Starting the car, he moved onto the ferry line, and fortunately, the boat wasn’t crowded.
They got out of the car and Sofie walked to the rail, watching as they made their way across the bay. “The ferry is the only way on and off the island?”
“With your car, yes. You could take a boat and dock in any number of towns though, if you wanted to walk.”
“That actually sounds nice.” She looked off in the distance. “The white house on the shore right there is lovely.”
The house she spoke of was one of the oldest on the island. The main house of a very large coastal estate. “Ours is around the bend to the east. It’s been in the family for sixty years.
It’s not as big as that house.”
“I’m sure it’s very nice.”
It was more than nice. The house had six bedrooms and five bathrooms. The one Sofie was just looking at was twice the size. His grandfather had bought the Shelter Island house in the fifties, after he had married, and spent many weekends fixing up the big old house with the amazing views. When his father and his uncles took ownership of the house, that was when the serious renovations started happening.
Now, the place was worth millions and every member of his family had a stake in it. It was the family homestead. A place where they held reunion s and weddings and special events for generations and would continue to do so. Best of all, it was off the beaten path. Not isolated, but private.
The ferry pulled into the dock and once the car was offloaded, the princess seemed to relax a little. Ian figured she felt safe, knowing the island was surrounded by water. It was a barrier. Like a really big moat.
Considering everything she’d been through, he considered that progress. That she was relaxing with him was another near miracle. Of course, that could change in a minute. He was still drawn to her, but Sofie had made it very clear, this was business and no matter how many memories she dredged up, distance was his friend. When they actually had to look like a couple, the boundaries would be established and that would keep either of them from straying into dangerous territory.
He couldn’t deny, he enjoyed the thought. Sofie had gotten under his skin eight years ago. He’d been ready to change his whole life plan for her, move wherever she wanted him to go, and then he found out even if she wanted him, he wasn’t right for her. They couldn’t be together.
But whatever had passed between them was over, there was no room for nostalgia on this assignment. His job was to protect her. That was all.
“A family friend dropped off a few groceries,” he said. “So there are basics in the house until we can get to the market in the morning. I asked for tea and cream, since I know you don’t drink coffee.”
“You remembered?”
How could he forget? “I remember a lot about you.”
“Oh. Well.” She straightened herself in the seat. “Thank you for being so considerate.”
“You’re welcome. There’s a restaurant not too far from here. Why don’t we get
something to eat before we head home?”
“I am a little hungry. I hadn’t really thought about it much.”
“Your mind wasn’t on food. Do you like Italian?”
“I do. American Pizza is one of my favorites.” She bit her lip. “But is it okay for me to be out and about? I mean if someone recognizes me—”
“No one is going to recognize you.”
The look on her face was priceless. He lips pursed, her eyes narrowed--it was a
combination of shock, anger, and insult.
“What do you mean no one is going to recognize me?”
“You’re not that famous here, Princess. Your entire country isn’t as big as our smallest state, I doubt most people could locate it on a map.” She was sulking and he found that so funny.
She was worried about being recognized, but there was no doubt, Sofie was used to being adored. “Couple that with the fact that the only royals Americans know are British, and you have nothing to worry about. That should be the only thing that matters.”
“Of course. Of course that’s the most important thing. I’m just surprised, is all.”
“If you were a pop star, then it would be another story. The paparazzi would be hanging out of helicopters.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I’m only going to be responsible for a country one day,” she snipped.
Okay, so Sofie had changed a little. She had an ego now.
Pulling into the driveway of old house that had been converted into a very good Italian restaurant, Ian initially hoped there weren’t a lot of people. But the parking lot was pretty full which meant there was the possibility of running into someone he knew. As soon as he parked he went around to Sofie’s side, and helped her out. “Give me your hand.”