“Do you have plans this weekend?” he asked instead.
“Just work, but I’m free in the evenings.”
“Can I talk you into taking some time off? I’m not booked for any meetings for the next few days, and I’d hoped to see more of you before I have to fly home.”
She laid one hand on his arm.
“I’d like that. I’ll ask Lyssa if she can cover the bakery this weekend.”
Khizar smiled. “Good. I’ll stop by tomorrow and we can make plans.”
Jacqui waited a moment, and then said softly, “Good night, Khizar. Thank you for today.”
“Good night, Jacqui.” He waited until she was inside her apartment and heard the lock turn before he left.
Khizar saw that she had hoped he would kiss her goodnight, and part of him felt like a jerk for not kissing her. But he was determined not to get too involved. Losing his heart was not part of his plan.
As he drove back to his hotel, Khizar thought more about the long-term affect his strategy might have on Jacqui. He was beginning to like her, and he knew she would be hurt in the end. Although he was certain he could keep himself from getting in too deep, he wanted to try to protect her feelings as well, at least as much as he could.
Later that night as he finalized plans for the weekend, he considered what would make her happiest. He changed a few things, and satisfied with the itinerary, went to sleep thinking of how this weekend would seal his plan.
Chapter 6
Jacqui
Jacqui opened the bakery Friday morning with a spring in her step, and Lyssa noticed the second she walked in the door later that morning.
“You’re awfully chipper again today. How was your afternoon with Sheikh Tall, Dark, and Handsome?”
Jacqui rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help smiling as she remembered.
“He took me on a carriage ride through the park, and we had a picnic. And…he hired a string quartet to play during the picnic.”
Lyssa stared at her, bug-eyed. “He did what?”
“I know, right? It was definitely a little over the top.”
“And you loved it.”
Jacqui nodded firmly. “I totally loved it.”
“So, what’s on your weekend agenda? Please tell me he’s taking you someplace fabulous.”
“Actually, I was going to ask you about that.”
“Yes, take the weekend off.”
Lyssa tossed her book bag back behind the kitchen door, her voice muffled. When she came back out, tying on an apron, she added, “You literally haven’t taken any time off since you opened the bakery. Not even on the holidays. I can use the time to work on my project, and you deserve a few days off to relax.”
Jacqui stared at her, and Lyssa laughed.
“Look, he’s obviously into you. And you like him. So, take a couple of days off. You need to do that anyway.”
The bell over the door sounded and the two women looked up.
Lyssa smiled triumphantly.
“I bet he agrees with me,” she said, nodding at Khizar.
“I’ll bet I do,” he said agreeably. “May I inquire exactly what I am supportive of?”
Lyssa pointed at Jacqui. “She should take the weekend off.”
“As it happens, I wholeheartedly agree.” Khizar nodded.
Jacqui threw up her hands. “I was going to take some time off!”
Khizar leaned against the counter.
“I was hoping, actually, that I could talk you into taking the whole weekend off.”
“Yes,” Lyssa said before Jacqui could open her mouth.
“Oh, you two,” Jacqui said, a little exasperated.
“Come on, boss. In fact, why don’t you take off now? I’ve got the shop covered.”
Khizar shrugged. “If you can leave now, we can be on the plane that much sooner.”
Jacqui leveled a stare at him. “Plane?”
“I thought you might enjoy a weekend getaway. You got to show me Milwaukee; I’d like to take you somewhere in return.”
“Can I ask where we’re going?”
“I was thinking Hawaii,” Khizar said.
Jacqui felt her mouth open, but nothing came out. She blinked a few times, and finally, Lyssa answered for her.
“What she’s trying to say is, that sounds wonderful, and she’s ready to go,” Lyssa sounded like she was trying not to laugh.