Khizar helped her out of the carriage and they made themselves comfortable on the blanket while the carriage pulled away. Jacqui sat cross-legged while Khizar poured her a glass of the sparkling wine that sat in the ice bucket.
Small plates of delicacies were arranged in front of the picnic basket, and a tray held a large platter of fruit, cheese, and charcuterie, along with a basket of bread and crackers. There were olives and tiny pickles, an assortment of baby vegetables, and fancy deviled eggs with caviar. A mix of savory and sweet miniature tarts decorated another plate, and there were other little pastries and skewers of chicken with a peanut sauce.
“So, you’re feeding the whole park after we’re done?” Jacqui eyed the spread of food.
Khizar laughed. “Sure. Or at least our carriage driver and the string quartet.”
“Did you say string quartet?”
Instead of answering, Khizar pointed over her shoulder.
Jacqui turned and saw four people with instruments sitting in chairs between two of the trees. They were waiting on a cue, and it appeared as Khizar waved a hand. The lead violinist nodded his head, then soft music drifted over them and Jacqui dropped her chin to her chest.
“You got a string quartet to provide a picnic soundtrack?”
Khizar thought she sounded bemused, but delighted.
“You like it?” he asked.
“I love it. I’ve never had a picnic quite like this one.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
As they ate, they chatted idly about their favorite music and art. Khizar was surprised to find that they like many of the same composers and artists, though they had a spirited argument over modern art.
He normally didn’t talk art with his dates, not past using it as a means of impressing a woman, anyway. But Jacqui was different—she had strong opinions and she wasn’t afraid to disagree with him over the relative merits of what they each liked or didn’t. It was refreshing, and if he were being honest, incredibly attractive.
The afternoon passed quickly and the sun faded into a lovely pink-and-orange sunset. Khizar didn’t want the day to end, but he still had some finishing touches to put on his plan for the weekend. So, he summoned the carriage again, and he and Jacqui left the park.
Back at her apartment, Khizar walked Jacqui to her door. He thought once again that she wouldn’t mind if he kissed her, and once again, he deflected.
“Do you have plans this weekend?” he asked instead.
“Just work, but I’m free in the evenings.”
“Can I talk you into taking some time off? I’m not booked for any meetings for the next few days, and I’d hoped to see more of you before I have to fly home.”
She laid one hand on his arm.
“I’d like that. I’ll ask Lyssa if she can cover the bakery this weekend.”
Khizar smiled. “Good. I’ll stop by tomorrow and we can make plans.”
Jacqui waited a moment, and then said softly, “Good night, Khizar. Thank you for today.”
“Good night, Jacqui.” He waited until she was inside her apartment and heard the lock turn before he left.
Khizar saw that she had hoped he would kiss her goodnight, and part of him felt like a jerk for not kissing her. But he was determined not to get too involved. Losing his heart was not part of his plan.
As he drove back to his hotel, Khizar thought more about the long-term affect his strategy might have on Jacqui. He was beginning to like her, and he knew she would be hurt in the end. Although he was certain he could keep himself from getting in too deep, he wanted to try to protect her feelings as well, at least as much as he could.
Later that night as he finalized plans for the weekend, he considered what would make her happiest. He changed a few things, and satisfied with the itinerary, went to sleep thinking of how this weekend would seal his plan.
Chapter 6
Jacqui
Jacqui opened the bakery Friday morning with a spring in her step, and Lyssa noticed the second she walked in the door later that morning.
“You’re awfully chipper again today. How was your afternoon with Sheikh Tall, Dark, and Handsome?”
Jacqui rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help smiling as she remembered.
“He took me on a carriage ride through the park, and we had a picnic. And…he hired a string quartet to play during the picnic.”
Lyssa stared at her, bug-eyed. “He did what?”
“I know, right? It was definitely a little over the top.”
“And you loved it.”
Jacqui nodded firmly. “I totally loved it.”
“So, what’s on your weekend agenda? Please tell me he’s taking you someplace fabulous.”
“Actually, I was going to ask you about that.”