Squaring her shoulders, she took a step back. “I’m here because I’m Sophie’s friend and one of her bridesmaids. No other reason.”
“Sophie mentioned finding you a husband.”
When they were teenagers, she’d wanted Kat to marry one of her brothers so they could be sisters. “Sophie’s always kidding around about setting me up on a date.”
Emphasis onkidding around.
Kat’s ordinary life growing up on a wheat farm was so removed from Sophie’s world that her being royal had never been much of a curiosity. Perhaps something to daydream about when Kat was caring for her aging grandparents while attending college at the same time, but not enough to warrant an Internet search. Kat had had too much to do back then. She still did.
Watching Sophie on the reality TV showThe Search for Cinderellahad been the closest peek into her friend’s life, but to be honest, that had seemed more fantasy-for-the-cameras than reality.
Suspicion filled Gill’s gaze, but he didn’t say anything.
Words weren’t necessary. Kat could tell what he was thinking.
“You don’t have to believe me,” she said. “But it’s true.”
He wouldn’t change his mind no matter what she said. Gill’s behavior had always been consistent—the definition of arrogance. No problem. The castle looked big enough for her to keep her distance.
Just like their old camp days.
“Claude called you doctor,” Gill said.
Kat wasn’t surprised he knew nothing about her. He’d never been her friend. Gill had tolerated her—for his sister’s sake—but that tolerance seemed to have disappeared.
Kat wouldn’t let him get to her. “I’m a veterinarian.”
“You always had a soft spot for those who were injured or not feeling well.”
“You were one of my first patients.”
Lines creased his forehead. “From humans to animals.”
“What can I say?” she joked. “Animals don’t talk back.”
She thought Gill might crack a smile. He didn’t.
Maybe not having a sense of humor was a prince thing. He was the only one she’d met.
“I don’t remember saying much that day,” he said finally.
“You grunted more than you spoke.”
“Did I? I don’t remember.” His brows furrowed. “But I have a scar on my leg from your fishing hook, and I recall you had a knife.”
“I still have one. It’s in my suitcase,” she admitted. “Airport security frowns upon knives in carryon luggage, so I packed it.”
His gaze raked over her again. Only this was faster than the last time. He studied and surmised judgement in a brief pass. Not a positive one either based on his expression. The only thing missing was a judge’s gavel.
His mouth slanted into a lopsided frown. “You must want to freshen up.”
Oh, boy. She must look a mess for him to say that. His looks had changed for the better, but his personality and manners hadn’t. How did Sophie put up with him?
Kat nodded. “It’s been a long day.”
“I won’t keep you.” With that, Gill walked past her and Claude.
Feeling dismissed, she glanced over her shoulder at him.
He walked at a brisk pace as if he’d forgotten about her. He probably had.
Kat inhaled deeply. She let the cold air fill her lungs and cool her down.
From what she could see, Gill still acted like the moody, arrogant teen he’d once been.
No biggie.
She and Sophie had never let him ruin their time together at camp, and Kat wouldn’t let that happen now. She would enjoy being a member of the royal wedding party and make the most of her vacation. If Prince Annoying had an issue with her, that was his problem.
She was going to have the best Christmas ever.
