“I was. But how many big fish can you haul in. The weather was nicer here, so I came home. Is that a problem?”
“I’m sorry we surprised you,” Sofie replied. “I hope it’s not an imposition.”
“Nah. Margie was by with extra groceries, and she made up two rooms upstairs.”
“Ian said you were in the Army? Were you the one who inspired him to join up?”
Ian’s uncle grinned. “I don’t know. Was I?”
“Probably a little. I was also restless. It took me a while to settle down and find my place.”
Find his place. Whatever that meant, she’s always thought his place would be with her, but she couldn’t ever force him to live life like she did—in a bubble.
“Come on.” Ian nodded toward the stairs. “Let’s get your things upstairs.”
“Alright,” Sofie nodded once. “It was nice to meet your John.” He stepped aside while Ian carried her bag to the first landing.
“If you need anything, Sofia, you just ask. I’m glad to have you here.” There was a warmth about John Stuart. The feeling was very genuine and Sofie liked him immediately. The man was no pushover, but she sensed the same qualities in John that first drew her notice to Ian.
She guessed the elder man had a profound influence on his nephew.
Sofie had the lucky job of following a very handsome Ian up the stairs. His behind was a sight to behold. Rounding out his nicely fitted trousers, the muscles went long and she could see them move with each stride.
Her thoughts weren’t very royal. But where Ian was concerned they never were. Once upon a time, her love for him had her ready to leave her entire life behind. Her home, her family, her responsibility…it was crazy. She would have followed him anywhere. And now they were here together and her feelings were welling up all over again.
Just like then, if he wanted to take her far away, and never come back, she’d go with him.
“Here you go.”
Ian flipped on the light and Sofie walked into a truly charming guest suite. A large four poster bed, dominated a room bathed in seaside colors. Blue, green, teal and tan dominated the palette and Sofie loved every bit of the space, especially the large French doors and casement windows that afforded her a lovely view of the sea.
“The bath is over here.” He flipped on another light. “And the walk-in closet is over there.” He stood in the middle of the room, hands stuffed in his pockets. “I’m going to change and go make some sandwiches or something.”
“Okay. I’ll do the same and find you.”
“Sounds good.” He headed for the door, but as she remembered, he always looked back one last time, and smiled.
“It’s going to be alright, isn’t it?” she blurted out. “I mean I don’t have to worry while I’m here.” Even with all the reassurances the knot in her stomach was growing by the minute.
He paused, a little too long for her liking, obviously thinking about his answer. “We’ve covered our tracks pretty well and only four people know where we are. One is at the State Department, two are at the Bureau and the other is your father. No one else from your country knows where you’ve been taken. I mean, there’s always a chance you could be found, but it’s unlikely.”
“Wonderful. Here I am putting you, your uncle, and the people on this island at risk.”
“I won’t let anything happen to you. You know that, right?” He took a step towards her, seeming larger than life. Her hero. “You’re safe here.”
His voice, which was naturally deep, was hoarse and full of emotion. Sofie’s eyes
flooded and no longer able to maintain her cool air, she went to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Her head settled on his chest and then, because being with him wasn’t enough to turn her world upside down, his arms wrapped around her, holding her safe and secure next to him.
She was in Ian’s arms and for the first time since she left him all those years ago, everything felt right. And it was a disaster in the making.
“Don’t be afraid, Sof. I promise you, nothing will happen.”
“I know you will. I believe you. I do.”
“I’m glad.” He rubbed her back, the circling motion such a comfort. “So, ah, are we still friends, at least?”
“Friends?” she asked. How could they ever be only friends? “I don’t know. Are we?”
“I’d like to think we are. I mean we were before we got, you know, involved.”
“I think we shall find a way to manage a good working relationship.”