This time he didn’t falter in his answer, “You Anna. I could lie and tell you this was a happy accident. It is anything but. I’ve been waiting for the right time, trying to bide my time,” he grimaced and scowled down at the sidewalk, “Anna, I could not wait another second. I need you in my life.”
My mom’s words flooded into my mind, “If you ever get the chance to be with him, don’t hesitate, don’t second guess. Don’t think Anna, follow your heart. Follow your heart and be with him.”
That was the second time Omar had used the word, need. As in he needed me. I blinked and my eyes filled with tears, “I’ve never needed anyone.” I said and the words got caught in my throat. Omar misunderstood and his face fell. I quickly put my hand into his, “No, don’t misunderstand Omar. I never did before—before you.” He lifted his head and I saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes. I wrinkled in the side of my mouth and my cheeks burned, “I need you too Omar.”
He moved so quickly it startled me as his hands went to my face, holding my head steady as his mouth dove to mine. His lips bruised mine with his urgency and I did my best to respond to his passionate overflow. Between fervent kisses he said words of love, “You –Anna –My heart is renewed. Anna –I need you with me.”
“Me too Omar, yes, yes, need you.” I kissed him back and gripped at his suit jacket, dragging my upper body up against his chest and clinging to him. “My heart was broken.” I stammered.
He pulled back and continued to hold my face as his liquid golden eyes burned mine. “Forgive me for waiting?” My chin quivered in memory of how long it took me to come out of the depression. I nodded but said nothing. “I thought –I wanted to give you space. I was certain you would want nothing to do with me.”
He chuckled at my look of shock. “What are you talking about? It was me, it was my fault; I deserved to be deserted. I’d given up all hope of ever feeling what I felt for you—what I feel for you now!” A lone tear slide down my cheek and Omar swiped it away with his thumb. I muttered, “I am so sorry Omar.”
He shook his head, “You will never apologize again, I’ve told you my feelings on the subject and I will now consider what happened as my payment to have found you. Never again Anna, is that understood?”
“Okay.”
He lifted the left side of his face in his trademark lazy smile, “Excellent. Now, you will stay with me this night! I have a penthouse on the beach; we will dine and then we will reunite our bodies.”
I giggled, “There you are. The King who doesn’t ask.” He chuckled too, and I added, “When I first saw you, or rather, when you were first brought to my notice; inside my head I called you, the sheik not dressed in sheets.”
We both laughed and then he kissed me fiercely yet again.
CHAPTER THREE
Anna: He is here!
Julie: HIM? Your HIM?
Anna: YES! OMG
Julie: What U gonna do?
Anna: Try and not pass out again.
Julie: LMAO. Seriously?
Anna: Dinner with him. Gonna Stay the night. See you tomorrow maybe?
Julie: Have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t.
Anna: Is there something you wouldn’t do?
Julie: Not that I’m aware of. Love you girl!
Anna: LY2!
Omar walked with me back to our room and I gathered a few things, including my one good little black dress. He hovered near the door, awkwardly waiting for me as I stressed about everything and nothing. “I’m sorry my room is such a mess. I can’t believe you’re here. What should I wear?”
He chuckled and came to me, insisting I sit on the end of the bed. He went to his knees and rested his big hands on the tops of my thighs. “Anna, cease this anxiety. Why don’t you let my men gather your belongings and you join me now? Why must we insist on the charade that we will again part company?”
“But, but,” I stammered through trying to process his words. “I have to return to my life?” After the words left my mouth, I realized I’d asked a question, and there was nothing final in that statement. I mumbled, “Don’t I?”
His tone was dominant and certain, “No. Never.”
“Can I do that?” I asked hesitantly.
“Of course you can. I intend to marry you Anna. I intend on making you my Queen. Join me now Anna. Become part of me now. Why are we stalling? What is holding you back?”