13. Nina
CHAPTER 13
NINA
T he kids were tired after their day of swimming and hide-and-seek, but they still ate a quick pasta dinner and requested another game and a round of coloring before they agreed to be carried to bed. Rashad carried Kate, the little girl looking perfectly at ease and tinier than ever in his arms, and helped Nina tuck the twins into bed.
“Read us a story,” Miles suggested sleepily.
“Sure, honey.” Nina reached into her bag for the tablet with her picture books on it. “Just a minute.”
“No — Rashad reads,” Kate said.
Nina turned to the man in question. “Is that all right?”
“Of course.” Rashad took the tablet from Nina and opened a book. In his low, soothing voice, he began to read. “Once upon a time, there were three pigs…”
As Nina listened to the story along with her children, she found her thoughts wandering back to the closet and the moment she and Rashad had almost kissed. He had almost kissed her, hadn’t he? She still remembered the feeling of his hand against the flat of her lower back and the way his eyes had darkened slightly with what looked like desire. It was a good thing that Kate had found them when she did, because if Rashad had leaned forward and kissed her, she would definitely have kissed him back.
The more she knew him, the more she wanted to feel his lips on hers and his arms around her. There was so much more to Rashad than she’d first thought. He was sweet with the kids, he loved his brother, he was willing to play and laugh with her without a single worry about looking childish… and he was very handsome. Nina’s heart fluttering when he was nearby was proof enough of that.
All of this didn’t mean it would be a good idea for them to kiss, though. Not at all. They’d just agreed to a business partnership, a partnership that was still far from solidified. If Nina let feelings become part of the arrangement, it could hurt the agreement they’d made — and it could hurt her. Worse, it could hurt Kate and Miles.
After all, even if Rashad were the nicest guy in the world, the kind of guy who would never hurt her, Nina would hesitate to begin a romantic relationship. Her boyfriend, the father of her children, had seemed like a good guy, but when she’d needed him the most, he’d disappeared. Nina had been alone to become a single mother and raise the twins. She wouldn’t change a moment of what had happened with her ex, because it had led to her wonderful children, but that didn’t mean she planned to set herself up for another broken heart, either. She also couldn’t let Miles and Kate grow close to an adult who might not be a lasting part of their lives.
“And they all lived happily ever after,” Rashad said, his voice still low and soothing. He gently closed the tablet’s cover and looked down at Kate and Miles, who were sleeping peacefully in the big bed, their blond heads bent together. Then he raised his gaze to Nina and smiled. “I think they’re asleep,” he whispered.
“Come on.” Nina led the way out of the room, her steps soft and quiet so as not to wake the sleeping children. Rashad followed, staying by her side as she gently closed the bedroom door then turned to him. In her normal voice, she continued. “Shall we have some dinner?”
“That would be lovely.” Rashad started down the hallway, Nina falling into step beside him. Together, they climbed up the stairs to the kitchen. By now, the sun was already well below the horizon, and bright pinpricks of stars were beginning to emerge in the dark, velvet sky above.
“How about some Chinese-style noodles?” Nina asked, after surveying the ingredients at hand.
“I don’t know… Do you have a recipe?”
Nina rolled her eyes, grinning. “I’ve made this enough times that I know how, even without a recipe.”
“That’s a relief.” Rashad winked. “I’ll be your sous-chef. Just tell me what you need me to do.”
So, Nina directed him to help her with the chopping. Rashad started some music, and soon they were dancing around each other, sautéing and chopping and stirring. Nina wasn’t sure she’d ever cooked so easily with someone, as though they were parts of an intricate dance that wove in between the fridge and the cupboards. Soon, Nina was dishing up fragrant noodles onto two plates, and Rashad was pouring them each a glass of wine.
“Should we talk business over dinner?” Nina asked as she carried both plates to the outdoor table under the stars. The gentle sea breeze was welcome after the warm kitchen.
“Let’s not. It’s our last night on the yacht. We’re already on the way home. Let’s just enjoy each other’s company for one more night.”
“Rashad Al-Zayed.” Nina set the plates down and slid into her seat. “If I didn’t know you any better, I’d think you cared about getting to know me more than about your business interests.”
“I’ll never tell either way,” Rashad said, handing Nina her wineglass. “But what I will say is that it’s been nice to take a break from business. It’s been years since I enjoyed myself like this.”
“Same here.” Nina took a sip of her wine. “Maybe we both need to take vacations a little more often.”
“Maybe, although I doubt either of us will.” Rashad twirled his chopsticks into the noodles. “I get the feeling that the minute we step onto shore, it’ll be back to real life.”
Nina nodded. “I think you’re right. Is it strange that I don’t feel excited to get back to my real life?”
“Not at all. I feel the same way.” Rashad toasted her with his glass. “Thanks to you and the kids, of course.”
“It probably helped that cell reception has been spotty since we left the harbor,” Nina pointed out. She didn’t want to think about how Rashad’s words made her heart stir. Perhaps he felt the same kind of attraction she felt for him — even if she wasn’t going to act on it, that would be nice to know. Nina had spent so long being a mom and a businesswoman that it had been a while since she’d felt like an attractive woman in her own right.
“That helped. Although now I’m worried about what happened with Health Trackr while I was relaxing.”
Nina chuckled. “I can definitely empathize with that. Whenever I step away from work, even just for a few hours, I always find myself wondering if something went wrong.”
“Same here. That’s why I never really take vacations.” Rashad shrugged.
“You know, I told you why I started Heartbeat — because of my Aunt Katherine. But you didn’t tell me why you started Health Trackr.”
“I’m not sure I should. Your story is so beautiful: honoring your aunt’s memory by making sure everyone has access to quality healthcare. My story won’t make me look very good in comparison.”
“Let me guess.” Nina leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “You started your company because you wanted to make money. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“Sure, and if that was why I’d started Health Trackr, I wouldn’t hesitate to tell you. The real reason is less flattering.”
“I’m very curious now.” Nina smoothed her hair behind her ear. “Come on, tell me.”
Rashad hesitated, but then he nodded. “All right. I mentioned my brother to you before, right?”
“Right. Khalid.” Nina nodded. “The sheikh of Al Soub and your older brother.”
“Exactly. Well, I told you about how close we were when we were young kids. We did everything together, and some part of me always thought we’d rule together, too. But the older we got, the more my parents reminded us that Khalid was the future ruling sheikh of Al Soub and the heir. And since he was the heir, that made me the spare.”
“Oh, Rashad.” Nina bit her lip.
“My parents encouraged me to know about Al Soubi politics, just in case I might need to take over the throne for some reason, but they were also clear that there was no place for me in government. Khalid was the one who needed to learn about politics. He was the one who needed to get married and produce an heir of his own. He was the one who was groomed to someday sit on Al Soub’s throne. What I did didn’t matter, as long as I was around in case the family needed me.
“Soon, I realized that if I wanted to create a life for myself, it would have to be away from politics and royalty. I would need to build something of my own, something that belonged to me alone. That was the only way to make my parents, and myself, proud.
“Around that time, I was a bit reckless. I was a directionless teenager who had been told a hundred times that he was just a spare. I started snowboarding and even went skydiving once, although I’ll never do it again. One day, while I was snowboarding, I fell and broke my leg. I ended up in the hospital for about a week before they discharged me back home, and I saw how important healthcare was. Everyone needs medical attention at some point in their lives, so if I was going to start a business, something medical seemed perfect. That’s when I decided to start a business. And that’s how Health Trackr was born.”
Nina’s heart went out to Rashad. He’d mentioned his brother once or twice before, and she had gotten the impression that they had a strained relationship, but this story made everything much clearer. Nina could all too easily imagine teenage Rashad, hurt that his parents favored his brother so much and desperate to make his own way in the world.
Clearly, that was why Rashad was so ruthless in business. He felt like he had to be.
Nina had been attracted to Rashad for his good looks and his kindness to her children, but that attraction grew now as she saw yet another side of the man she was just starting to know. She wished she could reach back through time and wrap the younger version of Rashad in a hug. She wished she could reach for Rashad’s hand again, as she had that afternoon on the lounge chairs.
“So, you built Health Trackr,” Nina said instead. “What was that like?”
“It was a struggle. At first, I thought I’d ask my parents for an investment, but then I decided I needed to stand on my own feet. I went to college early and studied hard. Soon, I was able to attract two wealthy investors outside my family, Amira Kadif and Abdul Boursani, who’ve now been a part of Health Trackr since the beginning. Slowly, Health Trackr expanded through Al Soub, then other Middle Eastern countries, then slowly into the rest of the world.”
“And what did your parents say when you successfully built your business?” Nina asked. “Were they proud?”
“They don’t really care.” Rashad shrugged. He was clearly trying to look casual, but Nina could see that his parents’ indifference hurt, even now. “They’re glad I have a hobby, but I think they’d be just as happy if that hobby were golf or painting. Both my mother and father were born into royalty, so they’ve never done anything else. I don’t think they understand the value of what I do.”
“Health Trackr is amazing, though.” Nina leaned closer. “I looked into your company when I was preparing for our first meeting. Whether you started it to make money or to create something of your own or anything else, your work has saved a lot of lives. And you’ve been wildly successful at the same time — perhaps on a more ruthless path than I would take, but it’s still impressive, whether your family sees that or not. I certainly wouldn’t want to compete against you.”
“I wouldn’t want to compete against you , either.” Rashad took another sip of his wine, which reminded Nina of her own half-forgotten glass. “It’s a good thing we don’t have to.”
“It is.” Nina sipped her wine. “You said your parents don’t seem all that interested in your business, but what about your brother?”
“Khalid is a great man,” Rashad said. “He’s the ruler Al Soub always needed, I think. But that also means that he doesn’t have time for much other than ruling. He’s a good husband and father and a great sheikh, but he can’t also be a good brother.”
“I’m sorry,” Nina said, not for the first time that day. Once again, she fought an urge to reach for Rashad’s hand across the table.
“That’s all right. My business is my family, for now, at least.”
“I used to feel the same way about Heartbeat.” Nina smiled, thinking back to the early days of her work. “For a long time, it was just me in my apartment with a cup of instant noodles and a pair of noise-canceling headphones, sleeping at two in the morning and up again at six. Eventually, I was able to hire employees and rent office space, but even then, I didn’t have time for anything other than work — and I wasn’t interested in making time.
“Then the twins came along. I’d always wanted to be a mother, but I was still completely unprepared for how much they changed things. Suddenly, my business was less important — not unimportant, but less important. It affected me much more when Miles took his first steps and Kate said her first word than when Heartbeat reached a new demographic or received a positive review.”
“I never really wanted to be a father,” Rashad admitted. “But seeing your kids, well, perhaps I understand why other people do.”
“I’m glad.” Nina smiled. “But whether or not you have kids on your own, the point is that it’s hard to know what will be most important in your life until you find it. I would never have predicted that I’d love being a mother even more than I love being a businesswoman, but I do. I’m sure there’s family in your future, too, if that’s something you want. Or, at the very least, there’s something or someone that will matter to you more than your work.”
Rashad’s dark brown eyes met Nina’s, and she saw something there — hope, perhaps.
“Do you really think so?”
“I do. Love doesn’t always come in the way you expect it — I always expected to get married before I became a mother, but I still love my kids more than I can say. The unexpectedness doesn’t make the love any less beautiful.”
“I’m surprised that you think I could have a family at all,” Rashad said. “When we first met, you seemed to think I was an irredeemable jerk.”
“Well, either I judged you too quickly, or you’ve changed.” Nina shrugged. “Either way, I’m glad I’ve gotten to know you as more than just a jerk.”
“So am I.”
Music was still playing in the background, and as a slow song came on, Rashad sat up straight.
“Oh, this is a good one.” He got to his feet and held out a hand to Nina. “Will you dance with me?”
“What?” Nina shook her head, laughing slightly. “No. I’m not a good dancer — even though I love this song.” It was one of her favorite classic oldies.
“Come on, I’m sure you’re fine.” Rashad held out his hand again. “Anyway, there’s no one around, and I just told you something I haven’t told anyone before. No one’s going to judge. And I love this song too.”
“Fine.” Nina took his hand, feeling warmth spread up her arm from the place their fingers brushed. “But you had plenty of warning about my dancing skills, so no being surprised when I’m not good at it.”
“I’d be happy to find something you’re bad at.” Rashad winked. “It seems like you’re good at everything.”
Nina almost snorted. “Clearly, you haven’t met me.”
“I have.” One of Rashad’s hands settled on Nina’s waist, while the other gently cupped her palm. “You’re amazing, Nina. You can’t deny that.”
They began to move across the deck, the song crooning familiar lyrics from the radio, their steps light across the wood. Nina’s heart thrilled at Rashad’s words and at the undeniably romantic atmosphere, though she was careful to keep herself in check. Still, the part of Nina that believed in love, even now, shouted that Rashad liked the same music she did and that a man who could dance was deeply sexy.
“You’re quite impressive yourself,” she replied. “A lot of people would have been content to live a life of luxury in a palace, but you made your own life by following your own path. I admire that.”
“Thank you.” Rashad lifted his arm to twirl Nina and she saw the yacht, the starry night sky, and Rashad’s warm brown eyes blur by as her skirt lifted around her knees. “I wanted to apologize.”
“For what?” It was an almost perfect night. The breeze from the sea was refreshing and smelled of salt, the stars were bright, and the man holding Nina in his arms was looking down at her with such an intense expression that it was all she could do to not lift onto her tiptoes and kiss him.
“I first invited you here with the goal of taking everything,” Rashad said. “I wanted to put you out of business.”
“I know that.” Nina let Rashad dip her back, then lift her up again. “But things didn’t go that way. Instead, we decided to work together — so you have nothing to apologize for.”
“Perhaps.” They spun again. Nina was enjoying the dance so much that she wasn’t even worried about stepping on Rashad’s toes or looking silly, as she usually would have been. “But still. I want you to know that I feel badly about my intentions.”
“Rashad.” Nina pulled them both to a stop, her heart suddenly beating a little too hard in her chest. “What are we doing here, dancing like this, with you apologizing for something that never happened?”
“I thought we were sharing a lovely moment under the stars,” Rashad said, his voice low. “Do you disagree?”
“No.” Nina shook her head. “I just… It’s been a long time since I let myself… share a moment under the stars… with anyone.”
Rashad began to dance again, though it was more of a sway now. His dark eyes never left hers. He was so close that the soft smell of aftershave was all around Nina and she could think of little else beside his touch. Their surroundings dimmed as Rashad came into focus.
“Maybe it’s time for that to change,” he said, his voice deep.
“Maybe so.” Nina looking up at him, her heart still fluttering. It was clear now that Rashad did share her feelings. She wasn’t the only one who felt attraction dance through her chest when he was near, and perhaps she hadn’t imagined that he’d been on the verge of kissing her in that closet and when he’d dropped her off at her room the night before.
Nina knew there couldn’t be a future for the two of them — she and Rashad were too different, and too busy. Yet perhaps, just for one night, she could give in to the attraction she felt and let herself seize a moment under the stars. She could still protect her heart, even if she let herself feel a little tonight.
So, slowly, Nina lifted onto her toes. Rashad stopped swaying as one of his hands came to rest on the side of her face, his thumb skimming across her cheekbone and sending waves of long-forgotten sensation through Nina’s body.
“Nina,” he said.
“Rashad.”
And then he bent his head, Nina lifted higher onto her tiptoes, and they were kissing. It was everything Nina had tried to keep herself from imagining, and more. Rashad’s lips were warm and gentle on hers. His hands skimmed along her back as they kissed, drawing her closer. She became a being of sensation, wanting more, no longer thinking rationally about anything. After just a moment, Rashad pulled back and met Nina’s eyes.
“Is that all right?” he asked.
“Yes.” Nina’s voice was breathless, and she didn’t trust herself to say more.
And then they were kissing again, Rashad’s lips more insistent this time. Heat pooled in Nina’s belly as Rashad pressed her against the wall of the kitchen, his kisses expert and tender. For what felt like both the blink of an eye and an hour, they kissed like teenagers before Rashad’s hands grew bolder in their explorations.
Nina was the kind of person who always worried — about her kids, about her business, about her never-ending to-do list — but today, in this moment, all her worries drifted away. There was nothing but her and Rashad and the way he touched her, as though she were incredibly precious. Nina never wanted this moment to end.
“Would you like to go to the bedroom?” Rashad asked, his voice low in Nina’s ear as he brushed kisses along her cheek and neck.
“Yes,” Nina said, without hesitation. A small part of her protested that she might be hurt in the morning, when the boat docked in San Diego and she and Rashad went back to business — but a larger part told her to let go, just for now. The future was uncertain, but this moment wasn’t. Nina was with a man who cared about her, who whispered her name as though it were a magic spell, who lifted her into his arms as easily as if she were made of air. There was no point in worrying about tomorrow, not when she wanted only to be closer to Rashad, to feel his hands on her, and to kiss him as though nothing else mattered.
So, Rashad carried her easily down the stairs and into his bedroom. Nina got a glimpse of a neatly made bed and an open suitcase on the floor — had Rashad never unpacked? — before he was laying her back on the bed and kissing her again as he braced over her, warm and solid and so close that Nina could hardly bear it.
Nina let go of her worries and gave herself over fully to the magic of this night, this moment, and the man she was with. Everything else could wait.