Page 9 of Waiting for Ru
When the paperwork was complete, Jasim stepped away from the booth and Ru moved to his side.
“Do you want the horses for your family?” Ru asked.
“No. They live in Saudi Arabia.”
“I thought that was your wife and child.”
“Friends.”
Ru held out his hand. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for buying Cookie and Joni.”
Jasim wasn’t sure what he expected to happen when they shook hands. Maybe to get struck down for what he was thinking, but when he had Ru’s fingers in his, he didn’t want to let go.
But he did, because he had to, because he was careful, because of what could tumble down or get exposed if he didn’t let Ru go. Even so, there was still that part of him that wonderedwhat if. He took a card from his wallet and held it out, then watched as Ru read it.
“Polo?” Ru looked up at him. He really did have the most beautiful bright green eyes.
“Yes.”
“I don’t know much about polo.”
I could teach you.
“I’m glad you know about horses.” The card disappeared into Ru’s pocket.
Jasim’s heart jumped into his throat. It was better if he never saw this man again.Keep quiet.“If you want to see the horses, that’s where they’ll be once they’ve got the right documentation for export.”
Shit!Now he had to keep the bloody animals. He strode off before he added to his stupidity and offered the guy a job.
David had his horsebox in the car park and once the extra veterinary checks had been done for Jasim’s purchases too, the horses were led over to the vehicle. Despite ticks on the vendor’s warranty saying that Dulcie was easy to box, she kicked off as soon as she saw what they were leading her towards. While David walked her in a circle, Samantha held Cookie and once she went in, Joni followed without a murmur, the two of them no doubt figuring they’d landed on their feet when they saw the conditions inside the vehicle. Fortunately, Dulcie decided she must be missing out on something and, on the second attempt, David was able to get her inside without a fuss.
“So what’s the plan with the two in the back?” David asked. “What did you see that I missed?”
“I bought them as a present.”
“Ah.” David chuckled. “For anyone I know?”
“Stop nosing.”
“I wouldn’t have thought you’d have needed to impress anyone with a gift like that. Don’t tell me there’s someone who’snotsuccumbed to your charms.”
“I won’t tell you that. Except now I need a favour. Can you handle the export details and get them shipped to me as soon as possible?”
“Of course.”
Jasim smiled. “Thanks. Let me know how much I owe you.”
Farida and Samantha set off in the car while Jasim and David followed in the horsebox.
“I’m glad you’ve found someone you want to impress,” David said. “If only that it will stop Farida trying to set you up with one of her friends. You’re not getting back with that supermodel, are you?”
“No.” Jasim had never really been with Portia Belmont. It had just suited them both to look as if they were together.
“You don’t fancy having kids?” David laughed. “Has Samantha put you off?”
Jasim ignored the ache in his gut. Children really weren’t in his future. “She’s a good girl.”
“An expensive child. I really appreciate you coming over, Jasim. Right in the middle of the season. And signing all those autographs. I can’t believe how much we raised from auctioning the shirt you wore.”
