Courting His Royal Highness by Amy Hahn Page A

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 lots 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