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“There’s a restaurant near here that my brothers and I used to love. Interested?”
“Something swanky, I’m sure,” she muttered, but she smiled at him, and he felt his heart skip a beat.
He helped her back over the rocks again and led her a few blocks up the beach before stopping in front of a small building with a single window.
“Is this it?” Maria asked with a laugh. “Boy, was I wrong.”
“Glad I could surprise you. As kids, my brothers and I were little hellions. My mother used to say that we weren’t fit for restaurants, but here we could eat good food and still run along the beach and make trouble.”
“Is that you, Jarik?” an elderly man called. “Come here for your regular? Ah. Is that a lady with you?”
“Gordon!” Jarik reached through the window to give the old man a hug. Gordon had seemed ancient when Jarik was a kid, and he honestly couldn’t believe the man was still alive, let alone working. “This is my friend, Maria.”
“Maria. You are very beautiful. Please tell me that you are more than friends,” Gordon said with a wink. “If he will not claim you, I am single.”
“Oh, my,” Maria laughed. She leaned over as the old man kissed her on the cheek. “I am very fond of the view here.”
“The beach or Gordon?” Jarik asked, amused.
“Both.”
“She’s a keeper, Jarik! While you’re here, can you help me real quick? My assistant is off on an errand, and my back isn’t what it used to be.”
Jarik kissed the top of Maria’s head, almost absently, and went to help Gordon. The old man opened the door to the yellow shack and pointed to some boxes on the floor. “How can I help you?”
“They’re the bags of soda, and my cola is out.”
Jarik hauled the bag of syrup from the box and pushed it on the rack. As a teenager, he’d spent a few summers at the beach and helped Gordon out when the old man needed it. Screwing the line in place brought back fond memories. The carbonation machine made a few popping noises before the syrup started to flow through the line. “All set!”
“Good, good. Your lovely lady ordered, and I’ll have it ready in a few minutes. Now, go out and woo her.”
“Woo her? I thought she was going to be your girlfriend!” Jarik teased.
“I see the way you look at her, son, and it’d be suicidal for anyone to try to take her away from you. How long have you two been dating?”
“Dating?” Jarik shook his head. “I’ve only known her for a few days.”
“A few days?” Gordon frowned. “Be careful, Jarik. The hotter the flame, the worse the burn.”
“When have you ever known me to get burned?” Jarik asked with a wink. Hugging the old man, he went back out to join Maria. She was staring off at the shore. “Are you okay?”
“It really is beautiful here,” she murmured as she turned back to him. Nervously tucking her hair behind her ear, she cleared her throat. “I owe you an apology about earlier, Jarik. Usually I don’t stick around after sex, so I guess I’m not sure how to conduct myself.”
“Maria, you don’t have to apologize. The whole situation is strange, and we’re making the best of it.”
“Yeah, but I know that you’re in a hurry to get to your destination, even if you won’t tell me why.”
“I’m not keeping secrets from you, Maria.” Sighing, he stared out at the water before replying. “There are things I’d rather not discuss until I have more information. I hope that you will understand.”
She paled slightly. “Jarik, are you in danger?”
“No. At least nothing more than usual.” At her look of concern, he attempted a smile. “I’m the second son of the Crowned Sheikh of al-Harmid. There’s always potential for trouble,” he answered. “But I’m not about to take any chances with you around. Once I finish in Lebanon, I’ll tell you everything. Now. Let’s talk about the terms of my donation.”
Gordon whistled and set their baskets of food on the counter by the window. Jarik grabbed them and sat at the table. Despite the warm weather, there were no other customers, so he felt comfortable talking freely with her.
Surprisingly, Maria didn’t switch into business mode. She touched him frequently, smiled often, and didn’t shy away when he flirted.
Remarkably, she didn’t flinch when they talked about money. For the first time ever, he felt like she was finally comfortable with him.
