Page 18 of Bred By the Sheikh

“Will it improve before my flight home?”

I set my cup down harder than necessary.

“Yes, it will.”

She ate another bite.

“Your guest room is amazing, by the way.”

“I’m pleased you’re comfortable.”

“I think the bathtub is larger than my first apartment.”

“I doubt that.”

“You haven’t seen my first apartment.”

“That’s fair.”

Her blue eyes warmed.

I could have stayed at the table far longer than our schedule allowed.

Meals in my home were usually efficient unless I was entertaining. Even then, the structure was familiar. Business, family obligation, diplomatic courtesy, people waiting for the correct moment to speak.

Chrissy reached for another pastry.

I wanted to know which one she would choose.

Instead, I glanced at the time.

“We have the workshop in forty minutes.”

She sighed at the table.

“I knew there was a flaw in this arrangement.”

“You can continue eating while we work.”

Her face brightened.

“That is exactly the sort of guest-centered innovation I was talking about yesterday.”

***

The workshop began with yesterday’s criticism written across the central screen.

SHOW WHAT THE LUXURY DOES.

Chrissy read it.

“I was jet-lagged when I said that.”

“You’re withdrawing the recommendation?”

“No, I’m not.”

She opened her notebook.