Instantly Melissa felt as if the air had been compressed. Her heart fluttered again and she wanted to fling herself into his arms.
Shocked, she scooted as far from where he sat as she could. Had thinking about her mother’s romance addled her brains? Surim Al-Thani was her host! Nothing more.
But he was a man. She threw a quick glance at him as he engaged Nadia and Alaya in conversation. A gorgeous man, with dark eyes and lashes so long she was envious. His suit was filled out perfectly. She had seen him at the beach, and now dressed for business. He’d looked fabulous in the tux when he’d held the reception in Max’s honor. Did the man ever appear the slightest bit ragged?
He looked at her, capturing her gaze with his. She wanted to look away, but couldn’t.
“Are you looking forward to shopping?” he asked.
“Very much so. Will there be pearls in some of the stalls?”
“Undoubtedly. But wait until we go to the pearl farm to purchase any. The prices will be lowest there.”
The limousine stopped near the edge of the vast open-air market. They exited the car, and Melissa noticed a black sedan pulled in right behind them, two familiar men in suits climbing out.
“Your friends accompany us, I see,” she said.
“They are here to make sure there are no incidents. The souks can get crowded and the children are small.”
“Is there danger?” Melissa asked. She had never considered such a thing. Yet Surim was a very wealthy man. Even if he had few enemies, some unscrupulous crook could try to kidnap the children for ransom.
“Only from them getting lost. We pride ourselves on having one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Come, you are safe here.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
THE souks were all Melissa had ever imagined. The open-air stalls seemed to go on forever. There were clear dividing lines between each one, with large banners hanging from the canopies, all with beautiful Arabic script, of course. She was just learning to speak the language; would she ever learn to read it?
As she walked down the crowded path she noticed several shops had placards proclaiming they spoke French or Italian or German or English. She could hear the chatter of a number of languages. Dress consisted of formal Arab robes, carefree tourist attire, and even conservative business suits.
There was a buzz of excitement in the air and everyone seemed to be enjoying the day. People bargained for prices, some quite demonstratively, others quietly. The shopkeepers seemed to enjoy the process as much as their customers.
Mounds of spices were first as they plunged into the crowded aisle, heaps of fragrant ginger, nutmeg, and other exotic seasonings. Then several booths of fresh fruit and, beyond, fish caught that morning.
“Is this like a food market? I thought there’d be clothes and things,” she asked Surim after a moment.
“You can buy anything here. Come this way,” Surim said as he wove his way through the throngs of people examining the merchandise. In another couple of minutes they were in a completely different area, with luxurious rugs displayed, olive wood and acacia carvings for sale. She saw bolts of fabric at one stall.
“This one will make up any item of clothing you wish; just pick out the material and let them take your measurements,” he said, stopping to converse with the merchant.
Melissa kept tight hold of Nadia’s hand. She made sure she had Alaya and Hamid in sight at all times. She didn’t want to dampen the children’s enthusiasm with too many restrictions. Still, this kind of shopping was quite different from what they were used to.
The variety of wares was amazing. From ornate furnishings to strands of gold necklaces. Pearls large and small; some set in fancy jewelry, some lying in shallow boxes for people to choose from. There was even a toy stall that had puzzles and sturdy wooden toys.
Nadia and Hamid loved that place best, spending long minutes trying out different ones.
“Shall I buy them each one toy?” Surim asked quietly in her ear. Melissa turned, bumping into him, he was so close. Yet where else would he go as the other shoppers crowded the wide aisles, jostling each other as they moved to close in on the best bargains? She stared at him, his face inches from her. For a moment the souks seemed to fade; there was just herself and Surim. She dragged her gaze away.
“It would be very nice, I think,” she said. Surim leaned closer still to hear her and she could smell his aftershave. Its tangy scent started butterflies in her stomach, and she wished she could step away. Or step closer.
Drawing on her reserves, she smiled and eased back a few scant inches. “Nadia seems especially enchanted with that puzzle. I think it’s perfect for a toddler. And Hamid likes the wooden trucks. He would be able to play with those at the beach as well.” She hardly knew what she was saying. Every cell in her body seemed attuned to him.
“And Alaya—is she too old for toys?” he asked, the look in his eye suggesting he knew what she was thinking.
“No, but I think she was taken with some of the material at the place we passed a few moments ago. Maybe a sundress?”
“And you?”
“I’m having such fun. Haven’t seen anything I must have, however. But I wouldn’t mind a dress or two myself to tide me over until the clothes my mother is sending arrive. And there will be pearls to see on Saturday.”
“A lovely strand to go to the reception that evening, perhaps?”
“I doubt I can afford a strand. But maybe a pair of earrings.”
Surim said nothing, but narrowed his eyes slightly. Inclining his head once, he reached out to take her arm and pull her gently out of the way of some boisterous tourists.
“We’ll buy the toys. One of the guards has located a stall with children’s clothing. We will find what we need there.”
The fascination held as they followed the guard and found several places to buy casual clothing for the children. Each was measured and an assortment of ready-made clothes was quickly held up for their choice. Selecting four outfits for each child, Melissa helped Nadia and Alaya, and kept an eye on Surim’s assisting Hamid.
Just as they were ready to leave, Melissa spotted a lovely rich green silk. It would make a beautiful evening gown. And she wanted something grand for the embassy reception on Saturday.
“Wait a second, can you?” Not waiting for Surim’s answer she turned to the shopkeeper and negotiated a price. Her measurements were taken and the fabric held up to the light. It shimmered with rich color, reflecting the sun.
“It will look beautiful on you,” he said when she joined him a few moments later at the edge of the booth.
“I hope so. It was too lovely to pass up. And he said he would have it done and delivered to your house Saturday morning. Amazing.”
There were definitely perks to this arrangement, Melissa thought, pleased with her purchase. She glanced at her watch, surprised to find it was already after noon. The shopping had flown by.
“Time to eat?” Surim asked.
“Something light would be good. Then I need to get them home.”
“So Nadia can take her nap,” he said, leaning close to better communicate.
Each time he did, Melissa felt an increased spark of awareness. She could get in over her head. She had to remember he was looking for a wife, not a relationship with a visiting nanny. He was leagues out of her realm. The brush of air that touched her cheeks as he spoke sent another message. She longed to lean closer. By turning her head slightly, she’d be able to touch his mouth with hers.
The thought sent flames of excitement licking through her veins, but she prudently turned her face and stepped away. Only to have Surim move closer, protecting her from being jostled by a group of rough teens laughing and shoving each other.
One of the men stepped closer to Surim and spoke rapidly. Surim shook his head.
“Are you all right?” he asked her softly.
“Fine.” She smiled reassuringly at Nadia and glanced at Hamid and Alaya. For a moment she lost sight of Alaya and
panicked, but before she could even voice her concern the child appeared at the far end of the stall, staring at another dress.
“If it gets more crowded, we should leave,” Surim said, glancing around.
“I think we have enough outfits to carry them through several weeks. Where will we get Hamid’s haircut?”
“I know a place. If you are ready, we will wind our way through the mob.” Surim reached for her hand. Surely to keep her close. But his touch, as always, sent sparks of electricity coursing through her. She tried to concentrate on the children, but it was harder by the moment.
Melissa noticed the souks appeared more crowded than when they had first arrived. She admonished the older children to stay close, still grasping Nadia’s small hand.
At one point Surim released her and reached for Nadia. “Let me take Nadia and you hold onto Hamid and Alaya.”
Nadia smiled and looked around when Surim picked her up.
“Probably better for her to see things,” Melissa said, beckoning the others. “She is so short she only had a view of knees.”
Surim nodded, smiling at the little girl. He still looked a bit awkward holding her, but Melissa was pleased he’d volunteered. She’d bring them all together no matter what!
Hamid was not the quiet, docile child she’d hoped for at the barber shop. Once he realized he was the only one getting a haircut, he rebelled.
“Don’t want to,” he said, planting his feet and refusing to move beyond the doorway.
“You need a haircut,” Melissa said, stooping down to be at his level. “Look at all the other men; they have short hair. Yours is getting scruffy, like a puppy. You don’t want to look like a scruffy puppy, do you?”
Surim didn’t wait for an answer, but lifted the boy and looked him in the eye.
“It is inappropriate to cause a scene in a public place. Do you understand?” His voice was firm, but not unkind.
Hamid stared at him wide-eyed and slowly nodded.
Melissa watched, knowing Surim would not severely discipline the child, glad he’d made it more of a question than command.
He set Hamid back on his feet and reached for his hand, and the two continued into the shop. The two girls had remained in the limousine with the driver. Knowing she was no longer needed, Melissa returned to the vehicle and got inside with the girls.
“Is Hamid going to be a long time?” Alaya asked, looking up from working the puzzle they’d bought for Nadia. The two girls were on the floor of the limo putting it together. Nadia smiled as she hummed softly to herself as she tried to fit the large pieces in the wooden holder.
“Not long. Uncle Surim is with him. We’ll go for lunch when they are finished, then back home for Nadia’s nap. Did you like the souks?”
“They were different from shopping at home.” Alaya abandoned the puzzle and moved to sit beside Melissa. “I was glad Uncle Surim was with us,” she said.
“Me, too,” Melissa said. She had enjoyed the excursion. She watched the entrance to the shop, waiting for him to appear with Hamid. They would have a quick lunch and then she’d take the children home while he returned to work.
Tomorrow, however, Surim would spend the entire day with her alone. She could hardly wait.
By the time they returned to the house, the children were getting rambunctious. Surim had found a restaurant that easily accommodated young children, so lunch had passed without incident. But on the ride back, Nadia had wanted to be held and had been cranky. Hamid had been in high spirits and had wanted to hurry home so he could play with his new toy. Alaya had been a bit annoyed with her siblings and had complained constantly to Melissa about the other two.
Melissa soon got them sorted out when they reached home. Nadia went straight to bed. Hamid played with his new trucks and Alaya drifted to her room, wanting to read one of her many books.
Annis asked after the expedition and Melissa relayed the highlights, then left to take a little time for herself. She walked out into the garden and headed for her favorite bench. She couldn’t believe it was already February and so warm. The balmy air caressed her cheeks as she leaned back on the wooden bench to savor the peace and quiet. She was used to groups of children from the resort, but generally she’d had one age group at a time with activities suited to keep them occupied. It was more challenging to deal with three different ages and interests.
She loved caring for these children. Actually, she realized she loved them, full stop. She couldn’t imagine now hard it was going to be to leave.
Or should she stay?
That might prove to be even harder. She was falling for Surim. Not that she’d ever tell anyone. But could she stay near him, seeing him every day, longing for his kisses and caresses once he was married to someone else?
Saturday dawned fair and clear. Melissa dressed in anticipation of the day she and Surim would share. She was delighted to be seeing where pearls were harvested. The fact that Surim was taking her was an added bonus. Or the highlight of the tour. One day out of time might be all she had. She’d cherish every moment!
She tried to put things in perspective. Due to her relationship to Max, Surim didn’t relegate her to the nursery. She still had the guest room on the second floor. She ate most of her dinners with him. She had the run of the house, though she spent most of her time with the children.
Over the weeks she’d been in residence, she’d grown to know a lot about her employer from what he told her and from what she pieced together from the way he behaved around others. And the bits of information dropped as he compared his childhood with theirs.
She knew she shouldn’t feel sorry for one of the most powerful men in the Persian Gulf area, but she did. Just a little. He hadn’t had a close family. There apparently were few happy memories of his time with his parents. His best recollections always were about being at Eton. He remained friends with several boys from school. In fact, from what she could glean, he was closer to those men who still lived in England than anyone in Qu’ Arim.
He also felt a strong duty to marry and produce children for the stability of his country. Yet she felt his reluctance. And anyone looking would see he was doing nothing toward that goal—instead he was spending his time with her.
It was almost nine-thirty by the time they left. Instead of the expected limo, Surim drove his own car again, as he had on her first visit to the resort site.
“How is the building coming?” she asked as they merged into traffic and began their day.
“On target so far. There have been minor mishaps, but nothing has delayed the process significantly.”
“And when does it open?”
“We hope next autumn. We have a two-week window built in the construction schedule to accommodate any delays, but if anything goes beyond that we’ll likely have to postpone the grand opening. Which I do not plan to do. We already have guests booked.”
“Even before it’s built? What are you showing for rooms and amenities?”
“We have artist renditions of the rooms, the front of the hotel, the lobby. Those have been incorporated into brochures and distributed to travel agencies around the world.”
“Max is excited about opening a Bella Lucia outside of the UK,’ commented Melissa. “Will he be coming back to check on things before the opening? I haven’t talked with him in a while, not since the last set of translations.”
“He’ll fly in once more, but I shall handle things from this end. Some of the London office staff will arrive a month prior to opening to train local people to handle the day-today operations.”
Soon, Surim turned onto the highway that flanked the sea. The Gulf stretched out to the horizon, deep blue and calm. The breeze from the Gulf kept it from being too hot.
“It’s beautiful!” Melissa exclaimed, gazing at the water. “I can’t believe it’s February and so warm. My mother said it was freezing in London.”
“Perhaps we’ll have time for a swim when we return home,” he said.
“I shoul
d love that. I still can’t get over being able to swim in the sea year-round.”
Sometimes Surim wondered if Melissa liked him, or the location of his home. She never seemed to flirt. Did she realize how enticing she was when she challenged him? Her eyes sparkled and her laughter was infectious. Her kisses had him wanting more. Yet she never overstepped any boundaries. Was he so conceited he thought all women were after him?
He almost laughed. The only women who wanted an alliance with him were ones looking for a free ride with a wealthy man. He didn’t want to believe that of Melissa.
The first pearling enterprise they came to belonged to the de Loache family, an old French family who had lived in Qu’ Arim for more than a hundred years. One of their early ancestors had discovered a bed of oysters producing lovely pearls, acquired the land and launched a business renowned throughout the world.
Surim knew the owner and had arranged to have him give the tour personally. Not only for Melissa, but so Surim could discuss including tours on a regular basis as a tourist attraction exclusively from the new resort.
Claude de Loache was waiting by the long, low building when Surim drove up.
“Our host,” Surim told Melissa.
In only moments, introductions had been made and Claude began to explain the different steps in pearling. Melissa was fascinated. Her attention was totally on what Claude relayed. She asked intelligent questions and seemed to grasp all the facts quickly.
When Claude offered to take them out in one of the boats to actually see some of the oysters, she was delighted.
“If it’s all right with Surim,” she said.
Claude raised an eyebrow and glanced at Surim. “We bow to your wishes,” he said.
Surim gave him a look. They’d known each other for many years. “It would be more than we expected, but I should like to as well.”
Claude explained how they kept the oysters in beds in the sea, able to bring them up on huge flat beds using cranes. They were checked periodically to make sure everything was all right. Storms could wreak havoc, so they were especially concerned after a big one.
The Nanny and the Sheikh Page 12