THE ELEVATOR PINGED and the doors opened to their floor. Max guided Grace to their room and opened the door, stepping back so she could precede him inside.

Grace hummed in appreciation as she stepped into the room. The furnishings were rich in luxurious reds and golds, with floor-to-ceiling windows that provided a great view of the Cook Inlet. She found the bedroom with her luggage already inside, and smiled when she saw it was the one with the best view. She joined Max in the living room.

“This place is gorgeous,” she said.

“Yes, it’s surprisingly nice. I was informed it’s the best room in the hotel.”

“Are you the reason we have the nicest one?”

Max set his wallet and cardkeys on the table. “If I told you, I’d have to kill you.”

Grace giggled. “Thank you.”

He smiled. “It was no trouble.”

The table by the window held a bottle of champagne and a large basket filled with goodies. “The hotel wants to impress you, it would seem,” she said, as she investigated the treats.

He wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed the back of her neck. “So long as they impress you, that’s all that matters.”

“You impress me,” Grace said, and turned in his arms, sliding her fingers into his hair. “I have never stayed anywhere this nice. You should’ve seen our hotel in Scotland.” She chuckled. “Five of us shoved into two small rooms. Me and Maggie in one room, sharing a bed, mind you and Mom and Dad in the other, with Spence on a roll-away. But we were happy to just be there together.”

“Where did you stay?”

“Down near the Mile. It was expensive, but really nice.”

“Tourist trap.”

Grace smiled. “Probably. I don’t even want to know what Mom and Dad spent. They wouldn’t let us contribute, other than the trinkets we wanted to buy ourselves. It was very generous of them.”

“I haven’t been into Edinburgh in a while.”

“Do you have much reason to go there?”

“Not really. Niall lives there and he and I store several instruments in a warehouse close to his home. My buddy runs the vet side of the family pharmaceutical company there, so I’ve consulted on occasion.”

“Consulted?” she asked. “Are you also a vet?”

He shook his head. “No, but I own horses, and Connall and I train thoroughbreds. It’s part of the reason we don’t tour as much.”

Grace’s mouth gaped open. “I love horses.”

“You do?”

She nodded. “Yes. Charlotte and I rode a little when I was younger, did a few English shows, but when I moved out and found out just how much horses cost, I realized it was probably not something I would do again. Not for a while anyway.”

“Charlotte? Is she the one you sang with at church?”

“No. That’s Kristen. Charlotte’s more like a sister. We were born in the same hospital, fifteen minutes apart, me at 11:53 p.m., her at 12:08 a.m., which means I’m actually a day older than her.” She giggled. “She can sing rings around me and is trying to get into acting. Everything about her is just...so...cool. Her name, her looks...everything.”

“What’s so great about her name?”

Grace shrugged. “I’ve always loved girls’ names that can be boys’ names. Charlie’s just awesome. I call her Chuck.”

“I love Grace.”

“But it’s just so girly. I would love to have a boys’ name.”

Max chuckled. “How about I call you ‘Greg’?”

“Ew...that’s almost as bad as Gary, which is what Charlotte calls me when she’s irritated with me.” Grace laughed. “Never mind, I’ll stick with Grace.”

Max grinned. “Does Charlotte live close to you?”

Grace shook her head. “No. She lives in L.A. at the moment, which absolutely sucks for me. While she’s trying to ‘make it,’ she’s working at Disneyland.”

“She should come to the UK. I have a few connections.”

Grace rolled her eyes. “I don’t doubt it. But for now, let’s you and I focus on this and we’ll drag Charlie into the drama on an as-needed basis.”

“Fair enough,” Max said with a chuckle as he took her hand and led her to the sofa, pulling her down beside him.

“Tell me about your horses,” she said.

“I have branched out to different breeds, as I like a more settled horse. Thoroughbreds can be temperamental. Friesians are my focus now.” He smiled. “I can’t wait to take you home.”

Grace set her elbow on the back of the couch and leaned her head into her hand. “I leased a really sweet Arabian for a year. He was amazing. I also took lessons on a quarter horse when I was about ten. He was so calm, which is probably why I learned to ride on him.”

“Have you never owned your own horse?”

She shook her head. “We never had the money. Mom and Dad did lease a couple over the years, but school came first, so I usually did most of my riding during the summer. I remember being disappointed about not owning one, but not devastated. Maybe it was because I never fell in love with any of the horses I leased. Music was always my passion, anyway.”

“Mine as well,” he admitted.

“No way, really?” she joked.

“Feel like writing a song with me?”

“I don’t know,” she said with a shrug. “I’ve never written a song before.”

He kissed her hand. “Well, I have been wanting to sing with you ever since I heard you sing.”

“Oh, so this isn’t charity, then?” she asked, tempering her question with a smile.

Max slid a wayward lock of hair behind her ear. “I really didn’t mean to make that suggestion sound so arrogant, love.”

“I’m figuring that out, Max.” She leaned forward and kissed him. “You’re actually quite sweet under your tough exterior.”

“Well, don’t tell anyone that. It’ll ruin my rep.”

Grace giggled. “I won’t tell a soul.”

“What do you feel like doing?” he asked. “We can venture out to explore, or we can order room service and watch a movie.”

Grace checked her watch. “It’s still so early. What are the odds of doing both?”

“Hmm, I have an idea,” he said, and rose to his feet. “Don’t go anywhere.”

“Okay,” she promised.

He picked up the room phone and pressed a button. “Concierge, please.”

Grace raised an eyebrow as he turned his back on her and spoke quietly into the phone. Her interest was piqued, especially since she only caught snippets of the one-sided conversation. When he faced her again and hung up, her stomach was in knots...the good kind.

“Right, love. We need to be in the lobby in twenty minutes.”

She nodded and stood. “What should I wear?”

“Ah, right. Did you happen to bring boots with a heel?”

“No, why?” She shook her head. “What are we doing?”

“I thought we’d ride. They have a few tours around Anchorage that sound lovely.”

She clapped her hands. “That sounds amazing! But I really don’t have proper riding shoes. I have sneakers and these.” She pointed to the ballet flats on her feet. “Nothing that would work for riding.”

“We’ll buy you some.”

“What? No, Max. I don’t have the money to buy riding boots.”

He frowned. “You’re not paying for them, Grace.”

She bit her lip. “Can I pay you back?”

“Absolutely not.”

Grace sighed. “I’m so incredibly torn right now.”

“Why?”

“Because A, I really want to ride, and B, I want to explore Anchorage a bit. But C, I feel guilty about letting you pay for everything.”

Max laughed. “Well, A, we’re going; B, me too; and C, you can make it up to me by kissing me at least once an hour on the tour.”

She rolled her eyes. “Where are we going to find riding boots in twenty minutes?”

Max smiled and picked up the phone again. “Hi, Jim. Yes, I need riding boots. Paddock boots will suffice.” He glanced at Grace. “What size, love?”

“Um, seven in boots, typically.”

“Seven, but bring a few larger and smaller options as well, just in case.” He nodded. “Aye...ah, yes. Thanks.” He hung up and grinned. “Boots will be here shortly.”

She smiled. “Will you at least take the cost off my first paycheck?”

He shook his head and closed the distance between them. “Let me spoil you.”

“I don’t have a problem with you spoiling me, Max. I just don’t want you to think I’m mooching off you.”

He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. “I couldn’t think that if I tried.”

* * *

After six hours of riding in the Chugach Mountains, Max followed a very tired Grace into their suite. Their day had been idyllic, just the two of them riding through some of the most beautiful scenery. He’d dare say it could rival Scotland in some parts. They’d stopped for a romantic picnic in the middle and returned the horses just as the sun started to set. For once, no one bothered them; the discretion the concierge had shown in setting everything up was a credit to the hotel.

“I haven’t had that much fun in years,” Grace said, and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thank you.”

He kissed the top of her head and smiled, squeezing her gently. “I think I could mark this down as my best day so far.”

“Me too. You sure know how to show a girl a good time.”

He shook his head.

“What?” she asked.

He lifted her chin. “You don’t think it has anything to do with the fact that you’re easy to please?”

She giggled. “You might be giving me more credit than I deserve. I had nothing to complain about. Today was perfect. Great horse, great food, great view...and I’m not just talking about the scenery.”

Max laughed. “Back atya.”

“But right now, I’d like to wash the horse off me and curl up with a movie.” She looped her hands behind his head. “Will you join me?”

“In the shower? Absolutely.”

“Oh, ha, ha,” she retorted.

He kissed her quickly. “Are you hungry?”

“Starving.”

“I’ll order something to eat while you’re in the shower, then. What would you like?”

“Right now, I could probably eat an entire cow.”

Max chuckled. “Burgers and fries, it is.”

“Perfect.” She headed toward her room. “I won’t be long.”

Grace didn’t linger, even though the large tub beckoned to her aching muscles. She towel-dried her hair and pulled it into a scrunchy before pulling on sweats and a long-sleeved T-shirt.

She stepped out of her bedroom and stalled. Max stood by the window, his hair damp and slicked back from his shower, jeans slung low on his hips, his T-shirt tight across his back, and his feet bare. She licked her lips, the desire to peel him out of his clothes overwhelming.

He turned and she realized he was on the phone, listening intently to someone on the other end. When he caught sight of her, he smiled, his eyes raking over her. “Aye, we can change the order. No, don’t care. Seriously. We’ll go through it tomorrow at sound check. Okay, gotta go. ’Bye.” He slid his phone into his pocket. “Hi.”

She smiled. “Hi.”

“You look gorgeous.”

Grace let out a quiet snort. “You’re insane.”

He closed the distance between them. “Am I?” he asked, as he wrapped his arms around her.

She gazed up at him. “So crazy.”

He grinned as he leaned down and covered her mouth with his. Grace sighed, deepening the kiss, and giggled when he lifted her off the ground.

“You find my kisses humorous?” he asked, breaking the kiss.

She leaned her forehead against his. “Most definitely.”

He kissed her again, carrying her to the sofa, where he stretched out beside her without breaking contact. Grace shifted and whimpered as her muscles objected.

“What’s the matter?” Max asked.

She shook her head. “I’m just a little sore.”

Max smiled. “Where, love.”

“All the normal places. Legs, butt, arms, back.” She slid her arm around his waist. “I’m fine. Let’s keep doing that.”

“I have a better idea,” he said, and leaned down to kiss her again.

As he did, he massaged her back, and Grace felt the aches and pains dissipate. She sighed against his lips and smiled. “You’re a miracle worker.”

He chuckled. “You’re easily pleased.”

“Today has been the absolute best day ever.” She ran her fingers down his stubbly cheek. “Thank you.”

“Believe me when I say it was my pleasure.” He kissed her again and then sat up. “If we don’t stop, love, I won’t be able to, so let’s watch that movie, eh?”

She nodded and sat up beside him. “Probably a good idea.”

Max poured wine while Grace ordered the movie, then they ate their ridiculously large burgers, and he pulled her close and held her until long after she’d fallen asleep. Despite his desire to sleep with her, he carried her to her room and tucked her into her bed, before heading to his own.

* * *

The next day, four hours before the arena doors opened, Grace followed the security guard down a long hallway, to a door marked with Max’s name. She’d been summoned by him almost an hour ago, and had only just gotten a break to find out what he wanted. The guard stood aside and Grace knocked.

She grinned when she heard Max yell, “Unless you’re Grace, go away.”

The security guard nodded and Grace pushed open the door. Max rushed her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close as he kicked the door shut. “Och, love. You’re a sight for sore eyes.”

“You just saw me two hours ago.”

“Far too long.” Max kissed her quickly. “How’s your first night going?”

“So far so good. Super busy.”

“It’s a bit of a circus, isn’t it?”

She nodded. “Kenna’s amazing, though. I don’t know if I’ll ever learn everything she knows, but she’s really helpful. Very patient.”

“Good.”

“Where’s everyone else?” she asked.

He pulled her onto the large sofa and linked his fingers with hers. “A couple doors down.”

She checked the notes on her iPad. “Are you ready for your sound check?”

“Aye.” He frowned. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Sorry.” She shook her head. “Nothing’s wrong, Max. I’m just processing all of this. It’s kind of overwhelming and I should be helping Kenna, not making out with you back here.”

He grinned. “Being the boss has its benefits.”

Grace tried...and failed...to frown. His charm was entirely too effective. “I need to get back, Max. There’s a lot to do before dinner.”

“I’m sure Kenna can handle it.”

Grace rose to her feet. “I hope you’re kidding, because this is my job and I’m taking it quite seriously.”

Max sighed. “Fine. Go.”

“Don’t pout,” she said, tempering her admonishment with a smile.

“Why not?” he joked.

“It’s unbecoming of a grown man.” He stood and leaned down to kiss her, but she leaned away. “Are you going to let me do my job?” she asked.

He stared at her for several seconds before nodding. “Aye, lass. Go do your job.”

“No interfering. Got it?”

“I’ve got it,” he retorted. “When, exactly, will I see you then?”

“I’d imagine when Kenna says we’re done.”

“I’ll speak to her.”

Grace laid her hand on his chest. “No, you won’t.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Promise me, Max. This is important to me. I like this job, but I want to keep it because I do well, not because you have some weird obsession with me.”

“Weird obsession?” he repeated, his face hardening.

Grace’s phone buzzed and she glanced at the screen. “Kenna needs me.”

“Go, then.”

“Are you mad?” she asked.

He dragged his hands down his face. “No, love, I’m not mad. Go.”

Grace let herself out of the room before Max convinced her to stay. She didn’t know if she would ever understand him. His moods were so difficult to predict.

* * *

Max flopped back onto the sofa and dropped his head in his hands. He ignored the knock at his door, uninterested in talking to anyone. Apparently, his brother didn’t care.

“Hey,” Niall said, after opening the door. “We’re ready to sound check.”

Max nodded and rose to his feet.

“What’s the matter?” Niall asked.

“Nothing.”

“You’re a shite liar, brother.” Niall closed the door and leaned against it. “You’ve been wound up tighter than—”

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” Max groaned. “Grace thinks I’m obsessed with her.”

“Aren’t you?” Niall joked.

Max frowned. “I don’t know how to make her understand. If I tell her everything now, she’ll run.”

“She’s smart, Max. She might surprise you.”

“I know she’s smart. That’s the problem. I have to prove to her that everything she’s read or heard about me is no longer true. How do I make her believe something when she’s bombarded by the opposite? She’s not a ‘trust your feelings’ type of girl.”

Niall smiled. “Sorry, brother.”

“Not to mention the job idea’s backfiring,” Max continued. “Damn it! She actually wants to prove herself. Being with me isn’t enough for her. She wants to do a good job.”

“That isn’t a bad thing,” Niall said. “At some point, Kenna’s going to be gone. She’ll meet her mate and more than likely want nothing to do with this anymore. Don’t you think it might be good to have someone who knows what she does?”

“I don’t want my mate doing manual labor,” Max snapped.

“I don’t think you can constitute what Kenna does as manual labor, brother. She works hard, but she’s sure as hell not digging ditches.”

Max rubbed his forehead, trying to force away a headache. “Remember when women were expected to be home with the bairns?”

Niall laughed. “Vaguely. But that time’s long gone, and it’s about time you settle in for a bumpy ride.”

Max raised an eyebrow. “I’ll remind you of this conversation when you meet your mate. God help me, she better give you hell.”

“About that,” Niall groaned, “I think she’s here. In the States.”

“You do?”

“Aye,” Niall said. “I can feel her.”

“Sorry, brother.”

“’Tis what it is.” Niall sighed. “For now, though, let’s not keep the boys waiting, eh?”

“Fine, let’s get this over with,” Max said, and followed Niall out of the dressing room and onto the stage. He arrived to find everything exactly where it was supposed to be, which just pissed him off more. He had nothing to complain about. Nothing to turn his irritation onto.

Niall counted the band in and Max adjusted the volume on his in-ear monitors. A faint crackling sounded and he ripped the right one out, turning to wave to the band. They stopped playing and Max faced front again.

“What the hell is that crackle? And someone fix the feedback,” he snapped. “I can’t hear a fucking thing.”