“What’s that?” he asked.
Jacqui followed his gaze.
“Oh, they’re starting to set up for the season! The city does this amazing summer arts series. Every year, they pick a different theme and then every week during the summer, they hold plays, concerts, and musicals that fit the theme. It’s a city-wide effort—all the different organizations get involved and it’s free for everyone.”
“It sounds like a magnificent program.”
Jacqui nodded. “The performances are great, but they also let people come watch the dress rehearsals. Lyssa and I walk over a couple of times a week from the bakery to see those. I sketch and she does work for her classes, and…” Jacqui started laughing at herself. “That’s probably the most boring thing you’ve ever heard. But we like it.”
Khizar shook his head and protested, surprised to find that he really meant it.
“No, it sounds wonderful. Quiet and easy and peaceful. I think it’s a perfect thing to do.”
Jacqui leaned a bit closer to him. “Rethinking the opulent princely life?”
He laughed softly.
“No, but I wouldn’t mind a few more moments of simplicity.”
“Well, stick around, because that’s how we live here.”
“Hmmm, not this week.”
Jacqui looked up at him in question, and he pointed forward and off to the side as the carriage rounded another bend. There, under the shade of a half-circle of trees, was a large red-and-white-checked picnic blanket, spread with everything one needed for an afternoon picnic.
“I know you haven’t had lunch yet, so I thought I’d prepare something.”
Laughter in her voice, Jacqui asked, “You prepared this?”
He acknowledged the point with a grin. “I had it prepared. Which still totally counts.”
Jacqui held up a hand. “You took me on a carriage ride to a picnic in the park. I’m not arguing with you.”
Khizar helped her out of the carriage and they made themselves comfortable on the blanket while the carriage pulled away. Jacqui sat cross-legged while Khizar poured her a glass of the sparkling wine that sat in the ice bucket.
Small plates of delicacies were arranged in front of the picnic basket, and a tray held a large platter of fruit, cheese, and charcuterie, along with a basket of bread and crackers. There were olives and tiny pickles, an assortment of baby vegetables, and fancy deviled eggs with caviar. A mix of savory and sweet miniature tarts decorated another plate, and there were other little pastries and skewers of chicken with a peanut sauce.
“So, you’re feeding the whole park after we’re done?” Jacqui eyed the spread of food.
Khizar laughed. “Sure. Or at least our carriage driver and the string quartet.”
“Did you say string quartet?”
Instead of answering, Khizar pointed over her shoulder.
Jacqui turned and saw four people with instruments sitting in chairs between two of the trees. They were waiting on a cue, and it appeared as Khizar waved a hand. The lead violinist nodded his head, then soft music drifted over them and Jacqui dropped her chin to her chest.
“You got a string quartet to provide a picnic soundtrack?”
Khizar thought she sounded bemused, but delighted.
“You like it?” he asked.
“I love it. I’ve never had a picnic quite like this one.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
As they ate, they chatted idly about their favorite music and art. Khizar was surprised to find that they like many of the same composers and artists, though they had a spirited argument over modern art.
He normally didn’t talk art with his dates, not past using it as a means of impressing a woman, anyway. But Jacqui was different—she had strong opinions and she wasn’t afraid to disagree with him over the relative merits of what they each liked or didn’t. It was refreshing, and if he were being honest, incredibly attractive.
The afternoon passed quickly and the sun faded into a lovely pink-and-orange sunset. Khizar didn’t want the day to end, but he still had some finishing touches to put on his plan for the weekend. So, he summoned the carriage again, and he and Jacqui left the park.
Back at her apartment, Khizar walked Jacqui to her door. He thought once again that she wouldn’t mind if he kissed her, and once again, he deflected.