by Leah Leonard
She went back outside to the balcony and stood breathless staring at the sunset. Down below, rough waves beat the shores. Sarah realized she was the luckiest woman alive. Ruins from thousands of years of history beckoned her. She couldn't wait to get outside tomorrow and start exploring everything.
Still, shouldn't she be on the other side of the building with the rest of the group? What would they think if they found out she was here, living in the lap of luxury, while they were likely in rooms with parking lot views, or worse, no view at all? Maureen especially would be looking for her and asking about what in the world was happening. The last thing she wanted was to create enemies so early in the summer. She closed the balcony door, sank into the overstuffed white leather sofa and rested her eyes in her hands.
****
After freaking out over Ghazi's charity offering, Sarah picked herself up and started getting ready. She only had a short time until she would be expected at the cocktail reception and dinner, and before then, she would have to somehow figure out an excuse to give to Maureen and the others about why she failed to show up to her other room.
She unpacked her clothes, hanging them in a walk-in closet, which was sadly larger than her living room at home. What was Ghazi thinking? What would she say to him when he came and picked her up? She wasn’t used to anyone doing anything for her, especially nothing as elaborate as this.
She stepped into the bathroom, which looked more like a luxury day spa than any hotel Sarah had ever seen before. A Jacuzzi tub large enough to seat five people sat in the center of the far wall next to a glass encased shower with ten showerheads and benches to accommodate up to four people. If they were lying down…
Her mind wandered to what might happen if Ghazi did come inside her room today, or any other time for that matter.
No, she would not allow herself to stray from her mission. Tonight was business, nothing more. She removed her earrings, placing them on a vanity more than twice the size of her kitchen counter at home. All this was a lot to get used to, and she shouldn't get used to any of it at all. Soon she'd be in the dorms with her peers and then home to her tiny studio apartment.
After a longer than normal shower, Sarah pulled her only gown from the hangar, a bright green emerald colored floor length dress with a low V neckline and thin shoulder straps. A gold metal chain served as a belt and matched her small round gold hoop earrings.
She slipped the dress overhead, glanced at herself in the mirror while she finished drying her hair and applying up her make-up. She saved every spare penny she had for six months to buy this dress. She thought it was the most beautiful gown she'd ever seen before, until now. Ever since Ghazi showed up in her life again this afternoon, she started to question everything about her trip. How could she possibly impress him with something off the rack? Look at the room he picked for her! Her dress wasn't good enough for a place like this. Ghazi was a multimillionaire, from what she recalled. She never knew he was an actual Sheikh until today. Maybe he had billions by now. Who knew!
Seeing the suite he bought her confirmed his wealth. His clothes were most likely tailor made. Even back in high school she recalled him dressing in a quality she had never seen before. Bottom line, she couldn't compete.
And worse, what was she supposed to say when he showed up? Thanks for the palace. I couldn’t possibly survive unless I had an entire floor to myself. She laughed thinking about how ridiculous the whole situation seemed. Come on!
She felt both grateful and foolish for living in such luxury. She should have insisted they put her in another room. But the bellman seemed so sure she should be here. Besides, the Deniz family was quite powerful, anyone could see that, especially after the ceremony earlier. She wouldn't want the bellman to get in any kind of trouble should Ghazi blame him for her not wanting to stay here.
The truth is, she did want to stay. Too much. She wasn’t sure she wanted to pay the price for the accommodations though. What would Ghazi expect in return? While it might be a pleasure to repay the debt, it may also come at too high a price.
Ghazi probably needed something to amuse himself. She was his game of the day. His temporary hobby. It's not like he cared about her. They hadn’t spoken in years. Sarah hated thinking about him in any kind of romantic way. She deserved to be with someone who actually wanted her. Ghazi was not that man. He probably had beautiful women throwing themselves at him every second.
They had a brief interlude in high school. A kiss, an embrace. So what? It meant nothing to him now or then. She was sure of it.
CHAPTER FOUR
Ghazi called the hotel on the drive back up the coast and had been assured Sarah settled into her room. He arranged the special accommodation last week when he found out his old friend was joining them this summer. Little did he realize what a beauty she’d become.
He certainly didn’t want his grandfather to find out though. The way the old man was nagging him to settle down and find a wife, he would surely see it as a sign of things to come.
The only thing Ghazi had in mind was a summer fling, a passionate tryst with an old friend who shared some commonality with him.
Ghazi was still bent out of shape at his grandfather as he pulled his cherry red Lamborghini up to the hotel at five minutes before six. He tipped the valet, expecting him to wait until he arrived downstairs with Sarah. He hoped she appreciated the penthouse suite he arranged for her. She was a scholar, after all, and there was no better accommodation anywhere around to provide such a spectacular view of the surrounding area.
The king-sized bed would also prove handy….
A street vendor sold fresh flowers near the hotel entrance. Although he already sent flowers to her suite, Ghazi selected the largest bouquet he could find. You can never buy a woman too many flowers.
He crossed the lobby, went up the elevator to the penthouse and knocked on the door. Brushing his hair back with his fingers, his breath caught in his throat when the door swung open and a flash of emerald caught his eye.
To his surprise, Sarah, the girl he’d known had vanished, replaced by the most beautiful woman Ghazi had ever seen.
She stood before him, radiating her inner warmth and kindness...and intellect…and passion.
Yes, that was it. Passion. As he considered that, his pants tightened to a point of complete discomfort. He adjusted himself by shifting his weight back and forth, breathing deeply and hoping his arousal was not too obvious.
She had an air about her unlike anyone else he ever saw before. Showing up here tonight, half expecting a little girl, he had instead discovered a woman. A red blooded, hot American woman, who was more than just an object. She was a prize.
Her long brown hair was loosely twisted back and clipped, allowing the reddish ringlets to fall down her back and leaving a full view of her sexy neck and collarbone. One long, sexy strand of hair fell loose around her slender shoulders. She looked good enough to eat. And her gown! The emerald silk accentuated the most flattering figure he had seen since…well, since last weekend's lingerie showcase. He ran his eyes appreciatively over her body, up and down, twice, when the old but familiar blast of her fragrance accosted his senses and sent him back into a state of full attention.
“Hi,” she batted her big green eyes at him.
“You look…gorgeous!” Ghazi beamed. Stepping in and grabbing her shoulders with both hands, he kissed her. Sarah’s luscious mouth had the faint taste of her fruity lip gloss. The smell of her perfume drove him mad. Before he could stop himself, his hands wandered to her hair. He unclipped her mane and ran his hands through it eagerly – something he’d been daydreaming about all day.
To his dismay, she pulled back and said, “Hey!”
“Sorry,” Ghazi said, even though he wasn’t sorry at all. “I couldn’t help myself. You are stunning tonight.”
She turned and gazed up at him, mouth gaping wide open. She said something, but he didn't hear her. Instead, he was too distracted by those eyes, the mouth perfectly
lined in crimson, her flawless skin and smile. And then his gaze fell to other parts of her, each equally appealing. He leaned in to try to kiss her again.
She stepped back. “Ghazi…”
“What, darling?” He feigned innocence.
“I think we should wait.”
“Understood.” He drew in a deep breath, trying to calm the erection he hoped she wouldn’t notice, he held out his hand. "Come. Your ride awaits."
“Give me a minute.” She turned and headed to the bathroom.
Ghazi wasted no time following her. He stood just outside the door, smiling appreciatively as she worked her magic.
She reached her slender arms around her shoulders, gathered her loose hair, pinning it back in the clip to tie the loose ends up and control them before touching up her lipgloss.
There was no controlling him though. He couldn’t help himself and if he didn’t find a distraction, he was going to grab her from behind, pull her tight and—”
“…you shouldn’t have done this, you know. This suite. I mean, what’s everyone going to think?” She turned to face him. “But I do love it. Thank you.”
Ghazi realized that she had been talking this whole time. About what? Oh…the suite, of course. “”You’re welcome, darling. Only the best for you.”
“Which is what I’m saying. It’s too good, Ghazi. I don’t want people to hate me.” She looked absolutely adorable when she was upset, he noticed.
His eyes fell to the full line of cleavage now staring him in the face as she leaned over to slip her heels back on.
“Hello?” She waved her hands in front of his face. “I’m up here.”
Mouth gaping open, Ghazi said, “Apologies.”
She laughed. “Do you really remember me? From high school?”
That was all he needed to step in closer and try again. He kissed the tender part of her neck. “How could I forget?”
Her head fell back slightly and he felt her tension give way as she melted into his arms. “We can’t.”
Cupping the small of her back, Ghazi nibbled her earlobe. “Who says?”
Sarah pushed him. “Not now. We’ve got to be downstairs.”
“Indeed.” Ghazi could wait for awhile. But not too long.
CHAPTER FIVE
Sarah didn’t mean to push Ghazi away when he kissed her. She simply wanted to control herself and the feelings she had for him that she thought were long buried.
Maybe later, she told herself, although what then? They’d have a fling, she’d get her heart broken all over again, because one thing was certain, after this summer, the likelihood of ever seeing Ghazi again was slim to none.
She tried to ignore the shock of passion shooting up her arms when Ghazi took her hand and escorted her downstairs to the lobby where the group planned to have cocktails before dinner.
She spotted the Sultan first. He was hard to miss with his distinguished good looks and headgear.
Then she spotted the scholars and right in the middle of them all, there was Maureen, who waved frantically when she saw Sarah. “Hey. Did ya get lost?”
Sarah turned to Ghazi. “Just a minute. I need to go say hello.”
“Of course,” he gave her hand a little squeeze.
Sarah hurried toward the older woman, hoping she wouldn’t make a scene. The trouble was, her voice was so loud and obnoxious, there probably wasn’t any way to avoid it.
“Do you need me to take you to the room?” Maureen sat her drink down and rushed over, prepared to be of help.
“No, thanks. Uh….” How could she possibly explain her situation? “I already have one.”
“Oh,” her head jerked back as though she’d been slapped. “I just thought we were roomies for the whole summer. My bad.” Maureen had a kindness about her and tried her best to act younger and fit in. Unfortunately, she went a bit overboard at times.
“Once we get to our dormitory we’ll be roommates, but for now…” Sarah lowered her gaze and hoped she wouldn’t have to explain more.
“I see you’re with the hosts.” Maureen grinned. “Good on ya.”
Gritting her teeth, Sarah said, “It’s not what it looks like.”
Raising her eyebrows, Maureen smirked.
“We went to high school together. A long time ago.”
“Is that how you got into the program?” One of the youngest scholars, Tiffany from California said.
The entire group stopped their side conversations and now, all eyes were on Sarah.
“No, of course not,” Sarah defended.
“Yeah right,” said one of the New Yorkers. “We all know how that works.” He rolled his eyes and they all started laughing.
Sarah felt horrible and wasn’t sure how to respond. To her dismay, she didn’t have to.
Ghazi came up from behind, crossed right in front of Sarah and stood between her and her detractor. “Listen here, you,” Ghazi stepped right up and got into the huge guy’s face. “Sarah Taylor is one of the brightest minds in archeology today. She is here by her own merit. My grandfather sponsored the event but had nothing to do with the selection process. It just so happens to be an incredible coincidence and I demand you all treat Ms. Taylor with the upmost respect and courtesy.”
A flash of heat burst forth from Sarah’s center and her face reddened. While she totally appreciated Ghazi standing up for her on the one hand, on the other, she realized this situation had quickly gone from bad to worse. Now the whole group would see her as a competitive threat. “Ghazi…” Sarah tugged at his sleeve. “Let’s go get a drink.”
“Fine.” Ghazi took her hand, spun around and they glided across the floor toward the bartender.
“You shouldn’t have said anything,” Sarah scolded.
“Oh really? You think I will stand by and allow anyone to insult you? I should say not.” He turned to the bar. “Two teas.”
“Of course, Sheikh. Right away.” The bartender whipped up the drinks with lightning speed.
“Here,” Ghazi handed one to her and lifted the other in a toast. “To valor and honor.”
Sarah smiled. “Thank you, sir. I feel honored.”
“It is I who is honored, milady.” He tipped the tea back and sipped. “Is this as good as you remember? Or did you forget?”
“No, of course I remember. I still love your tea.” Sarah poured the strong sweet liquid down and glanced around the bar, watching while everyone else drank beer, wine and who knew what else. That was always one thing she liked about Ghazi. He didn’t drink. He told her long ago that was for religious reasons and she was pleased to see he hadn’t changed. “What I don’t love is you getting in the middle of my battles. Although I do also appreciate your chivalry.”
“Women… You are all full of contradictions.”
“Just trying to keep you on your toes,” Sarah leaned in and nudged him.
As she did, she happened to catch a glimpse of the other scholars across the room, several of whom were glaring at her right now. She sighed.
Ghazi instinctively seemed to know exactly what she was thinking. “Do not bother yourself with any of those small minded, jealous people, Sarah. When the summer is over, you will likely never see any of them ever again, but me on the other hand…”
“So I’m going to see you again?” Sarah had to ask the million dollar question she believed she already knew the answer to.
“Of course, darling. Of course.” He averted his gaze.
Somehow, she didn’t believe him. No matter what he said, she probably never would.
****
After cocktail hour, the group gathered on the far side of the hotel in an area Sarah figured had to be directly under her amazing penthouse on a patio overlooking the Aegean. Dozens of tables were set with flickering candles and while there were some patrons already in the restaurant area, the farthest corner had been cordoned off to accommodate their group.
Ghazi led Sarah to the Sultan’s table where they shared a meal with him and other schola
rship committee members, while the rest of the group kept to themselves. There were no speeches, only friendly conversation.
“Enjoying your trip so far, Ms. Taylor?” the Sultan asked her.
“Absolutely. And I want to thank you again for the amazing accommodations, sir. I am grateful.”
“Indeed,” the Sultan chuckled.
To her surprise, Ghazi interrupted. “Sarah you are deserving of this scholarship more than anyone I know. Grandfather, you should have seen this girl in high school. Everyone wanted to sit next to her. She always had all the answers.”
The Sultan chuckled.
Sarah studied Ghazi and realized that something was amiss. After dinner, they left the table and were about to go to the lightshow at Troy when she whispered, “Your Grandfather doesn’t know about my penthouse, does he?”
Ghazi’s mouth about fell open. “What difference would that make, darling?”
“I hope you haven’t overspent your budget, Ghazi. I can always go back to my regular room.”
Ghazi stopped walking and pulled her aside to a small private overlook with a perfect view of the sea. “Darling, there is no budget where you are concerned.”
“Then why not tell him?”
“Grandfather is….how do you say? Concerned. He wants me to marry. Soon. And I don’t want him to get any ideas simply because I choose to give a gift to someone special from my past. I prefer we keep this between the two of us. Besides, the accommodation is only for the first part of the trip. I wanted you to begin your summer with the best money has to offer.”
Sarah half listened while Ghazi droned on about his excuses for not telling his Grandfather about her room. Amidst all of his talking, the only thing she retained was the fact that she was right. He did not want to marry, and apparently, even if he did, she would not be his choice. She was a flight of fancy. Nothing more. Better to know that now, rather than later. “I don’t need the suite. I didn’t ask for this. Not any of it.”
