“Then it’s settled.” Dad relaxed against his chair, looking way too smug.
Emberly huffed, then started toward the sliding glass door that led to the deck. Max followed her without any prompting. As they stepped out, the darkness of the early evening enveloped them, along with the chill of the mountain temperatures. Thankfully, she was still wearing her coat, and so was Max.
She closed the door and then crossed to the railing. She leaned against it and stared at the western range, where a golden line from the sun’s last rays outlined the rugged peaks.
After a moment, she felt Max beside her.
“You do not seem sure if you would like me to extend my visit.”
She blew out a tight breath. “What would be the point, Max?” She may as well be as blunt as always. “We can spend more time together, but it won’t change the outcome of your visit.”
“What outcome is that?”
“We’ll be parting ways tomorrow or in a few days. Either way, we’ll say our goodbyes and likely never see each other again. So why drag things out?”
“We have become friends, have we not?”
“I think so, yes.”
“Then perhaps we can remain friends, stay in contact, send each other advice, good or bad...” His voice hinted at humor.
She couldn’t hold back a smile. What was it about him that made her smile so easily? “My advice is always good. Remember that.”
“You have not led me astray yet.”
“And I won’t.”
He was silent a beat. “This time together, you, your ranch, it has given me the space away from my life that I have needed.”
“I’m so glad.” She really was happy he’d benefited from the ranch experience. She couldn’t fathom what his normal life was like as the CEO of the world’s wealthiest bank and heir to the throne of his country. The pressure had to be heavy and the duties unending.
“I should like to spend a few more days here... with you. If you are agreeable.”
“With me?”
“Yes. With you.”
“And what if I tell you I’m busy and assigning you a new concierge?”
“Then I shall demand that I have only you.”
Was his voice slightly husky, or was she only imagining it? “Demand?”
“I will not ask this time.” His voice was low and definitely husky.
Her stomach flipped with an anticipation she didn’t want to feel.
“Take the time off too.”
“You’re bossy, you know that?”
“When I know what I want, why bother with niceties?”
Had he really just said he wanted her? No, he didn’t mean it in a romantic way. He meant he wanted her to remain his personal tour guide. And she knew she was going to take the time off—not just because he’d suggested it but because she wanted to be with him. In fact, she wanted to be with him much more than she dared to admit.
11
Max’s father was not pleased with his decision to extend his visit to Colorado.
