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As they headed into town he glanced over to see Laurel with chin up and eyes closed, a blissful look on her face.
“My brothers and sister will be so jealous,” she said, as much to herself as to him. As they neared the center of the city Laurel looked at him. “Aren’t you worried about the people noticing you?”
“Some will but I have always come and gone among them so they are used to me.”
“Then why the bodyguards in America?”
Tariq shrugged. “It is not my idea. The King does not want to take any chances.”
He made a couple of turns and parked. “We will have to walk a couple of blocks from here.”
Laurel looked him up and down. “You wore jeans today. I hadn’t expected that.”
Smiling, he grabbed his cap out of the back seat and pulled it on. “And a baseball cap.”
“Mighty casual clothes for a prince.”
“Today I am not a prince. I am Tariq, showing his date around.”
“I thought we agreed we’re just friends.” She opened the car door.
“You do not think friends ever go on dates?”
“I guess some do.”
“Then that is us.” He went around the car and joined her on the sidewalk.
Laurel put on her hat and sunglasses. “You’re just going to leave your car here like this?”
“Yes.”
“We would never do that at home.”
Tariq took her hand. “Where could it go on this island that someone would not recognize it as mine?”
She pursed her lips for a second and bent her head to one side. “You have a point there.”
He grinned and led her down the sidewalk. “Come, let us see what we can find at the market.”
“I’ve heard talk about the market. It sounds like fun. I’d like to find some gifts to take home to my family.”
Tariq frowned at her talk of going “home” to America. At least she had not mentioned going to the lab again. “How is your family?”
“They’re fine. I’ve talked to one or another of them about every day I’ve been here. They miss me, knowing I am not close.” She sounded wistful.
“Maybe they can come for a visit soon.” He desperately wanted to hear happiness in her voice. “You have told them of our marriage?”
“No. My family doesn’t travel in the same circle as yours. I just hope they don’t hear about it before it’s over.”
Over. Tariq did not like the sound of that. “You are that eager to be done with me after only a week of bliss? I must do a better job of being a husband.” He pulled her to him and gave her a swift kiss on the lips before releasing her. Before she could say anything he took her hand and led her down the street.
They reached the market area with all its bright-colored awnings, tents and bustling people.
Laurel looked at him with wide, eager eyes just as he had hoped. “This is wonderful.”
“I thought you might enjoy it. As boys, my brothers and I would sneak off and come here. Our parents always knew where to find us.”
“You miss your brother, don’t you?”
She was watching him too closely. Tariq had to look away. “Every day.”
“I’m sorry.” She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, reminding him they were still holding hands. “Did your parents worry about your brothers all the time?”
“To an extent, but they mostly let us be boys. My father’s mother was so overprotective that my father refused to be the same. My mother had a more difficult time. I saw her crying more than once.”
“And you?”
Why did Laurel have such insight where he was concerned? This was a subject he did not discuss. “I watched over them both. Enough of that. We have gifts to look for. You lead and I will follow.” He did not have to tell her twice. She headed for the nearest stall.
* * *
Over the next hour Tariq watched Laurel move along the line of booths. Mostly he stayed nearby while she haggled with the sellers. Every once in a while she would look over her shoulder with a quizzical look on her face. He would step in to translate.
A couple of times the merchant recognized him and wanted to give Laurel the item, but she would insist on paying. He was stopped often by people he knew well. After a brief exchange, he would quickly excuse himself. This was Laurel’s day and he intended to concentrate on her.
They strolled by a stall with beach paraphernalia. He caught Laurel’s hand when she was about to go in a different direction. “We need to look here.”
“Why?”
“I wish to buy you something.” He led her over to the rack of bathing suits.
“You don’t need to do that.”
“I know, but I want to. Pick out one.” He looked at the hot pink bikini hanging on the side of the tent. That one he would like to see Laurel in.
“I will get one, but I’m buying it.” She looked through the rack, pushing suits around, and pulled out a black one-piece. Holding it up, she studied it one way and then the other.
Tariq took it from her and hung it back on the rack.
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“That is not the one for you.” Tariq gained the stallholder’s attention. “I would like to see that one.” He pointed to the one he had admired.
The man used a stick with a hook on the end to lift it down. He handed it to Tariq.
Laurel’s mouth opened as surprise then indignation came over her face. She shook her head. “I’m not getting that. It’s two pieces of string. It isn’t my style.”
Tariq grinned. “Maybe it is and you just do not know it. It would show off your beautiful figure.”
“I don’t have one.” She huffed.
He caught her hand and said for her ears only, “I have had a glimpse of a beautiful one when you’re not trying to hide it.”
Laurel glared. “Now you are making fun of me again.”
He gave her a direct look, capturing her absolute attention. “I would never make jokes about that subject. Get the bikini, Laurel.”
The moment hung between them. She broke it with a shake of her head. “And I would never have the nerve to wear it.” Turning on her heel, she walked off.
Tariq gave the man some bills and stuffed the suit in his pocket. It was worth the outrageous price because now that he had bought it, Laurel might be coaxed to try it on for him in private.
Laurel felt Tariq’s presence behind her before she saw him.
When he caught up with her he asked, “Would you like to stop at a café for a drink?”
“That’d be nice. I’ve gotten more exercise this week than I’ve had in a long time.”
They walked a few blocks then turned into an alley.
Tariq said, “This is my favorite place.”
There were bright strips of red, yellow, and orange cloth hanging from between two buildings, creating a shaded area. Small wooden tables and benches set beneath them. Large plant pots filled with foliage created a tranquil atmosphere. Laurel was thoroughly enchanted.
Tariq gestured as only a prince would toward the dining area. “Have a seat. I will get our drinks. Are you adventurous enough to try the specialty?”
She smiled. “Why not?”
He ducked as he entered the dark interior.
There were only a couple of other people there. While Tariq was gone she settled on a shaded table near the wall of the building where it was coolest. She would always remember Zentar’s heat when her funding came through and she left. And, of course, Tariq.
