She knew he traveled a lot, but somehow she hadn’t expected him to leave right away. She’d thought he would wait until he was certain the children were comfortable with her. No question he was a busy, important man, but didn’t charity begin at home? He had responsibilities to his offspring.
After that night when they’d talked in the dark, her female antennae were revved up and vibrating. Every night he phoned and after talking with the children, he spoke to her and asked for a report on their day. The conversations didn’t diminish her fascination—in fact, they enhanced it. His deep, seductive voice was like a concentrated dose of sex appeal. When he talked, she could feel it from—
“Good morning.”
There it was—the voice, butterscotch and brandy, that buzzed her nerve endings and raised tingles in places on her body where tingles could be the most dangerous. Turning from the sink, she met his black-eyed gaze. “Welcome back. When did you arrive?”
“Late last night.” His gaze raked her from top to bottom, taking in her plain, long-sleeved white blouse and ankle-length navy skirt. “Where are the children?” he asked.
“I sent them to brush their teeth and wash their faces. Then they’re off to the schoolroom.”
He glanced at her, then the open door of the dishwasher. “What are you doing?”
“Dishes. The twins fixed their own oatmeal.”
“You need only call the kitchen staff to see to your needs.”
She rested her back against the sink as she dried her hands on a towel. “It’s good for them to learn to do things for themselves. Gives them a sense of accomplishment.”
“I see.”
If he saw, then what was that funny look on his face about? “I wanted them to have a healthy breakfast and managed to come up with a combination of cinnamon, raisins, nuts and honey. They had fun making it.”
“You could have the servants come in and clear the dishes.”
“I know. But—” She nudged the glasses further up on her nose as she searched for a way to explain.
“What? Do you not recall that I promised not to hold your words against you?”
She remembered almost everything about that night. Like the masculine figure he’d cut with the sleeves of his dress shirt rolled up as he’d casually leaned against the railing. It had been dark. She’d worn only her nightgown. And his voice was so deeply soft and erotic he could have recited “Jabberwocky” and she would have been a puddle at his feet.
His extended absence had given her some peace of mind. But the children missed him terribly. And that bothered her.
“I’m trying to create an atmosphere for them that’s—” she shrugged “—normal. Low-key. Give them a sense of proportion between their environment and the rest of the world. Does that make any sense?”
“Completely.”
“I’m glad. I’ve developed a balanced curriculum for them, incorporating music and art with a teacher from the local university, along with reading, math and some foreign language lessons as you required.”
Nodding, he leaned against the refrigerator and folded his arms over his chest. In his crisp white shirt the expanse appeared wide and firm. “It’s important for them to be fluent in several languages.”
“English being primary,” she said, recalling the faxed memo she’d received from him. The man could use a little prioritizing in his own life—with his children a bit higher on the list. “I’ve developed some games to make the process fun. They hardly realize they’re learning. And they adore school. If I let them, I think they’d go seven days a week.”
“And why do you not let them?”
At a loss how to answer, she simply stared at him. Then she saw the twinkle in his eyes. “It’s called balance. You could take lessons on that yourself.”
“You’re implying that I work too much?”
She shrugged. “If the shoe fits.”
“Perhaps I’ve thrown myself too much into it since—”
“What?” she asked, noting the frown that chased the attractive gleam from his eyes.
“It’s not important. But I wish to see the children now.” There were squeals from the living room.
“And I believe I hear them coming.” She grinned. “Am I good or what?”
“Papa!” Hana raced into the room carrying a stuffed panda. “Thank you for my present.”
“Me, too,” her brother said, right behind her with his own fuzzy animal.
The children waited until he held out his arms. Then they went to him and he folded them against his legs, bending to kiss the tops of their shiny dark heads. They were like little sponges soaking up any drop of affection he chose to give. Crystal wished he were around more. They clearly needed him. The achingly sweet scene launched a lump into her throat and she turned away to finish the dishes.
“Nanny made us oatmeal, Papa,” Hana informed him.
“I like it,” Nuri added.
“So she is a good cook?” There was a smile in his voice.
“Oh, yes,” they said together.
“Maybe she will make some for me,” he said, his voice low and deep.
Was there a double meaning in his words, she wondered. It was pretty certain she would never know. Folding the dish towel, she set it over the sink. “Hey, you two, it’s time for school. You have music and art this morning with Miss Kelly. I’ll walk you.”
“Papa will you come, too?” Hana begged.
“Of course. I have missed you,” he said. He smiled at his daughter, then looked up and met Crystal’s gaze.
Had he missed her, too? What a ridiculous thought, but one she couldn’t quite suppress after admitting to herself she’d noticed his absence more than a little.
He put on a double-breasted, pin-striped jacket before they left the suite. Since the children insisted on all of them holding hands, they walked four abreast down the hall to the area in the palace set up for class. Their teacher waited inside.
“I’m going to draw a picture for you, Nanny,” Hana said when they stopped in front of the door.
“I would like that very much.” Crystal bent and gave the child a hug and kiss. “What about you, young man? What are you going to do today?”
“I will learn a song to sing to you,” he said solemnly.
“One of my very favorite things,” she said, taking his face in her hands and kissing first one of his cheeks and then the other. His responding grin was so charming, so like his father’s, her heart skipped then squeezed tight. She opened the door. “Now, it’s time to go inside. Miss Kelly is waiting for you. I’ll see you in a little while.”
“Bye, Nanny,” they both said, then walked into the suite waving their hands. “Bye, Papa.”
The door closed and she was alone with Fariq. She felt compelled to fill the awkward silence. “You’ve just witnessed an example of our typical morning. The children have missed you very much.”
“So much they draw and sing for you.”
Uh-oh. How could she smooth ruffled royal feathers when she understood that the children were bonding with their primary care giver. “It’s just you’ve been gone so much. It will take them a little time to warm up now that you’re back.”
“I do not wish to discuss this.” He looked at his watch. “I must go.”
Again? Irritation coursed through her. “Will you call the children tonight?”
“Why would I do that?”
“It’s what you do every night.”
“When I’m away on business,” he clarified.
“So you’re not leaving the country?” Why did her heart just skip like a stone across a lake?
“I am going to my office here in the palace.”
She watched him walk in the direction of the business wing as her insides did a happy little dance because he wasn’t going away. Instantly she put a stop to that reaction. It was a disaster in the planning stages.
She needed to focus on her job. It was time for her to go over the lessons and after-school activiti
es for the children. She descended the staircase and went in the direction of the family wing, then stopped in front of the suite. Before she could go inside, a servant hailed her.
“What is it, Salima?” she asked the young, dark-eyed woman.
“Princess Farrah requests your presence right away, Miss Rawlins.”
“Thank you. I’ll go see her now.”
The princess had a suite of rooms down the hall. Crystal had seen it on a number of occasions when she’d shared tea with the king’s sister or brought the children for a visit with their great-aunt. She went in that direction thinking how quickly she’d become comfortable with her surroundings. At first she’d feared losing her way, never to be heard from again. It hadn’t happened. Stopping in front of the door, she knocked and was instructed to enter.
The elegant foyer never failed to take her breath away, no matter how often she saw it. She’d been inside all the royal family’s suites, since the children visited regularly with their relatives. It amazed her how different each was. Fariq’s accommodated the children and was the only one with a kitchen. His bachelor brothers and father had rooms that were large and beautifully decorated, although without the needs of a family in mind.
But Princess Farrah’s was the most elegant of all. The floor was marble with a circular cherrywood table standing in the center. On top, a crystal vase overflowed with fresh cut flowers that filled the area with a sweet fragrance. The living room contained priceless works of art.
“Your Highness?”
“In here, my dear.”
The voice came from the living room, and Crystal went in that direction. Rounding the corner, she heard the woman mumble something that sounded like “absolutely no progress.”
“Is something wrong, Your Highness?”
“Crystal.” Princess Farrah, looking chic in a plum-colored designer suit, glanced up. “No, nothing’s the matter. I’m just frustrated with a project I’ve been working on. Please sit down. Thank you for coming so quickly.”
“You’re welcome.” She sat at a right angle to the woman on the semicircular white sofa that dominated the room. Across from it were the French doors that looked out on the Arabian Sea. “What is it I can do for you?”
“Actually, I wanted to talk about the children. I think—” A knock on the door interrupted her. “Come in.”
Decidedly male footsteps sounded on the marble she’d just admired, then Fariq appeared. Crystal felt the pulse at the base of her throat flutter and folded her hands in her lap. Annoyingly, her palms were moist. Good grief, she’d just seen the man. But, she realized, her palms had been moist then, too. All her senses had returned to normal; now everything was going haywire again. He was like radiation to her Geiger counter.
He glanced from her to his aunt and bowed slightly. “Good morning.”
“Nephew. Thank you for coming so quickly.”
“You said it was regarding the children. I just left them. I hope there is nothing amiss.”
“Do sit down.” She smiled serenely. “Hana and Nuri are absolute angels. And Crystal is wonderful with them.”
Crystal felt the sofa cushion dip from his weight. He sat so close beside her, she could lean slightly to her left and touch her lips to his cheek. The thought startled her. And it didn’t help when Fariq slid a look in her direction as if he’d read her mind. Heat crept up her neck and flared in her cheeks. Life in the palace was so much simpler when he traveled.
Finally the princess’ words of praise sank in, and she realized some kind of coherent reply was required, perhaps a thank-you for the compliment.
“Your Highness is very kind, but the children are just plain good kids. They’re a joy to care for.” Then a thought occurred to her. In Fariq’s absence, especially right after her arrival, Crystal had taken instruction in her duties from the princess. Was there a major problem with the children that she needed to speak to both of them about?
“Is there something regarding Hana and Nuri that I’m unaware of? I’m completely open to suggestion, Your Highness. I don’t mind. After all, you know them better than I. And they say it takes a village—”
She stopped babbling when Fariq reached over and touched a finger to her mouth, to silence her. The pulse in her throat, just calming down, jumped to life again and did a lively two-step.
He smiled at her. “Let us hear what my aunt has to say.”
“Okay.” She looked at the other woman. “Shoot. I mean, why did you send for me? Us,” she amended sliding Fariq a glance.
The princess folded her hands in her lap. “Crystal, do you know how to ride a horse?”
The question was completely unexpected. “I’ve ridden a couple times, but I wouldn’t say I possess any sort of proficiency. Is that a problem?”
The princess smiled with what looked like satisfaction. “Not at all. But I feel it is a skill you should master. For the children.”
It was something she’d always wanted to do. How convenient. When duty and dreams collided, life was good. She didn’t have a problem with that.
Beside her Fariq nodded thoughtfully. “I think I see what you mean, Aunt. And I agree. I will teach Crystal how to handle a horse. Personally.”
Crystal stared at him. She had a problem with that.
Chapter Four
Beneath a clear blue sky, Fariq stood outside the stable and savored the fresh air. The scents of sand and sea mixed with the perfume of blooming jasmine touched a wellspring of pride deep inside him. He’d missed home. An exhilarating ride was just the thing after a great deal of time away on business. Exercise would be beneficial to body, mind and spirit.
After leaving his aunt, Fariq had ordered Crystal to change her clothes and meet him here. He’d left instructions at the stable for the horses to be saddled and waiting, then he’d had his assistant cancel and reschedule his morning appointments. Between Farrah and his sister, the children would be looked after when they returned from their lessons, giving him the afternoon to tutor the nanny in the fine art of riding a horse. He found the idea amusing and more pleasant than he would have imagined.
A familiar tightening inside warned of forming an attachment to a woman. Then a vision of her large glasses and unflattering hairstyle made him laugh. There was no threat of anything deeper. She quite successfully met all the employment requirements. Suddenly, alarms went off inside him again and he understood why. He’d already given the woman more consequence than anyone he could recall in a very long time. Even when he’d been away, he’d looked forward to their nightly phone conversations regarding the children. He’d found her throaty voice alluring and a pleasant distraction from work.
And now that he was back home again, his interest in her had increased. Especially as he watched her walking toward him down the stone path from the palace. Against the salmon-colored stucco walls covered with jasmine vines and hot-pink bougainvillea, she cut an intriguing figure.
She wore a short-sleeved white blouse tucked into appealingly snug jeans. The legs he’d unwillingly wondered about beneath her ankle-length hems were now clearly defined in the worn denim. And the tempting curves of her hips, thighs and calves exceeded his expectations.
Beside him, one of the horses snorted and restlessly pawed the dirt with his hoof. Fariq reached over the fence and rubbed his nose. “Patience, my friend. Soon we will teach her everything she must know.”
That thought stirred his blood, and he wondered at the sensation. This was nothing more than his duty. Making certain she was competent on horseback was in the best interest of his children.
Her white tennis shoes stirred up dust as she stopped beside him. With a knuckle, she nudged her sunglasses up on her pert, freckle-splashed nose as she perused him.
“If I’d known we were going formal, I would have changed into my after-five jeans.”
He glanced down at his full-sleeved, white silk shirt and tan riding breeches, then back at her. “I will see to it that you are provided with appropriate attire.”
She gazed down. “What I’m wearing is inappropriate?”
Not as far as he was concerned. It was most becoming he decided, noting the way her small, firm breasts pushed against the cotton fabric of her blouse.
“As long as we stay within the confines of palace land it will do. If we stray further into the desert, it would be unwise not to have traditional garb. Today we will cover basics and will not go very far. As your skills improve and we venture from the grounds, security staff will accompany us.”
“Is that necessary?” Her smooth brow furrowed with concern.
“Merely a precaution for me as a member of the royal family. I will let no harm come to you.”
She didn’t look completely reassured. “About that traditional attire. How will I know what’s appropriate?”
He couldn’t see the expression in her eyes because of her dark lenses, but a pulse fluttered at the base of her throat. She caught her top lip between her teeth, and he noted that her mouth was most lush and tempting. Odd. He hadn’t noticed that before. Perhaps because her lack of cosmetics hadn’t drawn his attention. But the nervous gesture definitely captured his notice. He wondered whether it was his warning or his presence that had made her so.
“Do not worry. As your employer, it is my responsibility to furnish whatever you require to perform your duties.” He raised one eyebrow as he glanced at her feet. “Boots are essential.”
She glanced down at her feet and rocked back on the heels of her flimsy canvas shoes. “You’re the expert. But a very busy one. Surely there is someone else who could teach me. Not that I don’t appreciate your time, but is it really necessary for you to conduct this riding lesson?”
“I will do whatever possible to make certain my children are secure.”
“Whoa.” She held up her hands. “Back up a step. I was curious when Princess Farrah mentioned it, but you moved so fast I didn’t get a chance to ask. What does my competence on a horse have to do with the children?”
To Kiss a Sheik Page 5