Page 137 of Bred By the Sheikh

“That’s growth.”

“It really is.”

We talked for another minute before they left.

Across the lobby, Tariq was surrounded by several people in eveningwear. He met my eyes over one man’s shoulder.

He didn’t come rescue me.

He didn’t need to.

I walked toward the quieter side of the event instead, checking the crowd flow as I went.

The lounge Elias had called about was visible down the corridor.

People sat in small groups with drinks, talking without having to shout over music. A server passed between them with a tray.

I caught Elias near the entrance.

“Keep it exactly like this. I think we got this one right.”

“We’ll keep it running through midnight.”

“Then I’m officially off duty for the year.”

“Happy New Year, Chrissy. Go enjoy it.”

“I intend to. Happy New Year, Elias.”

I turned.

Tariq was walking toward me.

People flowed around him without his needing to ask them to.

Marriage hadn’t made him less devastating in black.

He came close enough that his fingers brushed mine.

“Are you finished for the night?”

“Yes, and technically, I’m done for the entire year.”

“That sounds dangerously ambitious.”

“There are only about twenty minutes left. I think I can maintain the boundary.”

“I have confidence in you.”

“That means a great deal.”

He glanced briefly at the curve of my stomach.

Then he bent his head closer to mine.

“Come upstairs with me.”

“That invitation sounds suspicious when your wife already lives upstairs.”