Page 33 of Bred By the Sheikh

“You’re welcome.”

She smiled at me.

“Good night.”

“Good night, Chrissy.”

I listened to her footsteps disappear toward the guest wing.

Following her would have been easy.

Staying where I was took more effort.

Tomorrow, I wanted Chrissy to walk into a room because she wanted to be there.

I wanted her to call me Tariq again.

And when I kissed her next, I wanted another yes.

Chapter 3

I woke up with the memory of Tariq’s mouth on mine and immediately pulled a pillow over my face.

Excellent. Exactly what I needed before a full day of work with the man.

My phone glowed on the nightstand: 6:42 a.m. Amanda wanted an update before the morning rebrand session, which meant I needed to shower, get dressed, review yesterday’s notes, and somehow convince myself that kissing the client wasn’t the most important item on today’s agenda.

So far, I wasn’t having much luck.

I shoved the pillow aside and sat up.

The guest suite was quiet except for the soft rush of air-conditioning. Tariq hadn’t followed me last night. He hadn’t sent a message afterward or found some excuse to appear at my door.

He’d listened when I said the speed made me nervous.

Then, when I still chose to kiss him, he’d kissed me until I could barely remember my own name and stopped before either of us went farther than I was ready for.

Remembering that he’d stopped sent a low, traitorous warmth through me.

I swung my feet to the floor.

“Work,” I told myself.

That was a safe subject.

Campaign strategy didn’t have Tariq’s dark eyes, a deep voice, or a kiss that had nearly buckled my knees.

My phone started ringing.

Amanda’s name lit the screen.

I grabbed it.

“Good morning.”

“Please tell me you’re awake.”

“I’m awake.”