AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What do you mean?” I frowned, feeling just a little insulted.
“They match us with women who have their own holdings and responsibilities. With you expected to ascend the throne, I imagine you’re not going to be able to live in the US, right?”
“Definitely not,” I said with disappointment. “I’ll be expected to spend the bulk of my time in Norway while also managing the holdings in Europe.”
“See,” he said, smiling. “Neither of us can be in both places at once.”
“Unless we are.” I saw the moment the words sank in. I didn’t mean to sound rude or rain on his parade, but if we had the marriage I was proposing, it would work. He could manage his family’s business from his home in America and I would be here.
“I suppose that’s an option,” he murmured.
“Did you and your sister get into trouble?” Jack asked.
I smirked and took a bite of my food. “No. We knew better.”
“You never rebelled?” Theo asked.
“I don’t think I needed to. Honestly, I was left alone for the most part. My sister was the one that had to attend meetings and go through training.”
“Did you feel invisible?” Theo asked quietly.
“In a good way,” I said, smiling. “I was able to do what I wanted for the most part. Obviously, I had to follow the rules and attend functions, but no one was looking at me.”
“Nora was always the dutiful daughter,” Astrid said. “Emilie was rebellious.”
“I was not!” I protested before laughing. “Maybe a little but I wasn’t sneaking out or partying. My big rebellious acts were wearing jeans and setting out for a hike when my parents thought I was at afternoon tea.”
My rebellion seemed pretty silly compared to Theo. My life wasn’t nearly as eventful. And now, it was going to be scheduled from the moment I opened my eyes in the morning until I went to bed at night. Even my wake-up and bedtimes were going to be dictated by my schedule.
I listened to Jack and Theo share their very ordinary but interesting stories. It was a stark contrast to the extravagant world I had grown up in, where dinners were more about appearances than genuine connections.
As the conversation continued, Jack shared tales of his family’s traditions and his love for photography. I found it interesting that he was a normal guy like Theo. He and Astrid quickly bonded over their shared passion for art. I didn’t want to lose Astrid, but it was clear she was falling fast and hard for Jack. I wouldn’t hold her back.
The easy flow of conversation that stretched from the weather to music was the kind of mundane, ordinary stuff I had longed for. I really thought I was going to get the chance to go to university once Nora got married. All the focus would be on her and I could go back to living a carefree life.
After stuffing our faces, Jack and Astrid decided to go for a walk. I knew they wanted to be alone, but unfortunately, that meant I was going to be alone with Theo.
That terrified me.
After the kiss, I didn’t trust myself, or him, to keep our lips to ourselves.
I moved to a chair, putting some distance between myself and Theo. “You have no idea how much I love this place,” I admitted, my eyes sparkling with delight. “I wish I could order wherever I go.”
Theo smiled. “I’m glad we managed to hit the spot.”
“It’s my absolute favorite. I come here whenever I get the chance.”
There was a bit of an awkward silence now that it was just the two of us. I took another bite, not because I was hungry, but because I wanted to keep my mouth busy so I wouldn’t feel obligated to make conversation.
Or kiss.
“I wanted to let you know that I’ll be going whale watching in the morning.”
His eyebrows shot up in surprise, his eyes locking with mine. “Wow, I would’ve never thought of you as the kind of girl to go whale watching.”
I chuckled, feeling a sense of amusement at his reaction. “Maybe you don’t know me as well as you think you do.”
Theo’s smile was warm, his gaze unwavering. “Well, I’m always up for surprises. What time are you going?”
