It was still coming down hard and hadn’t shown any signs of letting up. As high up on the mountain as they were, they could easily get another foot or two before the storm moved on. That amount would make traveling out of the high elevation difficult, even by snowmobile.
She didn’t want to worry about it and borrow trouble. But she also knew that their situation was precarious. No doubt her family was also worried about them since they hadn’t returned as scheduled. Without cell phone service, they couldn’t call anyone to inform them of the delay. She hoped everyone would realize they’d decided to stay the night rather than hike back down in the storm.
Braun yawned loudly. “Shall we turn in?”
“You and Winzig go ahead.” Max began to cross to the stove. “I shall make sure the stove is fed.”
“I can do that,” Winzig said in German.
“No, I want to,” Max replied in German.
“Of course you do.” Braun’s voice—also in German—was quiet with a note of teasing. “You will do anything to spend more time with her.”
“Yes,” Max whispered his reply. “But I promise I shall be on my very best behavior.”
“Very best?” Braun tsked. “You can kiss her, you know.”
“I shall not take advantage of her or the situation.”
“Perhaps ’tis less about taking advantage and more about letting her know you have feelings for her.”
He had feelings for her? After spending so much time together, she and Max had grown close. But what did Braun mean?
She held her breath and waited for more of their whispered conversation in German.
Braun stifled another yawn. “Just tell her you care about her, Your Highness. And kiss her.”
Care about her? Kiss her?
“Go to sleep and say no more.” Even though Max’s tone was quietly commanding, it also contained a note of affection for Braun.
Emberly ducked her head. They still didn’t know she could understand everything they were saying. Should she confess that she could speak German? But then would she have to admit she knew he was a prince? Maybe it was time to come clean about it.
Max finished adding wood to the stove and then made his way to the love seat adjacent to her. As he sat, he stretched his jean-clad legs out in front of him and rested his arms along the edge of the couch behind him.
“Max,” she said hesitantly. “I need to tell you something.”
“I need to tell you something too.” He was taking her in, his eyes wide and the green brightening.
“You go first.”
He glanced beyond her to the table, then frowned.
Emberly followed his gaze to find Braun making a kissing motion in the air. Braun quickly pretended he was blowing and swatting at a bug. “This place needs an exterminator.”
Emberly tried to hide her smile, but when Max rolled his eyes at Braun, she couldn’t keep from chuckling.
After a moment, Max leaned back and released a slow smile.
It took several minutes before Braun and Winzig disappeared into the other room. The dividing wall was thin, and she and Max could hear every sound the two men made as they climbed into their beds and situated themselves. That meant Braun and Winzig would be able to hear everything she and Max said too. But hopefully they would soon be asleep.
“So, what were you going to say?” she whispered.
He looked so relaxed in his jeans and the long-sleeved thermal shirt that had been under the thick wool sweater he’d been wearing earlier. His fair hair was tousled and his face scruffier than usual, so that he was rugged and gentlemanly at the same time, making him look like he half belonged in the Old West and half belonged in a palace.
The cabin was quiet now except for the wind rattling the windows and trees and anything else it could reach.
Max leaned forward suddenly, braced his elbows on his knees, and hung his head.
