Page 33 of The Princess and the SEAL

“Oh, I booked a tour of the Normandy beaches. We have a chauffeured limousine and a private guide. It will be great.”

Ryan raised his eyebrow. “A limousine? A private guide? No thanks. I’d prefer to just go low key.”

My chest constricted. Had I made a mistake? I was just trying to do something nice for Ryan, and it had backfired on me. “Oh, I’m sorry. I just thought it would be nice to go with an expert.”

“It’s really not my style, but thanks. I appreciate the thought.”

I knew I shouldn’t push, but I couldn’t help myself. Ryan was so stubborn and prideful. It was difficult for him to accept kind gestures from anyone. “Are you sure, Ryan? The guide is a war historian. Very knowledgeable. Could you at least try for me since I already paid? I promise you will have a great time. But, if not, I understand.”

Ryan’s eyes met mine. Maybe he wasn’t used to people doing sweet things for him. “Hmm. Well, in that case, let’s just take the tour. Since you already booked it.”

Gotcha.“Yes, it would be easiest.”

We finished our meal and then headed downstairs to meet the limo. Ryan checked the limousine driver’s identification and made sure it matched the itinerary. Wow. It must be exhausting to be that thorough and paranoid.

I climbed into the back of the limo, Ryan raised the divider and put his arm around me. I nestled against his chest. It was nice. Very romantic but very chaste. I had spent my life traveling around the world, but usually only accompanied by my chaperone or parents. I enjoyed having someone by my side with whom I could share new experiences.

The drive was breathtaking, and the beauty of the French coastline mesmerized me. I imagined honeymooning here, with a view of the ocean.

But when I closed my eyes, I pictured Ryan by my side, not Miguel.

I was clearly irrational. Ryan would most definitely not be going on my honeymoon.

I looked over at Ryan, who didn’t seem to be having the same reaction toward the view that I was. His eyes were red and watery.

I placed my hand on his thigh. “What’s wrong?”

“I just imagine all those young men seeing this coast as they rushed off the boats, knowing they were going to die.”

My chest constricted. I had always considered myself so worldly, but Ryan saw the world through a completely different lens, one I could never understand.

How could I lead my own country if I didn’t understand the hardships of the world?

I kissed him on the cheek. “You are amazing, do you know that? I’m so glad I met you.”

He cupped my face and kissed me back. “I’m glad I met you, too. And I need to thank you. I have never in my life traveled like this—the château, the limousine, the private tour. It’s really nice to have someone to experience this country with.”

And with that, we melted into each other and made out like we were teenagers.