His lips looked like they would be perfect for under-the-mistletoe kisses.
And more.
She had no idea who he was, but this hottie had just taken over the top spot on her Christmas list. She would have to write Santa.
The man’s long strides cut the distance between them quickly. He looked at Claude. “Have you seen Maximilian?”
“No, sir. As soon as I take Dr. Parsons inside, I’ll phone the groundskeeper. One of his men will track him down again.”
A stunning, green-eyed gaze collided with hers. Sharpened.
Kat sucked in a breath. She knew that color. Knew the man.
Or did.
Prince Guillaume von Strausser.
She’d been fifteen the last time she saw him at camp. Sophie’s brother hadn’t been drop-dead-gorgeous back then.
Okay, forget about writing Santa. Kat would need to find another hottie to go on her Christmas list. Sophie’s brother was off-limits. Kat never wanted anything to come between her and her camp BFF. Not that Gill had given her anything but grief at camp.
Still, unexpected nerves made Kat’s muscles twitch. She forced a smile. “Hi, Gill.”
Surprise flashed across his face. “Kat?”
“It’s good to see you.” She sounded breathless. The way she felt.
Whatever shock he might have felt, however, disappeared. His lips pressed together, and his gaze narrowed. “I didn’t think you were coming.”
That wasn’t the reply she’d expected. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“You’ve never been here before.”
He spoke with the same authoritative tone she remembered, but Kat thought she heard a touch of accusation, too. Weird since they hadn’t spoken in so long, but he’d always been protective about Sophie and thought Kat interfered too much in his sister’s life.
“Lack of time and money,” she admitted.
He raised a brow. “And now?”
“I need more of both, but I wouldn’t miss Sophie’s wedding for anything.”
He studied Kat. Not as a friend looked at someone they hadn’t seen in a long time—thirteen years to be exact—but as a stranger, trying to determine if the person was safe or dangerous.
Her heart sank. Even after all these years, he still didn’t like her.
He started to speak but then stopped himself.
She raised her chin instead. “What?”
His gaze darkened to a forest green. “Are you here for my sister’s wedding…or have you set your sights on finding a royal for yourself?”
She wanted to believe he was joking, but his tone matched the serious look in his eyes.
Same old Gill. Imperial and pompous.
No doubt, Claude heard the implication in Gill’s voice that she was nothing more than a royal groupie.
Great way to start off her trip.
