by Holly Rayner
“Honestly,” Khizar said, “I’m already looking at the desserts, although I can’t imagine that any of them is anywhere near as good as anything in your bakery.”
Jacqui was surprised. “You tried something of mine?”
He shrugged, and gave her a small, unrepentant grin.
“I might have snagged a piece of pie for myself along the way when you were on the other side of the room.” He thought for a moment. “And maybe a cookie. Or two.”
Jacqui laughed. So much for the awkward silence.
“I would have saved you anything you wanted, you know.”
“I know, but it was more fun that way. I am impressed with your skill at baking, if I haven’t already said that. You’re really talented.”
“I wish more of the city shared that view,” Jacqui said forlornly.
Khizar’s eyebrows knitted together. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
Jacqui tried to explain.
“Everyone who comes in leaves a fan, for the most part. And customers I’ve catered for almost always order from me again. But my store doesn’t get enough traffic; even good reviews don’t help when there aren’t enough of them.”
“Of course. It takes some time to get a business off the ground.”
“It’s been three years.” Jacqui smiled wanly.
Just then, the server came back and took their orders. Khizar insisted that Jacqui get everything she was thinking about, even if she only tried a few bites of each dish.
“This is my treat, to thank you for your assistance this afternoon, so please indulge,” he said, and pointed to the different things on the menu that she’d mentioned.
Jacqui grinned and said, “Only if you order all the desserts you were looking at.”
“Done.” Khizar looked at the server. “When it’s time for dessert, we’ll take one of everything, and whatever dessert wine your sommelier deems appropriate.”
The server nodded and hurried away. Khizar grinned back at Jacqui.
“I had no idea this business trip would be so much fun.”
Jacqui took that opening to ask more about the still mysterious man sitting opposite her. “You said you own a jewelry company?”
“Technically, my family owns the business; I’m only the CEO.”
Jacqui rolled her eyes, but smiled to show she was teasing. “Only the CEO, he says. That’s an impressive job title.”
“I was brought up in the family business, and was expected to take on the role when my father retired.”
“Do you like it? Your job, or the business?”
“I do, actually. Even though I was groomed for it, I’ve been interested in precious gems most of my life. I received a degree in geology at university, in addition to studying business and economics.”
Jacqui sat back, impressed.
“I attended culinary school, and took a few business classes. I was so intent on getting the bakery started that I pushed to get my degree as quickly as I could.”
“Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re quite young to be running your own business by yourself. It takes most people years to get the financing to open a store, or they have an investor as a partner. How did you get your start?” Khizar asked.
“It’s been my dream to open a bakery since, oh, forever. There was a bakery down the street from my house when I was little, and my father used to walk there with me every Saturday morning. No matter how busy he was, no matter what else he had to do, he would always take me to the bakery for pastries and hot chocolate.”
Jacqui shrugged. “Now, I realize he was giving my mother some precious time to herself, as well as spending time with me. Those Saturday mornings are one of the few memories from childhood that I cherish.”
“Your parents must be very proud of you,” Khizar said.
Jacqui smiled sadly. “I like to think they would be, but they died in a car wreck when I was seven.”
Khizar leaned forward. “I’m so sorry, Jacqui.”
“You couldn’t have known,” she waved a hand at him to indicate it was all right. “I think I started wanting to own a bakery because I thought I would feel closer to my parents there.”
“And do you?”
“Sometimes. But I also know when it’s time to let something go. I love owning my own business, but I think I may have to go work for someone else soon.”
Khizar seemed to search for the right words.
“I don’t know much about your country’s childcare system. What happened after your parents passed?”
“I was in the foster care system for a year or so, and then I was lucky enough to be adopted by a wonderful couple. They are my second set of parents, and I adore them.”
“And I am certain they are proud of you.”
Jacqui smiled. “They are indeed. And they fully supported my plan to open a bakery, even contributed what they could to the cause.”
“How did you raise the rest of the money?” Khizar was curious, but Jacqui felt like he was asking questions out of a sincere desire to better understand her life.
“My parents had a few valuables—their wedding rings, a sapphire necklace my father gave my mother, things like that. Nothing big, but together, it gave me just enough to buy equipment and supplies, and pay rent on the store for a few months.”
Jacqui went quiet and Khizar leaned forward to put his hand gently on hers.
“There’s something else of theirs, isn’t there? Something you wish you’d kept?”
Jacqui looked up at him, eyes wide.
“My father’s pocket watch. My mother gave it to him on their wedding day. It has the word ‘Always’ and their names and the date engraved on it. I didn’t sell it at first, but I didn’t have enough money, and pawning it was the only thing that would cover what I needed.”
“Is it something you can buy back?”
“I don’t even know where it is.” She laughed wryly. “Not that I have the money to buy it back right now, anyway.”
Khizar laid a hand on his heart and said intently, “I have never met another person as worthy of having a little good luck come their way as you are. I am so impressed with your bravery and cheer, especially with the number of challenges you’ve had to face in your life.”
Jacqui blushed and tried to deflect his praise with a small joke.
“Thanks, Mr. CEO. I appreciate that.”
“Really, Jacqui, I’ve had everything given to me in life. I admire your resilience.”
Then, Jacqui said quietly, “Thank you, Khizar.”
The server brought their appetizers and Jacqui decided to change the subject.
“What about you? Where do you call home? What’s your family like?”
“So many questions!” But he smiled as he said it. “I am from Nudushan, a tiny nation in the Middle East. Right now, I live and work in the capital city, Al Nud.”
Jacqui shook her head. “I’m so sorry, I haven’t heard of it,” she said as she picked up her fork.
Khizar waved off her embarrassment.
“Not many people have; they usually think we’re part of a larger country. It’s a true jewel of the region, though, and rather progressive as well. Because of our small population and rich natural resources, the country is able to support a healthy lifestyle for all our citizens.”
“I’ve never had the chance to travel outside the United States, but it sounds lovely.”
“It is a beautiful country,” he said. “And one that appreciates masters of their craft such as yourself.” Khizar lifted his glass toward her in a salute.
Jacqui had never found herself blushing quite so much in such a short amount of time. “And your family owns a jewelry company there?”
Khizar nodded. “Among other things. I, well, I’m a member of the Nudushani royal family. My uncle is the ruling sheikh.”
Jacqui, who had just picked up her glass to take a drink, almost choked on her wine. “You’re a prince?”
“A sheikh, but, yes.�
�� He studied her expression. “I know Americans can be funny about royalty, but I hope that’s not a problem.”
Jacqui’s eyebrows climbed up her forehead.
“No, no problem. That’s just not what I was expecting.”
He gave her a cocky grin. “Oh, good. I hate being what people expect.”
She couldn’t help but grin back. “Me, too.”
Khizar took a bite of his appetizer, a small portion of ravioli with a pesto sauce. He swallowed and pointed at his plate with his fork.
“This may not be traditional Milwaukee food, but it’s pretty good.”
Jacqui tried some of her soup and nodded in agreement. “It’s amazing.”
They ate for a minute in companionable silence, and Jacqui was struck by how easy it felt being with Khizar. She’d known him less than a day, and yet she wanted to share things with him. And she wanted to know more about him.
“So, what was it like growing up as a prince? Sorry, sheikh.”
Khizar gave her a forgiving smile.
“A lot of expectations, but also a lot of privilege. I went to the best schools and traveled around the world before I was sixteen. I also started working in the family business in one way or another as a teenager. I would make public appearances as a member of the royal family, and I began working for my father when I was eighteen.”
“Is your family close?”
Khizar nodded. “Very much so.”
“And what do your parents do?” Jacqui asked.
“These days, mostly work with my uncle.”
Jacqui smiled wistfully. “I always wanted to be part of a big family. My adoptive parents couldn’t have kids of their own, which is part of the reason why they adopted me.”
“Then you have been a true blessing to them,” Khizar said firmly. “Do they live here in Milwaukee?”
“They do, and I see them as often as I can. The bakery has kept me busy, but we have dinner every Sunday evening.”
“I have dinner with parents on Tuesday evenings. I don’t know why Tuesdays—my mother picked it years ago as the night to focus on family, and my father indulges her in everything. So, every Tuesday, I go to my parents’ house. Many times, my cousins or my mother’s sisters join us.”
“It sounds wonderful,” Jacqui said.
“It’s a cacophony of noise and food, and yes, it rather is wonderful.”
Jacqui smiled at him, and when he smiled back, she got a little lost in the depth of his gaze. She didn’t look away until the waiter cleared his throat and, startled, she nodded at his question about taking the plates away.
“So, is being royalty or being a CEO why you’re able to buy out an entire bakery and give it away?”
It was a forward question, Jacqui knew, but the wine and company were making her feel warm and safe.
Khizar chuckled at the slightly blunt question. “A little of both, I suppose. I am in the city for business, but I used my personal funds to buy everything. The need to take care of those less fortunate is something my siblings and I were taught from a young age, so I try to act on that wherever I go.” He cocked his head and added, “I suppose it is a bit of the royal privilege to know that I have enough money to do things like that.”
Jacqui raised her eyebrows. “A bit?”
Khizar laughed in agreement. “Okay, a lot.”
Jacqui grinned. “Still, I think you’re like a modern-day Prince Charming.” She thought for a moment. “Sheikh Charming.”
Khizar laughed loudly, charming Jacqui even more.
“I like that. I am delighted to be Sheikh Charming.”
The main course was served and Jacqui kept asking questions. Khizar didn’t seem to mind answering, and Jacqui wanted to learn everything about this fascinating man.
She was intrigued by how far apart their life experiences were, and honestly, a little jealous. She didn’t really want to be royalty; she was happy being a simple baker. But to have a large, close family, and to not want for anything? That made her long for a different life, one more like his.
And, she had to admit, she was definitely attracted to Khizar. He was handsome, and charming, yes, but he was also kind. It had been a long time since she’d felt like someone really knew her, and he had made that leap in just a few hours.
Plus, he was fun. They ate at least a bite of every dessert the restaurant offered, and drank more wine, and Jacqui had more fun in that one meal than she’d had in a long time.
Even if it was just that one night, and she never saw Khizar again, Jacqui knew her life would be changed because of meeting him.
Chapter 3
Khizar
Dinner with Jacqueline—Jacqui, rather—was another eye-opening experience. Khizar had been prepared to meet an attractive young woman, but not one that was so warm and caring, as well as smart and funny.
It was certainly no hardship to spend the day by her side, handing out pastries and cookies to those less fortunate. He really did regularly engage in charity work—it was, after all, something his parents insisted on. Being royalty came with expectations, and that was one of them.
Khizar didn’t mind. He knew he’d been blessed with wealth, and he was happy to share some of that good fortune. He had everything he needed and most everything he wanted; he was happy to give and happy to work with those who needed a hand up.
He was impressed with Jacqui, too. She had been dealt a bad hand in life, at least in her childhood. And instead of using it as an excuse, she used it as a purpose. She had a kind spirit and a generous heart, even to the point of taking pity on him when he hadn’t known where to go to hand out the food he’d bought.
Khizar had to laugh at himself. That hadn’t been part of the plan. He was going to astonish her with his magnanimous gesture, buying all this food for people who needed it and helping her business for the day at the same time, but he hadn’t thought of how to actually hand the food out. Fortunately, she’d stepped in and saved him.
And it definitely wasn’t a hardship to spend time with Jacqui at dinner. She had relaxed and opened up, and while he was looking for information, he also found himself simply enjoying her company.
They lingered over dessert, and Khizar teased her about taking notes for her bakery. Mostly, he did it just to hear her laugh, a sound he was very much coming to enjoy.
When he’d paid the bill, and thanked their servers with a rather large tip, he held her chair as she stood. They walked outside, and Jacqui took a deep breath of the night air.
She looked happy, Khizar thought. What he said, though, was, “May I take you home?”
“Thank you, Khizar, but I think I’m going to walk.”
“At least let me call you a cab,” he protested.
“It’s fine, really. I’m not that far from my apartment, and I don’t mind the walk.”
He felt like he should try to convince her otherwise, but also knew it wasn’t his place.
“Besides,” she took another deep breath and continued, “I love this time of year. It’s still cool enough for warm drinks and jackets, but you can feel the hint of warmth in the air.”
Khizar smiled. “In Nudushan, it’s always warm. But we enjoy warm drinks anyway.”
“I think I’m going to have to do some research tonight. I’d love to know more about your country.”
It was the perfect opening, Khizar thought.
“And I’d love to tell you more. Have lunch with me tomorrow, and I’ll tell you anything you want to know about my home.”
Jacqui smiled, albeit tightly. “I’d like that, but I’m not sure I can get away from the bakery again.”
Khizar shrugged. “I’ll buy all your creations again tomorrow, if I have to.”
That got him a laugh.
“Oh, please don’t. I’d feel terrible,” Jacqui said. “Fine, then, I can get away for a late lunch; I’ll have someone to cover the shop.”
“Excellent. What time shall I pick you up?”
“Around two?”
“I look forward to it.” Jacqui smiled at him shyly.
Khizar wasn’t quite sure how to end the date, since that’s basically what this encounter was. Rather than go in for a kiss, he opted for a warm hug.
He held out an arm to her. “A handshake seems cold for two pastry-wielding do-gooders such as ourselves. How about a hug instead?”
She nodded and stepped into his arms, standing on her toes to place her own arms around his neck. Khizar was surprised again; she felt like she fit there. Still, he kept it brief and chaste. He let her go and stepped back a bit.
“Good night, Jacqui. Thank you again for today.”
He found himself a little dazzled by her smile as she said, “My pleasure, Khizar. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He watched her walk away, waiting until she was out of sight before he asked the valet to bring his car around. He drove to his hotel, left the car with the valet there, and walked into the elaborate lobby.
The doorman greeted him with a respectful nod, and the older woman behind the concierge’s desk wished him a good evening.
Khizar headed for the elevator, but at the last second, turned. He wasn’t quite ready to go up to his room yet, so he walked into the hotel bar. The room was dark and elegant, with brown leather booths along one wall and a few tall leather chairs scattered around the room next to dark wood tables.
He took one of the chairs in a corner where he could watch the room, but it was clear he didn’t want to be disturbed. A server in a crisp white shirt and black pants stopped by the table a few minutes after he sat down. Khizar ordered an expensive whiskey, neat, and then contemplated his next move.
Jacqui was a lovely young woman. She obviously needed help with her business, and Khizar supposed that was one way he could ingratiate himself into her life.
He could offer to look at her books and see if he could find efficiencies. Or perhaps he could offer to negotiate her rent with her landlord. Maybe do some research into other storefronts that wouldn’t cost as much but might bring in more business for her.
But his business was so different from hers that she might not appreciate his advice. And, to be fair, there might not be a lot of advice he could give her. He’d never had to save a failing business, only expand his family’s already strong empire.