Page 10 of The Sheik's Kiss

“Ms. Sullivan,” he said, watching her carefully. He immediately noticed the blush that stole up her cheeks. “It’s a pleasure to have you on my team.”

“Thank you for the honor, Your Highness,” she replied. Then he watched as she leaned forward. “Am I supposed to curtsy?” she whispered, glancing self-consciously over at the press who were literally climbing over each other to get a better picture of them.

He laughed softly, not bothering to glance towards the mass of reporters. “Citizens from other countries should never bow to a sovereign, regardless of rank.” He offered his arm. “However, I would be honored to walk you to the plane, if that doesn’t insult your independence.”

Her sweet, uninhibited smile sent a bolt of lust through him. “I would truly enjoy the honor of walking up the stairs with you.” And she delicately placed her fingers on his arm. Mandy shifted slightly, glancing self-consciously over her shoulder at the throng of reporters. “I’m guessing that those journalists will assume that I’m one of your future candidates and it amuses me to let them think that you would consider me to be one of them.” She laughed softly and he enjoyed the sound.

Little did she know, she was at the top of his list! She was so damn refreshing!

“You’re probably right, but how about if we ignore them and just do what we want?”

She grimaced, then realized what she’d done and tried to cover up her expression. “On second thought, perhaps it would be better if I walk onto the plane after you. As a business woman, it might not look ‘right’ if people think our relationship is anything other than professional.”

He leaned forward and, in a conspiratorial manner, whispered, “They don’t need any encouragement. They’re going to assume it anyway.”

She glanced at them again, then shook her head, unable to smother her chuckle at his teasing. “Let’s not risk it.”

He laughed but stepped back. “Be my guest,” he said, gesturing to the staircase.

Mandy looked around, startled to discover that the security personnel had finished their pre-boarding tasks. In fact, it appeared that everyone was waiting patiently for them to board. So instead of arguing, she nodded briefly, and walked towards the stairs. As she ascended, Mandy was painfully aware of her butt being right at his eye level. She didn’t have a very interesting butt, so she was fairly certain that he wasn’t watching her. Still, she was self-conscious and relieved when she was able to step into the main cabin of the plane.

“This way,” he said, putting a hand to the small of her back.

Mandy shivered and tried to step away from his touch. It was overwhelming and she didn’t understand, nor enjoy, the sensations or her hyperawareness of the man. Unfortunately, the space was too crowded for her to step out of reach. There were several people milling about, finding seats in the crowded space.

“When will I get my computer bag back?” she asked. “Security took it when I arrived.”

“They’ll bring it to you shortly,” he told her, then gestured towards another doorway. “Your seat is this way,” he explained.

She followed him back through the door, wondering who everyone was. She’d never been on a private plane, but she’d seen them in movies before. However, the planes in those movies only had one cabin. They might be luxurious, but still, just a single area for the wealthy to sit, or whatever it was that the rich did while they were traveling.

“Where should I sit?” she asked, still heading towards the back of the plane.

There were fewer people in this section.

“Just a bit further,” he told her. “We’ll have breakfast after takeoff and we can talk a bit more about your assignment.”

She kept going until he pushed open a door into what appeared to be a private sitting room. There were large, comfortable looking leather chairs that were more than twice as big as any seat on a commercial plane. All of them appeared to recline as well, something that regular airplane chairs couldn’t do anymore.

“This is really nice,” she said, more to say something. Mandy suddenly felt very awkward.

“I’m glad that you like it.” He gestured to one of the chairs, then waited for her to sit down before he chose the seat next to her.

A flight attendant arrived with a tray of coffee. “Your Highness,” he said, setting a steaming cup of coffee onto the table beside him.

“Thank you, Jim,” he replied. Then he turned to Mandy. “Would you like coffee or tea with breakfast?”

“Jim” stood silently, waiting for Mandy’s order.

“Oh…um…I’m sorry but you don’t have to serve me anything.” She reached down to pick up her tote bag. “I brought a granola bar with me.”

Jim’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. He glanced at the sheik before he said, “Ms. Sullivan, I have a delicious, hot breakfast ready for you. You don’t have to suffer through a dry granola bar.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to be a bother.”

He smiled and lowered his head slightly. “It’s a twenty-two hour flight. We’ll be serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to all of the passengers and flight crew. And we can make anything you’d like.”

“Oh…” she glanced at the sheik who was waiting patiently for her to reply. “I’ll just have some coffee,” she finally said to Jim.

---