“It’s actually a very beautiful country, if you know how to live in the dessert.”
She hesitated, her fingers still holding his arms, but she no longer needed that reassurance. The man held her with confidence and strength. She simply didn’t want to stop touching him, even though he probably didn’t even realize her hands were pressing against his warm skin.
“Where are you from?” he asked after a pregnant pause.
Sidra was relieved. At least this was something she could talk about. “I’m from the United States.”
“Which state?”
She smiled. Most people either didn’t know to ask which state, or they thought everyone was from New York or California. “I live right outside of Washington, D.C.”
“Maryland or Virginia?” he persisted.
Sidra had to laugh and turn around. “Virginia of course.”
“Why of course?”
She shook her head and stared forward. “There’s just a running battle between Maryland and Virginia about which state is more beautiful. In reality, they’re equally lovely but the underlying argument rages within the confines of the metro area.”
“Is it true about Virginia?” he asked softly.
Sidra knew exactly what he was talking about and blushed, not sure exactly how to answer that. “I suppose there are many lovers in Virginia.”
“Anyone waiting for you to come back from your European jaunt?”
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “No. No one.”
He didn’t say anything for a long time. Finally she heard him say quietly, “Stupid men in Virginia.” The comment gave her a soft, warm glow and she secretly hugged the knowledge that he thought she was attractive. At least, that’s what she thought he might be saying to her.
“And what about you? Is there someone in Tasain or back at your house that might be missing you while you’re here on business?”
“How do you know I’m here on business and not for pleasure?”
She turned around slightly, looking at his strong, handsome features. “For some reason, I don’t think you have a great deal of pleasure in your life.” She blushed when he raised an eyebrow at her statement and Sidra stammered out, “Well, I mean….you don’t seem like the kind of man who takes vacations.”
Rashid chuckled softly, enjoying her embarrassment. She was an extremely lovely young woman, but when she blushed, her soft cheeks were even more alluring. “I suppose you’re right. And I’m here on business for the week.”
She nodded her head and looked around. They were coming into the village now and she wanted to turn the horse around and have more time with him. If her directions were correct, Laura’s house was only about three blocks away. She didn’t want to leave him, even though he hadn’t assured her that he wasn’t taken by some fabulously gorgeous woman.
“I don’t want to drop you off,” he said, his deep voice in her ear and his arms tightened around her waist.
She smiled and bowed her head. “I don’t want to go either. You’ve been a wonderful interlude, but I’d better get to my friend’s house.”
“And if I asked you to stay with me at my house?”
Sidra laughed. “We just met a few moments ago,” she said, but that glow increased in intensity.
Rashid sighed and steered the horse towards the area she’d said her friend resided. He didn’t mention that many women wouldn’t need to know much more about him other than his title and position before throwing themselves at him. This woman, as he’d suspected all along, was different though. He respected that much more about her but that didn’t ease the ache in his chest at the idea of giving her up to her friend.
“She’s just around the corner,” Sidra said, pointing to the red building at the edge of the village that was just starting to stir for the morning. There were a few people milling about, some with coffee cups in their hand, the paperboy on his bike and a police officer walking out of the diner on the opposite corner.
“Maybe I should just turn around and ride off with you in my arms. I could convince you to ride away with me in the sunset, Sidra from Virginia.”
She laughed. “That doesn’t even happen in the movies.”
“What do you do in Virginia?”
“I’m an interior designer.”
“Hmmm…”
She shifted around, trying to figure out what he meant by that mumble. “What’s that for?”
He shrugged his broad shoulders and pulled on the reigns to stop his horse. “I was just thinking that I might need your services soon. Some of my rooms are looking a bit dated.”
Sidra smiled brightly. “I’d love to help with any projects.”
He swung down over the horse but when she started to follow, he put his hand on her thigh to stop her. “This isn’t over Sidra. I want to see you again.”
She looked down at him and felt happiness wash over her. “I don’t know how that’s going to be possible. Laura has been trying to get me to visit for months but things are pretty busy right now.”
He put his hands on her waist and lifted her down, holding her in place while he looked into her pretty hazel eyes. “Things have a way of happening.”
“You’re here!” Laura burst out of her building, her blond hair billowing out behind her as she rushed up to Sidra, throwing her arms around her in a huge hug. “I’d been expecting you an hour ago. What happened?” she asked, then turned to see the tall man standing next to her friend. “Goodness! And what have you brought for us today?” Laura asked, linking her arm with Sidra’s.
Rashid kept his face neutral, but the blue eyes of the blond woman were sizing him up and he knew it was time for an escape. “I must be on my way.” Turning to Laura, he said, “Sidra’s car is over on the Willow Bend Road. I’ll arrange to have it towed and a replacement delivered immediately.”
Sidra shook her head. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll call the rental agency and have them exchange cars.”
“I insist,” Rashid countered and before his little woman could argue further, he climbed back into Zafir’s saddle and turned the horse around. “Until next time,” he said to Sidra, then nudged his horse and they were off down the street at a fast pace.