Sold To The Sheikh Bidder

As they were looking over the menus, the chef came out from the kitchen to chat with them. He talked with Jacqui and Khizar for a few minutes, and promised to make them an amazing meal.

After they ordered, Jacqui looked around at the restaurant. It was another place she could never afford on her own. She had to admit, it was nice to be treated to such amazing places.

She noticed Khizar studying people as they walked by, and she nudged his arm.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

“Ah, hazard of the trade. I can’t help but notice what jewelry people are wearing.”

“Do you see any of yours?” Jacqui was teasing, but Khizar swept the room with a serious, critical gaze.

His eyes landed on an older woman wearing a long cocktail dress and he nodded.

“See her necklace? I don’t know where the chain came from, but the pendant is one of my father’s designs. It’s a ruby and diamond set, probably from a Nudushani mine.”

Jacqui looked at him in amazement. “You can tell all of that from here?”

He shrugged. “All part of the trade.”

Jacqui tilted her head. “Can you recognize other brands of jewelry?”

“I can.” Khizar gave her a rakish grin. “Try me?”

“And how am I supposed to know if you’re right? You could be making things up.”

Khizar held his hand over his heart. “I never lie about jewelry.”

He sounded so serious, and looked so adorable, that Jacqui couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay. Wow me.”

And he did. Leaning into her side, Khizar whispered the names of the best jewelry houses in the world as he pointed out different pieces around the room. A couple of times, he raised his eyebrows or shook his head.

“What is it?” Jacqui asked.

“I hope she knows those aren’t real.” He pointed his chin at another woman across the room who was wearing a large diamond bracelet.

Jacqui tried to figure out what he was seeing. “They’re not?”

Khizar shook his head.

“It’s a very good reproduction made by someone who knew what they were doing. It’s possible that she had it made so that she wouldn’t risk something happening to the original piece.”

“That makes sense,” Jacqui said. She looked around the room. “What about those?”

She was looking at a lovely garnet necklace. Khizar whistled lowly.

“Good eye. That’s a rare piece, definitely an antique. Because it’s a green garnet, it’s more valuable. However, it’s the age and the setting that truly sets it off. If she has matching earrings, the whole set would be quite valuable.”

Jacqui watched him, amused by the change in his voice and manner, which was somewhere between professorial and ardent admiration. He leaned forward, focused and measured, but also eager. She was seeing another side of this mysterious man, and it was, Jacqui admitted, attractive.

“You want to go chat her up, don’t you?” Jacqui teased him.

“What? No.” Khizar turned back to her.

Jacqui grinned mischievously at him. “Okay, you want to go chat up her jewelry.”

Khizar laughed loudly, surprised. “I promise; I only have eyes for you.”

“It’s okay. I understand. I can share you with other women’s jewelry.”

Khizar laughed again and took her hand, caressing it lightly with his thumb.

“Another risk of the business. I’m always assessing the values of precious stones. But if I’m distracted by a lovely gem, it’s nothing compared to the distraction I feel in your presence. You overwhelm me.”

Jacqui blushed. She was saved from needing to respond by the arrival of their food.

After dinner and another short ride, they arrived at their next stop. Khizar helped Jacqui out of the car, then let her take in their new location.

They were standing in front of a large neoclassical building with a row of stately large columns running the length of the building. Marble steps led up to the entry, and well-dressed people were streaming in.

“We’re at the Arts Center,” Jacqui stated.

Khizar held out two tickets to her, and Jacqui read them. She looked up at him and smiled in delight.

“We’re going to see the ballet?”

“We are indeed.” He looked pleased at her excitement.

They walked into the building and found their seats close to the front, near the stage. Jacqui loved ballet—the music and the costumes inspired her. She sat rapt, soaking in the sounds and sights.

During the intermission, Khizar asked her if she wanted to go into the lobby.

Jacqui shook her head and opened her purse.

“I think I’ll sit here, but go on if you like.”

She pulled out a pen, and on the back of a blank page in her program, Jacqui began to sketch, not really paying attention to whether or not Khizar stayed.