Flight to Romance

by Tracy Sinclair

  Becoming increasingly impatient with the endless delays of arrival, his glance started to wander over the crowd. Suddenly he noticed her standing alone and their eyes met. Jennifer started to tremble. It was one thing to stare appreciatively at an idol. It was quite another thing to have it come to life and stare back at you!

  After a few low words, the men surrounding him moved aside, making a path for him to descend, and he walked slowly and deliberately toward Jennifer, whose heartbeat quickened. Nothing had prepared her for a man as devastating as this. What could she possibly say to him?

  When he reached her side, she had to tilt her head to look up at him and her tension increased. From a distance, she hadn't realized how tall he was, or just how devastatingly masculine. Seen at the top of the stairs, he was a remote godlike figure. But at close quarters, he was all too human. Broad shoulders tapered to slim hips, and as he towered over her Jennifer wondered irrationally what that firm mouth would feel like against her own.

  A quiver of emotion swept over her at the idea and was instantly replaced by shock. What on earth had gotten into her? She had met a lot of handsome men, but such a thought had never occurred to her before.

  Fortunately, he didn't know about her momentary aberration! Or did he? The expressionless black eyes that subjected her to a thorough inspection gave nothing away and she squirmed with embarrassment. Finally, he spoke.

  "You have come to meet me?" His voice was low and sensual, the English letter perfect but with a musical foreign accent.

  Jennifer nodded her head dumbly, incapable of speech. Part of her mind registered the fact that his navy sport coat was undoubtedly cashmere and the creamy shirt he wore with it the finest silk. She was staring with bemused fascination at the matching ascot knotted carelessly around his bronze throat when he spoke again, this time with a touch of impatience.

  "Do you have a car? I would appreciate going to the hotel now. We have had a long journey."

  Jennifer turned hot and cold all over. She was behaving like an idiot, and if Mr. Graystock ever found out, he wouldn't just fire her, he would skin her alive. "Oh, I'm… I'm terribly sorry. The car is right over there." She gestured toward it. "Won't you get in? And… and… I mean, if there is anyplace special you want to go, well… I mean, I'm here to do anything you want." Good heavens, what a dumb greeting! That wasn't what she had rehearsed.

  An enigmatic look passed over his face, but he merely said, "The hotel will be fine for now."

  "Yes sir. You bet," she said inanely, and led the way to the waiting limousine.

  Amid a general flurry of activity, all of the party found places in the long line of cars drawn up for the purpose and Jennifer and her charge entered the lead car. But before the chauffeur closed the doors, one of the men from Kahira's party slipped into the front seat next to the driver.

  He was a veritable giant, as tall as Kahira but built like a wrestler. Huge biceps strained the material of his dark suit and Jennifer had the feeling that he was uncomfortable in Western attire. Thick eyebrows that almost met over black eyes opaque as marbles made his face look formidable, while an ugly scar curving from just above his left ear to the edge of his jaw added to the general feeling of menace.

  With some trepidation, Jennifer leaned forward to tell him that this car was reserved, but before she could explain, Kahira tapped her on the shoulder.

  "It is all right," he said. "Habeeb goes everywhere with me." He spoke a few unintelligible words to the man, who looked at her with no change of expression and nodded his head.

  Didn't he speak English? Jennifer shrugged. It was just as well—this way she needn't have any conversation with him, which was all to the good. He was scary-looking. She turned her attention to the man she had come to meet.

  "I should have introduced myself sooner, Mr. Kahira. My name is Jennifer Fairchild and I was sent by the Visitor's Bureau. We would like to welcome you to our city. I've been assigned to show you around San Francisco. Is there anything special you would like to see?"

  He smiled and the effect was devastating. Even white teeth showed in his tanned face and the intense dark eyes sparkled, making him seem infinitely more approachable. "I have never been fortunate enough to visit your lovely city before, but I have heard much about it. I wish to see it all before I leave."

  Jennifer felt slightly overwhelmed, but she answered gamely, "I am sure that can be arranged."

  "You will please tell me about the points of interest."

  Jennifer gulped. This was what she had been dreading. Why on earth hadn't she paid more attention to all those press releases giving facts and figures?

  "Well, San Francisco, like Rome, is built on many hills—some of them so steep that the sidewalks have steps for pedestrians. Otherwise, they might slide right down to the bottom." This was usually good for a smile, but when he merely regarded her with polite interest, she plunged on. "We're noted for our Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square, which used to be a chocolate factory. Also for Golden Gate Park, which covers many miles and houses live buffalos, museums, and an authentic Japanese tea garden, among other things."

  As the big car made its way toward the city, she dredged up all the information she could think of but with growing apprehension. For some time her illustrious guest had not really been paying attention to the travelogue and Jennifer was terribly afraid that she was boring him.

  He had become increasingly withdrawn and now, turning a penetrating gaze on her, he asked suddenly, "Are you paid to do this?"

  For a moment she was nonplussed—what a strange thing to ask! Why on earth would he want to know that? "Well, yes, it's part of my job," she answered. This was no time to worry about a small lie and actually it really was her job tonight. "The Bureau always provides an escort for VIPs, which means Very Important Persons, as you know. I'm here to see that your visit gets off to a pleasurable start."

  His mouth curved in a cynical smile. "I believe I understand. It seems to be a universal custom, but I wanted to be sure."

  He looked at her appraisingly and Jennifer felt distinctly uncomfortable. It was a decidedly male look that lingered overly long on the soft curves displayed by her plunging neckline, imperfectly covered by the wool coat, which had fallen open.

  She resisted the urge to pull it together, assuring herself that she was being ridiculous. He certainly couldn't be interested in her and they were well chaperoned by the chauffeur and that thug, Habeeb, although he was small comfort.

  To cover her nervousness, she said, "After you're settled in the hotel, would you care to see something of our city?"

  His eyes bored into hers. "Is that the custom?"

  "Well, most people want to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Chinatown. They're quite famous. But if you're too tired…" Her voice trailed off. Would Mr. Graystock blame her if he refused to go sight-seeing?

  "No, that would be fine. I will refresh myself and then we will go to see your bridge."

  "I think you will find it quite beautiful," she said, "but perhaps you would like to have something to eat first?"

  "An adequate meal was served on the airplane. We will go first to see the city and then you will come back to my apartments and I will order a late supper."

  Before she could answer, they pulled up in front of the hotel, and once more bedlam reigned. Twenty-two people and what looked like a mountain of luggage can create a traffic problem in the most well-regulated hotel.

  Jennifer stood prudently on the fringes while scores of bellmen and all the hotel's top brass catered to the illustrious party. Curious tourists gaped while suitcases were loaded on carts and the necessary amount of elevators were commandeered to lift the newcomers directly to their floors with no stops in between.

  Kahira looked around, annoyed by even the slight delay, and, spotting Jennifer standing unobtrusively by a giant marble pillar, beckoned impatiently. "Come, come!"

  "I'll wait down here for you," she said.

  He looked faintly surprised and s
tarted to say something, then changed his mind. After he disappeared into a waiting elevator, Jennifer sank down gratefully on a velvet banquette. She was overwhelmed by all the fuss and ceremony occasioned by this high-level visit and it was good to be alone for a few moments and collect her thoughts.

  This whole experience was mind boggling! The world of Kalim Al Kahira was completely outside her ken. What would it be like to be that rich, she wondered?— to be able to book a whole floor at the Mark Hopkins. It was hard even to imagine.

  She had been taken to dinner once at the Top of the Mark, the beautiful restaurant overlooking the whole city. It had been her birthday and a visiting uncle had splurged on a lovely and unexpected party for her.

  Jennifer would never forget that evening. All the tables had flowers adorning snowy tablecloths and a platoon of attentive waiters served delicacies and even a small birthday cake decorated with a sparkler. The fizzing sparks were reflected in the broad expanse of glass windows, rivaling for a brief moment the millions of lights glittering below.

  It was an unforgettable experience for her, but if you were a tycoon you just took that sort of thing for granted. Kalim Al Kahira could dine there every night if he liked. Wealthy people did what they wanted and didn't even think of the cost.

  She smoothed the skirt of the lovely yellow gown and thought, If I were that rich, I wouldn't have needed to wait till this dress was on sale. I could have ordered it in every color. But, on the other hand, did you appreciate things as much if you didn't have to work for them? Lost in the academic question of whether there were any benefits that accrued to the poor, Jennifer didn't realize that her charge was standing in front of her.

  Startled out of her reverie, she said, "Oh, Mr. Kahira, I didn't see you."

  "Suppose you call me Kalim," he said, a tiny smile touching the corners of his sculptured mouth. It changed his expression and in that moment Jennifer saw the charm that had devastated so many women. It wasn't his money or his power. Without a cent to his name, this man would have women besieging him.

  She looked into his dark eyes and her heart did a funny little flip. A couple of hours ago, she hadn't even known he existed, and soon he would be gone as suddenly as he had entered her life. But she had an uneasy feeling that he would leave his mark.

  "Shall we go?" he asked.

  The touch of his hand on her elbow was like an electric current running through her body, but she knew it was only caused by an attack of nerves. Rising to her feet, she followed him out to the waiting limousine.

  In the confines of the closed car Jennifer was more than ever aware of the sheer masculinity emanating from this man. His broad shoulders lounged casually against the plush upholstery and his long legs were stretched out comfortably, in direct contrast to her tense body perched primly on the edge of the seat.

  He was regarding her with a raised eyebrow, a definitely questioning look on his face, and her heart started to thud until she realized that he was only waiting for her to give the driver directions.

  Following her hasty instructions, the chauffeur wheeled the big car down California Street to Chinatown, a short block away.

  "I think it would be better if you sat back," Kalim told her, and she detected a glint of amusement in his eyes. "If the driver made a sudden stop, you might be injured."

  His words were polite but Jennifer knew that he was laughing at her. Did her insecurity show that much? She was grateful that they had such a short distance to travel.

  As soon as their limousine made a left turn into Chinatown, he turned his attention to the exotic sights, much to her relief. The brilliantly lit stores had Chinese characters written on the fascia boards and even the telephone booths had a Far East flavor. Each was a miniature pagoda painted in bright colors. The streets were thronged with Chinese and many of the older people wore the traditional garments of their native land.

  Suddenly Kalim leaned forward. "Stop here," he commanded. "We will walk for a time."

  He took her elbow in a firm grip, and while the long black car crawled along beside them through the narrow street, they strolled past shops exhibiting colorful silks, Oriental souvenirs, and strange, unidentifiable foods.

  Kalim paused in front of a shop that had a small abacus in the window, a wooden frame with little beads strung on wires. "Ah, I must have one of those. It is a Chinese adding machine. Amazing the way they use those to tote up sums. I have seen them do it."

  They entered the store like two ordinary tourists, and in addition to the abacus Kalim bought two beautifully dressed dolls with silken black hair and richly brocaded robes.

  "These will make nice gifts for certain ones at home," he said with satisfaction.

  Two dolls? Jennifer thought. Well, what did she expect? That was probably only the beginning. He undoubtedly had a whole list of girls to buy for. That's the way playboys live, she told herself. It certainly doesn't matter to me. He will be gone in a day or two and I'll never see him again, so what difference does it make? But the little nagging feeling of loss surprised her.

  Farther down the street they came to a lovely jewelry store and Kalim said, "This is what I have been looking for. Come, we shall go in."

  Obediently, she followed him inside. Kalim had good taste—this was no ordinary tourist shop. It was filled with precious and unusual items. Together they looked at strands of glowing jade—not only green, but lavender and black and even a deep shade of red.

  "Do you mean that all of these are jade?" Jennifer asked incredulously, feeling like a visitor in her own town. "I thought jade was always green."

  "Oh, no, miss." The old Chinese man behind the counter smiled and shook his head. The embroidered satin coat he wore was as colorful as the jewels he offered for sale and it was obvious that he had a special feeling for beauty. "There are many varieties. Even the greens are different in their own way. Here we have the lovely clear apple green." He handed her an exquisite bracelet. "And here is the glowing emerald and the deep leaf green." The glass counter soon became heaped with treasures as he withdrew them lovingly to show her.

  "This one matches your eyes," Kalim commented, indicating a ring. "Which one do you like?"

  "They're all so heavenly it would be hard to choose," Jennifer said, "but I think I like this one the best. Isn't it gorgeous?" She pointed to a delicate lavender pendant, not the most lavish but intricately carved and hanging from a thin gold chain.

  Kalim clasped it around her neck and Jennifer's spine tingled at the touch of his long fingers on her bare skin. He stood back, regarding her with satisfaction, and she felt herself flush as his dark eyes swept down the deep neckline of her dress.

  "We will take it," he told the old Chinese man.

  "Oh, but I think you should make your own choice," Jennifer protested. "You know better than I what she would like. The person you're giving it to, I mean," she explained, suddenly uncomfortable. It was one thing to know he was buying for a whole flock of playmates. It was another thing to put it into words.

  "You said it pleased you."

  "Well, yes, I like it, but…"

  "Then that is all that matters. It is for you."

  "For me?" She was aghast! Good grief, he didn't think she was hinting did he? "Oh, no, I couldn't possibly take it, Mr. Kahira."

  "Kalim, remember? And of course you can take it."

  "No, it's completely out of the question," she assured him.

  His brows drew together. "It is my gift to you. You would insult me by refusing." And indeed, he did seem insulted. His mouth was a straight line in his arrogant face. "It is the custom of my country. We are used to paying for what we receive."

  Jennifer wished he hadn't put it in quite that way, but she realized that, although he spoke perfect English, there were limits to his understanding of the nuances of a foreign language. Foreign to him, anyway. Also, it made her quite nervous when he became imperious.

  There was something very chilling about those narrowed eyes and Jennifer was reminded
of the tremendous power he must wield in his own country. The male-female relationship was different there, too. Eastern women weren't as outspoken as American girls. In spite of the strides they'd made, it was doubtful if they ever said an outright no to anything.

  "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to appear ungracious," she apologized. "It's just that it's such a magnificent gift that I'm quite overwhelmed."

  There didn't seem to be any graceful way to refuse, although Jennifer couldn't help wondering what Mr. Graystock would say if he knew.

  "It's… it's very lovely. Thank you so much," she said, fingering the pendant nervously. He appeared mollified, so she quickly added, "And now perhaps you'd like to get back in the car and we'll do a little tour of the city." Best to get him away from the shops speedily!

  As they drove around, Jennifer pointed out the various points of interest, but Kalim paid scant attention. Sight-seeing was relegated to the background and he now seemed much more interested in her. His dark eyes held banked fires as they took in every curve of her body, and Jennifer's nerves tensed, although he made no move toward her.

  "You are not married." It was more of a statement than a question. When she shook her head, he asked, "Do your parents know how you make your living?"

  "My father is dead and my mother is in a sanitarium in Colorado," she answered, "but yes, she knows I work for the Visitor's Bureau."

  He considered this with raised eyebrows. "Do you live alone?"

  "Yes, I have my own apartment. It's tiny, but you wouldn't believe the rents in this city!" As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Jennifer felt foolish. Why had she mentioned that? Kalim wouldn't have any conception of what it was like to live on a budget!

  But he was nodding his head. "Ah… I understand. That is why you must provide your services—to exist."

  "Well, I wouldn't exactly… I mean…" Oh, dear, it was hopeless to explain that he was being quite insulting. She sighed and said, "I have to work for a living—let's put it that way."