Lauren wrinkled her nose in a way that Hakim found adorable and said, “You know, this is actually the first time I’ve traveled outside the United States. I’ve visited New York and Chicago, all over the West Coast, and even Miami. But this is my first trip overseas.”
Hakim was surprised, until he considered that Lauren had been driven to work so much that she probably hadn’t had time to travel much. He wished he could show her the world.
“In that case, I will make sure you have the best first trip abroad possible.”
Her smile was all the answer he needed.
As they ate, Lauren peppered him with questions about Al Asaab. And over dessert, Adir joined them at the table to tell Lauren stories about Hakim. She laughed, and as Hakim watched her, he realized just how happy he was to have her here in his home city.
There was more than a spark between them, and the fact that he was so happy right then was a sign that he really did want a close relationship with the right woman. He thought Lauren might be the right woman, but that was an impossible dream. Her mother wouldn’t stand for it, and Patricia had the power to make both his and Lauren’s lives miserable.
He would enjoy the next two days with Lauren, and when her week with him was up, he would let her go, grateful that he got the short amount of time with her that he did.
Adir cleared his throat and Hakim looked over at Lauren. She was yawning, and she had turned so that she could lean against the back of the banquette. Her legs were tucked up in the booth, and her eyes were half-closed.
Hakim shook his head. The sight of Lauren falling asleep at the table was even more adorable than her wrinkled nose, but it was late and he needed to get her home. He quickly paid the bill and quietly thanked Adir. Lauren woke up just enough to smile and wave at the restaurant owner as she slid out of the booth.
She leaned against Hakim as they made their way downstairs and it was only because of Hakim’s arm around her that she made it to the car. The doorman opened the passenger door and Hakim carefully steered her into the seat.
Driving to his home, he thought about how tired she was, even though she’d slept almost the whole flight. He already knew how much she worked—he wondered if she ever took time off and decided the answer had to be no.
And then he felt the guilt of making her work twice as hard that week, both keeping her own company in order and in service to his goal of getting back at her mother. He was the reason she was exhausted.
Hakim tapped the steering wheel of the car as he glanced over at the beautiful woman sleeping beside him. Maybe it was time to end his rivalry with Patricia Sanders. It wasn’t doing anyone any good, and if it made Lauren’s life easier, it would be worth it.
He parked the car in his garage and felt a sense of peace come over him as he arrived at his Al Asaab home. As he carefully lifted Lauren out of the car, cradling her in his arms, he was aware of how irrevocably right it felt to have her there. He wanted this with her, for good.
Chapter 12
Lauren
Lauren woke slowly to sunlight flooding an unfamiliar bedroom. The walls were a pretty pale blue and soft white curtains framed the window. A darker blue comforter covered her, and the bed was sinfully comfortable.
It took her a full minute to remember the events of the last twenty-four hours: Hakim insisting on her accompanying him to Al Asaab, the long flight, and their dinner after landing. Lauren felt truly rested for the first time in a long time, but she wasn’t clear on exactly where she was.
She got out of bed and found cozy slippers and a dark purple robe waiting for her on a chair near the bed. Her suitcase was in the corner, waiting to be opened.
Lauren carefully stepped out into the hall and looked around. She realized that she was in Hakim’s other home; she could hear him talking on the phone somewhere down the hall.
She stepped back into the bedroom and picked up her suitcase. She carried it into the giant bathroom to get ready for the day. After quickly showering and drying her hair, Lauren made her way through the house. She followed Hakim’s voice, finally finding him in the kitchen.
He said goodbye to whoever he was talking with and set the phone on the counter.
“Lauren! Did you sleep well?”
“I did, thank you. I’m not entirely sure how I got to bed, though.” She bit her lower lip and asked, “Did you put me to bed last night?”
Hakim gave her a sly look. “Well, you fell asleep in your dessert, so I didn’t have much choice.”
Lauren could feel her face turning red. “I’m so sorry. I really didn’t mean to do that.”
He waved a hand at her. “No, please, don’t worry about it. Jet lag is no fun, and you were tired. It’s perfectly fine. I didn’t mind at all.”