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“What’s making you smile so brightly this morning?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Theo turned his attention toward me, his green eyes warm and inviting. “Jack and Astrid,” he replied, nodding toward the back of the jet. “Seems like my best friend is finding love back there.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at his observation. “Your best friend, huh?” I teased, raising an eyebrow playfully. “Is your right hand your closest friend?”
“Yes,” he answered. “He is. I mean, my brothers and sisters are also my best friends, but Jack knows more about me than most people. That’s probably strange to you. I know most people in our world look at their servants as accessories, but my family is a little different.”
“Not so different,” I said. “Astrid is probably my only friend. We’ve been together since I was young. I trust her.”
“Jack is part of our family. All of us have manservants or lady’s maids, but we don’t see them like that. They live in our home and are basically a part of our family. Sometimes, they’ll eat dinner with us, but we try not to insist they should. It’s a fine line, but I think we have a good relationship with them.”
“I respect that,” I said, nodding.
Theo’s genuine appreciation for those who served him impressed me. He treated them not as mere employees but as valued individuals worthy of respect and friendship. It was a quality I admired, a testament to the kindness that defined him. I always hated when we were with other families that treated their help badly. It left a bad taste in my mouth. My parents didn’t necessarily approve of my friendship with Astrid, but they realized a long time ago it wasn’t going to change. I loved her like a sister.
Theo leaned in closer, his voice soft and thoughtful. “I believe the way we treat those who serve us says a lot about our character. They are the unsung heroes who ensure our lives run smoothly. I honestly would be lost without Jack. Hell, I’m probably at a disadvantage in the adult world because I rely on him so much.”
I nodded in agreement, touched by his words. “You’re absolutely right,” I said, smiling.
As the conversation continued, I realized that beneath the duty and tradition that surrounded our lives, Theo and I shared a similar perspective on the importance of genuine connections and treating others with respect. If he didn’t stop, I might actually fall in love with him. It seemed like the more I learned about him, the harder I had to fight to keep him at arm’s length.
Theo’s voice was animated as he described his vision for some of the properties, particularly those in other countries. “I believe we can turn them into thriving tourist destinations,” he explained. “We’ve already seen great success with the properties in Wales and Scotland. They draw in high numbers of tourists each year.”
“You’ve been doing your homework,” I said.
“Of course,” he said, nodding. “I have to. I couldn’t possibly provide feedback if I didn’t have the total picture.”
I nodded in agreement, genuinely intrigued by his ideas. It was refreshing to hear him talk about improving the businesses and maximizing the potential of properties that had, at times, been seen as liabilities.
“I must say, I’m impressed.”
“By my kissing ability?” he teased.
I gave him a dry look. “No, your interest in our properties. I like that.”
Theo’s smile widened at my words, and he leaned back in his seat. “I’ve always believed that every property can be rehabbed and turned into something amazing. Almost all the properties we buy and sell were once great, but they just kind of got lost in the shuffle. I love seeing them restored to their old glory. And besides, I want to make sure your family’s legacy is a strong one.”
“I appreciate that,” I said. “Thank you for taking this seriously.”
“I like new projects. If I was at home, I would be working.”
“Were you supposed to be working right now?” I asked.
He shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. “Yes, but my dad can handle things. And it’s a good opportunity for my younger brothers to get some experience. If this works out, I won’t be at home all that much. I won’t be able to do as much for the business as I do now. My dad keeps marrying off his sons. He’s never going to retire.”
I laughed but felt a little guilty and sad. I didn’t miss the part about if it worked out. He still had one foot out the door. I didn’t blame him, especially after he overheard me begging my father to let me out of the match. The fact he was even bothering to take this trip with me said he was willing to try. I respected that and hoped it wasn’t a wasted journey.
21
THEO
As the plane touched down in Norway, I felt a rush of excitement and anticipation. The land of fjords and breathtaking landscapes had always been something I wanted to see. Now that I was finally here, it was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. Flying over the country gave me a bird’s eye view, but I couldn’t wait to have my feet on the ground.
Emilie and I disembarked from the plane, the crisp Norwegian air filling my lungs as I took in my surroundings. The scent of pine trees and the distant sound of rushing water greeted me. It was a sensory overload, a world away from the bustling city I had left behind. The private airstrip was one the royal family used almost exclusively.
Jack and Astrid followed behind us, still chatting like they had been friends for decades. I had never seen Jack so enamored with a woman. It would be pretty funny if Jack ended up with a love match. If this thing with me and Emilie didn’t work out, things might get a little awkward. If he fell in love with Astrid, I didn’t want to get in the way. I would happily fire him so he could pursue a relationship with her. I would miss him but at least one of us should find love.
We hopped into a car, and the scenery outside transformed with every passing mile. I found myself with my face practically glued to the window.
