The Sheik's Ruby Read Free Page A

forward. “Something that makes a difference. Writing for a sports magazine is fun, the pay is ok, but this position’s not where I want to be in five years.” After twisting the lid onto her water bottle, she sat back, realizing she’d been speaking too passionately. I need to calm down before I scare this guy away. “What about you? What type of work do you do?”
    He chewed slowly then swallowed, his eyebrows crunched together. “I work for my father. I am expected to take over the family business someday.”
    “That’s great. What’s the business?”
    “Consulting, as well as real estate and horse breeding.”
    “My dad raises horses, too. What kind of horses do you have? Oh, that’s a stupid question. They’re Arabians, right?” Shelby wiped the breadstick grease off her hands with a napkin. How crazy that this man from the other side of the world and I share such common interests.
    “Yes, most of our horses are Arabian. I am here in the States to meet with a business associate and tour some land in Kentucky my father hopes to purchase for horse breeding. I arrived a week early to ski. I will fly to Kentucky on Friday.” He smiled, but his eyes remained serious.
    His mannerisms were stiff, and the way he spoke was guarded. Shelby tried to read him, but struggled. She wondered if he simply had a lot on his mind. Once they’d finished their lunch, she stacked their bowls on the tray.
    Hakim took the tray and emptied it into the trash on the way out the door.
    Shelby walked outside and squinted at the brightness of the sun on the snow. She followed Hakim to the ski rack.
    He grabbed their equipment. “Now, may I choose the run?” He planted their poles before he tipped her skis toward her.
    She nodded and concentrated on separating her skis. He wants to spend the rest of the day with me? Her chest felt light and her fingers a bit shaky as she laid the skis in the snow, and then pushed her toes into the bindings and stepped down on her heels.
    “I hope you are not too disappointed if I choose a less difficult hill. After all, we just ate.” Hakim stepped into his skis and clicked his boots into place.
    “Sounds good.” Shelby hoped her tone didn’t convey more than basic friendliness. Stop acting ridiculous .
    Later in the day, the shade of the pine trees covered more of the slopes. Soon, the bright patches of snow peeking through the shadows would be gone. As the day had progressed, Shelby became more comfortable with Hakim, not feeling the need to fill the silences, but enjoying their time spent together. She wondered if he felt the same.
    Shelby made sure she tried out every one of the lifts, especially the new ones that opened this season, gaining plenty of material for her article. The hours passed quickly. Acknowledging her tired muscles, she rested her head on the back of the chair. Today had been a long one. She turned her face toward her companion, who leaned back on the seat with his eyes closed. Is he tired, too? “This will be my last run. I’m trashed.”
    Turning his head, he smiled. “Yes, I also feel tired. I have felt quite challenged at keeping up with you today.”
    “I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure you’ve been holding back to keep pace with me.”
    “Don’t underestimate your talent. You are an exceptional skier. And I will be sorry to lose your company.”
    His words caused her stomach to flutter. “Thanks, Hakim. I’ve had a great day, too.” She paused, chewing on her lip. “Hey, I was wondering…I mean, I hope this isn’t too much, and I totally understand if you can’t or you don’t want to or whatever, but I’m coming back up the canyon in a few days to do a story on a snowmobiling company. They’re just a few miles away. Anyway, the guy told me to bring friends, but finding people who have the whole day off in the middle of the week is hard. So, do you want to come with me?” she finished in a rush. Why did she always wave her hands around so much