with a magical scent. I love the way things smell.” She scrunched her nose. “Except for the mechanically separated chicken. I didn’t love that one.” She tore open a bag of candy. “Can I live off popcorn and candy?”

“You can do anything you want.”