Page 32 of Only If You Dare

Chapter Eleven

Manchester Cove Mall held the usual hustle and bustle. It was what I could expect from the midweek crowd. Santana and I were making our rounds when a text message came through my phone.

Good morning, Bella. I was on my way to bring you breakfast when I spotted the note on my door. Under any other circumstance, I would give you an ear full about leaving without security. But since you and Santana are together, I’ll let you off the hook… This time.

I smiled and giggled then covered my mouth. I’m a grown woman, giggling like a school girl. Get yourself together, Desiree. I was trying, but it was hard. I hit reply and texted him promptly.

Security? I’m sorry to say I’m not in the major leagues like you, Mr. Rose. I couldn’t hire security to save my dog never mind my life.

He responded quicker than I expected.

Don’t insult me.

This brought another saccharine smile to my face.

I’m not. I’m being so serious.

“Are we going in this store or not,” Santana asked, stepping away from the store’s window with a hand on her hip. She took note of my smile. “Who’s that, Julian?”

A text message came through.

I’m all the security you’ll need, Bella. Remember that.

My stomach churned, and my heart fluttered.

“Why does it have to be Julian,” I said to Santana. “He’s not the only guy I know.”

Santana sighed. “Whatever.”

I dropped the smile from my face and gave her a blank stare.

“Let’s go.”

We entered a clothing store tailored to modest Muslim culture. I figured if I was to keep up with my surroundings in Dubai, I should probably look the part. I rose early that morning, eating an early breakfast on the balcony, and searching Dubai for tourist dress codes. For the most part, it seemed okay to wear whatever I wanted. Except the city had a thing about bare shoulders and knees on women. When it came to religion, I grew up a born-again Christian. If my mother saw me now, she’d probably pass out. I chuckled at the thought and glided next to Santana as I sent another text.

Are you sure? I know you’ve been in the city visiting a friend. How might they feel if you have no more time for them because you’re too busy securing me?

I re-read what I wrote then chickened out and backspaced, but halfway there I decided I’d send it after all. I should admit; I’ve wanted to know about the comments Julian made to the news reporter ever since I’d seen him on TV.

“This is nice,” Santana said. “You know I’m not big on wearing dresses down to my ankles, but this looks great.”

I took my hand up and down the Arabian dress she spoke of, admiring the solid red material with a golden neckline.

“This is nice,” I agreed.

“And the material is light. So you won’t burst into flames in it either.”

We laughed. It was true, the climate in Dubai during this time of year, was beyond hot. So, I wasn’t particularly interested in something that covered me completely. As long as my shoulders and knees were covered, that was all I needed.

I don’t think she’ll mind. What do you think? Do you mind, Desiree?

I froze and stared at his words for a moment.

How would I know? You should ask her.

“Yeah, you’ll get a real good breeze in this,” Santana offered.

“And I could wear my bathing suit underneath. Looks perfect for going to the beach,” I responded, and for reasons unknown, my heart kicked up a beat.

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