Courting His Royal Highness (8 page)

“There’s a limo out front,” squealed Julia. “You are soooo incredibly lucky.”

Chloe dropped the heavy luggage. “Ask me if I’m lucky in six weeks, okay?”

Julia looked away from the front window. “Okay. I’ll ask you then. Promise me you’ll tell me everything.”

“I promise, Jules.”

“One more thing.”

“Yes?”

“Would you sleep with him if you had the chance?”

I already have
. But she couldn’t say that to Julia. Not yet. Later. Much later. When this crazy ordeal was finally over.

But there was no need to lie.

“Oh, yes,” Chloe said softly, remembering the simmering night at the Roosevelt. “If I got the chance.”

“He’s that handsome?”

“To die for.”

“Better than in photos? On TV?”

Chloe nodded.

“Wow.”

“Yeah, wow,” agreed Chloe, wondering again how on earth she was going to keep her hands off Prince Charming for the next few weeks. She’d already sampled the goods, the best she’d ever had. How could she possibly return them, him, now?

Julia glanced out the window again. “Is he out there?”

Chloe shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’m sure he has his own private limo to pick him up. Antonia and Lester never said anything about us sharing a ride to the airport.”

“I think he’s here,” Julia whispered.

Chloe’s eyes rounded. “What?”

“He’s here. At least I think that’s him walking up the sidewalk.”

“No way.”

Julia looked over her shoulder, her eyes wide. “Way,” she repeated softly.

It couldn’t be. No. He wasn’t picking her up. They weren’t sharing a limo. No. This couldn’t be happening. No way.

Chloe hurried to the window. She pulled back the curtain, noticing her hands trembled. She looked out into the California sunshine and gasped.

Way.

Prince Maximilian strode up her sidewalk, looking deliciously handsome in washed-out jeans and a white T-shirt. Not at all like a prince, but like a regular American guy.

“That’s him, isn’t it? I mean, I’ve seen lots of photos of him and read lots of articles about him, but I’ve never really seen him.”

“Yes, that’s him.”

“Wow. Hot.”

The corners of Chloe’s mouth turned up at Julia’s amazed voice. “Think he’s sexier is person? I don’t have much to compare to, considering you’re the one obsessed with magazines focused on celebrities and royalty.”

Julia rolled her eyes. “Ah, you aren’t totally oblivious to
People
magazine. You just aren’t as infatuated as I am.”

“True.” Although Chloe did occasionally read the latest gossip about actors and actresses, she had never really been interested in European royalty. She knew about the family Windsor, but that was about it. It was Julia who was enthralled by their comings and goings and romantic interludes.

“How are you going to keep from jumping his bones?”

“I don’t know. I just don’t know,” Chloe admitted softly. “I’ve been wondering that all day long.”

“I take it back.”

“What?”

“You being lucky. You might just be the unluckiest woman I know—or at least the most sexually frustrated.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“I mean, you’re going to be tortured every day, watching him date other women, kiss other women, select another woman to be his bride.” Julia shivered. “Horrible, absolutely horrible. Can’t you switch roles with someone?”

Chloe wished she could. Boy, did she ever.

What a fine kettle of fish she’d gotten herself into. What a fine kettle of fish indeed.

The door flew open before Max could ring the doorbell.

He grinned. Chloe stood in front of him, her dark hair floating down about her slender shoulders, her chocolate-brown eyes gazing up at him in surprise.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

She looked good, deliciously good, dressed in low-rise jeans and a silky camisole of pale green. The scent of apples and cinnamon drifted about him, embracing him.

“I hope you don’t mind.”

“What?”

“I suggested to Toni and Lester that we could ride to the airport together.”

Chloe leaned against the doorframe. She peered over his shoulder at the sleek black limo. “Yours?”

He glanced over his shoulder and then back at her. “Yep. Guilty.”

She smiled. “A private plane. Your very own limo. What’s it like to be you?”

He shrugged. “It has its perks.”

“I bet,” she laughed.

He loved her laughter. She had a beautiful laugh—loud and real and unpretentious. It was a refreshing change from other women he knew. Most were snobs and tended to think laughter and a sense of humor were not attractive feminine qualities.

Max was definitely looking forward to spending some time alone with Miss Chloe Tanner. He wanted to hear more of her laughter and watch the emotions flicker across her expressive face. Her chocolate eyes sparkled. He recalled how they had darkened with passion.

Would he ever forget the night they’d shared? Probably not. She had already lingered in his mind longer than any other woman had. There was something special about Chloe. She affected him. And very few women could affect him.

He inclined his head towards the two large navy suitcases at her feet. “Can I help?”

“That would be great. Thanks.”

He reached for the piece of luggage and noticed for the first time the girl standing at Chloe’s right shoulder. Her brilliant blue eyes, as wide as an owl’s, gazed into his. He groaned inwardly. He knew the look. It was the star-struck look women always seemed to get when they were around him. He was used to it, but he still didn’t like it. They looked at him as if he were a god to worship instead of just a man.

“And you are?” he asked politely, offering the tongue-tied woman his famous dimpled smile. It was automatic. It was the smile he used at all social functions, at royal ceremonies, at charity fundraisers, and for magazine covers.

Chloe looked mortified. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. Max, this is Julia. Julia, this is Prince Maximilian of Romalia.” She blushed. “I’m sorry, but I don’t remember your entire name.”

“It’s a mouthful,” he agreed. “Even I forget. I prefer Max. A pleasure to meet you, Julia.”

“Prince Maximilian Alexander Henry Tarleton Radborne of Romalia,” Julia sighed dreamily.

Yep, she was completely star-struck. Any woman who actually knew his complete name was head over heels infatuated with him. There was no saving her now. Her eyes glazed over, and her mouth curved open in an astonished O.

“You actually know his complete name?” Chloe asked. When Julia didn’t answer, still staring in awe at Max, she turned to Max and apologized. “I’m really sorry. I had no idea she would act this way.”

Max chuckled.

Chloe elbowed her astonished friend. “Knock it off, Jules. He’s just a guy.”

Max gaped at her in pleased surprise. No one had ever referred to him as “just a guy.” That was all he’d ever wanted to be—just an average guy who could fall in love with an average gal and have a normal, average life. But that was impossible. He knew that. He would always be a prince; therefore, his life would never be normal. He’d searched the world over for a woman who loved him as a man and not as a prince. But he had failed.

He had failed until now. And now it was too late.

Chloe elbowed Julia again, rolling her eyes when she received no response. “I guess I’ll have to apologize for my friend.”

“No need.”

“Used to it?”

He nodded. “Very.”

Chloe leaned close and whispered, “Is this how they always react to you?”

He could hardly concentrate. Her cinnamon and apple fragrance sent his senses into a tailspin. “You mean women?”

“Yes.”

“Yeah.”

Chloe wrinkled her nose and pulled back. “How awful for you.”

“Well, I wouldn’t exactly put it that way. It’s not such a bad thing having that effect on women.”

One eyebrow jutted upwards. “Oh?”

He smiled sheepishly. “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t flattering.”

The other eyebrow arched delicately. “I guess so.” She gave a low whistle. “Wow.”

“Wow what?”

“I just can’t imagine.”

“I’ve been putting up with it for years. All part of the job.”

“Amazing.” She shook her head, and her glossy hair fluttered about her shoulders. Max fought the temptation to reach out and entwine his fingers in the flowing mass. He remembered the soft texture, the feel of the coffee tresses fanned across his chest, the caress of the curls against his face.

“You better get used to it.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you’re going to be famous, Chloe. This show is going to turn you into a star.”

Chloe glanced back at Julia. Her friend still stood in flabbergasted silence. She shook her head and snapped her fingers in front of Julia’s eyes. There was no response, no indication Julia even noticed her. Chloe turned back to Max. “Let’s hope not.”

Max glanced at his watch. “We should go.”

“Agreed.” Chloe reached behind her and pulled out another suitcase.

“Let me.” Max grabbed the suitcase from her. His fingers brushed against the back of her hand, and heat charged through him at the contact. His eyes caught hers, held her gaze. He didn’t move. Neither did she. They simply stared into each other’s eyes, their hands touching.

“Thanks, but I can manage,” she finally said, her voice barely an octave above a whisper. “Really. I can carry it.”

He could tell it was heavy, too heavy for her. Why did women always insist on taking their entire closet with them when they traveled? Of course, he owned many pieces of luggage because his station in life required him to dress appropriately. However, he had an entire entourage of employees to organize and pack for him and deliver the luggage wherever it needed to be. Personally, he preferred one duffel bag. It was the only way to travel.

“It’s no trouble.”

She jutted her chin out and tugged the bag from under his grasp. Her fingers slid from his, and Max immediately missed the feeling of her skin against his.

“I can manage. Don’t you know about American girls, Prince Max?”

He took a step back and watched her struggle with the suitcases. “I have a feeling you’re about to enlighten me on the matter.”

“Ever heard of women’s lib?”

“Of course. I’m a firm believer in equality.”

“Good.” She tried lifting the pieces of luggage and failed. They slammed back down to the ground. “We American girls like to do things ourselves.”

Max smothered a grin. “Oh?”

“Yeah. Betcha your European girls aren’t like that.”

The corners of his mouth curled up. “Betcha?”

She glared at him.

He thought she was the most adorable thing he’d ever seen.

“Are you making fun?”

“Absolutely not. It’s just I’ve never heard anyone use that word before.”

“It’s common in Minnesota.”

“That’s where you’re from?”

She nodded. “Great state if you can survive the winters.”

“I love the cold.”

Chloe looked at him as if he belonged in the psychiatric ward. “You’re crazy. I’d take warm weather over winter any day. However, I do miss the fall. All those gorgeous tree colors. Does it get cold in Romalia?”

“Yes. Are you sure I can’t help you with that?” He waved towards Roger, his chauffeur. “Roger would be more than happy to help you, seeing as you won’t let me. It’s sort of his job.”

“Nope.” Chloe turned around and hugged Julia. “I’ll miss you, Jules. Be good. And don’t forget to feed Domino.”

Julia simply nodded. She hadn’t taken her eyes off of Max.

Max swept her a bow. “Once again, a pleasure to meet you.”

“Oh, my goodness. Oh, my goodness.” Giggles erupted from Julia as he kissed her hand. Her cheeks flushed pink. Her lashes fluttered. She started to fan herself with her other hand.

“Until we meet again, Miss Julia.”

Chloe placed a quick kiss on Julia’s cheek and gave Max a gentle shove. “Way to go. You’re only encouraging it.”

“What?” he asked innocently as he followed her down the curving sidewalk. He couldn’t resist blowing a kiss over his shoulder at Julia.

Julia squealed and jumped up and down, waving excitedly.

“I saw that. You’re incorrigible.”

Max couldn’t take it anymore. She could barely lift the suitcases, even with two hands. He strode past her and snatched them up.

“Hey.”

“I’m all for equality, but I’m also an old-fashioned type of guy, and I like to help out a lady in distress.”

“I’m not a lady in distress,” she called after him.

He could hear the smile in her voice but didn’t look back. All women appreciated a gentleman. He tossed both suitcases into the trunk and slammed it shut.

“Now you aren’t going to argue about having the door opened for you, are you?” he asked.

She was smiling. Those velvety eyes sparkled. She tossed a chunk of thick hair over her shoulder. “No. I kind of like having doors opened for me.”

“And suitcases carried for you.”

She tilted her head and rested her hands on her hips. “Yeah, that too.”

Roger tipped his hat to her and opened the passenger door.

Max waved her in. “After you.”

She ducked inside.

He followed, but not before blowing one more kiss in Julia’s direction. She still stood in the doorway, waving and smiling and jumping up and down.

Chloe poked her head out. “I saw that.”

He winked. “Guilty.”

“Julia will never be the same.”

“Women are never the same after experiencing my charms,” he said, sinking beside her on the leather upholstery. He knew for certain he would never be the same after meeting Chloe.

She wrinkled her nose. “Anyone ever tell you that you’re rather arrogant?”

He shrugged. “Goes with the job.”

“You honestly think you’re irresistible?”

The limo moved forward. Max smiled over at Chloe. He didn’t see the need to lie. Women liked him. They happened to like him a lot. He’d be a hypocrite to say otherwise.

“Well, I’ve never been short of admirers. Women have been swooning at my feet since I was a teenager.”

She studied him for a moment with her chocolate eyes. “I believe it.”