No doubt she would want nothing to do with him today, and he would not blame her for that in the least.
With a sigh, he focused on his laptop, clicked onto the tab with his emails, and opened the most urgent of the dozen or more that had come in over the morning. It should be of no consequence what Emberly thought of him or that she might not spend any more time with him. But strangely, it did matter.
He was trying to understand why he cared so much about seeing her, why he felt a longing to be with her and talk with her and spend time with her. He had just met her, hardly knew her, and would never see her again once he left.
Regardless, the need inside had been building in his chest all morning. Did the need have to do with how beautiful she was? He wanted to get his fill of her exquisite features, striking red hair, and warm eyes again today and see if she was truly as gorgeous as he remembered.
Or did the need have to do with how much fun he’d had with her doing ordinary things like hiking, eating dinner, playing cards, and eating pie? She was comfortable to be with, unpretentious, and he felt as though he could be himself—or at least the part of himself that wasn’t royalty.
The truth was, Emberly was a refreshing change from every woman he’d ever known, and the craving to be with her was only growing. The other truth was that he’d neglected his work formost of yesterday. Of course, he’d worked late into the night, and today he had been doing his best to concentrate on his tasks. It would not be the end of the world if she chose to ignore him. Or assign him a new concierge.
She would not do that, would she?
He sat up and stared through the glass walls to the hallway that led to the lobby. Perhaps that was why she was not around. Perhaps she was even now making the arrangements with another concierge.
With his heart suddenly thudding faster, he pushed back and stood. He had to stop her from leaving with one of the other groups and insist that she remain with him instead.
No, he could not insist. That would be rude of him. He would have to use his best manners and implore her politely.
He stuffed his laptop into his briefcase, gathered up a few scattered notes, then quickly exited the conference room.
Winzig, who had been waiting in the hallway, trailed him to the lobby. Max had no intention of simply walking past the offices this time. He would go right in and find her and talk to her. And apologize. Yes, he would also apologize for his callousness the previous night.
As he started across the lobby, he caught sight of first her red hair and then her profile as she stood near the long counter and spoke to what appeared to be guests—a young couple. He wanted to go right over, interrupt the conversation, and tell her to drop everything in order to be with him. But he slowed his steps and halted a few feet away.
She did not spare him a glance. Did she not notice his presence? How could she not?
Max hesitated. Most places he went, people catered to his every whim and wish. They flattered and groveled before him.
Had he grown so accustomed to preferential treatment that he had become arrogant, impatient, and entitled? It would seemher honesty was helping him to reflect on areas in his life that needed to be addressed. Associating with her was quite possibly turning him into a better man. One who would be well equipped to lead a nation—if he didn’t abdicate to Alex.
Emberly spoke for a few more moments, then smiled at the couple as they thanked her and walked away. Only when they were near the door did she allow herself to shift and look at him.
Max half expected her to notice him, then turn on her heels and stalk away. But she didn’t move. Instead, she watched him almost expectantly, as if she were waiting for him to speak first.
“I owe you an apology.” The words fell out and felt right. “I regret suggesting something for you that I was not willing to demand of myself.”
“Apology accepted.” She did not smile, but the brown of her eyes was warm, and her expression held no trace of malice.
“Thank you.” He was not used to such freely given forgiveness.
“How were your meetings this morning?” she asked politely.
As with yesterday when he had first encountered her, she was attired in a professional skirt, a blouse trimmed with lace, and a form-fitting blazer. Her hair was again styled into the elegant knot, drawing attention to her slender neck, and her ears were dainty and graced with simple pearl earrings.
“The meetings were rushed because, of course, the men were eager to partake in skiing and other activities.”
“Are you eager too?”
“Perhaps.” He was eager to be with her. But he could not say so. “What outings do you have for us this afternoon? You are still planning on leading the activities, are you not?” He hoped he did not sound too pathetic, because that was how he was starting to feel regarding this woman.
One of her brows quirked adorably. “Were you worried I wouldn’t do my job today?”
“I confess, I was worried I might have tried your patience and that you would be ready to be rid of me.”
“You have tried my patience.” Her lips curled up into a slight smile. “But I’m a woman of my word, and you can’t scare me away that easily.”
“Good.” Relief rushed through him. “When will you be available to begin our activities?”
