by Any Hahn
"I was just wondering if you needed anything. A drink, perhaps?” asked the attendant.
Max beamed. A tinge of jealousy pinched Chloe. She didn't want to share him with anyone, especially an attractive flight attendant with a flirtatious smile and vivacious curves. She was definitely dressed in a uniform two sizes too small, leaving little to the imagination.
"As a matter of fact, I would like something.” Max looked over at Chloe. “How about you?"
Chloe straightened in her seat and pasted on a smile. “I would love a white wine."
She was glad to be sitting down, because Max's smile made her knees weak. And it wasn't his royal smile. It was not for the cameras or reporters or the world. The warm smile he bestowed in her direction was clearly intended only for her.
"A white wine for the lady, please."
The brunette didn't even look in Chloe's direction. “And you, sir?"
"I'd like a beer."
It sounded funny to hear a prince asking for a beer. But Max was full of surprises. It was just another thing Chloe liked about him. The list was getting long. In fact, she couldn't think of anything she didn't like about the guy.
"What kind?"
He shrugged. “I don't usually have a beer,” he admitted. “Surprise me."
The attendant laughed and playfully tapped his shoulder.
Chloe winced. It was a fake laugh, a coquettish laugh, the type of laugh only women could see through. To men it was cute. To women it was sickening. The attendant's nametag read “Linda.” Chloe didn't appreciate Linda touching her prince.
My prince? Since when did he become my prince?
"I'd also like a pillow and a blanket."
"You aren't considering sleeping?” Max asked. “We'll be there in an hour."
"Nope. I just want to get cozy,” Chloe said with a suggestive smile. She slipped her arm through his and pulled him towards her, ignoring the amused twinkle in his blue eyes. “Thanks, Linda. That'll be all."
Linda didn't bother to look Chloe's way. She was staring at Max. “Do I know you?"
"I don't think so,” Max replied.
Chloe watched in fascination as realization dawned in Linda's eyes.
"I do know you!” She pointed at him, her fingers shaking with excitement. “You're Prince Maximilian!"
Max's shoulders sagged slightly. Chloe's heart went out to him. She slipped her hand over his and gave a soft squeeze.
"Yes, that's me."
"Omigod! I can't believe it. A prince is on my plane. This is so exciting.” Linda's eyes were as wide as saucers. Her hands fluttered dramatically over her heart. “I'm a huge, HUGE fan."
"It's a pleasure, Linda. I'd really appreciate it if you'd keep this quiet. I don't want the entire plane to know I'm on board."
Linda glanced around. She leaned forward with one hand cupped at the corner of her mouth and whispered conspiratorially, “Of course. I completely understand, the paparazzi and all."
Max nodded and continued to smile warmly. Chloe wanted to box Linda's rather large ears. At least she had one cosmetic flaw. Chloe didn't have the patience he did. He was incredibly patient—but then he dealt with this all the time.
"So you understand our need for discretion?"
"Certainly. I won't tell any of the passengers. I promise."
"Excellent. Thank you, Linda."
"You're most welcome, Your Highness."
Chloe giggled at the woman's quick curtsy. Max's look of warning quieted her instantly.
"I'll be back pronto with your drinks.” She shot Chloe a deadly look. “And a blanket and pillow."
"Don't think she likes me much,” Chloe commented as she watched Linda walk down the aisle. “She sure likes you, though."
"I just hope she keeps her word."
"I wouldn't hold your breath on that one. Looks like she's already filling in her co-workers."
Max glanced up and groaned. Linda was busily whispering something to two other flight attendants. The group of women kept looking back in his direction, smiling and waving.
"I guess Eric was right after all,” Max sighed. He snagged a hand through his hair. “I should've waited for my plane. That way we could've avoided this. Sometimes I forget how recognizable I am."
"You do have a face that is hard to forget."
He flashed that smile meant just for her, the one with the dimples. The corners of his eyes crinkled, enhancing the laugh lines she found so attractive. “I do, do I?"
She flushed. “You do."
He lifted her hand and kissed it. “When I was a child, I often dreamed of what it would be like to be an average person living an average life."
Chloe wrinkled her nose. “You don't want that life. Trust me."
"And you want mine?"
"You want to be average. I want to be extraordinary."
His gaze was intense. “You are extraordinary."
"In an average sort of way, I suppose."
"No, in a wonderful, unique, fabulous sort of way."
Chloe's fingers tightened around his. “Thanks."
"Fame isn't all champagne and roses."
Chloe nodded. “I understand that. I just always wanted more out of life, and I thought the answer was to become an actress."
"Fame and fortune can't buy you happiness, Chloe."
"Yeah, I know. It's just I've always been driven. I've always been searching for something. I'm not really sure what it is, but I just know I have to fill that empty space inside me to be happy. I suppose that sounds crazy."
"Not at all. We're all searching. Even I'm searching."
"What are you searching for?” she asked. She was interested to know what a man like Max could be looking for. After all, he had everything. He was hunky-gorgeous, insanely rich, and he was a prince who could have anything he wanted at the snap of his fingers. What more could the guy want?
"I don't know. I just know I'm not complete. Sort of like how you feel."
She wondered if the rest of the world saw the heavy-hearted side shimmering in his sky-blue eyes. She doubted it. People saw him as they wished: the handsome playboy and charismatic prince who lived one of the most glamorous lives in the world.
"Yeah, sort of like me,” she whispered.
"Guess we're two peas in a pod."
The corner of her mouth lifted in a trembling half-smile. “Yeah, I guess we are. I never thought I'd have anything in common with a prince."
"Well, now you do."
"Yes, I guess I do."
Linda returned. She tossed the blanket and pillow at Chloe, all the while smiling and batting her lashes at Max. She looked like a teenager with a crush. Chloe ignored Linda's high-school flirting routine, stuffing the pillow behind her head and tucking the blue blanket around her legs.
"Here's your beer, Your Highness."
Chloe rolled her eyes.
"Thank you, Linda. You can call me Max.” Max took a sip of his drink. “Delicious choice."
Linda giggled girlishly. “I just knew you'd like it."
Okay, enough was enough. Chloe was beginning to feel ill. “My wine?” she asked sweetly.
"Here.” Linda shoved the small bottle and glass into Chloe's hand.
Chloe unscrewed the cap and poured the liquid into the glass. She cupped the glass in the palm of one hand, reclined back in her seat, and took a sip.
"Will there be anything else? Anything else at all?"
"Nothing else."
"Your Highness ... I mean, Max, could I ask a favor?"
Chloe indulged in a second sip of wine and gave Max a sidelong glance. Once again, he pasted on his drop-dead-gorgeous smile.
"What can I do for you, Linda?"
Linda leaned close. “Could I get your autograph? No one is going to believe me. No one will believe me. They'll think I'm making it up, probably because I always say I see stars. Of course, I really think they are, but then they turn out to be just regular people."
The look Max threw at Chloe said
it all. What he wouldn't give to be one of those regular people, the kind no one noticed when they flew commercial air or when they dined out in a restaurant.
"I would be happy to give you my autograph."
Linda beamed happily. “I'll be right back.” She scurried away.
"I don't know how you do it."
Max downed his beer. “Years of practice."
She shivered. “I don't think I'd ever get used to it."
"Well, once this show hits the airwaves, you might have to. If it ends up being as big a hit as EVE thinks, you'll be recognized everywhere you go."
Chloe's eyes rounded. “Do you really think so?"
"Definitely."
She couldn't imagine what that level of fame would be like. It seemed so impossible. “I should take notes."
"I'm no expert. I just know what works for me."
Chloe spied Linda jogging back towards them. “You must be doing something right. Your public adores you."
He grinned. “Well, I'd rather have them adore me than hate me. That could easily happen. The public is finicky. They aren't loyal to anyone."
"I beg to differ,” Chloe commented. She pointed to the two flight attendants following Linda. “You've got a fan club right here."
Max groaned. “Here we go."
"I guess she couldn't keep a secret."
He glared at her. But she saw the amused twinkle in his eyes just before the horde attacked him, pens and magazines poised. She caught a quick glance at the publication and started to laugh. He was on the cover.
"Be quiet,” he grumbled under his breath as he smiled his royal smile and began signing his glossy photo.
It wasn't long before the entire first-class section knew the Prince of Romalia was on board. Soon every woman was asking for an autograph and giving Max her complete attention. Chloe finished her wine and snuggled under the blanket, observing Max's interaction with his adoring public.
He really was amazing. He could no doubt charm the world with that dimpled smile, infectious laugh, his genuine interest in whomever he was talking to, and his unending patience.
And she was going to spend the entire evening alone with him and the next few weeks working closely beside him. Plus she had already shared one incredible intimate night with him. Damn, was she a lucky girl.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Six
"Trying to be gentlemanly again, Your Highness?” Chloe teased as Max pulled her carry-on from the overhead compartment and refused to hand it over.
Max secured the strap onto his shoulder before reaching for his own bag. “What on earth do you have in here, Chloe? Your entire closet?"
"A girl should never be without her necessities,” she pronounced as she slid past him into the aisle.
"I'm interested in knowing what those necessities are,” grumbled Max as he followed her off the plane.
Chloe glanced over her shoulder. “Men simply don't understand how much effort it takes to be beautiful. Do you actually think we roll out of bed looking fabulous?” She batted her eyes at him playfully.
His laughter joined hers as they stepped into the America West terminal at Sky Harbor International Airport. “I would bet my kingdom that you're quite breathtaking when you first wake up."
Chloe tilted her head away so he couldn't see the heat staining her cheeks. No man had ever made her blush so much. It was infuriating. She felt as though she had no control over her emotions. She stopped, looking for a sign directing them to the baggage claim area. Max plowed right into her.
She laughed softly, enjoying the warmth and solid strength of his muscled body against hers. “Hey, watch it!"
"Well, you should've warned me you were about to stop,” he whispered into her ear.
The gentle caress of his warm breath caused her toes to curl in her open-toed sandals. For a brief moment she simply enjoyed being so close to him. His lips were tantalizing close to the curve of her ear. She fought the impulse to turn and entwine her fingers in the dark mass of his hair, bringing him closer for a soul-shattering kiss.
"I think the baggage claim is that way,” she murmured. It took all her willpower to pull away from him. Somehow she managed. She wasn't sure how, but she felt herself step away from him, leading him towards the claim area.
It wasn't long before he was walking in step with her.
"I've never been to Phoenix."
"Neither have I,” she admitted. She glanced around at the Southwestern décor. “But I've heard good things."
"Me, too. Although I'm told it's still blazing hot until the end of October."
"Guess we have a few weeks before it starts to cool down.” She stepped onto the escalator. “I like the heat."
He joined her on the stair. “So you've said. Don't you miss the snow?"
She shook her head. “Not really. Around Christmas I do."
"Not an outdoorsy person?"
Chloe chuckled at the very idea. “Absolutely not. My family loved to ski and snowshoe and go sledding. I was never a big fan."
"Do you ski?"
"I do.” She stepped off the escalator onto the lower level.
"But I'm not very good at it. I'm more of a beach girl.” She pointed towards the carousel that would soon hold their baggage.
He followed her lead. “Hence moving to California."
"Yeah."
"I'm glad you can ski."
"Why? Are you planning on taking me skiing?"
"I'd love to take you skiing. Let's make plans now. How about skiing in the Alps over the holidays?"
Chloe stopped abruptly, almost causing Max to collide into her again. “You're kidding, right? You mean the Swiss Alps?"
His eyes twinkled at her. “I mean the Swiss Alps.” He dropped the carry-on luggage on the ground. “And I'm not joking. My family owns a ski lodge, and we spend New Year's there. I'd love for you to meet them."
Chloe didn't know what to say. She was officially being asked to accompany the world's most sought-after bachelor on a trip. Thousands of women would die ten times over to have a chance like this. But how could she accept such an invitation? It was impossible.
"Haven't you forgotten something?"
He arched an eyebrow. “I don't think so."
Chloe crossed her arms. “Well, won't you be wining and dining your new fiancée? Isn't the whole goal of this television show to find you a bride? That's what we signed on for, isn't it?"
The smile on Max's face vanished. He snaked his long fingers through his dark hair. “I sort of forgot about that."
"You're forgetting about it a lot."
"I should've listened to my family. They were right. This is ridiculous."
"I don't think so. You're tired of playing the bachelor gig and playing by their rules. So, you made a decision to sign a contract with a major network to be the headliner star of a reality show that will help you find the perfect bride. It might seem a little drastic, but I understand. I really do."
And she did. He was tired of living a life dictated by everyone else. She could only imagine the amount of control that others had exercised over his life from the time he was born. A crown prince destined to become a king. He wanted what everyone wanted: freedom. He wanted to make his own decisions, make his own path. She couldn't fault him that. Who could? Initially, his family might be a little embarrassed by this reality show, but eventually they'd embrace the publicity. Romalia's tourism industry would grow thanks to the show. It might even face an economic boom thanks to its royal master.
"You're the only person who understands. It's comforting to know I have one person on my side.” The corners of his eyes crinkled attractively.
Chloe knew she'd never be able to look at a summer sky again without remembering the intense sapphire color of his eyes. She was absolutely positive she would dream about those eyes and that gorgeous smile for the rest of her life.
"They'll come around. After all, Courting His Royal Highness is bound to bring in lot
s of money for your treasury."
"That's the only reason they've allowed this mockery."
She laughed. “Mockery?"
His crooked grin sent fiery sensations spiraling up and down her body. “My father and mother call it a mockery. My siblings agree, but they think it's a splendid way to get me to finally settle down."
"By finding a wife."
"One can only be a playboy for so long. It ruins the reputation of the royal family eventually. Accepted when under the age of thirty, frowned upon when over thirty-one."
"I'm glad I'm not royalty."
"But you'll be Hollywood royalty."
She grimaced. “Do you suppose that's just as bad?"
He nodded. “Are you prepared?"
"No."
"Maybe you'd rather be a princess than an actress?"
Chloe's heart skipped a beat. “What?"
"Well, I'm just saying the possibility is out there."
She brushed her hand against his. “We've already talked about this, Max. We have no future. We shouldn't even speculate. I'm not one of your fifteen choices. I'm the hostess of your show, not a love interest."
But I want to be. Boy, do I want to be.
"I'm not ruling it out."
She couldn't help but smile. Warmth spooled through her. He was one in a million. Rich. Famous. Sweet. Kind. Romantic. Gosh, why couldn't she have met him before, before they'd made the commitment to the show and signed a binding contract? It was a cruel joke. She couldn't let on how much he meant to her. She couldn't let him know she cared for him; in fact, she was afraid she was beginning to love him, which was a dangerous thing to do. He was off-limits. The sooner she accepted that fact, the better.
"I can pay the fee for breaking the contract."
"I can't."
"I'll pay yours as well."
"Oh, Max,” she sighed, “think of what that would do to your family. They would be embarrassed even more if you broke the contract. Think of the bad publicity. Besides, we only shared one extraordinary night. It doesn't mean we have a forever."
"I'm still not going to completely give up on you and me.” He took her hand in his. “I always get what I want."
