Sadiq’s responded in clipped tones. “It’s not my temple. It was built centuries ago. And just because it is here does not mean that I have to use it.”
Hannah sensed a distance grow between then and felt bad that she had asked. “I’m sorry,” she said.
Sadiq stopped walking and let out a long breath. He turned to face her. “No, I’m sorry, Hannah. I know you have a lot of questions, I guess, I’m just not used to answering them. I’m the boss of my home. I’m the boss at work. Even when I date, women expect me to be cool and aloof. I guess I’ve gotten used to that.”
“I get it,” Hannah said. “You don’t have to explain anything to me.”
Sadiq reached out and took her hands in his. “That’s just it. I know I don’t have to. But I want to.”
He didn’t know why he had said that. He didn’t know why he was saying any of what he was saying. But it felt right. He had kept to himself for so long, kept his feelings, his fears, his everything bottled up inside, not allowing anyone in or anything out for so long that sometimes he felt like he could just burst. And when he was with Hannah, he felt at ease. There was something about being in her presence that made him feel like he could share some of what had held in for so long; something about her kindness, her authenticity, that made him want to share them with her.
Sadiq looked into her eyes and for a moment wanted to tell her everything. But as quickly as that feeling came, it left again.
Hannah saw it. She sensed the fear in his eyes. Not wanting to ruin the moment or push him further away, she squeezed his hands and smiled, trying to make light of a tense situation.
“Listen, I appreciate that. But my mind is on overload already,” she said, releasing his hands and letting her arms fall to her sides. “I mean, I’m just a country girl from Georgia. I’ve never been in a temple before, let alone a palace. So I th
ink it’s good if we keep things simple.”
Hannah stood still as she waited for Sadiq’s response. “Agreed,” he said and smiled back, still wanting to tell her everything, but knowing she was right.
“Agreed,” she said, hoping she hadn’t implied that she wasn’t interested in hearing about his problems—she just wasn’t sure she wanted to hear them now. Besides, was that really part of her job description? Or was he leaning on her because he felt something for her? She shook her head and tried to rattle the thoughts away. Easy, girl. Just focus on enjoying the next few weeks. Whatever happens, will happen.
“You okay?” Sadiq asked as he watched her shake her head.
“Oh, yeah,” she said nervously, feeling like an idiot. “Just trying to take it all in. Now, what’s next on the tour?”
***
Sadiq and Hannah spent a full day touring the palace and the grounds. They headed back inside just as the sun was beginning to set.
“Perfect timing,” said Sadiq as they walked up the marble steps to the large sitting area on the back patio.
“Perfect timing? For what?” asked Hannah.
“For dinner on the roof!” Sadiq said with a smile. “Wait here!”
He disappeared through the hall that led to the kitchen as Hannah flopped onto one of the plush chairs. She had been on her feet all day, walking the miles of palace and grounds. Note to self, she thought. Next time, wear sneakers.
Sadiq returned a few minutes later and saw Hannah sprawled out on the chair, rubbing her feet. “Are you okay?” he asked, concerned he had worn her out.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she lied, but it was clear that he wasn’t buying it. “It’s just that I wore the wrong shoes, that’s all. My feet are a little sore from all the walking. I’m used to standing still on stage in these things, but I never realized how uncomfortable they would be to walk in.”
Sadiq laughed and sat down across from her. “I bet. They look like instruments of torture to me. I’ve never understood why women would cram their feet into those things anyway.”
“The price of being beautiful,” Hannah said, rubbing harder at her toes.
“Well, you certainly don’t need those. You’re beautiful already,” Sadiq said lightly.
Hannah lifted her eyes up and saw Sadiq smiling at her. His eyes were so dark, so deep and his face was soft. She looked at him and wasn’t sure if he realized what he had just said. She straightened her back as she felt another tingle work its way up her spine.
“Thank you,” she said, feeling suddenly awkward.
She was about to slip her shoes back on when Sadiq jumped up and took them out of her hands.
“Hey! What are you doing?” she asked, not wanting him near her shoes; she was pretty sure after walking in them all day, they didn’t smell like roses.
“Nope, nope, you don’t get these back.” Sadiq said, holding them high above his head as Hannah tried to jump up and reach them. “Not tonight, anyway.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your feet are killing you, right?” Sadiq asked.
Hannah dropped her arms, too tired to fight him. “Yes,” she said, defeated.
“Then no more of these. You will walk barefoot to the roof and then I will have Fatima bring you a pair of the most comfortable slippers you have ever worn. How does that sound?”
It sounded wonderful to Hannah. She nodded and smiled warmly. Sadiq nodded back at her and then tossed her shoes across the room out of her reach, grabbing her hand so she couldn’t chase after them.
“This way, Miss Green,” he said, using his formal voice.