“I am not opposed to it, Your Highness. I have repeatedly encouraged you not to work so hard. But...”
“But what?” Max slipped the other boot off and straightened.
Braun finally plucked the loupe from his eye. “But nothing, Your Highness. I am glad you intend to rest this evening.”
“Thank you, Braun.” Max started toward the stairway that led to the loft. “I should like to freshen up and change my garments before dinner arrives.”
Braun, in the process of hanging up Max’s coat, froze.
“What shall I wear?” Max asked. “Do I have anything else casual but nice?”
Braun didn’t respond.
“I like this sweater. Perhaps one similar.”
“’Tis the girl.” Braun’s voice rang out with conviction.
Max waved a hand, brushing aside Braun’s comment. “She is good company. That is all.” Thatwasreally all. He did not have time to become distracted by a pretty American woman on this trip. Not when his life was a speeding train that was hurtling toward his next birthday faster than the Eurostar.
“You like her,” Braun said even louder.
“I barely know her.” That wasn’t true. After spending the afternoon with her, he had learned a great deal about her as a person. She came from a solid family who cared about each other. She was very good at her job and took her work at the ranch seriously. She was excellent with the employees and kind to the other guests they’d come across. She was knowledgeable and interesting to talk to.
Most importantly, she treated him like a regular bloke. Even just a few minutes ago, she hadn’t hesitated to confront him about being demanding with her. Would she be so open and honest if she knew he was a prince?
He sighed. He probably ought to tell her. But what would that accomplish? She would start treating him differently, and he didn’t want that. After getting a taste of what it was like to be normal, he didn’t want things to change. For at least this week, he could enjoy being like everyone else, couldn’t he?
It certainly wouldn’t harm her to go on believing he was simply a rich man from a rich European family. After all, they would part ways when the week was over. He would return home. And they would never see each other again.
“Is she coming back for dinner?” Braun asked in a too-knowing way.
“She is.” Max finished ascending the stairs to the loft. The sleeping quarters were more spacious than he’d expected, even with the king bed, which was made of the same pine logs as the other furniture. Two wide leather chairs took up one corner with side tables beside them. An enormous flatscreen TV hung above a gas fireplace. A chest of drawers was positioned beside a walk-in closet. Large windows with a cushioned seat underneath overlooked the river and the eastern range.
He had to admit that everything was modern and well decorated, giving the rustic feeling of being on a ranchwithout compromising comfort or quality. He understood now—especially after the tour—why the place was so popular.
Braun had followed him up and now strode to the closet, where he’d unpacked Max’s clothing and hung everything as neatly as always. While Braun rummaged through the selections, Max pulled off his sweater and his damp socks.
Whenever he was at one of his family’s residences, whether the palace in Vollenstadt or the castle up in the mountains or their estate on Bodensee, he always had a valet to assist him with getting dressed. However, during his trips out of the country, he usually only brought his assistant and bodyguard, and he liked a little more independence.
He changed into a casual button-down shirt with a pair of slacks, donned casual loafers, and added a touch of cologne.
“You are certain I do not look overdressed?” He paused at the mirror near the cabin’s front door and combed his fingers through his hair.
“You look very presentable.” Braun peered over the loft railing from where he was ironing a shirt for Max to wear in the morning.
“Presentable?” Max rubbed his beard. “Should I not be more than presentable?”
“You look handsome, Your Highness.”
“You are just saying so to appease me.”
“I would never do such a thing.”
“Of course not.”
Braun tsked, the closest he ever came to laughing.
Max backed away from the mirror. “I do not know why I am so nervous. This is just a casual dinner.”
