Page 65 of Stone
Chapter 34
Tongue
Three months. Actually, it had been nearly four months since she’d last seenGarenth. She wondered if he’d changed any since then, when she remembered what her uncle had told her.
He’s learning English.
That made her smile as she stared out the airplane’s window. She’d managed to get a little sleep, but for the most partshe was too wound up to get any decent rest during the long flight. She didn’t know what excited her more—the possibility of seeingGarenthagain, or starting this new adventure in her life.Who am I trying to kid. I just hope he remembers me.
There was no telling what she could expect when she arrived. She’d have to take things slowly. This wasn’t just a new job. It was in a countrythat was totally foreign to her. Its food, its people, its language and customs—all of which she’d have to take in slowly and carefully so as not to cause many major gaffes in etiquette.
The flight attendant came over the PA and spoke to the passengers in Arabic before repeating it in English. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are approaching Cairo International Airport. The captain hasturned on the fasten seat belts sign. Please stow away all articles prior to landing. Return your seats to their upright condition, and lock your tray tables. We will be landing shortly.”
Brielle glanced at the monitor on the back of the seat in front of her. She’d left on a Tuesday evening and was arriving on Wednesday. They were originally due to land around six-fifteen PM. Giventhe short delay they’d had leaving Riyadh, it would be closer to six forty-five, but that was okay. She had no idea when it would get dark. At least she’d get to see some of the city and people before night fell.
The passengers gave a smattering of applause as the aircraft landed safely, and they taxied to the terminal. She waited for those most in a hurry to exit the plane beforeretrieving her carry-on from the overhead compartment and making her way through the jet bridge.
She made her way to baggage pickup, keeping her eyes open for her uncle. Before she reached the carousel, she saw him standing near a rack of luggage carts. His arms were crossed over his chest. But what caught her attention was the shit-eating grin on his face. When she approached, heheld out his arms to welcome her.
“’Ahlaanbik, Brielle. That’s ‘welcome’ in the local dialect.”
She laughed and dropped her carry-on before wrapping her arms around him, parking her chin on the man’s shoulder. She opened her eyes to pull away when she saw the man standing a few feet away. At first she didn’t recognize him until his direct gaze caught hers and drewher into those dark brown eyes.
That expression was the same exact one she’d seen on his face nearly four months ago. Worried. Concerned.
Her heart nearly stopped in her chest, and she gasped. Straightening, she was barely aware of her uncle pulling away from her, leaving her to face this strange yet familiar man.
Garenthslowly walked up to her. Likeher uncle, he was sweaty and dirty, proving they’d come directly from the dig without stopping to clean up first. If anything, he’d become more muscular from working directly at the site. It was the black hair that had thrown her off.
“Hello, Brielle. Welcome to my land.” His English was heavily accented but understandable.
“Your English is good.”
“I toldmyself I would learn your tongue. I will keep learning until I am good.”
She giggled softly and reached up to first touch the black waves on his head, then trailed her fingers to feel the silky short hairs of his beard and moustache. “You have hair.” She smiled and touched his brow. “You have eyebrows and lashes.”
“I have hair all over now,” he told her with an impishgrin. The smile dropped suddenly, and his countenance grew serious. “I am happy you came to work here.”
She searched his face. There was no denying the fact that he’d missed her. However, once again, he wasn’t going to ask her if she’d missed him as well. Just like that night long ago when her world, her emotions, and her heart had stood on the precipice, and she’d had to decidewhether or not to make love with him, he was holding back now in the same manner. She would make that ultimate decision whether or not there could be a future for them together.
“I didn’t come here just to work for my uncle,Garenth. I came here to see you. To be with you,” she confessed. “I’ve missed you. I’ve missed you very, very much.”
He didn’t move, didn’t makeany overt gestures toward her. Yet it was clear he wanted to touch her, even if it was only to take her by the arms.
Well, if he needed her to take the first step…
She closed the distance between them and threw her arms around his waist.Garenthmade a little sound as he enveloped her within his strong embrace. She could hear his heart pounding where her ear was pressedagainst his strong chest. A kiss touched her forehead. Before she could lift her face, his hand took her chin and tilted her head to make her look up at him. She started to speak when his mouth came down over hers, and he possessed her once more with a mind-numbing kiss.
The world melted away. She had no idea if anyone saw them, or if they approved or disapproved. She didn’t care.All that mattered was thatGarenthwanted her back.
“I have missed you more,” he murmured against her lips, tickling them with his breath. “Can I come back to your life? Will you let me?”
She gave him her most loving smile. “Na-am,Garenthbin Al-Emin. Yes, I want you back in my life.”
Kellingsuddenly appeared beside them, dragging Brielle’s suitcaseand carry-on with him. “Sorry to break this up, but it’s getting dark, the Jeep’s racking up parking fees, and we need to be going. You two can take the back seat and resume your,uhh, conversation on the way to the dig.”
Garenthkept an arm around her shoulder as they followedKellingoutside. For the moment she wasn’t interested in marveling at the sights and sounds of this country.She couldn’t take her eyes off of the man who’d laid claim to her emotions. As they hurried toward short-term parking, Brielle brought up a subject she’d had a long time to think about.
