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At least she had one vote of confidence.
Toni launched into her memorized speech, saying the right things at the right times and pointing to the appropriate graphs and charts when needed. If someone had asked her later what she remembered about the event, she couldn’t have told them a thing. She usually prided herself on living in the moment and taking everything in, but today… Well, today she felt lucky to remember her own name, let alone those of the dignitaries staring back at her with unreadable expressions.
Though she couldn’t remember the details, she was sure she’d hit all of her major project points and highlighted the ways in which her e-reader distribution would benefit the country of Jubail both educationally and economically. Since the goal was to increase investment in her program, she also highlighted her goals to carry the program into other regions and let the citizens of other nations experience similar benefits.
Job done. If not well, then at least competently and concisely. By the time she was finished, she felt hot and flustered and ready to collapse in a puddle of stressed-out goo. As if sensing her fatigue, Spencer moved in once more and whisked her down the red carpet to the limo. The press called out a barrage of questions, but she ignored them. A later presentation would be scheduled specifically for the media, so there was no harm in ignoring them now. They’d get their chance.
Once she was settled in the cool leather interior of the air-conditioned car, she took a deep breath and rubbed her throbbing temples. Perhaps it was the heat that made her feel lightheaded. Then again, maybe it was the man sitting beside her, a slow and devastatingly handsome grin spreading across his face. “You did fantastic out there,” he said. He unbuttoned his suit jacket and crossed his ankle over his knee, his green gaze narrowing as he looked at her, his expression growing more concerned. “You okay? You’re pretty pale.”
She nodded. “I think so. I’m probably just having an adrenaline crash. I was really stressed over that presentation.”
Her tone must’ve sounded less than confident, if his frown was any indication. “When did you last eat?” he asked.
“I nibbled a bit on the plane. Apart from that, before we left DC, I guess.” Toni gave a shaky shrug and stared out the tinted window at Jubail’s glittering capital city of Hasan in the distance, all sleek skyscrapers and luxury resorts. “The temperature is warmer than I expected for this time of year.”
“Yeah.” Spencer snorted. “I remember the first time I was here with my SEAL team, one of my buddies, Gage, got heat exhaustion. Of course, the jackass was trying to show us all how tough he was by hauling two armed torpedoes on his back at the time.”
Toni forced a smile, then rested her head back against the seat. “Must be a guy thing.”
“Not all guys feel the need to prove themselves.”
She peeked one eye open and quirked a brow at him. “Are you saying you’re not macho like that?”
“I’ve got nothing to prove.” He continued to watch her, his eyes narrowed.
“Hmm.” Toni closed her eyes again, hoping everything would stop spinning soon. “Thanks for all your hard work back there. I’ve never had an arrival go so smoothly. Makes the week ahead seem less daunting.”
“It’s my job.” The sounds of him shifting in his seat were followed by the quietwhirof the glass partition separating the back of the limo from the front descending. Spencer spoke to the driver in hushed Arabic, too soft and fast for her to catch what he said, though she wasn’t exactly concentrating either.
Soon, the limo slowed. Toni straightened and opened her eyes in time to see the left-side window whoosh down, revealing a drive-thru menu emblazoned with a familiar set of golden arches. Spencer grinned over at her and winked. “What do you want to eat? I’m starving.”
“Oh.” Her stomach growled loudly. “Um, I figured we’d get something once we got to the hotel.”
“We can eat dinner there later. But I can’t wait until then.” He cocked his head toward the open window. “Get whatever you want. My treat—I exchanged some currency before we left.”
She glanced at the menu. “I guess I’ll have a burger and fries. Ooh, and a milkshake, please. Vanilla.”
“Good choice.” He rattled off their order in Arabic, then pulled out his wallet as they approached the pay window. Hard to believe she’d traveled halfway around the world to eat American fast food, but Toni had to admit a taste of home was just what she needed right now, and his thoughtfulness was thoroughly charming.
Once they were back on the road again, she sipped her shake and smiled. “I figured a buff guy like you existed on power bars and protein shakes. You keep surprising me, Spencer Nixon.”
“As do you, Toni Williams,” he said, smiling back at her around a mouthful of fries. “As do you.”
They finished their impromptu meal just as they pulled up to the entrance of their swanky hotel. Toni stuffed her trash into her bag, then checked the front of her dress. Remarkably, she’d managed not to drip anything on the pristine white fabric. Spencer hadn’t been quite so fortunate. He cursed and wiped a glob of mustard from his tie. Too bad, she thought, since the color of the formerly flawless tie matched his eyes so perfectly, but maybe the hotel’s cleaners could remove the stain.
The driver came around and opened her door to help her out. She smoothed her hand down the front of her dress and stared up at the glass-and-steel architectural jewel where they’d be staying for the next week. Given her father’s wealth, she’d grown up used to luxury accommodations, but when she was traveling on her own or for business, she never would’ve chosen to stay someplace so extravagant. It sent the wrong message to donors if they thought she was wasting their money pampering herself. But in this case, Sheik Saaed was sponsoring her trip, and he was coowner of this resort. He’d insisted on putting her and her team—which simply meant her and Spencer; she wasn’t one to travel with an entourage—up for their entire stay in Jubail. To turn down his invitation would’ve been rude and self-defeating.
“Guess we’ll be toughing it out this week,” she murmured to Spencer, feeling far more lively now that she’d gotten some food.
“Damn,” Spencer said. “This place looks like it cost a million.”
“One billion, actually,” Toni replied, smiling. “At least that’s what my father’s paper reported.”
At the mention of her dad, Spencer’s appreciative expression went flat. He mumbled something under his breath, then went around the back of the limo to check on their luggage as a man dressed in a traditional Jubail white robe and head covering approached her and bowed respectfully. “Ms. Williams. Welcome to the Lotus. It is our supreme pleasure to have you as our guest. My name is Ayaan, and I will be escorting you to your accommodations and serving as your personal butler and concierge during your stay.”
“Thank you, Ayaan.” When Spencer rejoined her, she introduced him to Ayaan, and they followed the man into the lobby. Lush tropical plants and ornately gilded pillars filled the spacious area. Sunlight streamed through the towering skylights above, and the fragrance of flowers filled the air. Everything looked tranquil and serene and infinitely opulent. Near the center of the space was an enormous carved marble table with a huge display of birds-of-paradise, lilies, and cassis. Bypassing the registration area, they followed their guide to a bank of elevators on the far side of the atrium.
“Sheik Saaed has given you the use of the Palm Suite during your time with us. I hope you will find it satisfactory.” Ayaan held open the gold-plated elevator doors for her and Spencer, then stepped inside to slide a discreet black keycard into a small slot where the floor numbers would usually be.
