Kai shivers as he swipes a hand through his hair, ridding it of the remaining droplets of rain. He can’t be comfortable in his damp shirt and I can’t help but wonder why he went to the trouble, though I refrain from asking if he’d like to take it off because, you know, common decency. That and where a topless Kai would lead. Anyway, left up to me, we’d be coffee-less and beginning this conversation somewhere else.
‘You know, whatever their faults, it’s clear your parents have done what they thought best for you.’
‘In their own, misguided way,’ I mumble in return.
‘Pardon?’
For a moment, the rain beats down furiously on the roof and I have to repeat myself, voice louder against the noise.
‘I said misguided.’ I end up almost shouting the last word, repeating it more quietly as the rain and noise drops away. We laugh, each taking a sip of our scalding-hot drinks. ‘Exactly what point are you trying to make?’
‘I haven’texactlygot a point. I just thought we might talk—about marriage, being in a place we can’t...’
‘Get distracted?’ I supply, hiding my smile behind my paper cup, dead-set burning my tongue again.
‘Exactly.’ A half smile plays across his mouth, the kind that says so much without his lips actually moving.I know exactly what you’re thinking about. I know what smutty thoughts are playing through your head. But that’s okay, because by the way his eyes flick over me almost acquisitively, they’re obviously playing through his, too. ‘It has been a while.’ His voice is gravelly, lower. Heavy still with those unspoken things.
‘Hours, at least.’
‘Well?’ My voice comes out all low and husky and I find myself running my finger around the lid of the cup.I so suck at seduction.
‘I have to be back in Dubai in a few days.’
‘Oh.’ Fuck.Notwhere I thought this conversation was going.
‘And the half term is over around then, too.’
Shit, so it is.
‘To be honest, I hadn’t really considered going back.’
‘Kate, I can’t stay in Australia,’ he adds quickly. ‘My job—my life—is in Dubai. I thought yours was going to be—’
‘I didn’t meanthat. Look, I left to get away from all the... well, you know.’ I shrug uncomfortably, neither wanting nor needing to elaborate further as he nods in a gesture of his understanding. ‘And since you arrived, I’ve just sort of been wrapped up in that. Wrapped up in you. I just haven’t thought about going back. At all.’
‘But you understand I—wecan’t live here. Marrying me means committing to beingthere.Fuck, I’m asking you to give up your life here, aren’t I?’ He rubs his cheek quite suddenly, the soft stubble rasping against his palm. ‘I hadn’t thought—I only thought about whatIwanted, not considering—’
‘I want you,’ I answer simply. ‘I’m prepared to be where you are and I understand that means Dubai. And it’s not like I can’t visit home ever, does it?’
‘Home,’ he repeats with a developing frown. ‘It’s suddenly occurring to me how much I’m asking you to give up. I feel like the biggest bastard, especially with what I’m about to say.’
‘Which is?’
‘We aren’t going to be able to arrange a wedding ceremony while we’re here.’
‘We can come back, can’t we? Or go on holiday and get hitched,’ I add a little more excitedly, suddenly warming to my theme: a different kind of white wedding—me in a gauzy sundress worn loosely over a white bikini, hair braided with tiny flowers to match my frangipani bouquet. Kai in linen pants, his white shirt billowing in the warm, tropical breeze.
From my tropical paradise, I become aware Kai has spoken. I’m once more slow to catch on. ‘What was that?’
‘I said we must be married before we return.’
‘But you just heard—Mum said we can’t...’
‘Think, Kate.’ He looks searchingly into my eyes, his gaze almost willing me to understand.
‘Days? Mum said we’d have to wait a month,’ I add seriously, a sudden thought floating free. ‘The authorities here won’t be swayed by a bit of influence. Or cash.’
‘What I’m about to say isn’t a perfect solution, but I hope it’s something you’ll consider.’ He inhales deeply, reaching over the centre console and placing my cup in the holder, before taking both my hands. ‘What you saw in the hotel was orchestrated. We can both agree?’ I nod, my stomach twisting nervously at the reminder, anxiously awaiting what he’s trying to say. ‘I don’t know exactly who is responsible, but I’m loath to admit Faris may well be responsible.’ His hands tighten, sympathy flashing across his face before his expression firms again. ‘I need there to be no ambiguity upon our return. I need us to be married, for there to be no further obstacles available. To anyone.’
