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  “I’ll be on the next plane out.”

  “No, that’s not why I called. Your father would worry even more if this job blows up. I just wanted to let you know. I’ll call if anything happens. I promise. I’ve got to go now—the doctors just came back.”

  The line clicked off. Eden swallowed hard and looked at Adyan. “My father’s had another stroke. I may have to head home.”

  Chapter 13

  Leave? She was thinking of leaving?

  Adyan stared at her. “What about the work?”

  She gave a small shrug, stood and started to gather her clothes. “You can manage. We’ve pulled Daheer’s teeth, so he won’t be a problem.” She smiled, but it wobbled and lacked her usual blinding energy. “No more delays, right. And you’ve got Daheer’s men to speed up the work. It’ll be fine. It will all—be fine.”

  “You sound as if you are trying to convince yourself.”

  She sat on the edge of the bed, her dress in her hands. He wanted to pull her back into the bed with him, but she looked so fragile, as if the slightest touch of his hand might shatter her. “If it was your father, would you stay away?”

  He nodded. “If you must go, you must.”

  She put a hand on his cheek. “You always knew I’d have to go sometime. I’ll…if I can, I’ll be back for the grand opening.”

  He sat up and waved her away. “Go. Make any arrangements you need. Zafar will be taking the family jet for his honeymoon, but if you need it, I will arrange for it to be at your disposal.”

  She stood and pulled on her rumpled dress. “Thanks.” With great tenderness, she kissed his cheek then left.

  Adyan knew he would not sleep. He pulled on jeans and his T-shirt and headed to his study to pace the carpet. Should he call New York—find out if Thomas Abbey had the best doctors? Did he have the right to interfere in matters that were none of his business? And what would he do if Eden left?

  Yes, he had known this day would come. But he had thought he had time with her—a couple of months. He had wanted…what? To keep on having sex with her? To keep working with her? All of that? He kept pacing, but his thoughts ran in circles.

  Dawn lightened the sky and he called for coffee and tea and took a tray to Eden’s room. At the very least, they should start to plan the day. They would have new workers to integrate into the existing teams, and he did not want to simply throw Daheer’s people in on their own. It would be better to mix the crews. But he wanted to talk to Eden about it, to find out her thoughts.

  He tapped once on her door and then pushed it open. She was sitting on a couch, her laptop open and active on a small table in front of her. He lifted the tray. “I brought tea—and coffee for you.”

  She glanced up, her eyes red-rimmed, her cheeks ashen. “Thanks. But I could use something stronger. Dad’s thinking of shutting down the company.” She pushed out a breath. “We’re under contract—he won’t back out of this. But…dang it all, he doesn’t think I can handle it on my own.”

  “Then you must convince him.”

  She gave a harsh laugh. “How? And you know what the worst part is? I got the news from one of our competitors—three calls offering to buy Dad out.” She stood up and started to pace. She hadn’t changed out of her dress and it flapped as she strode across the room. “Dammit, this company is as much mine as it is his! I helped build it up, so if he retires, I should be the one named to run it. But he’s always wanted Abbey and Son Construction to be the name. I thought…I thought I was proving something here. But he doesn’t see it. He’s set up everything to close it all down.”

  Adyan went to her side. He caught her by the shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “If he does, then stay here in Scaran—stay and work construction here.”

  She pulled away and stared at him. “I don’t need a bone thrown my way. Stay here? Watch you hook up with your next model? Thanks, but no thanks.”

  He stiffened. “That wasn’t what I was suggesting.”

  “Oh, what were you suggesting? That we go on like this? Faking a relationship. Don’t get me wrong, the sex is great, but what else do we have? Me trailing around, being your shadow? Your girlfriend who is supposed to be dumb and not know anything. I should just go on like that?”

  He held up a hand. “You are troubled.”

  “Damn right I am. I’ve got my father in the hospital, him wanting to pull the rug out from me, and now you add to it.” She dragged a hand through her hair. “I think you’d better leave before I say something really mean.”

  Adyan nodded. And he did as she asked and left, his face burning, a hollow sensation in his chest.

  ***

  Eden sat staring at the sunrise. She’d said horrible things to Adyan—but they were also true things. She glanced at her computer. Her father had sent out an email yesterday—she’d missed it due to the wedding and everything else. And then he’d had his second stroke. That was not good.

  Even worse, Sheikh Ahmadi was on the recipient list.

  The email talked about winding down Abbey Construction. Oh, hell, Dad—did you have to do that?

  Getting up, she headed for the shower. She stood in it long enough that the water ran cold. Getting out, she scrubbed herself dry and brushed her hair, put on makeup and put on her most severe business suit. It was time to do something. She didn’t want Ahmadi thinking that Abbey Construction was going to back out on the contract. And somewhere in there she had to find a way to talk her dad out of shutting down or selling the firm.

  Heading for Sheikh Ahmadi’s office, she heard raised voices coming from behind the door. She stopped, one hand up to knock, and cringing when she heard him shouting. “What is this about a bonus needed to keep workers? And now Daheer is telling the world he will help us? We are so weak we need him? Now Thomas Abbey is sending out emails about shutting down—how does that make us look? Like fools for hiring such a firm?”

  Adyan’s voice lifted. “Father, you will give yourself a stroke to match the one Thomas Abbey just had.”

  “What?” Sheikh Ahmadi’s voice had softened, and Eden leaned forward to hear better. Her face burned—she should not be listening at doors, but she couldn’t help it. They were talking about her company. “I had not heard.”

  “Yes, and I suspect he was not thinking right when he sent that email. I have spoken to Eden. She has assured me Abbey Construction will remain in business and will honor their contract with us. And it was Eden’s idea to bring Daheer to heel by forcing him to back this project—with his workers, it required him to postpone his hotel project—and he has publically given you his support.”

  Ahmadi’s voice dropped. He muttered something Eden could not hear, then said, “Daheer is not known for his honesty.”

  “Yes, well he had no choice. Eden saw to that.”

  Mouth set, Eden pushed open the door. “Adyan, I can’t let you keep giving me the credit. You helped me.”

  Ahmadi glanced from Adyan to Eden, confusion on his face and his mouth open. He threw up his hands. “What am I to believe?”

  Adyan came over to Eden’s side. “You can believe we will finish this project—on time. No…ahead of time. So you’d better start planning the grand opening. Send out invitations. Eden may have to make a few trips to New York, but the work will be done.”

  Ahmadi shook his head and waved them out. “Go…go. You must have work to do.”

  Adyan glanced at Eden. “Yes, I think we do.” Outside Ahmadi’s office, Adyan turned to her. “You helped me with Daheer—now, how may I help you with your father?”

  She frowned and rubbed her upper lip, then gave a nod. “Well, there is one thing that might help.”

  Chapter 14

  Adyan glanced at the computer. “Skype,” he muttered. “Why do we not fly to New York to meet with your father.”

  Focused on the computer, Eden waved a hand at him. “Because that’d take too long. We’ve got work here, and my dad needs to get excited about that work. So I’ve sent him a video tou
r, and now you’re going to put the screws to him about how Abbey Construction better live up to its contract.

  He frowned. “I am not prepared to risk giving your father another stroke.”

  She sat back and smiled. “Trust me. This won’t make him stroke out. I’ve been playing your girlfriend—well, it’s time you play that you and me are close. If Dad thinks there’s a son-in-law in the offering so he can add ‘and son’ to the company name, he’ll stop talking about shutting down and start being interested in living again.”

  Adyan closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. But the computer chimed and an image of man in a bath robe appeared. Thomas Abbey looked very much like his daughter—the same red hair and brown eyes. But his face was drawn and pale, making him appear far older than his years. He seemed to be propped up in a bed with pillows around him—which meant he was home. Adyan could hear a woman’s voice in the background, assuring Thomas that everything was working right. Thomas peered at the computer as if he expected it to explode.

  Smile fixed in place, Eden grabbed Adyan’s hand and held on. “Daddy, how are you feeling?”

  “Like a pin cushion. Bunch of vampires at that hospital—always wanting more blood. You doing okay, Ed?”

  “The project’s going great—did you like the tour?”

  “You want to check the pool coping—looked to me like you have one sticking out higher than the others. But who’s doing the tile work? That’s first rate.”

  “That’s the local talent. The architects have been picking out handmade tiles, and we’re starting into finish work.”

  “Well, don’t let those architects run the show. Never met one that could be satisfied with solid construction. Always having to nitpick. Who’s that with you?” He peered at the screen, leaning close. Adyan heard the woman in the background say something about glasses. A hand with those glasses tapped Thomas on the shoulder. He grumbled, but put them on and straightened. “Oh, it’s Tadros. Adyan isn’t it? Or are you Zafar?” His eyes widened. “Ed, you holding hands?”

  Eden’s smile brightened. “I’ve been—um—seeing Adyan. We’re…a couple.” The words sounded strained.

  Adyan rolled his eyes and simply put his arm around Eden’s shoulder. “Sir, I wish to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

  “You do?” Eden squeaked. She cleared her throat and faced the computer. “I mean…he does, Daddy.”

  Thomas Abbey frowned, and then started to grin. Now Adyan could see where Eden got her megawatt smile. “Married. About dang time, Ed. Thought you had one guy on the line, but you cut him loose. Probably a good thing. Married! When’s the date?”

  “After the complex opens,” Eden said, her voice firm.

  “Perhaps for the opening,” Adyan said. “But you must be well enough to attend, sir.”

  “Well? Dang right I’ll be well. My little Ed getting hitched. Doris, get me a…no, never mind. The doctors won’t even let me have strong tea.”

  “I will arrange for some of our mint tea to be sent to you, sir,” Adyan said. “It is said to be healing.”

  Thomas waved a hand at the computer. “Never mind that. Ed, you want your mother’s ring?”

  Cheeks pink, she shook her head. But Adyan faced the computer. “Yes, please send it. And let us know when you are well enough to travel.”

  “Dang right I w—” The image cut out—Thomas had slapped the keyboard.

  Eden leaned back, letting out a breath. “That went better than I thought it would.” She smiled at Adyan. “Now we get to pretend we’re engaged.”

  She started to stand, but Adyan grabbed her hand. “What if I do not wish to pretend any longer? What if I meant what I said to you father?”

  Staring at him, she tugged at her hand. Adyan didn’t let go. He stood and put his arms around her waist. “You are the most maddening woman I’ve ever met.”

  “Yeah—you hate that I’m bossy. I know already.” She pushed at his hands. “You don’t mean this.”

  “I have never meant anything more. I adore that you are bossy…and sexy. Your smile brightens a room. Marry me.”

  “Why? So I can become a palace princess? Sorry—not cut out for that life.”

  “Did I say you were? I have the luxury of being the younger son—by only ten minutes, but now I bless every one of them. I can do as I wish. Zafar must one day rule Scaran, but I may live where I wish. And why should not Abbey Construction become Abbey and Family Construction. We could expand worldwide. Offices in many countries.” He saw her beginning to weaken, and pressed home his advantage. “It is not just your father’s dream here—it is yours. Marry me and I will make you happy.”

  She pulled away from him. “Ask me again after we get this complex done. Ask me when you’ve had time to get your brain straight and we really are done with pretending.” Then she turned and bolted from the room.

  ***

  Done. Adyan almost could not believe it. Done with three days to spare. Not the week or two Adyan had wanted, but still, it was finished. The last cleaning crews had been through the structures. The landscaping was complete. The debris from construction had been cleared away. And now Eden truly was free to leave—if she wished.

  She had made three trips to New York to see her father, but she was returning for the grand opening, set for tonight. Would she then fly back to New York, never to return? Adyan found his palms damp and his heart thudding hard—he did not wish her to go. And if she did, he would follow her. Yes. He would go where she went and he would not stop asking her to marry him until she said yes.

  He gave a sharp nod to the empty structure. Soon it would be lit for the grand opening—the caterers were already setting up. The complex would glitter with light, music and laughter. But Adyan thought it all empty without Eden.

  She had changed his life—she had changed him. He had not thought it possible to work with a woman who was as much a partner by day as she was by night. He adored her smile—he loved that she challenged him. He could not imagine life without her. But did she love him?

  She had not said so. She had not, however, turned him from her door when he came to her bed. She was—in short—still driving him to distraction. But tonight he would have an answer from her—and it had better be the one he wanted. Please, Allah, let it be so.

  ***

  “Okay, you guys know how to throw a party. Even Daheer looks like he’s almost enjoying himself.” Eden lifted a glass of lemonade.

  Adyan tugged at his tie. The room buzzed with conversation and far-off music—a jazz band was playing in the main stadium, but he could also hear the drumming of the tabla players from the entrance tent. Cameras from the news media added their glaring lights to those of the complex, which gleamed in the night, as bright as the moon under the stars. The weather had decided to be kind, blessing the evening with soft breezes. He glanced at Eden—she was more beautiful than this structure, wearing a simple, long green dress. He nodded. “The team Father hired is delighted—I don’t think they’ve budged from their locker rooms and facilities.”

  “And the solar company?”

  “Very happy. They have one of the observation boxes already booked for the soccer stadium—a business expense.”

  She smiled, but her expression seemed stiff. “I can’t believe how many people showed up. I wish my father could have made it. He’s talking about a cruise ship since the doctors don’t want him flying.”

  Adyan took the glass from Eden’s hand and put it on a side table. “Come with me. I have something to show you.”

  She rolled her eyes. “There’s not an inch of this place I don’t know.”

  “Really?” he asked and pulled her with him. They went up the curving stairs—there were elevators, but Adyan liked the stairs—and onto the third floor. From there, he took her up a service ladder and onto the roof. His heart was pounding, and he felt as if he was a boy taking his first girlfriend on a date. But this was so much more important.

  Out on the roof, Adyan helped
Eden onto the small platform. She glanced around her. “Yeah—the helicopter pad. I have to say, it’s a brilliant addition even if it cost us time.”

  Pulling a velvet box from his pocket, he went down on one knee. “Will asking you in a more traditional way bring me a better answer?” He heard her breath catch. In the moonlight, he couldn’t see her eyes, but she seemed almost like a statue, her skin was so pale and she held so still. “Well?” he asked, impatience leaking out.

  Eden put a hand on one hip. “Are you sure this isn’t more pretend? You’re just thinking you want me because I said no.”

  He stood and put his arm around her waist. “No, I am asking, my impossible woman, because it is usual to wed before starting a family. And I want to stop pretending. This is real—we are real. We are not just a team, we are the best team. You have made me a better man, and I would be a fool to let that go, and I assure you I am no fool. So say you love me and will marry me. Or must I ask you again and again and again for the rest of my life?”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Well, if you’re going to be like that, I suppose I’d better say yes.”

  He pulled her closer. “You still haven’t said it.”

  Her smile lit the night. “What? That I love you? That if you hadn’t come after me, I’d have to be thinking up all sorts of excuses to see you. This complex may be the Gift of the Desert, but you’re about the best gift a girl ever had. Now can you put that ring on my finger, and can we get out of here and someplace private and I’ll show you exactly the way I feel about you?”

  He smiled down at her. “Hon, I thought you would never ask.”

  ***

  THE END of The Sheikh’s Stubborn Partner

  By Leslie North

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