The Sheikh's American Bride (The Sharqi Sheikhs Series Book 2) (5 page)

Taleb snapped his laptop shut after finishing yet another essay. Rubbing his head, he wished that he could spend all his time searching for a wife instead of attending lectures, but if he was going to maintain the appearance of law school for his father and brother, he had to attend his classes.

Standing up, he decided to stretch his legs and walk around the library. He knew that he should be taking law school seriously, but he couldn’t concentrate. His birthday was less than four months away and they had gotten nowhere with the list of candidates Malil was able to pull together.

He had hoped that by attending his classes, he might luck out, but there were few tall blondes at Harvard and none of them caught his eye.

As he walked, some of the female students in the library tried to get his attention, but he did not bother to acknowledge them, he was too lost in thought. Claire was right; he did gain a lot of attention wherever he went. At home, it was because of his name. Here, he presumed it was because of his looks.

Walking along the mezzanine, he looked down on the main floor and caught sight of Claire pushing a library cart loaded with books. She was a rare one. 

She was different from any woman he had ever met. For one thing, even though she was not blonde, she really was very pretty but she did not seem to notice. In fact, she spent no time on her appearance preferring to wear what looks like men’s clothes than something more feminine. When he had touched her that time at the art museum, he had to admit to himself that he intentionally kept his hand on her longer than he should have as he thoroughly enjoyed the feel of her curves.

There was something Kim was always saying about good things coming in small packages. Taleb wondered if she was talking about her friend because when Claire did not seem thoroughly pissed at him, she really was quite pleasant to be around.

He watched her attempt to balance several books at once before one slid out from the middle causing several more to shoot out and land with a loud thud on the floor. When she bent to retrieve them, he had a lovely view of her cleavage, as her shirt stretched tightly around her.

Her skin was a light golden color and looked soft to the touch. He remembered what her wrist felt like when he grabbed her and he wished that her skin had been exposed when he placed his hand on her waist. He pictured himself kissing the inside of her wrist and wondered if her lips would part in anticipation…

Claire paused to answer a student question and the smile on her face had the student smiling, as Taleb suddenly wished that she were looking at him that way. There was an unwanted stir in his groin surprising him as he could not believe he was feeling like that because of Claire.

She did not fit his criteria. At all. He grunted. He wanted to look away but he could not stop staring at her, and the stir in his groin only increased.

Taleb cleared his throat and turned on his heel to make his way back to his desk. He had work to do, instead of staring at Claire. 

***

Claire was returning books back to their shelves. Having sorted all the books that she needed to bring upstairs, she wheeled her cart off the elevator and headed toward the back wall. Scooping up three books, she headed down one aisle.

It was dimly lit and there was someone leaning against one of the bookcases reading a book. Looking up at the guy, she thought that the glasses he was wearing made him look sexy, as he flipped through the pages. She figured that she could get a closer look when she went to put the books back on the shelves.

“Excuse me,” Claire said politely to him. He had been so engrossed in his book he hadn’t even noticed her approach. When he looked up, Claire's eyes flew open when she realized whom it was. 

“Claire,” Taleb said.

“Taleb! It's you.”

“It's me.”

“I did not expect to see you here.”

“Why not? It's a library isn't it?”

“Well, true, but since you had said that you were here to find a wife, I guess I assumed that you would be skipping your classes.”

“Both my father and brother would kill me if they found out that I had come all this way and did not attend my classes.”

“But if your primary goal is to find a wife, I guess I thought that you would return home after succeeding.”

Shrugging his shoulders, “I have not decided yet. I find my courses engaging and was surprised at how nice the view is from up here,” he answered as he smiled to himself.

Smiling back, “I think that if you give Harvard a chance, you may find that you like it. Besides, it’s only three years,” Claire replied.  

As she was about to walk past him, she realized that the aisle wasn’t wide enough. “I need to get to the other side,” Claire said to him. Talib stood up as she tried to squeeze past him, but there wasn’t enough room to do so without touching him. She felt her breasts rub against his chest and her nipples instantly respond.

Sucking in her breath, she was feeling rather awkward but she needed to get to the other side. Taleb stared at her with his piercing grey gaze, which normally intimidated her but this time it was ten times worse because of how close they were.

To her surprise, Taleb stopped her by placing his arms on either side of her. Taking her books, he set them on an open shelf. Lifting her shirt, he placed his warm hands on her waist seeming to enjoy the feel of their skin touching. Dipping his head down, he pressed his lips against hers and started kissing her. Claire barely had time to react. His lips felt surprisingly soft against hers as her hands found their way to his chest.

He felt even better than she thought he would as she ran her hands over his body, which felt as though it had been chiseled from stone. His kiss was gentle as he licked lightly at her lips before pushing his tongue inside to explore. Sliding his hands around her, he grabbed her hips and lifted her up, holding her tightly against him, as he continued to explore her mouth. Claire could not believe what was happening; in the library too!

She was not his type. She did not fit his criteria. Why on earth was he kissing and touching her like that?
she wondered as a voice in the back of her head kept screaming at her to shut up and enjoy herself.

She was even more shocked at herself for responding. She was not the type of girl that made out with random guys in the library aisles even if he was tall, dark and dreamy.

Claire found the strength to push him away breaking the kiss, as he set her back down. Touching her lips, she looked at him in surprise as they both worked to catch their breaths. Backing away, she turned and ran for the stairs, leaving her books behind. She needed to get herself away from him as fast as possible but she worried that it might already be too late.

Taleb laughed at his little brother, Amare’s, description of Karim’s proposal to Kim. His older brother was more like their father than Amare or he was, which was why he was so surprised to find out that Karim had shouted his love for her in front of so many strangers.

Clearly, it must be western women bringing out this side of Karim and the Tazeem men because all were head over heels in love with these women who had them doing the strangest things.

Claire had him doing strange things as well. He never would have kissed a woman in public like that before and he really didn’t know what prompted him to do so. She was standing so close to him and the way she looked up at him when she brushed against him, he simply couldn’t resist a taste. Shaking his head, he signed off Skype after saying goodbye to his brother just as Malil walked in.

“You’ll like this one,” Malil told him as he handed him a file.

He put his laptop to the side before taking the file. Opening it, there was a picture of a stunning woman. She was tall, blonde and beautiful with piercing blue eyes. Malil had included several full body shots and based on her appearance, she was exactly what he was looking for. She probably hadn’t had a spoon of Ben and Jerry’s in her life, Taleb thought to himself.

“What do you think?” Malil asked him.

“She is gorgeous,” he replied unable to generate much enthusiasm.

“I ran a background check on her and she is definitely from a good family with no known legal or financial issues.”

Taleb nodded. This time Claire was not there to comment. He had not expected her to get involved the first time but she had pointed out some important things that neither he nor Malil had noticed. He had appreciated her sharp eye and found himself wanting her here now.

What? Focus, Taleb.

Other than curiosity, he could not understand why she got involved the first time. Perhaps it was her desire to please, which he noticed in the way she interacted with students at the library. Or, maybe she had pointed those things out because she was into him.

While he still could not understand why he kissed her, she had responded instantly and seemed to enjoy herself. That is until she pushed at him and walked away without lookinga back. No woman had ever walked away from him before. Maybe that’s why he could not stop thinking about her.

Taleb shook his thoughts away. Claire did not meet his criteria. Whatever had happened in the library was not to be repeated.

“What kind of a family is she from?” Taleb finally asked.

“Her father is the CEO of a cosmetics company.” Malil answered. Taleb nodded. That was good enough for him.

“You may set up a date for us to meet,” Taleb ordered.

Malil nodded. “I will do so.”

“Also, get Claire on the phone.”

Since he was still new to the city, he figured that it would be best to have Claire show him and his date around.

“Claire?” Malil was a little confused.

“Yes, she can show us around.”

“Oh, okay.” Malil looked at Taleb with a sideways glance, on the verge of speaking.

Taleb looked at the pictures once more. “Vanessa is beautiful and she has a good educational background. I hope that she meets my expectations.

“I have found and heard good things about her. I’m confident this is the one,” Malil told him but he only grunted and nodded.

Taleb thought about his conversation with his little brother about Karim and Kim. They both seemed so happy and in love. Amare told him how much their older brother had changed for the better because of Kim. He was the happiest he had ever been in his entire life. And that’s exactly what Taleb wanted for himself.

Based on her file, there was a chance that his dream was closer to him than ever before. Vanessa was flawless and definitely, what he was looking for.

“It is a good thing that my father is no longer against the idea of his sons marrying western women,” he said to Malil. Originally, his father was so opposed to western ideals that he threatened the life of a cousin to the royal family, Adilah Tazeem.

Yet, when he realized how much Karim loved Kim, he was the first to jump behind the wheel to see that his son got her back. If only Taleb had known that his father would have such a change of heart, he wouldn’t have had to go to such extreme measures to come to the United States to find a bride.

“Yes indeed. The Sheik’s views on western ideals was well known to many,” Malil replied.

“My father is a particular man,” Taleb replied.

“He came around in the end. It just shows even the most stubborn people can change.” Malil said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Yes,” Taleb pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to clear his mind of the image of Claire. “Right. Set up the meeting with Vanessa.”

“I’m telling you, he’s nothing like you described.”

“I don’t get why he’d be so different.”

Shrugging her shoulders, Claire looked at her friend, Kim, as they Skyped. “I don’t know what to say. When he isn’t arrogant, he’s insulting. And when he isn’t insulting, he’s….” Claire’s voice trailed off.

“He’s what? Claire?”

Closing her eyes, Claire wondered if she shouldn’t tell her best friend, but she needed to tell someone. “Kissing me,” she mumbled.

“What? He’s what? I couldn’t hear you.”

“Kissing me, all right? We kissed.” Claire cringed at Kim’s squeals and demands for more information. “There’s not much to say. Just the day before, we were arguing and on more than one occasion I was prepared to tell the Dean that I quit, and then suddenly we’re kissing.”

“We’re? As in…”

“Yes, I kissed him back,” Claire said with a sigh. “I don’t know what I was thinking. He has this checklist for the requirements for a bride and not even one applies to me. Oh, what am I doing? He’s unattainable.”

“Wait, there’s a checklist?”

As Claire shared Taleb’s checklist with Kim, she kept having to pause while her friend giggled or made noises of outrage. By the time she was done, she couldn’t help but smile.

Leave it to Kim to find a way to be completely supportive without having to be here. Before she could continue, her phone rang. Answering it, she blushed when she heard Taleb’s deep voice as she wondered if he knew that she was talking about him.

Agreeing to meet with him, she disconnected the call and returned to Kim.

“So?” Kim asked blinking her eyes slowly at her friend.

“So, what?”

“What was that all about?

Sighing, “It seems that Malil has found a potential candidate for Taleb and he wants me to play tour guide slash chaperone this afternoon. This is going to be so awkward after that kiss.”

Staring at her friend wide-eyed, “Wait, you agreed to do it?” Kim practically shouted into her laptop.

Nodding her head, “Yep, I don’t have much choice. It’s all part of the Dean’s blackmail to keep Taleb around as long as possible and for me to get that transfer.”

“Honestly, Claire, do you even need the transfer now? It sounds as if things are going well and you certainly seem in better spirits.”

Shrugging her shoulders, “I don’t know anymore. My focus has been Harvard for so long, maybe if I transfer some place where no one knows me, I can have a fresh start where everywhere I look, I’m not constantly reminded that I’ve had to yet again take second or third place with someone in my life.”

Kim frowned, “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. I wish I could be there with you.”

Smiling at her friend, “I wouldn’t dream of it. Your place is with Karim. Besides, I’ll get to see you at the wedding.”

“It’s not for a few months, maybe I could take some time off and come see you.”

Shaking her head, “I’ll be fine, Kim. Promise. All right, if I’m going to sabotage another date for Taleb, I better get ready to go. Talk soon?”

“Definitely. Lurrvvvve ewe,” Kim replied as she made kissing noises into her laptop.

Laughing, “Lurvvvve ewe, too.”

Signing off with her friend, Claire fought with her sudden feelings of loneliness. She was happy for her friend and she wanted the best for her, but sometimes, she really did wish for her own fairy tale ending.

Standing up, she quickly showered and then stared at her open closet. Off to the side were a few sundresses that she hadn’t worn in years. The weather was still nice; maybe she should…shaking her head.

No, she wasn’t going to change how she dressed simply to get Taleb’s attention. Besides, they’re meeting along the Charles River. Pulling her favorite pair of jeans shorts and a Harvard t-shirt out of a drawer, she dressed and slipped on her sneakers. Brushing her hair out, she pulled it up into a ponytail before grabbing her backpack. If she hurried, she might just be on time.

As she walked along the footpath by the Charles River, she wondered about Taleb’s date. He had told her that she was the daughter of some CEO of a cosmetics company. Claire could well imagine what she looked like, as she contemplated what they would do today.

Looking up, she spotted Malil, Taleb and some woman in a distance. It was probably his date. Walking toward them, Claire could see that Taleb was dressed in what she was rapidly referring to as his uniform as she wondered if he owned a pair of jeans.

He looked damn sexy in his too-tight polo, as she remembered what he felt like underneath. His muscles seemed to ripple as she ran her hands over his chest.

Stopping, she pretended to check her phone as she silently ordered herself to get it together. It wouldn’t do her any good to think about things like that while he was on a date with another woman. Slipping her phone back in her backpack, she walked up to them. 

“Hello,” she said as she joined them.

“Hi, Claire, this is Vanessa,” Taleb stated. “Vanessa, this is Claire. She is going to be showing us around.”

“Hello, Claire,” Vanessa said, a hint of annoyance in her voice. Despite her attempts to dress casual, she looked as though she had just stepped off the latest fashion runway. She was tall, blonde and beautiful and Claire wanted to laugh at how different they were as her own diminutive height stuck out standing next to the three of them.

“Hi,” Claire smiled at Vanessa who didn’t return the smile, choosing instead to look out at the river. Malil dismissed himself and left the three of them to go about with their tour. Claire would have preferred that Malil stay with them so that she would feel less like a third wheel.

As she was about to speak, Vanessa placed a well-manicured hand possessively on Taleb’s arm and leaned into him. “We really don’t need a chaperone. I’m sure we can find something
interesting
to do without her,” she practically purred.

Patting her hand, Taleb responded, “I trust Claire’s judgment,” he told her as he smiled at Claire. “Shall we?”

Claire suppressed a smile as she watched Vanessa reluctantly nod. Perhaps this wasn’t going to be such a bad day after all, she thought to herself as she headed along the river path with the couple trailing behind her talking about their lives.

They were asking each other different questions, getting to know each other. They seemed to be having a good time and anyone looking at them wouldn’t suspect that this was their first date. As much as Claire didn’t want to admit it, they actually made a good couple. They were both beautiful and seemed to be each other's type. Claire was sticking out like a sore thumb.

As they walked along the river, she scanned the area for something to do that would make or break the date. Seeing boaters out on the river, she had an idea for an activity that she was sure Vanessa wouldn’t want to do. Smiling to herself, she half-wondered if sabotaging Taleb’s date today was more for the Dean or herself.

Turning, she pointed to the building, “Kayaking could be fun,” she suggested to the couple. Taleb and Vanessa looked up.

Claire could see that Vanessa was not dressed for kayaking. She seemed like someone who didn’t participate in any type of sports. It was perfect.

This is for the dean...right? I'm not jealous. That's not it;
she told herself. Claire could not understand why her subconscious was arguing with her. She felt nothing for Taleb and she was going to sabotage his date because she wanted her transfer. That's all there was to it.

“I am not all that into kayaking,” Vanessa stated.

Oh there's a surprise
, Claire thought to herself.

“We don't have to do it,” Taleb offered.

“It's the best way to see the Charles River and we can leave the boats by the Riverfront Café where I thought you two might enjoy a romantic lunch,” Claire added eagerly. Vanessa and Taleb looked at each other.

“It does sound like fun,” Taleb said with a smile. Claire looked at Vanessa who glared at her.

“Are you sure you can handle a kayak?” Vanessa sneered, “You don’t look like you’re in shape.”

Swallowing her anger, Claire stood as tall as her height would allow her as she stared down Vanessa, “I was coxswain on Harvard’s men’s team for two years. What about you?” Vanessa swallowed, as she seemed to grow pale.

“Come on, you’ll have a good time,” she said to her with a smile Vanessa did not return.

“Okay, I will do it for you,” she told Taleb as she turned to him and smiled. Claire rolled her eyes.

“Okay, let's do it,” Taleb said as he rubbed his hands together in sudden excitement. Taking Vanessa’s hand, he tugged her toward the kayak rental as Claire practically skipped along beside them. It had been a couple years since she’d manned her own boat, but based on Vanessa’s reluctance, this was going to be far more entertaining for Claire than her.