Sold To The Sheikh Bidder

Buying the diamond from her would make up for this early deception. He would make sure, one way or another, that she had everything she needed when he returned to his regular life.

Khizar looked at his plan from all angles. He didn’t want to risk caring about her too much. As lovely as Jacqui was, she wasn’t his reason for being here. He liked her enough to want her to succeed, and he would ensure that happened. He could play the interested suitor, show her a romantic time, but he wouldn’t run the risk of losing his heart.

This was the best plan. Before he knew it, he’d have Bill Bauer’s diamond, whatever he had to do to get it.

Chapter 4

Jacqui

All next morning, Jacqui couldn’t stop thinking about Khizar. She was so distracted, she left the sugar out of a batch of cookies and the baking powder out of a cake. Finally, after giving herself a stern talking-to, she finished the day’s baking with no more mishaps.

For heaven’s sake, it had just been a friendly dinner last night. The same would be true for lunch today. They’d got along well during their charitable outing, and since Khizar didn’t know anyone in the city, he was probably just a little lonely. Or, mostly, she guessed, he was just being nice.

True to his word, Khizar parked in front of the bakery at exactly two o’clock. Jacqui looked out the window, suddenly a little nervous. But when Khizar walked through the door and smiled at her, that nervousness disappeared.

Jacqui could feel Lyssa’s raised eyebrows from behind her. Lyssa had come in around 11, and Jacqui had welcomed the distraction. She’d shared the story of Khizar buying out the bakery and giving everything away, but she hadn’t mentioned that the mysterious sheikh was planning to come by the bakery again.

Jacqui greeted him, sounding jauntier than she felt.

“If you’re looking to buy us out again, I’m afraid it was a good day and we don’t have much left.”

Khizar laughed. “Well, then, my plan of lunching on cakes and cookies is a nonstarter. I guess we’ll have to go out somewhere.”

Lyssa stepped up next to Jacqui and bumped her arm. Jacqui tilted her head toward the younger woman.

“Khizar, this is Lyssa. She is my most indispensable employee.”

Lyssa snorted. “I’m her only employee.”

Khizar bowed a little in Lyssa’s direction.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Lyssa.”

“Likewise,” Lyssa said. “So, you’re taking my boss out for a lunch date?”

Jacqui started to explain, but Khizar just nodded.

“Excellent.” She pushed Jacqui around the counter. “Go. Enjoy lunch.”

Jacqui laughed. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

Lyssa tilted her head and thought about it.

“Yes. Without you here, I’m planning on using the next hour or so to start my plan for world domination through baked goods.”

Khizar raised a hand. “You have my support.”

“Thank you, Khizar.” Lyssa held her hand out for Jacqui’s apron. Jacqui shook her head, but untied her apron, slid it over her head, and handed it to Lyssa all the same.

Once in Khizar’s car, Jacqui asked, “So, what would you like to do for lunch?”

“I was thinking, if it’s okay with you, of eating down by the water.”

Jacqui nodded. “There are some great places there. Sounds good to me.”

“I asked around for a recommendation, and this seemed to be everyone’s favorite.”

“How’s your work going?”

“Fine. Boring meetings and too much talk about spreadsheets and financial statements.”

“Who are you meeting with? I would think talking about precious gems and jewelry would be fascinating.”

“Oh, it is. But it’s more the business side that I’m focusing on right now. I’m looking to expand our jewelry line here in the States.”

“You don’t sell here now?”

“In places like Los Angeles and Manhattan, yes. But I think it’s worth pursuing other market opportunities.”

The car stopped in front of a restaurant. Khizar parallel parked on the street and went around to open Jacqui’s door.

“This is a great place,” she said, stepping out onto the sidewalk. “I didn’t know it was open for lunch.”

Khizar led her up the sidewalk and to the front door. “It’s not, but I convinced them this was a special occasion.”

Jacqui’s head whipped around to stare at him just as a man opened the door and welcomed them.

“Sheikh Jamshidi, Ms. Bauer; right this way, please. We’re so happy to have you dine with us today.”

He directed them to a door leading out onto the restaurant deck, where a table had been set up with a perfect view of Lake Michigan.