“So, is being royalty or being a CEO why you’re able to buy out an entire bakery and give it away?”
It was a forward question, Jacqui knew, but the wine and company were making her feel warm and safe.
Khizar chuckled at the slightly blunt question. “A little of both, I suppose. I am in the city for business, but I used my personal funds to buy everything. The need to take care of those less fortunate is something my siblings and I were taught from a young age, so I try to act on that wherever I go.” He cocked his head and added, “I suppose it is a bit of the royal privilege to know that I have enough money to do things like that.”
Jacqui raised her eyebrows. “A bit?”
Khizar laughed in agreement. “Okay, a lot.”
Jacqui grinned. “Still, I think you’re like a modern-day Prince Charming.” She thought for a moment. “Sheikh Charming.”
Khizar laughed loudly, charming Jacqui even more.
“I like that. I am delighted to be Sheikh Charming.”
The main course was served and Jacqui kept asking questions. Khizar didn’t seem to mind answering, and Jacqui wanted to learn everything about this fascinating man.
She was intrigued by how far apart their life experiences were, and honestly, a little jealous. She didn’t really want to be royalty; she was happy being a simple baker. But to have a large, close family, and to not want for anything? That made her long for a different life, one more like his.
And, she had to admit, she was definitely attracted to Khizar. He was handsome, and charming, yes, but he was also kind. It had been a long time since she’d felt like someone really knew her, and he had made that leap in just a few hours.
Plus, he was fun. They ate at least a bite of every dessert the restaurant offered, and drank more wine, and Jacqui had more fun in that one meal than she’d had in a long time.
Even if it was just that one night, and she never saw Khizar again, Jacqui knew her life would be changed because of meeting him.
Chapter 3
Khizar
Dinner with Jacqueline—Jacqui, rather—was another eye-opening experience. Khizar had been prepared to meet an attractive young woman, but not one that was so warm and caring, as well as smart and funny.
It was certainly no hardship to spend the day by her side, handing out pastries and cookies to those less fortunate. He really did regularly engage in charity work—it was, after all, something his parents insisted on. Being royalty came with expectations, and that was one of them.
Khizar didn’t mind. He knew he’d been blessed with wealth, and he was happy to share some of that good fortune. He had everything he needed and most everything he wanted; he was happy to give and happy to work with those who needed a hand up.
He was impressed with Jacqui, too. She had been dealt a bad hand in life, at least in her childhood. And instead of using it as an excuse, she used it as a purpose. She had a kind spirit and a generous heart, even to the point of taking pity on him when he hadn’t known where to go to hand out the food he’d bought.
Khizar had to laugh at himself. That hadn’t been part of the plan. He was going to astonish her with his magnanimous gesture, buying all this food for people who needed it and helping her business for the day at the same time, but he hadn’t thought of how to actually hand the food out. Fortunately, she’d stepped in and saved him.
And it definitely wasn’t a hardship to spend time with Jacqui at dinner. She had relaxed and opened up, and while he was looking for information, he also found himself simply enjoying her company.
They lingered over dessert, and Khizar teased her about taking notes for her bakery. Mostly, he did it just to hear her laugh, a sound he was very much coming to enjoy.
When he’d paid the bill, and thanked their servers with a rather large tip, he held her chair as she stood. They walked outside, and Jacqui took a deep breath of the night air.
She looked happy, Khizar thought. What he said, though, was, “May I take you home?”
“Thank you, Khizar, but I think I’m going to walk.”
“At least let me call you a cab,” he protested.
“It’s fine, really. I’m not that far from my apartment, and I don’t mind the walk.”