Braun frowned and attempted to step in her way. “Nein, nein—”
The younger man dodged Braun and grasped Emberly’s hand. “Max Berg. Call me Max.” He offered her a broad smile that not only revealed perfect teeth but turned him from average handsome to heart-stopping.
She was glad she was able to stay composed. All those years of teasing from her four brothers had taught her how to hide her reactions, and she gave him nothing but a polite smile. She’d never made a habit of ogling guests, not even the stars who came. “Pleased to meet you, Max. I’m Emberly McQuaid, the event manager here at Healing Springs.”
His grip was firm but didn’t linger. Judging by the absence of a wedding band on his ring finger, he was single. As he released her hand, his gaze swept over her, stalling at her red hair and lingering over her face with a hint of surprise in his eyes, as if he hadn’t expected someone like her to greet him.
“You can call me Emberly.” She’d inherited the same beauty that had helped Mom win Miss Colorado many years ago—an elegant face with high cheeks, wide eyes, long lashes, and full lips, along with a body that could win the swimsuit portion of the competition.
Emberly had grown proficient at ignoring unwanted attention. She was even used to putting men in their place whennecessary, and she wouldn’t hesitate to do the same for this man if she needed to, no matter how important he might be.
As though realizing he was staring, he peered at the distant ski slopes on the outskirts of the tourist town of Healing Springs, named after the ranch, then shifted to take in the mountain range on the opposite side of Park County. Low winter clouds hung over them, hiding the peaks but creating an incredible scene with the wide valley spreading out and covered in snow. Light snowflakes drifted onto his head and shoulders.
“We weren’t expecting the CEO of KWB Group,” she said with a glance inside the car, half expecting Mr. Milton to slide out next. “But we’re glad you’re here.”
She didn’t know where she would put Max, since every room, cabin, and house was full. But she’d find someplace. She had to. And what about an ambassador for him? Would he need his own, or would she be able to place him with another group?
Her attention shifted to the other men exiting the vehicles, all of them looking the part of distinguished gentlemen in their suits. She couldn’t put a cot in any of their rooms. It simply wouldn’t do for this group.
She could feel Max taking her in again, so she offered a polite smile. “We’ll make sure your time here is memorable.”
“Good. Then I am glad I came.” His sunglasses shielded his eyes, but there was no hiding his interest and the double meaning to his comment.
She searched the faces of the other guests, hoping to find Mr. Milton among them, but as far as she could tell, he wasn’t there. “When should we expect Mr. Milton to arrive?”
“He is not coming.”
“But isn’t he in charge?”
“His wife took ill, and he asked me to come in his stead.”
“I see.” That would make the logistics easier. She could place Max in Mr. Milton’s cabin and perhaps even shuffle theambassadors around so that she wouldn’t need to step into the role after all.
The ambassadors had followed Emberly and were milling around the other guests. One of them motioned at her.
“If you’ll excuse me a moment,” she said to Max.
For a few minutes, Emberly mingled among the others, answered questions, and made sure each of the staff was paired with the right guests. All the while, she scrambled to figure out which of the ambassadors to assign to Max. Perhaps she would need to ask him his preference.
Braun had been helping the protection agent unload the luggage from the back of Max’s BMW. As the last suitcase was unloaded, Emberly started back toward Max.
Braun stepped up to Max’s side and handed him a briefcase. “Your Highness.” Braun spoke in German.
Even so, the words were clear enough to Emberly. Was Max royalty?
“Just Max.” Max frowned at his assistant and spoke in whispered German that she could barely hear. “Remember, this week I shall remain incognito to keep the paparazzi away.”
She spun around and pretended to be busy with her clipboard and the spreadsheets she’d brought with her. Who exactly was this man?
Her mind spun as she worked to remember all the information she’d collected about the KWB Group, especially the CEO. Unfortunately, she couldn’t remember much about the executive of the company because she’d focused most of her preparation on the president.
What she did know was that Karltenberg had a royal family who had been instrumental in starting the bank long ago, and they were still involved in its operations. She’d read a little about them as she’d familiarized herself with the country.
“I believe we are ready for our accommodations.” Max spoke again, this time in English.
As she turned to face him, she forced herself to erase any and all signs of surprise and instead plastered on her most professional expression. “Of course.”
He swiped off his sunglasses, revealing eyes that were a silvery green like the sage that grew in the grasslands. “I hope that everything is in order.”
