“The first year I was gone, she met and married someone else.”
The first year? That was fast. And to marry someone else? That was brutal. “That’s really crummy. I’m sorry, Max.”
He didn’t say anything for a long moment. “It shattered me, and I coped the only way I knew how. I attempted to drown out the pain and forget about her.”
“I guess that didn’t work so well, huh?”
He shrugged. “It worked well enough.”
“You obviously haven’t forgotten about her and are still hurt by her betrayal.”
“I have forgiven her,” he said sadly. “But I have not forgiven her father for accepting the bribe from my father to marry her off as quickly as possible.”
“Oh wow. That’s terrible.”
“What my father did was unforgivable too. But he has always been more rigid about... well, about the protocols in my family. But Mr. Koch? I thought he was open-minded and did not abide by old customs and class differences.”
The ache inside Emberly swelled, and before she could stop herself, she laid a hand on Max’s arm.
He didn’t brush her aside, but neither did he acknowledge her touch. He continued to stare straight ahead, his jaw taut.
No wonder Max was still single. He’d fallen in love once and had never really gotten over all that had happened. “Max,” she started slowly. “You obviously want to move on from this, otherwise you wouldn’t have promised me that you would work hard at a love-crazy relationship.”
He remained rigid, as though he might spin and walk away. But after a moment, he released a breath and nodded. “I have tried to move beyond what happened. Many times. But perhaps I am doomed to be haunted by it forever.”
“You’re not doomed. But you are stuck, and maybe you need a little push to de-stick you.”
“De-stick?” He slanted a glance her way. “If that is a word, I am not familiar with it.”
“Fine.” She dropped her hand away from him. “It’s not a word. But that’s not the point.”
“What is your point?”
“You need someone to help you see your potential to love again.”
He shifted so that now he was facing her, leaning his hip against the railing. “Would that someone happen to be you?”
“Maybe.”
“So you are not only the ranch expert, but you are also the expert in matchmaking?”
“I’m no expert, and I’m no matchmaker. But I have learned a lot about the McQuaid legacy of love through watching my dadand brothers—enough that I can give you a few tips on how to win over a woman.”
“You are suggesting that would help?”
“If you want to know how to love a woman well, then there’s no better person to learn from than a McQuaid, especially my dad.”
“I have no wish to disturb your father with this matter.”
“We won’t. I’m just saying that he’s a wise person, and there’s a lot to be learned from looking at the way he did things.”
Max nodded. “Very well. If you wish to instruct me on how to win and love a woman, then I shall do my best to humbly receive the advice.”
A winter breeze blew against Emberly and through her parka. She shuddered. “First word of advice: Always, always be paying attention to the woman’s needs. For example, when she’s cold, you really need to notice.” This time she shivered on purpose.
His eyes lit up with humor. “I see how this arrangement is going to work. You will expect me to practice your advice on you.”
“You know what they say. Practice makes perfect.”
