Page 1 of The Crown

1

Warm wind whipped through Jo’s hair. Nico’s boat raced across the water and Jo ‘s breathless energy heightened with their speed and her nearness to Nico. They were draped across the front, watching the coming shoreline in a lazy sort of summer way.

Nico adjusted his hips and pulled Jo up closer to him. He nuzzled her hair. “This could have been our summer in Shady Lakes.”

She turned to him, surprised. “Do you regret coming home?”

His gaze went distant, out over the water. Then he shook his head. “No, how could I? Father and everything…”

She knew what he didn’t say. Now that his father was taking a respite from his duties as the king, Nico was swamped with more to do than any human should have on his plate: matters of state, press concerns, and complaints over his suitability. She snuggled closer. “I’m so glad we have this afternoon.”

His hands tightened around her. “Me too, Jo. I need you to help me have fun. I need this or I might go insane.”

His stress concerned her. She tried to swallow the fact that though newly engaged, she had seen him only for a few minutes each day since she arrived. She ran a hand through his hair, mussing its thickness. “Dance party?”

He chuckled, then raised an eyebrow wickedly. “You’re on.”

Jo angled her engagement ring so it caught the sun. She sent an array of sparkling light patterned out from the center all around them.

Nico grew quiet, running his hand along her arm. Goosebumps rose, following the trail of his fingers. “Do you like your ring?”

She nodded. “I love it. Still can’t believe it.” She smiled up into his face. “I wake in this gorgeous room, looking out over the valley and off to the ocean, engaged to you.” She shook her head.

“No regrets?”

His eyes clouded with a worry she hurried to ease. “Nico, no. Not at all! How could I? Everything in my life found meaning when I met you. The easiest decision I’ve made.” She scooted closer and found his lips. After a quick kiss, she waved her hand around. “And look at us. We are out in the middle of a gorgeous lake on one of your many yachts, doing my favorite thing ever. I have a personal tailor and more clothes than a girl could ever wear. My father and best friend are here with me. I’m marrying the best looking guy I have ever seen and I’m madly in love with him.” She ran a hand down his arm and chuckled. “Some of those reasons matter more than others.”

“Oh, do they? I wondered when you would use me for my yachts.”

“It was bound to happen. Look at this beauty.”

He brought her left hand up to his mouth and kissed her ring. “I love you, Jo. Thanks for saying yes.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “I’ve never been happier.” Everything in her life dimmed, lackluster in memory until he became a part of it. Although she joked about the wealthy perks, what she most loved about Nico was the way he grounded her. He was a solid force in her life. And he felt the same for her.

Jo stood as they approached the dock. Laughing, she waved. Three of Nico’s five brothers waited, skis and boards in hand, towels draped over shoulders, wearing swimsuits. She laughed. “Now that’s a sight.”

“What?” Nico turned. “Oh.” He frowned.

“What’s this?” She stood on tip toes to wipe a finger across his wrinkled forehead, smoothing the lines.

“Nothing. Someone has to have fun, I guess.” He waved his hand over them.

“Jo! Come ski with us!” Trane grinned, holding up the newest fad in skis, her favorite brand. Oh, she wanted to. Next to sailing, all of the other watersports sat at the top of her favorite ways to spend an afternoon list. But she couldn’t when Nico had to get back to the house for multiple meetings. It didn’t seem fair.

She shook her head, waving him off, but when she turned to Nico, his frown had deepened. “Go.” He said.

“No, it’s ok. I can go back with you. Maybe there’s some way to help…” But they could both tell her heart wasn’t in the offer.

“Go, Jo. Like I said, someone has to have some fun around here.” He kissed her lips. “Tell me all about it when you get back.”

He lifted his chin in the direction of his brothers. “Get some good pictures of my woman cutting across the wake.”

Daniel held up his camera. “On it.” He clicked a picture of them and then scrolled the menu to look. He whistled through his teeth. “You two.”

Jo blushed. She wasn’t used to all the attention about her looks. Kevin, an old boyfriend, never seemed to notice. Nico and his brothers made reference to how beautiful she was every day. She grinned. It was flattering at first, then amusing. She looked forward to working with them on something serious so they could see her other qualities, but in the meantime it was fun to be admired.

“So, you’re ok then? If I just stay?” She still worried.

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