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“It’s actually a good thing,” Damon replied. “It seems that word about our contract with Jewel Oil has spread, and late last night, I received calls from two other Arab nations that would like us to submit proposals for various marketing campaigns as well.” Damon was grinning from ear to ear as he finished speaking.
“Really? That’s great,” Shira exclaimed. This was what her bosses had been hoping for: international exposure and a client base around the world.
“Really!” Rick said. “Anyway, there are delegations flying in from those countries over the next several days, and the team is frantically pulling together presentations.”
Shira’s heart dropped as she quietly asked, “Does that mean you’d like me to stay as well?” She had been looking forward to seeing Kale again. She swallowed down her disappointment, not wanting her bosses to see how much she was hoping they still intended to send her.
“That sacrifice will not be necessary,” came a familiar voice from behind her.
Whirling around, Shira found herself looking up into the laughing brown eyes of Kale. “What are you doing here?” she asked, just before she found herself swept up in his muscular arms.
Hugging him close felt amazing, but at the same moment, she remembered her bosses were standing there watching. Luckily, he quickly set her back on her feet. “I am here to personally escort you to Jawhara.”
“But you said you needed to help your brother…” Shira’s voice tapered off. She had spoken to Kale almost daily since his premature departure several weeks ago. They had talked about almost everything, and she had grown attached to the man standing in front of her.
“Sheikh Kamal has everything well under control at this time. Besides, we are less than twenty-four hours away from Jawhara.” Turning to address her bosses, he shook their hands. “Gentlemen, thank you for everything. I will assist Miss Malone in getting her office set up and see that she has everything we discussed.”
Shira watched, confusion clouding her brain, as she listened to Kale and her bosses discuss her future. It didn’t sound like she was only going for a short visit!Looking at both Rick and Damon, she didn’t miss the glances they threw her way as Kale finished discussing their travel plans.
“Kale, what’s going on?”
“Come, Shira. The pilot is as anxious to begin our flight, as am I.”
“But my luggage…”
“Has already been taken care of. Ahmed was waiting for it and has already delivered it to the jet. Say goodbye.”
Shira turned to her bosses, not liking the knowing grins on their faces, and dutifully raised her hand in a wave. “Goodbye.”
“Have fun, Shira. Take a few days to get acclimated and then give us a call. Rick and I have some ideas about what types of information and footage will work best in the ads.” Damon gave her a brief hug but quickly removed his arms at the low growl coming from Kale.
Shira looked at him over her shoulder, startled by the fierce look on his face. When Rick pulled her to him for a brief hug in turn, she watched, amazed, as Kale’s eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched.
Before she could question him, he pulled her from Rick’s arms, wrapping one arm possessively around her waist and anchoring her to his side. “Gentlemen.”
Shira was still too surprised to say anything as Kale escorted her out of the terminal and into a town car, which carried them to the private aviation area of the airport. They walked together onto the tarmac to the private jet that was waiting to fly them to Jawhara. She should say something, but what? This was her dream job, and the man that she was incredibly attracted to appeared to be orchestrating her life for her, at least these next couple of weeks.
“Watch your step,” Kale told her as she began her ascent up the steep steps.
“Kale, I…” Shira began, stopping on the first step and turning to look at him.
Kale steadied her on the narrow step with his hands on her waist. “Don’t be concerned,habibti. Everything will work out just fine.” Using his hands to turn her back around, he gave her a gentle tap on her rear to get her moving again. “Up you go. Watch your head—I wouldn’t want you to injure yourself before we get airborne.”
2
SHIRA
Shira carefully stepped inside the private jet and gasped at the sheer elegance of the furnishings. Luxurious seating arrangements covered in butter-smooth leather awaited her, and thick, plush carpet begged her to remove her shoes and sink her toes into it.
A slender, elegant attendant stood toward the back of the main cabin, dressed in a navy blue uniform. Shira looked at her face, hoping for some sort of acknowledgment, slightly alarmed when the young woman ignored her presence, only coming to life when Kale entered the plane behind Shira.
“Good afternoon, Your Highness.”
Shira turned to Kale, a question on her face. “Your Highness? But I thought Kam…”
“All crown princes are referred to in this way. Kamal’s correct title is Your Majesty. I trust you can remember that?” Kale looked at her, and when she nodded, he smiled and gestured for her to take a seat.
Shira chose a seat near the window, watching with interest as Kale spoke to the attendant in Arabic before joining her. “Rihana will bring you some refreshments as soon as we are airborne.”
