Page 49 of The Princess and the SEAL

Chapter 21

Giselle

ITOOK ANOTHER GLANCE IN THE mirror. I was so nervous about going to Erik’s house. I had already met him, and he seemed lovely, but I was eager to meet his wife, Aria. I had read everything about her online. She was an Olympic gold medalist in synchronized swimming, one of my favorite sports, and she was the first female Navy SEAL. I was so impressed by her.

We pulled up to a glorious mansion on Ocean Avenue. I couldn’t help but notice that there was a for-sale sign a few houses down. I didn’t dare inquire about the price because I didn’t want Ryan to feel uncomfortable with my wealth. Besides, what was I going to do with a home in Coronado? Stare out the window at Ryan running past me on the beach while I wept?

Aria opened the door and immediately embraced me. “Princess Giselle, it’s so lovely to meet you.”

I presented her with a bouquet of flowers. “Likewise, Aria. Thank you for having us.”

Erik handed Ryan a beer.

Ryan touched my arm. “Babe, I’m going to go help Erik barbecue. You good?”

“Yup. I’m great.”

He kissed me on the cheek.

Aria’s dog sniffed my toes.

“Flounder! Stop. I apologize for him. He’s a beagle which is pretty much a nose with a dog attached.”

“Oh, no worries at all. I love dogs. I have a King Charles Spaniel myself.”

She smiled. “Can I offer you a drink? Wine? Lemonade?”

“I’ll have the lemonade. Thank you.”

She led me into the gorgeous kitchen. It was so light and bright. Miguel wanted to live in the palace, but I would prefer something simpler.

“So, is this your first time in San Diego?”

“Yes. I love it here.”

“Yeah, you can’t beat Coronado. Though I hear you have fabulous beaches in your country.”

“I do.” I paused. She had obviously researched my country. She must know about my engagement. “You must think I’m so awful, coming here with Ryan. I’m sure you know that I’m engaged.”

She poured me a glass of lemonade, added a spring of lavender, and then stirred it before handing it to me.

“Of course, I don’t think you’re awful. I can’t even imagine what it’s like to be a royal. I’m sure you have responsibilities and commitments that I can’t even begin to understand.”

“I do. Don’t get me wrong. I love my life. But my duty comes first. This is the first time I have traveled alone. Ever.”

She nodded. “I don’t want to make you feel bad, but Erik has mentioned to me that he has never seen Ryan like this. He’s crazy about you. He never dates. Like ever.”

Guilt ate me up inside. “I know. He’s told me. I’m crazy about him too. I wish I was free to love him, but I’m not.”

I gazed out at the ocean. I wanted so badly to break away, be free, live my life by my rules, but I just couldn’t. The invites were sent, the wedding was planned, how could I bring such shame to my country?

Aria placed her hand on mine.

“I get it, I do. But secrets will eat you up. And you deserve to be happy. I really hope everything works out for you.”

“I appreciate that.”

Erik called us for dinner. We dined in the backyard. Two couples just talking about life and sharing laughter. I had nothing like this back home. My cousin was more of a party girl. My friends from university were busy with their own lives. I craved to be part of a real group of tight-knit friends.

But genuine friendship and true love were two luxuries I couldn’t afford.