later, when the car pulled up at the back entrance of a restaurant called La Maison. Fairy lights decorated the edge of the canopy that covered the walk, casting a romantic glow over everything.
“Oooh,” Kara said. “I’ve heard about this place. A bunch of people were talking about it at the conference. How did you get a reservation?”
“I planned ahead.” Yaseen got out and came around to help her out of the SUV. It was such a relief to put her hands in his. It would be even better to lie down next to him tonight. Kara floated up toward the stratosphere. How did he know how much she wanted this? How had he figured it out? In this moment, she didn’t much care.
The hostess seated them in total privacy in a small extension of the dining room with a wraparound view of the lake. Floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over a dock strung with lights, the reflections glittering into the water. The moon rose early, a white pearl in the sky. Kara ordered a filet mignon with mashed potatoes and wine sauce, and Yaseen had the same. She just wanted to get the menu out of her hand so she could look at Yaseen.
He wore a dove-gray suit to match her own with a crisp white shirt underneath, and Kara was seized by the urge to sit in his lap and unbutton every one of the buttons right here. But Yaseen asked her about the day. She gave him a recap of all the most important conversations, brandishing a handful of business cards to make her point, and by the time she finished, the waiter was sliding their plates in front of them.
“Congratulations,” Yaseen told her. “I know I’ve said it before, but your speech was wonderful. You were perfection.”
“Thank you.” She smoothed her napkin over her lap and tucked into the filet mignon. Three bites in, Kara couldn’t stop herself from making small noises of pleasure. “This is one of the best places I’ve ever eaten,” she said. “I want to drag this out so I can eat it forever.” She lingered over her next bite, then looked at Yaseen, huffing a laugh. “You’re probably so used to luxury that it’s not a big deal to you.”
He gave a little smile. “I have had access to many privileges in life. I can’t argue otherwise, and I won’t. But it hasn’t been a cakewalk, either.” She caught an echo of pain in his eyes—there, and then gone.
“Really?” She took a bite of mashed potatoes, the flavor exquisite but not overwhelming. This was the best place she’d ever eaten. “You’re so sure of yourself that I can’t picture you otherwise.”
Yaseen’s expression softened. “For a long time, I lived in my brothers’ shadows. Zayid has always been ultra-responsible. Always on top of everything. Solving every problem. And Nadim has always been the reckless, careless one who needed reining in. I’ve always been...” He paused, his gaze focusing in the middle distance. “I’ve always been easy to overlook. It took me a while to figure out where I belong in the royal family. And where I belong is behind the scenes, expanding Raihan’s business sector. It’s where I excel.”
“You do,” she agreed. “But what’s the use of a thriving business sector if people are being left behind?”
Yaseen shook his head. “Left behind?”
“It’s a bit like your childhood. Your brother thrived in school, but where were you? Your work is excelling, but what about your wife and child? What about—”
Yaseen’s phone rang, a buzzing in his pocket, before she could say the people of Mennah.
His eyes stayed on hers as he answered.
“Yes?” During the pause, her heartbeat sounded loud in her ears. “I’m on my way.”
17
Yaseen ended his call and slipped the phone back into his pocket. He was on his feet before she could say a word.
“I have to go.” He came around the table and bent down to brush a kiss to her hair. “I’ll be away for a few days. I’ll meet you back at home.”
Kara caught his sleeve as he turned to go. Seriously? That was how Yaseen planned to leave—by walking out and leaving her in the restaurant with half their dinners still on their plates?
“Wait—where are you going? Why do you have to leave right now?”
His words poured out at a rapid clip. “A business emergency with one of our partners in France. This is my responsibility. I can’t delegate it.”
Her mouth dropped open. “You’re telling me that