Page 9 of The Sheikh and the Single Mom

Nina glanced over the sheet. “Yes, although I think some important data is missing. While we have a lot of young users, we also have a decent share of elderly users, particularly for an app.”

“Great. I ask because—” The boat jolted a little as it slid out of the mooring, and Nina stiffened. “It’s all right. We’re just getting out of the harbor.”

“I’ll admit, I haven’t been on many boats before.” Nina grinned sheepishly. “Running a business and looking after two children doesn’t leave a lot of time for boating.”

“You can say that again. I don’t have children, and I still work so much that I haven’t even been out on this yacht myself since I bought it. Mostly, I offer it to friends or clients.”

“I wondered why you had a yacht moored in San Diego when it doesn’t seem that you have much business here.” Nina spread her hands on the table. “All right, please continue.”

“Mommy!” One of the little blond children, Kate, poked her head out from under the table. “Miles stole the red crayon, and he won’t give it back!”

“Just a moment.” Nina shot Rashad an apologetic look before disappearing under the table. He heard her slightly muffled voice. “Kate, you have your own box of crayons. Use your red.”

“It isn’t the same,” Kate said in a pouty voice.

“If you’d like to borrow Miles’s crayon, I’m sure he’ll lend it to you when he’s finished, if you ask politely.”

There was a long pause, then a child’s voice said, “Miles? Can I use the red?”

“Just a minute.” There was the sound of scribbling. “Here you go.”

“Thanks!”

Nina reappeared, smoothing her hair as she regained her seat. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine. Are all children their age so well-behaved?”

Nina smiled. “Thanks for saying that. They have their moments of good behavior, like all kids do, but I have to admit that you’ll probably see them having a streak of mischief sooner or later.”

“I’ll look forward to that. So, about these numbers…”

Just then, Miles rolled out from under the table and climbed onto the top, using one of the chairs as leverage. “Look, Mommy! We’re going out to sea!”

“Miles, honey, we don’t climb on tables.” Nina gently removed her son from the surface. “But you’re right, we’re leaving the harbor.”

“Wow!” Miles flopped onto his mother’s lap and turned to Rashad. “Do you live here, mister?”

Rashad smiled despite the inconvenience and disruption. “No, I don’t. I just visit sometimes.”

“But it’s your boat?”

“It is.”

“I wish I can live here,” Miles said. He leaned back and gazed up at Nina. “Can we live here?”

“No, honey, but we can have a nice visit today.”

“Mommy!” Kate appeared, red crayon still in her hand. “I’m hungry.”

“Shall I get you an applesauce pouch?” Nina asked. She sent a glance towards Rashad. “Really, I am sorry. I think they’re both excited by the new experience.”

“It’s all right.” Rashad glanced at his watch. “Maybe we can start with lunch and resume our meeting afterwards.”

“That would be great.”

So, with absolutely no business concluded, the foursome headed onto the top deck to watch San Diego slowly disappearing into the distance as they dined. Rashad had planned a menu of freshly caught seafood and salad. He half expected the twins to turn their noses up at the dishes, but either he was wrong about kids, or they were more adventurous eaters than most, because both children dug into the feast with enthusiasm.

“Is this your first time in San Diego?” Nina asked as she handed her son a bite of bread.

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