How to Catch a Prince
Leanne Banks
When Sophie’s gorgeous boss discovered he was a prince, she insisted Maxwell give his royal family a chance and tagged along to paradise. As soon as they arrived, staid Sophie became sexy Sophie and their strictly business relationship became very personal…as personal as a royalbabytobe! Can this reluctant prince fling caution to the wind and finally give his heart to his Cinderella?
Thank goodness he’d never given into any errant urges to have sex with her, because he was certain that would have ruined the best relationship he’d ever had with a woman.
If Sophie weren’t his assistant, she might have been the perfect woman for him. Low-maintenance, undemanding, not at all clingy. Max, however, had Sophie’s number. Underneath that practical veneer, she was a romantic at heart. With his past disastrous relationships with women, he’d learned to steer clear of ones who wanted romance and home and hearth. Even though she’d followed him around the world, Max had an itchy, uncomfortable feeling that Sophie wanted a husband and a baby—to go along with that dog she was always talking about getting.
And the romantic in Sophie was now pushing him to go to the land of his newly revealed royal relatives.
“You’re never going to stop with this until I visit Chantaine,” he said. “Are you?”
She looked at him with unapologetic determination. “Never. Ever.”
“Okay, I’ll go,” he said, trying to avoid her slight smile.
Because she looked as if she knew something he didn’t. That wasn’t a good thing.
Dear Reader,
Welcome to Chantaine, a lovely Mediterranean island where the royal Devereaux rule and fall in love. When Max Carter learns his biological father was Prince Edward Devereaux, he’s not impressed. Adopted as a baby, Max has been raised to make his own way. These days, he’s known for the impressive bridges and roads he constructs all over the world, and he couldn’t care less about any biological ties he may have to a bunch of royals.
When his longtime assistant, Sophie Taylor, guilts him into meeting his new half-siblings, he learns how much the Devereaux care for their country and their people. He finds himself drawn into using his expertise to help improve Chantaine.
More important, Max learns he may need to rethink his attitude about keeping his distance from people, especially when his assistant, Sophie, gains the attention of a palace advisor. Sophie was the best assistant Max had ever employed and he’d always been careful to keep their relationship friendly, but not romantic.
On the other hand, Sophie has hidden her mile-wide crush from Max from the first day she fell for him. As she’s grown to know him more throughout the past few years, she despairs that he’ll never return her feelings.
Feelings can change in lots of ways when Sophie and Max give in to their passion and Sophie gets pregnant. Max may be ready to make a commitment, but Sophie wants more than papers. She wants love!
I would love to hear from you if you get a chance to read How to Catch a Prince. You can email me at leannebbb@aol.com.
Happy reading,
Leanne
About the Author
LEANNE BANKS is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author who is surprised every time she realizes how many books she has written. Leanne loves chocolate, the beach and new adventures. To name a few, Leanne has ridden on an elephant, stood on an ostrich egg (no, it didn’t break), and gone parasailing and indoor skydiving. Leanne loves writing romance because she believes in the power and magic of love. She lives in Virginia with her family and a four-and-a-half-pound Pomeranian named Bijou. Visit her website, www.leannebanks.com.
How to Catch a Prince
Leanne Banks
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
This book is dedicated to my husband, Tony Banks, for his unswerving belief in me and for all the take-out food he has brought me during deadlines.
Chapter One
“You have to go,” Sophie Taylor insisted for the tenth time.
Glancing out the window of his temporary office trailer, Max Carter felt a sense of satisfaction at the sight of the finished bridge project. The new construction gleamed in the Australian sun as if it were shouting success.
“I’ve got too much to do,” he said, turning to face his assistant of four years. “Paperwork, then it’s on to the next project.”
Sophie scowled at him. “You could take a short break. It’s near the holidays. It wouldn’t kill you. I can’t believe you’re dismissing this without giving it a second thought. They’re your family.”
Max rolled his eyes. There were few people he’d allow to argue with him this much, but Sophie had proven her value to him time and time again. He couldn’t think of another woman he respected more. Even now as she frowned at him with softly accusing chocolate-brown eyes from behind her smudged glasses, he felt compelled to listen to her. He knew that beneath that curly mass of hair, she had a quick and fair mind.
“Why do you care so much about this? It’s not your family,” he said.
“I don’t want you to have any regrets.”
He sighed, remembering the day the two representatives of the Royal House of Devereaux had hunted him down on the job site. The words they’d said to him had been stuck in his brain like the annoying refrain of a song he couldn’t make go away.
Your biological father was Prince Edward of Chantaine.
“They’re not my family, Sophie. I can’t believe these royals are thrilled with the news that their father hatched a couple of extra children with a B-movie actress in America.” Although Max had always known he was adopted, he never would have dreamed his biological parents were a prince and actress!
“What about Coco Jordan?” Sophie asked, referring to the other child the prince and actress had produced. “She’s your sister. Don’t you at least want to meet her? And, who knows, maybe she wants to meet you. You might try thinking about the feelings of someone other than yourself. Didn’t you say both of your parents had passed away? She has no one now. No one except you.”
“She doesn’t have me,” he retorted, but he felt an itchy sensation of obligation. “I wouldn’t be able to pick her out of a crowd of two.”
Her frown deepened. “Maybe you should just give her a chance.”
Max sighed and glanced around the trailer that had become his temporary office and home. The LEGO rendering of the bridge sat next to his desk. A small Christmas tree blinked in the corner. Two stuffed puppies sat next to Sophie’s desk. Sophie had complained many times over that she wanted a dog, but there was no way she could drag a pet to all the places Max had taken her for projects, many of which were international. From the first time she’d assisted him on a job, he’d learned she was the best assistant he could possibly have despite her complaints. He grumbled and she helped fix things. She anticipated his needs. Thank goodness he’d never given into any errant urges to have sex with her because he was certain that would have ruined the best relationship he’d ever had with a woman.
If she weren’t his assistant, she might have been the perfect woman for him. Low-maintenance, undemanding and she wasn’t at all clingy. Max, however, had Sophie’s number. Underneath that practical veneer, Sophie was a romantic at heart. Even though she’d followed him around the world, he had an itchy, uncomfortable feeling that Sophie wanted a husband and baby to go along with that dog she so desired.
And with his past disastrous relationships with women, he’d learned to steer clear of women who wanted romance and home and hearth. “You’re never gonna stop with this until I visit Chantaine,” he said. “Are you?”
She looked at him from behind her glasses with unapologetic determination. “Never. Ever.”
“Okay. I’ll go,” he said. “For one day. Just one day and then you don’t get to look at me with that guilty face.”
Sophie gave a slight smile. “One day will be enough.”
Max felt a sinking feeling at her expression. She looked like she knew something he didn’t. That wasn’t a good thing.
Max left the following day for the island country of Chantaine to meet his new relatives while Sophie wrapped up the loose ends of the contract. Terri Caldwell, one of the other assistants on the project, walked into the trailer.
“How’s it going?”
“I’m halfway through a million pages of paperwork,” Sophie said without looking up from her laptop.
“That’s what you get for being so efficient and devoted,” Terri teased. “And head over heels for Max Carter.”
Sophie grimaced. Nearly a decade older than herself, Terri was a good woman from Arkansas, honest to a fault. Her husband was a truck driver back in the States, but they visited every chance they got. Terri had started taking the long-distance work to pay for her twin boys’ college tuition. She had become a good friend to Sophie especially during the last couple of months. Terri was intuitive enough to spot Sophie’s unrequited feelings for Max, and Sophie had grown to trust the woman’s discretion. It had been a relief to have the older woman’s sympathy. “Don’t rub it in. I’ll get over him someday. Maybe someday soon. I really want a King Charles spaniel and there’s no way I can do that if I allow him to keep dragging me all over the world.”
“What amazes me is that he doesn’t seem to notice your feelings for him when everyone else can see it as plain as day,” Terri said, leaning against Sophie’s desk.
Sophie felt a jagged twist inside her. “He doesn’t see me as a woman. He sees me as the ultimate assistant.”
“Well, you are the ultimate assistant,” Terri agreed with a nod. “But you’re also a woman. Ever thought about giving him a clue about that?”
Sophie stopped keying in the final construction details and glanced up at Terri. “I’m not exactly sure how. I’m not the type to wear low-cut shirts or short skirts. Or lots of makeup. But I’m still feminine.”
“Of course you are. I wonder if Max might belly up to the bar if he had a little competition.”
Sophie shook her head. “That’s not my way.”
“Sometimes men need a little push. You may have to think outside the box. Unless you’re okay with having unrequited love for the rest of your life.”
Sophie sighed, remembering the first time she’d met Max. She’d been bowled over. He was the Indiana Jones of road construction. She’d quickly learned how to anticipate his professional needs. He’d learned, not quite as quickly, how valuable she could be to him. Though her feelings for him had deepened over the years, only his professional respect had grown for her, and nothing more.
Sophie had hoped and wished, but nothing romantic had developed between them. She’d watched Max engage in several quickie affairs that had brought her enormous pain. Somehow, his relationship with her had turned out to be his most long-lasting one with a woman. Except, he didn’t really view her as a woman.
“Maybe with the holiday break, I can go back home and get my King Charles spaniel. Maybe then I’ll get over him,” Sophie said. “Not being around him could help me get over him.”
“It would help if he weren’t so good-looking,” Terri said.
“I can get over the good-looking part, but he can be charming,” Sophie said. “When he wants to be, he can be so damn charming.”
“He can also be a toad. He’s fine about making us all work long hours” Terri said.
“True, but he works longer than anyone else. And everyone is well-compensated. The real trouble for me is that he is charitable. He puts on this front about only caring about himself, but everywhere we go, he gets the crew involved in some kind of charity project.” She pointed at the pile of wrapped gifts next to the Christmas tree. “For children stuck in the hospital over the holidays. If only he were as selfish and uncaring as he says he is.”
“Have you gone out with another man since you’ve met Max?” Terri asked.
Self-consciousness burned through her. “Yes, I have,” she said. “Four times. All during my vacations.”
“Woo-hoo. Four times in four years.” Terri shook her head. “I dare you to meet six new men over your holiday.”
“How am I supposed to do that?”
“Online. You can arrange meet-ups in no time.”
“I think I’d rather poke out my eye with a pencil,” Sophie said under her breath.
“You gotta do something,” Terri said. “You either need to pull that pony in or let him ride.”
Max couldn’t see much of the island country of Chantaine while soaring in the sky since he was arriving after dark. He’d run a computer search and caught a few images. Beautiful country that seemed to combine Greece’s Mediterranean views, France’s sophistication and Italy’s charm. While he’d run the search, he’d also looked into his new so-called siblings. The eldest, Crown Prince Stefan, came across as a hard worker, more serious-minded than their biological father, Prince Edward. It appeared that their father had enjoyed yachting and living like a playboy, much more than ruling.
Max figured that his adopted parents’ failed marriage was one more reason for him to never get married. They had fought more than they hadn’t when his father had been around. When things got tough, which was quite frequent, his adoptive father would leave the house and desert Max’s adoptive mother. He’d always been grateful for the home and opportunities his parents had provided for him, but their discord had bothered him the first time he’d heard them screaming at each other and doors slamming at night.
Now, Max not only had been given a bad example of marriage, he had the genetic material of a philanderer from Prince Edward.
He’d briefly checked out the rest of the Devereaux clan. The eldest sister, Valentina, lived in Texas with her rancher husband and their daughter. The second sister, Fredericka, lived in France with her movie producer husband. Princess Bridget was married to a doctor from the States and Princess Pippa had just married an international businessman. The youngest brother, Jacques, attended Oxford and played soccer.
Once he’d told the palace he would be coming, Prince Stefan’s wife, Eve, had sent him a message asking him to keep his visit secret because she wanted his presence to be a surprise for Coco Jordan’s wedding. The idea that he would be a surprise for anyone’s wedding, let alone his full-blooded sister, made him squeamish, but he agreed to the plan.
The plane landed with a jolt, reminding him he was about to put himself in an insane situation. He thought of how Sophie had hounded him. After this brief visit, she wouldn’t be able to look at him with her guilt gaze. Lord knew, he hated that guilt gaze.
A man approached him at the luggage carousel. “Mr. Carter? Mr. Maxwell Carter?”
Max nodded slowly. “Yes, and you?”
“I’m Mr. Bernard, an assistant to His Highness, Prince Stefan. We’re happy that you’re visiting Chantaine. Welcome to our country. If it pleases you, I have a driver ready to take you to a villa just outside the palace grounds. We would normally invite you to stay on the palace grounds itself, but with Miss Jordan’s wedding taking place in a few days, Princesses Eve and Bridget have requested to keep your presence secret until the nuptials.”
“Fine with me,” he said reluctantly, and realized his one-day stay had just been extended.
Three days later, after several tours of the island, Max was escorted to the office of Crown Prince Stefan Devereaux. Now, pacing the office as he waited for his half brother, Prince Stefan, he felt the hard gaze of the palace security tracking every move he made. If the Devereauxes were so insistent that he join them, then why did they look at him as if he were a potential assassin?
One moment later, a man stepped inside the room. “His Royal Highness, Prince Stefan,” the man announced.
A dark-haired man wearing a black suit strode toward him and nodded. “Maxwell Carter?”
Max nodded. “Yes. Max. And what shall I call you? Your highness or Prince Stefan?”
Prince Stefan lifted his left eyebrow. “Stefan will do.”
Max nodded again. “Stefan it is.”
Stefan waved his hand to a chair facing the desk and then sank into the large chair behind the desk. “I appreciate that you have made an effort to come to Coco Jordan’s wedding. Coco has made a huge effort to meet us … and now to meet you.”
Max shrugged, uncomfortable with Stefan’s gratitude. He’d expected the man to be more cold and pompous. “I haven’t met any members of the family before now.”
“You will before and after the ceremony,” Stefan promised, glancing at his watch. “In fact, the girls should be stopping by any minute. My sisters have been fussing over Coco for the last few days. I’m sure you’re curious to meet her.”
“I suppose,” Max said. “I have no idea what kind of person she is even though we share the same blood.”
“Well, she’s delightful,” Stefan said. “Kind and compassionate. The kind of woman you would want as a sister.”
“I’m impressed that you can say that after you have four sisters.”
Stefan laughed. “Good point. My sisters do their best to keep me in line.”
“And you?” Max asked.
“I do my best to keep them out of the equation,” Stefan said. “I’m told you’ve had a chance to tour the island?”
Max nodded. “I have,” he said. “It’s a beautiful place, and because of my profession I notice the infrastructure. Most of the roads and bridges are in good condition except the north end of the island.”
“I was going to ask you about that,” Stefan said. “One of my brothers-in-law has expressed an interest in building a green retreat with an emphasis on the nature areas on that part of the island, but he and I agree that the roads currently can’t sustain the possibility. We’d like to improve the roads, but keep the costs down.”
“Isn’t this something your government would pursue? I wouldn’t have expected a royal to have interest in roads.”
Stefan gave a shark-like smile. “Then you wouldn’t be familiar with the current generation of Devereauxes. All of us are interested about improving our country and the life of our citizens.”
“Unlike previous generations?” he asked, thinking of his biological father, who, from everything he’d read, was a shameless playboy.
Stefan’s facial expression closed. “Every generation has their emphasis. We can either be inspired by what they did or didn’t do or spend our lives complaining about it. I sense that you’re a man of action rather than the kind to sit around grumbling. Perhaps we have that in common.”
A knock sounded on the door and Stefan’s assistant opened it. Three women stepped inside the room. Two of them were very pregnant. The one who was not pregnant stepped toward him. “Oh, you must be Maxwell Carter. We’re so thrilled you could make it for Coco’s wedding. She’ll be so excited.”
“This is my sister Bridget,” Stefan said. “She loves to create surprises for family members.”
One of the pregnant women with wild hair laughed lightly and extended her hand. “Very true. I’m Phillipa and very pleased to meet you. Thank you for coming.”
Stefan slid his arm around the back of the other very pregnant woman. “This is my wife. Princess Eve.”
Not exactly sure how to address the roomful of royals, Max nodded. “Your highnesses,” he said.
Eve extended her hand. “Titles are unnecessary,” she said with a hint of a twang that made Max recall she was from the States. “As everyone has said, we’re just very pleased that you were able to come.”
He found it odd how protective the Devereauxes were of their father’s illegitimate child, Coco. “If you don’t mind my saying so, you haven’t known Coco very long. It’s surprising how attached you seem to be to her,” he said.
Eve smiled gently. “Ah, well, you’ll understand when you meet her. She is such a kind soul.”
“Wouldn’t take advantage of anyone,” Bridget added.
“Very sweet and so alone in the world since her mother died,” Phillipa said.
“Except now she has her husband and his daughter,” Bridget pointed out.
“Family means so much to her, and she really had none,” Eve said. “We couldn’t resist her after we met her.”
“We don’t have much time,” Bridget said. “Apologies, but we do have a plan for when we’d like to introduce you at the reception. We’ll have you sit in the back of the chapel so you won’t miss the wedding.”
“Because every man loves a wedding,” Stefan muttered dryly.
Both Bridget and Phillipa scowled at their brother, and at that moment, Max felt a strange kinship with Stefan.
Stefan shrugged. “What? It’s not as if a wedding is like a soccer match.”
An hour later, Max sat in the back of the chapel feeling incredibly uncomfortable. He watched as his full-blooded sister met her groom and both of them pronounced their vows. The Devereaux sisters crowded around the couple, and Max felt a strange twist in his chest. His sister’s voice touched something deep inside him. The Devereauxes were kinder than he’d expected. Why had the royals decided Coco belonged to him? Why had Coco pursued both the Devereauxes and him?
Max watched as the groom kissed his so-called sister and felt another bizarre clench in his gut. Why did this sight affect him? Why did he care?
After the couple kissed, Max was led to a reception in the ballroom. Then Bridget offered him a drink. “I hope whiskey is okay,” she said. “I never know what you Yanks want.”
Max downed the drink. “Whiskey’s fine. What’s the plan?”
“Just tell Coco how glad you are to meet her and how special she is. If you knew her, it wouldn’t be difficult,” she said.
“As you wish, your highness,” he said and put his empty glass on a tray.
“You’re missing out,” Bridget said. “But you’ll have to learn that on your own. Come along.”
She led him to the bride and groom. He stared into his sister’s face. He kept trying to tell himself that Coco wasn’t his real sister, but he felt a sense of connection with her.
She stared at him. “You’re my brother, aren’t you?”
“Yes, and you’re my sister. Maxwell Carter at your service, your highness,” he said in a wry voice.
She laughed out loud. “Yes, just as you are a prince, your highness.”
“Not me,” he said, shaking his head, feeling regret steep through him. “I wish I’d known you before.”
He saw the same wisp of loss he felt slide through her. “You know me now and I’ll be your pain in the butt sister for the rest of your life.”
“Why do I feel like I won the genetic lottery?” Max asked.
Her groom, Benjamin, stepped forward. “Because you did, in every way.” And then he took Coco’s mouth in a kiss.
Arriving back for a holiday visit in Northern Virginia, at her mother’s home, Sophie braced herself for her mother’s usual inquisition. This time, however, her mother seemed to have given up on nagging Sophie to get married. Her mother was far more relaxed than Sophie could remember. As a single parent, Katherine Taylor had spent most of Sophie’s growing-up years in fear of losing her job and subsequently being unable to care for Sophie. It had taken years for Katherine to trust Sophie to be able to take care of herself, but now it appeared her mother believed.
Sophie did her best to push Max and his situation from her mind. She needed some downtime. Even with the rush of decorating and baking, she found herself easing into a routine and taunting herself with advertisements for dogs.
After roaming the globe with Max for years, she wondered if she was ready for a different job. Although being away from Max was less exciting, she found herself much more calm and at peace. Maybe it was time to find a place of her own where she could stay for more than a few weeks at a time. The possibility was seductive, but something kept her from calling the engineering firm that employed her.
On New Year’s Day, she began composing a list of resolutions. The first was that she was going to start having a life, wherever she lived. As she recalled her list, her cell phone rang and she saw the caller ID. Max. Her stomach danced with stupid anticipation. She pressed the answer button. “Yes, Sophie.”
“Okay, I met my sister. She was nice. You were right. But I ended up staying a lot longer than one day. This Prince Stefan guy is a shark. That said, he needs a road fixed. Our company loves the idea of fixing the roads of an exotic island country, so we have our new assignment. I want you to come to Chantaine.”
“What? I thought I was going to get some vacation time,” she said.
“I’ll give you some time off when you’re here in Chantaine. You’ll like it here,” he said.
Sophie sighed, wondering if this was when she should finally say no to Max. It had been a fun ride traveling to exotic places to work with him, but she was longing for a home of her own. She was tired of feeling unsettled. “When would you need me?” she asked.
“Yesterday. Sophie, come on. You know what a great team we are. We always get the job done ahead of time and under budget when we’re working together. There’s no one I can count on the same way I can count on you.”
Sophie took a deep breath and said what she always said to Max. “Okay.” But this was going to be the last time. Really.
Two days later, Sophie gaped out the window of the jet as it neared the island. She couldn’t believe how beautiful the island of Chantaine was. White sandy beach on one side, rocky mountains on the other with azure ocean surrounding it all. Australia had been amazing. She’d been lucky enough to steal a long weekend over to New Zealand and absorb the lush gorgeousness of that island. But this, she thought, this was incredible. Paradise. She couldn’t wait to see it on the ground. Within moments, the plane landed. She grabbed her carry-on from the overhead compartment and waited her turn to exit the plane.
Her checked luggage arrived without a hitch. Nice change, given how many times the airlines had lost it in the past. She walked outside the terminal to what felt like a perfect combination of temperature and humidity and thought she would never want to leave this place.
A Mercedes slid in front of her. The driver and Max exited at the same time. “Miss,” the driver said.
“Sophie,” Max said. “We’ve got work to do.”
“I expected that. But you mentioned vacation days.”
“You’ll get a break. Just not right away.”
“Great,” she muttered under her breath. After the long flight, she didn’t have the energy to put up a fight.
The driver relieved her of her luggage and opened the car door for her. Sophie was grateful for the consideration. “Thank you,” she said, climbing into the car.
“The island is so beautiful,” she said to Max as he followed her.
“Yes, but the north side is a mess. That’s where we’ll be working. Unstable roads. Rock slides. Not acceptable. Far too dangerous. Stefan thinks one of his brother-in-laws will want to build a resort there, but the roads will have to be improved.”
“Will they need a bridge?” she asked.
“I think we can just build up the road. It’s tricky because it’s hard to get materials the second you want them.”
“Which will drive you crazy,” she said. “Since you consider patience a vice.”
Max shrugged. “You know me,” he said while lowering his window so that the breeze flowed through the backseat. “My impatience is my strength and weakness. I try to direct it toward my strength as much as possible.”
Sophie nodded. “What do you think of your new relatives?”
He moved his head from side to side. “An interesting crew.”
“I’m surprised you agreed to direct this road construction for them,” she said.
“Why not? Plus, if I do this, I won’t feel obligated to do anything else.”
Surprised, she threw a questioning glance at him. “Obligated?” she echoed.
“It’s a weird situation,” he said. “I’m related to them, but I don’t feel like I am. I wouldn’t feel right just doing nothing.”
“Hmm,” she said. “So this is a guilt job?”
He shrugged. “An obligatory job,” he said. “And the good thing is that the company will pay for it.”
Sophie took a deep breath. “You mentioned that Prince Stefan is a shark. You sure sound like one at the moment.”
“I haven’t figured them out. Stefan has royal manners, but underneath, he can be a hard case. He married an American and she’s about to give birth. Come to think of it, she’s Texan and so are two of the sisters’ husbands. He seems to truly love his wife. The same for the other couples I met.”
“You sound astonished,” she said.
“I’m not used to it. My parents spent most of their time fighting when my dad was home. He spent most of the time on the road.”
Sophie studied him for a long moment. Although Max had alluded to the fact that his parents hadn’t shared a great relationship, he’d never come right out and said it until now. It was eye-opening.
“You know, some people actually do fall in love, get married and stay in love,” she said.
“Sounds like a fairy tale to me,” he said, staring out the window as the car rode past one of the most spectacular beaches Sophie had ever seen.
“I knew you were cynical about romance, but—”
“It’s not cynical,” he said. “It’s realistic. The reason men and women marry is for sex. Then children. Men want children for progeny’s sake. Ego. The focus temporarily turns to children. Then men need to feel young again and sex is key. Even with the help from the blue pill.”
She slid him a sideways glance. “Blue pill. What do you know about that?”
He chuckled. “I don’t need it yet.”
“You and I have never really discussed your attitude toward marriage. You’ve given little clues, but I’ve never heard your complete scientific view.”
“Scientific?” he echoed.
“You’re an engineer. It’s coming through in your opinion.”
“It’s not just an opinion,” he said. “It’s based on observation and scientific research,” he said.
“Uh-huh, then how do you explain the way Prince Stefan acts toward his wife?”
“It won’t last. They’re in the progeny stage.”
Sophie’s heart sank. After all these years, she was beginning to believe that there was no hope for Max. He truly didn’t believe in love.
Chapter Two
One jam-packed week later, Sophie felt a terrible dip in her stomach as she lifted her gaze to look at Max. “What do you mean? The Devereaux women want to meet me? Why?”
“The Devereaux women got curious when I told them about you. The only way to satisfy their interest is for you to meet them,” Max told her almost apologetically as he looked around the working trailer.
Sophie narrowed her eyes. “What did you tell them about me?”
He shrugged and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Just that you’re the best assistant ever. And brilliant.”
She rolled her eyes. “Nothing you would ever say to my face, of course.”
“That’s not true. I told you that you were my best assistant ever.”
“Hmm,” she said. “When is this meeting supposed to take place?”
“Tomorrow,” he said.
Sophie thought about her hair and her wardrobe. She scowled. “How am I supposed to get ready for a meeting with royals in twenty-four hours?”
“It’s not a big deal. Just tea,” he said.
“Tea?” she repeatd. “Do you know what that involves?”
He shrugged. “It can’t be that much of a big deal,” he said.
“Did you promise that I would attend?”
Max almost squirmed. And he never squirmed. “Sure,” he said. “They were pressing and I thought you would like the break.”
“Break?” she said. “Do you really think meeting royalty for tea would be a break?”
“Well, it’s not like keeping the workers in line—”
Sophie lifted her hand to cut him off and shook her head. “Forget it,” she said. “I’m leaving for the day.”
“Now?” he asked, clearly surprised.
“Yes, now,” she said. “I’m meeting royalty tomorrow and I have nothing to wear.”
“But I wanted you to recheck the stats on—”
She shook her head. “Not happening today,” she said as she shut down her laptop. “See you the day after tomorrow.”
Sophie knew she wasn’t just frustrated about meeting the Deveraux family at short notice. She was also crazy out of her head that Max still didn’t see her as a woman, even in such a beautiful and romantic setting. During the last month, she had worked her butt off over twelve hours a day, side by side with Max, but he still hadn’t seemed to notice her.
“Whoa,” Max said.
“Exactly,” she retorted as she headed for the door. “Whoa.”
Sophie slammed the door behind her and headed for her teeny, tiny car. She started the car, put it in gear and took the winding road down the mountain. Despite her impatience with Max, she appreciated the challenge of their project. Once they fixed these roads, everyone in Chantaine could enjoy the north end of the island where the vegetation and birds flourished.
This area almost resembled the jungle while most of the rest of the island featured rocky beaches and green parks. Every day during the last thirty-one days, Sophie had wondered if she should have refused Max’s invitation to join him in Chantaine. She had wanted one last chance with Max, but now she was feeling regrets. Every day of being with him was driving her crazy.
Sophie sucked in a deep breath of the clean island air and sped down the winding road toward town. The drive took nearly an hour, but she was glad to be in the center of Chantaine with its variety of restaurants, entertainment and shopping, even though she rarely took part in what it had to offer.
In contrast, shopping was definitely in her future today. She could not think of one thing in her wardrobe appropriate for a tea. She grabbed a bite to eat then focused on finding a new dress and planned to charge Max for the purchase. He should have given her more notice, the jerk.
After zipping through several stores, she found a blue dress that fit and flattered. The price tag made her wince, but was soon forgotten as she headed to a hair salon. It had been over a month since her curly hair had been shaped.
After her hair appointment, Sophie was exhausted and dragged herself back to her apartment. Washing her face and brushing her teeth, she pulled on a nightgown, cursing Max until she fell asleep.
Sophie slept in the next morning, but when she awakened, she immediately felt panicky. She showered and fussed with her hair and makeup. Too soon, however, her cell rang with the news that a driver would pick her up to bring her to the palace.
Sophie’s stomach dipped again. She tried to recall everything Max had said about his half sisters, the princesses, but it all jumbled with her facts and figures about the road project. She leaned her head against the seat back and tried to relax as the driver took her inside the palace gates.
Seconds later, however, the driver let her out at the palace entrance. A man met her and guided her inside. “Miss Taylor?”
“Yes, thank you,” she said. “It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you,” he said. “We think so, too. I’ll take you to the room where you will share tea with the princesses of Devereaux.”
“Thank you,” she said, but wasn’t so sure about all this. “So, how do you like living in Chantaine?” she asked nervously.
The man glanced at her. “I like it very much,” he said.
Of course, she thought. What else was he going to say? It sucks dirtwater? She nodded, trying to calm her nerves.
He led her into a beautifully decorated parlor with a table readied for formal tea.
“Ma’am, are you all right?” a man asked from behind her.
Sophie whipped around to face the man at the door. “Yes, of course,” she said. “I’m Sophie. And you are?”
“Walter Deneuve,” the man said. “You looked a bit pale.”
Sophie bit her lip. “I’m a little nervous. I’ve never had tea with a bunch of royals.”
Walter smiled. “The Devereauxes are quite welcoming. I think you’ll enjoy them.”
“Thank you,” she said, but still wasn’t sure. “The pastries look delicious,” she said and wandered around the table.
A half moment later Walter stood at attention, the door opened, and three women entered the room, two of which were waddling in late pregnancy.
“Her Highness, Princess Eve, wife of Crown Prince Stefan,” Walter announced.
Sophie dipped her head.
“Her Highnesses Bridget and Phillipa,” he continued.
“Yes, yes, enough of that,” Eve said in a Texas drawl as she extended her hand. “I’m Eve and at least thirteen months pregnant. Very pleased to meet you. I’m sorry Maxwell didn’t bring you around sooner.”
Sophie smiled and shook Eve’s hand. “Thank you. And I hope your delivery is quick and smooth.”
“Me, too,” Eve said in a grumbly voice.
“I’m Bridget and I’m not pregnant,” the dark-haired woman wearing high heels said cheerfully. “But I’ve also adopted twin toddler boys.”
“You’re brave,” Sophie couldn’t help saying.
Bridget laughed. “I like you already. This is Phillipa, but we call her Pippa. Her delivery date is right behind Eve’s.”
Sophie met the kind gaze of the youngest princess. “It’s nice to meet you. I hope you, too, have a quick and smooth delivery.”
Pippa beamed. “Thank you. I’m hoping for the same.”
“Shall we sit?” Eve asked. “These days, I’m always happy to sit.”
“Of course,” Bridget said and led the way to the table.
Eve glanced at Sophie. “I don’t really like hot tea. Would you like iced tea?”
Sophie felt an easing inside her. “I would love some iced tea.”
Soon enough, sandwiches and pastries were served.
“What is it like working with Maxwell? He seems very intense,” Bridget said, taking a bite of a pastry.
He’s a pain in the butt, Sophie thought, but bit her tongue. “You’re right. He’s very intense. Type A.”
“Yes, he’s mentioned you several times, and it occurred to me that you might enjoy some female companionship. I hear there aren’t many women on the construction site,” Eve said, then smiled. “Then again, maybe you enjoy being surrounded by all those men.”
Sophie laughed at the thought. “Perhaps I would in a different situation, but there’s no flirting. It’s all about getting the job done.”
“Well, that’s a shame,” Bridget said, pursing her lips. “Perhaps we can help find someone to amuse Sophie during her off-hours.”
Pippa groaned. “Oh, no. You’re not going to start matchmaking again.”
“I’m determined to succeed one of these days,” Bridget said.
The resolve in Bridget’s voice made Sophie a little uneasy. “Not necessary. I can amuse myself. Besides, it’s not as if I’ll have that much free time.”
“Well, everyone needs a break now and then. So I’ve been told repeatedly,” Eve said with a sigh.
Bridget nodded. “Eve hasn’t had the easiest pregnancy, so we’ve all had to help her accept that she can’t keep going at breakneck speed. Coco was especially helpful getting through to Eve.”
At the mention of Max’s full-blood sister, Sophie felt a twist of curiosity. “Max hasn’t discussed her much, but she sounds like a very sweet person.”
“Oh, she is,” Pippa said. “We would kidnap her and make her live in Chantaine if possible.”
“I would have liked to have met her,” Sophie said.
“Perhaps you will,” Pippa said. “Once Eve and I have our babies, I know she’ll be dying to see them.”
“In the meantime, you’ll have to come visit my ranch,” Bridget said with a sly sense of pride.
“Ranch?” Sophie echoed.
“Yes, my husband is originally from Texas. He is the official medical director for Chantaine and I noticed that he was missing his home state, so we’ve built a ranch for him. We have chickens, horses and now we even have two cows. So you’ll feel totally at home on our ranch.”
Sophie swallowed a chuckle. She hadn’t spent one day of her life on a ranch. “It sounds fabulous. How did you do it?”
“Trust me, it wasn’t easy and it’s taken months, but my husband seems happier, so that makes me happy. The only thing that would please him more is if Chantaine had a semi-professional baseball team. I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
“Where are you from?” Eve asked, shifting her weight as if she were uncomfortable. Sophie felt sorry for the woman. She was probably always uncomfortable at this stage of her pregnancy.
“The Washington, D.C., area,” she said.
Eve blinked then snickered. “Sophie is from the city, Bridget. Not everyone from America is from Texas.”
Bridget frowned for a moment then her face brightened. “No problem. Perhaps Sophie and I could take a quick trip to Paris and we could visit Fredericka, one of our sisters.”
Both Pippa and Eve gave loud sounds of disapproval. “Not before we deliver,” Eve said. “If we’re trapped here on the island, then you have to stay, too.”
“Trapped in paradise?” Bridget echoed with a cheeky smile. “Who would possibly call it trapped?”
“You’re the one taking off for Italy and France every chance you get. You just wait until you get pregnant and your husband gets all protective of you,” Eve said. “You’ll be singing a different song.”
“With twin toddlers, I won’t be getting pregnant anytime soon,” Bridget promised.
Pippa glanced at Sophie. “We must stop with all this baby talk. We’re probably boring our guest to death.”
“Oh, no,” Sophie said. “It’s a nice change from discussions about rocks and engineering.”
“From what Max has said, it sounds as if he does a lot of traveling,” Eve said. “Do you enjoy it?”
“For the most part, I do,” Sophie said. “It’s fascinating to see places that were just spots on a map to me. But all this travel prevents me from getting a dog.”
Bridget nodded. “My husband feels the same way. A dog is next on our list as soon as the boys are toilet trained.”
More courses of fruits and sweets were served. After a while of chatting and giggling, the man who’d been standing by the door the entire time walked toward Eve and spoke to her in a low voice. Eve nodded. “Thank you. I asked Walter to remind me when Stephenia is supposed to wake up from her nap. I promised her a trip to the playground. She’s missing the boys since you moved out.”
“I’ll bring them soon,” Bridget said. “I’ve just wanted them to get adjusted to the ranch.”
Bridget said it with such irony that Sophie couldn’t conceal a chuckle.
Eve rose. “We must do this again.”
Bridget nodded. “Or better yet, let’s do lunch and shop.”
“I’ll agree to lunch, but no shopping for me,” Eve said.
“Same here,” Pippa said as the rest of them rose to their feet.
“Thank you so much for inviting me. I didn’t know what to expect, but I have to say this is the most fun I’ve had in a long time,” Sophie said, surprising herself a little with the realization.
The chauffeur met her at the palace door and drove her back to her apartment. It occurred to Sophie as the car wove through the picturesque streets that she’d been spending a lot of time working and hardly any time enjoying herself. For what reason? So she could be close to Max. Because she was still hoping he would notice her and fall madly in love with her.
Sophie caught a glimpse of the ocean and realized that she hadn’t gone to the beach once since she’d arrived in Chantaine. Irritation niggled through her. Why was she staying with Max until the wee hours of the night if he wasn’t going to notice her? It wasn’t as if they accomplished much after dinnertime anyway.
She’d recently been reading a self-help book a coworker from Australia had given her for Christmas. The book had supplied a quote that was sticking, annoyingly, in her head. If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.
Sophie frowned. What she’d gotten the last few years had been an adventurous job with great pay and an unrequited crush on Max. And no dog.
Sophie brooded over that for several moments.
The chauffeur surprised her, opening the door. “Miss?”
She hadn’t even noticed the car had stopped. “Yes. Thank you for the ride.”
“My pleasure,” he said and helped her out of the car. That was nice, she thought. Someone treating her like a woman.
Sophie cringed. Someone paid to treat her like a woman.
Okay, that was it. She needed to think about doing something different. Sophie took a deep breath. Sophie looked at her apartment then turned away. She needed a night out.
She meandered in a few shops until they closed then walked to a café, got a sandwich and did some people-watching. All the while, she found herself second-guessing her decision to come to Chantaine. Maybe she should have refused Max. What would have happened if she had? What would she be doing now?
Sighing, Sophie wandered out of the shop and stopped at the crosswalk to walk the few blocks to her apartment. She waited until the light signaled that she could cross and stepped off of the curb.
Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed a cute bright yellow scooter whizzing around the corner just before it sent her flying through the air.
Later, hours, was it days? Sophie awakened to a blurry sight in front of her.
“Sophie,” Max said. “Sophie, it’s me, Max. How are you?”
She opened her mouth, but her throat felt so dry. She made a croaking sound.
“Thank God,” he muttered. She felt his hand on hers.
“Max,” she whispered, but her head throbbed. “What happened?”
“A scooter ran into you,” he said.
She took a deep breath and tried to concentrate. A vague visual of a scooter rounding a corner crossed her mind. “Oh, yeah.”
“You remember?”
She nodded. “I was walking the crosswalk and the scooter came out of nowhere. Am I okay?”
He squeezed her hand. “Yeah, you’re fine. Just rest.”
Sophie awakened later. She wasn’t sure when, but the nurse met her gaze. “How are you, sweetie?” she said. “You’ve had a rough go of it.”
“Are you from Australia?” Sophie asked, taking in the accent of the nurse.
The woman nodded and smiled. “No. New Zealand. Both would be extremely offended.”
Sophie smiled, but her body felt as if it ached all over. “Is anything broken?”
The nurse shook her head. “Your body is fine. We’re still checking your brain.”
“Oh, no,” Sophia said. “Am I brain-damaged?”
The nurse shook her head. “A little confused,” she said and tucked a blanket around Sophie. “Time will tell how confused.”
Sophie frowned, feeling frightened. What did that mean? What if she couldn’t perform her job? Worrying over the terrible possibilities, she felt a spurt of relief as Max walked into her room.
“Hi,” she said. “So, am I brain-damaged?”
“No more than usual,” he said then slid his hand over her forehead. “According to all the tests, you should be okay.”
“How’s the scooter driver?” she asked.
He smiled. “Unfortunately, better than you are.”
Sophie scowled at him. “That sucks.”
“Can’t disagree, but he is too sorry for words. Been standing in the waiting room since you first arrived.”
“Hmm,” she said.
“I’m just glad you’re awake and intelligible,” he said, leaning toward her.
“Have I been unintelligible?” she asked, far more concerned about that than being awake.
She watched Max take a deep swallow. He shook his head. “Never.”
Sophie sank back on her pillow. “You lie like a dog.”
Moments after Sophie fell asleep again, Max stepped outside her room and headed for the nurses’ station. His stomach hadn’t stopped knotting since he’d received the call about Sophie from the emergency room. “Are you sure Miss Taylor is okay? She keeps falling asleep.”
The nurse pulled up Sophie’s information on her computer screen. “All her tests are normal. Her vitals are excellent. It’s a miracle she wasn’t hurt worse. Her body is demanding more rest to recover from the trauma. She’ll improve rapidly over the next few days. I wouldn’t be surprised if the doctor allowed her to leave this afternoon.”
“This afternoon?” he said, shocked. “But she only arrived night before last.”
“There’s no swelling in her brain. She’ll just need someone to be with her for the first night.”
“We can take care of that,” a cultured feminine voice said from behind him.
Max glanced at the woman and immediately recognized her. Princess Bridget with a male assistant or bodyguard behind her.
“Your highness,” the nurse said, giving a slight curtsey.
Bridget dipped her head. “Thank you, but not necessary. I would like a thorough update on Miss Sophie Taylor’s condition. Good to see you, Maxwell, but I much prefer to visit in a different situation. Did I hear correctly that they’re going to release her?”
“That’s what the nurse said, but the doctor will make the final decision.”
“You don’t seem too keen about her going home,” Bridget said.
“She’s still sleeping a lot and I can’t see her taking care of herself,” he said.
“I have the perfect solution. We’ll bring her to the palace. I would invite her to my ranch, but the boys are such hellions she’d never find any peace. Pippa’s husband, Nic, is taking his last trip to the States. She had to force Nic to go. The only way he would agree was if she stayed at the palace. So, Pippa can provide company and there will be staff to wait on Sophie hand and foot.”
Her generosity took him off guard. At the same time, he felt responsible for Sophie. He almost felt as if he should be the one take care of her since she really didn’t know anyone else in Chantaine. “I don’t know. I have to think about what would be best for Sophie.”
She blinked at him. “She couldn’t possibly get better care somewhere other than the palace.” Bridget frowned. “Do you wish for your assistant to stay somewhere else?”
He paused a half beat, thinking he didn’t want to get overly involved with the Devereauxes. He didn’t want Sophie to get involved with them either. He’d thought all that would be necessary for Sophie would be to go to the tea and that would be the end of it. “I want her to be comfortable.”
“We enjoyed your Sophie—”
Impatience shot through him. “She’s not my Sophie. She’s my assistant.”
Bridget gave an equally impatient nod. “Very well. We enjoyed her very much during our tea and all of us would like to spend more time with her. And we insist she spend her recovery at the palace.”
Max felt a bit more sympathy for Stefan. Bridget was pushy. He wondered if the rest of the Devereaux women were.
Chapter Three
“I’m fine,” Sophie said as she stood beside her bed.
She could tell that Max was concerned that she would fall any minute. “Are you sure?” he asked.
She nodded as he extended his hand to steady her. For that crazy, tiny moment, she relished his touch. His hand was strong and assuring against hers. The doctor had released her with the condition that someone could check in on her throughout the first night.
“Yes, I’m okay,” she said. “I’m sure I’d be fine staying by myself.”
“That’s not going to happen. If you don’t want to go to the palace, we can make other arrangements,” he said and she felt him studying her.
“I’m okay with it. Then I can say I’ve spent the night at a royal palace,” she said, smiling. “Besides, it will just be one night.”
“Or two,” he said.
She was surprised at his concern for her. “Is there something I haven’t been told? Am I okay?” she asked. “Have I lost some of my mental capacity? What did the doctor say?”
“You’re fine,” he said and squeezed her shoulder. “The doctor said all your tests are normal.”
“Then why are you being so weird?” she asked, searching his gaze.
He shook his head. “I was caught off guard. You’re always so strong and to see you hurt, it—” He broke off. “It did something to me.”
His concern rocked through her. “Thanks,” she said. “But I think I’m going to be okay.” She glanced at his face and corrected herself. “I know I’m going to be okay.”
“You call me anytime you want to leave the palace,” he said.
Again, she was surprised at his concern for her. “No problem. I don’t think they’ll throw me in the dungeon.”
“Okay, I’m here if you need me. I’ll ride with you to the palace,” he said. “Bridget was very insistent that you should stay at the palace. She was … pushy.”
Sophie couldn’t help laughing. “You think?”
Max frowned.
“I’ll be all better tomorrow, so it won’t be an issue.”
“Okay,” he said and his gaze held hers.
With his outward expression of worry for her, she could almost think she was emotionally important to him. Could that be possible?
Then he stepped away, and she immediately felt his absence.
The nurse entered the room. “All ready?” the woman asked.
Seconds later, a palace assistant appeared. “We’re ready to escort Miss Taylor away.”
“Here are the instructions,” the nurse said, lifting them.
Max snatched the sheet of paper. “Can you make an extra copy?”
The nurse lifted her eyebrows. “Of course, sir.”
Just a few moments later, Sophie was driven away from the hospital toward the palace with Max by her side. Sophie leaned her head back against the seat. “Those Devereauxes lead a different life.”
She felt Max’s gaze on her. “What?” she asked, not opening her eyes.
“Are you saying you would like to live like a royal?” he asked.
She opened her eyes and met his gaze. “I wouldn’t mind living like a royal every once in a while,” she said. “But not all the time. How’s that royal thing working out for you?”
He frowned. “So far, no one is all that interested in me.”
“That bothers you?” she asked.
“Hell, no,” he said. “I think I understand my role with the Devereauxes. They’re happy to use my resources to improve their island, and they’re relieved I don’t want anything from them.”
“You may be partly right, but after meeting the Devereaux sisters, they seem like caring people. If you gave them half a chance, you might enjoy a nice relationship with them,” she said.
“I’m giving them a good road. I’m sure they’ll value that far more than being buddies with me.”
“I wish you wouldn’t be so stubborn about this,” she said.
“Just because you wish you had brothers and sisters doesn’t mean I do,” he told her gently.
“Deny, deny,” she retorted. “You’ll realize it eventually.”
“My darling analyst/assistant, stop thinking about me, and focus on yourself.”
The car entered the palace gates and stopped outside the side door of the palace.
Sophie drew in a quick breath. “I think we’re here.”
“Yeah, I guess we are,” Max said. “I think I should go inside with you.”
Surprise rushed through Sophie. “Why? Do you really think they’re going to mistreat me?”
Max frowned. “No, but—”
“Didn’t you say I needed to start relaxing?” she asked, wishing she didn’t feel like she needed a nap.
“I guess so,” he muttered.
“Then that’s what I plan to do,” she said and accepted the driver’s hand as he helped her from the car.
“I’ll walk you in,” he said.
“Not necessary,” she said and shut the car door.
Sophie awakened in the middle of the night and took a potty break. She returned to her bed, but a female staff member was waiting.
“Can I help you with anything, Miss Taylor?”
Startled, she nodded. “I’m fine, thank you.”
“Very well. If you need anything, please call,” the woman said.
Sophie nodded and climbed into bed. She didn’t know if she would ever adjust to palace staff. So far, they both surprised and alarmed her. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes. She needed to rest so she could get back to her own apartment.
She awakened the next morning, or afternoon … Sophie wasn’t sure which. Squinting her eyes, she glanced at her clock. Ten o’clock in the morning. How embarrassing. She couldn’t recall when she’d slept this late when it wasn’t due to a time-zone change.
She dragged herself out of bed and into the shower. Standing in the spray, she absorbed the comfort and invigoration of the water. After several moments, she stepped out of the shower and rubbed a towel over herself.
Pulling on a robe, she walked into her bedroom and found Pippa waiting for her at a small breakfast table. “Good morning,” the princess with the wild, wiry hair said. “I have a semi-American breakfast for you. Coffee, tea, eggs, prosciutto, croissants and marmalade. Does that sound good?”
“Perfect,” Sophie said as she joined Pippa at the table. “It’s perfect. How did you know?”
“I have an American husband,” Pippa said, lifting her cup of tea. “He considers our breakfasts quite wimpy. He requires meat or eggs. Or both. I swear, the man would eat steak for breakfast.”
Sophie laughed. “Steak and eggs is a popular breakfast combo in the States, but I have to tell you that I’ve never eaten steak in the morning.”
“So, it’s not all that usual?” Pippa asked. “Nic acts as if it’s an everyday occurrence for everyone.”
“He’s definitely pulling your leg,” Sophie said and took a bite of scrambled eggs.
“Pulling my leg?” Pippa repeated, clearly confused.
“Fooling you,” Sophie said.
Pippa frowned. “Is that so? Then I shall give him something horrid for breakfast. What do you suggest?”
Sophie shrugged. “I don’t know. Liver?”
Pippa’s mouth lifted from a frown to a smile. “Excellent. Liver. Is there anything worse to your American taste?”
Sophie searched her culinary memory. “Um, chitlins?”
“What’s that?” Pippa asked.
“Look it up on Google.”
Pippa nodded while she clicked away on her cell phone’s keyboard. “That bad,” she said with a smile. “Let’s change conversation. How are you feeling this morning?”
“Better,” Sophie said and took another bite of eggs followed by toast.
“Dizzy at all?” Pippa asked, and took a bite of a crumpet.
“No, thank goodness,” Sophie said.
Pippa nodded. “That’s wonderful news. But we would be happy for you to stay here an extra night.”
Sophie shook her head. “Not necessary.”
Pippa sighed. “We’re always glad to have someone new and interesting at the palace. Are you sure you can’t stay?”
“I may be new, but I’m not sure about interesting. Thanks for the invite, though. How are you feeling?” she asked, glancing at Pippa’s pregnant belly.
“Excited,” Pippa said, then frowned. “And uncomfortable. I’ve been told the baby has dropped. There’s no comfortable position.”
“Sorry,” Sophie said. “How far along are you?”
“Thirty eight weeks and two days,” she said.
Sophie wondered if she was also recording the hours and minutes. “Hopefully, it won’t be much longer.”
“Hopefully,” Pippa said and sighed. “But it’s all a matter of perspective. We lost Nic’s mother to terminal cancer last year. She was ready to go, but we weren’t ready for her to leave. We miss her so much.”
Sophie’s heart clenched. “That must have been hard.”
Pippa nodded. “It was. But we’re naming our baby after her. Amelie was pure magic.” Pippa smiled. “During those last months, she would scare us to death by escaping the cottage and going to the beach on her own.”
“It’s wonderful that you’re naming the baby after Nic’s mother,” Sophie said. “That’s so—loving.”
Pippa lifted her cup and nodded. “I wish you had met Amelie. She was a wonderful combination of boldness, wisdom and fun. In the short time I knew her, I learned a lot. The biggest lesson was don’t waste your life. Go for it. Life is short and love is the most important gift of all. If you love someone, then you’ve got to give the chance to be with them all you’ve got.”
Sophie took a sip of coffee and tried not to squirm. Did she really love Max? Or did she just have an intense crush on him? Setting her cup down, she stared into the warm brown liquid, wishing it could offer her answers. If she gave in to her feelings, would she have the nerve to go after him? What if she made a fool of herself? What if he completely rejected her?
Her stomach twisted and clenched.
“Are you okay?” Pippa asked, concern etched across her face. “You look a bit ill.”
“No. I’m fine. Just need more coffee,” Sophie said.
“Well, I’m certain you could use more than coffee. I can tell you’re probably one of those types who wouldn’t complain even if you had a broken leg, but your body has been through a traumatic experience. Getting hit by that motor scooter,” Pippa said, shaking her head. “I think I’d want to hide under the covers for a few days to catch my breath. It’s a miracle you weren’t hurt worse. You could have been—” She broke off as if she realized she should be more encouraging. “But you weren’t. You’re fine and you’re just going to get better and better.”
Sophie nodded in agreement, but her brain was stuck on what Pippa hadn’t said. She could have been killed. Her brain instantly went into denial. Killed? That was a little overdramatic, wasn’t it? Her injuries could have been much more serious, but to think that she could have died … Frowning, Sophie firmly shoved the possibility to the back of her mind. A dark place she did her best not to visit.
“Oh, my,” Pippa said, putting her hand on her belly and smiling. “Amelie has hiccups.” She laughed. “Would you like to feel it?”
Sophie had wondered what it would feel like to have a baby inside her. To feel it move. “Sure,” she said and stood next to Pippa, who guided Sophie’s hand to her belly.
Sophie felt the rhythmic bump inside Pippa. “Oh, poor thing,” she said.
“She actually gets them pretty often. It makes me wonder if I’m eating something that bothers her. Sorry, Amelie,” she said and rubbed her belly.
At that moment, a strange awareness sliced through Sophie. She’d avoided the very idea of having a baby. She’d avoided the very idea of being loved by Max, although she’d secretly wished for it.
She felt Pippa’s gaze on her and tried to shake off her thoughts.
“Are you okay?” Pippa asked, reaching toward her.
“Fine,” Sophie said. “Just a little dazed.”
“From the accident?” Pippa asked. “Perhaps you should spend another night here at the palace.”
Sophie shook her head. “I’m just a little behind on my coffee. I’ll be ready for anything in a few minutes.”
“If you say so,” Pippa said doubtfully.
“I do,” Sophie said and patted Pippa’s hand. “And thank you for being so caring.”
Pippa insisted that Sophie stay at the palace through the early afternoon. Sophie left as soon as she could, arriving at her apartment and pacing. Could she have died? Was she being overdramatic?
She shook her head from side to side. Truth was that not everyone survived being smacked by a scooter. She could have been paralyzed or worse.
Sophie thought of herself as being stronger than that, though. She was strong enough to overcome this. A little brush with a scooter couldn’t knock her out forever. She’d survived challenges in every country she’d visited. She was a mule.
Max had even referred to her in that manner, and she hadn’t been insulted or disagreed. She was strong, resilient. She could make it through anything. Right? She put her doubts from her mind and watched a television show.
Dinnertime arrived and her cell phone rang. It was Max.
“How are you feeling?”
“Much better. I left the palace a couple hours ago.”
“What can I bring you for dinner?”
Surprised by his offer, she automatically refused. “You don’t need to bring anything. I can pull a box of something from the freezer.”
“I think you could use something better than that. I’ll be over in an hour or so,” he said and hung up.
“But—” she said and sighed. The truth was she wasn’t hungry. She hadn’t been hungry since the accident. If she told Max that, though, he would think she had been terminally injured.
Sophie puttered around her apartment for awhile then sat down on the couch. She leaned her head back for just a few minutes.…
The doorbell jolted her from her sleep. Her heart hammered against her chest and she jumped to her feet. Taking a quick breath, she rushed to the door and opened it.
Max stood in front of her holding two bags, two bottles of beer and a bottle of wine. She blinked. “Wow. What’s all this?”
“Steak, baked potato, salad. Took forever for me to find this in take-out,” he said. “And I’m betting the steak is nowhere as good as we got in Australia.”
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