The Sheikh’s Sham Engagement (The Safar Sheikhs 3)

Calla laughed. “He’s getting better though. Bit by bit.”

“That’s good.” Willow fingered the tassel of a nearby pillow. “I just don’t think it means I have to marry him. I hate that I don’t have a choice in this.”

“You do have a choice,” Calla insisted. “I’ll admit, I’d love to see you two marry and live happily ever after. But if it’s too painful…then the right path will unfold on its own.”

“Right. The complete delay of the school and possibly losing my job.” Willow frowned. “I thought I had planned everything out so well, and look at it now.”

“Well, sometimes we can’t plan everything out down to the last detail,” Calla said, patting Willow’s wrist. She already felt like an old friend, despite the fact that they’d met a half hour ago. “And you will make the best decision for the situation.”

“This isn’t a decision. This is an ultimatum.”

“But you have the power to define it. To decide whether you’re the victim or the problem solver.” Calla grinned, sipping at her tea again. “Which one are you?”

Willow sighed, knowing exactly what Calla was getting at. She liked her new friend. Even if she led her by the hand to the last thing she wanted to go through with. “Problem solver.”

Calla nodded sagely. “Exactly. And I think you know how to solve this problem.”

The word “sex” flashed through Willow’s mind, and she swore to herself. That was not the answer to this problem, but it wasn’t exactly unhelpful either. Calla didn’t need to know that, though. “Marriage” was the correct answer to this stupid predicament, and Willow was beginning to see how easily it would solve everything.

“And just let me know if you need any fashion inspiration for things like a wedding dress,” Calla said, that knowing smile back on her face. “I can help you with anything you’d like.”

Willow ran a finger along the rim of her mug, toying with the idea for a little bit before speaking. “So, I guess this means you might be my sister-in-law soon, huh?”

Calla winked. “I can’t wait to have you join the family.”

7

Nasser surveyed the school construction site with new eyes. Everything seemed to gleam, as if the work in progress had been coated with optimism. As though such a thing were possible.

“Why are you humming so much today?” Willow sent him a suspicious smile. He hadn’t even realized he’d been humming at all. He stopped it immediately, shrugging.

“No reason.” There was a reason, though. One he didn’t want to dwell on.

“You’re excited to get married, aren’t you?”

The way his belly tightened at her words signaled the truth of her jab. And it was true. Ever since she’d come to him earlier that week and said she would marry him to get the visa, something had clicked into place between them. There had been a certain tension underlying everything before. But now? Everything felt slippery smooth and natural.

And now that they were back at the construction site, Nasser felt ready for a little extra.

“I wouldn’t say excited,” he said. “Just glad we found a workaround for the visa.”

Willow had a look on her face that said she didn’t entirely believe him. “Mm hmm. I’m sure the engagement party this weekend doesn’t excite you either, right?”

Ah, there it was again. The tug on his chest. It was true that he’d often fantasized about going through the traditional proceedings with Willow at his side. Beginning the journey of husband and wife with his Willow.

“I’m showing up for the food,” Nasser said, but he couldn’t help but send a wink her way. “That’s it.”

“Right.” Willow tapped at her clipboard, a pretty smile lingering on her face as she assessed the foyer of the school. “Well, I think I’ve got things under control here. You don’t have to stay.”

They had done another walk-through of the site. The workers were done for the day. But Nasser wasn’t ready to leave. “Are you sure? It seems weird that you’re going to stay out here, all alone.”

“Well, I know where to find the campsite of forty able-bodied workmen if I need anything,” she teased. “I brought things to stay here in the school.” She paused, as if she wanted to add more, but instead said nothing and blushed.

“And how long will you stay out here?” Nasser asked, trying to keep his interest casual. He had nothing on the docket for the next few days. He wanted to lend a hand.

“Until the weekend. Then I’ll have a car pick me up, go back to my hotel, and get ready for our engagement party.”

Nasser grunted. “So you’re going to live out here, in an unfinished room, for three nights while you paint the walls?”