Strolling side-by-side down the busy sidewalk, the scorching sun feels weak compared to the heat flooding through me.
‘We’re not seriously going back in there after lunch, are we?’ His eyes home in on mine.
‘I agreed to swim with you tonight, not skive off for the afternoon. What kind of example would that set for my staff? We have a lot of work to get through. Business before pleasure, always.’ It’s one of the few mottos I live by.
‘Huh. Normally, I’d feel exactly the same, but the way I see it, you’ve got this entire tour completely under control.’
‘That’s exactly the way I like it.’
‘Seems like we have more in common than we originally thought.’
I look at him to see if he’s winding me up again, but for once his features fan into a serious expression. A troubled flicker creases his brow before he catches himself.
I steer him into The Marriot. Gi Gi’s, one of three restaurants in the hotel, boasts the best seafood on the marina.
In the doorway, his mouth drops to my ear. ‘I’m taking control tonight though, and if you run away from me again, rest assured, this time, Iwillrun after you.’
The air-con is useless. His eyes hold mine as they set me on fire.
‘A table for two?’ A South African waitress greets us.
She’s stunning. Blonde, tall and a few years younger than me. Ethan, my ex, would have been all over her like prickly heat. Unbelievably, Jayden doesn’t seem to notice. His palm settles on the base of my spine as we follow her across the room to a window seat with panoramic views of the marina. Bright blue skies loom overhead while the still navy water mirrors the adjacent granite-coloured skyscrapers.
I slip my heels off beneath the table and order a bottle of chilled house white. ‘What did you think of the proposal?’
‘I think it’s going to be mutually exhilarating.’ The smirk is back.
‘I meant the tour.’
His expression narrows thoughtfully. ‘I think you’ve nailed it. There’s only one suggestion I’d make. I notice you have Ahlam Alshamsi down for the Dubai date. Would you consider switching for Aurelia? I know she’s not technically native, but she’s been in the Middle East so long they’ve claimed her as their own. She’s a better match.’
My heart skips in my chest at the mention of my idol. Hard to believe anything could trump meeting her last night, but somehow Jayden’s touch obliterated everything else. ‘Do you think she’d do it?’
‘I know she would. I’m her agent, remember?’ He flashes his Hollywood smile.
‘That would be unbelievable.’
‘Also, I’m loving the Arabian Nights theme, but I think the genie might be a step too far. Tacky rather than trendy.’
‘Yeah, that was Ruby’s idea. She’s a six-year-old Disney fanatic trapped in the body of a twenty-six-year-old. I’ll make sure it’s cut.’ The waitress returns with two wine glasses. She uncorks the bottle and pours an inch into my glass to taste, but I wave her on.
If Jayden’s pissed neither of us thought to invite him to taste it, he doesn’t mention it. Maybe he’s not the alphahole I assumed. The jury’s still out.
‘The thousand diamonds representing glittering stars can stay, though. This country loves to promote its wealth.’ Jayden gestures round at the grandeur of the restaurant. Gi Gi’s might be my favourite, but the country’s full of amazing places to eat.
‘And the camels?’ I’m dubious about them.
‘Two, in a corner somewhere. They’re great for people flying in specifically for the tour. Not so interesting to the locals, I’m sure.’ He presses his wine glass against his lips and I squirm with envy.
‘Yes, sir.’ I offer him a military salute.
His irises darken two shades. ‘Finally, you’ve stopped questioning who’s in charge.’
‘Know that it physically pains me to admit this out loud, but it’s actually a relief to have someone with your experience to check in with. This tour is a big deal for all of us.’
He sets his glass down and knits his fingers together. ‘It will separate Liberty Events Management from its competitors. It’s an opportunity like no other.’
I take a sip of wine and my mind strays to my main competition in the Middle East.
