Page 11 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

But, right now, she had no idea how he would take it. She feared that if she said such a thing their friendship would be ruined forever. And she didn't want that to happen.

Aliyah drew in a deep breath and turned back to Shahid. She saw that he'd gathered his composure, although he still shifted awkwardly as he looked at her. Could he tell that she was about to put an end to this impossible madness?

Aliyah clasped her hands, trying desperately to calm herself. "Shahid. I know we've always been the best of friends. And that's been such an important thing for me. You know that, don't you?"

Shahid nodded. "It's been important for me too, Aliyah," he replied evenly.

She smiled at him. Maybe this was going to be easier than she'd thought.

Aliyah moved closer to Shahid and took his hand in hers. "I'm glad we agree," she said.

She saw his brows furrow. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"That we should just continue to be friends. It's for the best. Don't you think?"

Shahid drew in a deep breath and sighed. His eyes fixed upon her and there was a sudden seriousness in their expression. What he said next shocked her.

"No. I don't agree, Aliyah. Not one bit," he declared.

She felt the resolve of moments ago drain away. Her legs felt suddenly weak. Shahid looked so determined all of a sudden. She could see the defiance in his eyes. What was he saying?

"You don't?" she managed to force herself to say.

Shahid shook his head and moved closer. "I don't think you want that," he murmured. "And that's not what I want. It's too late for that, now."

Aliyah felt her lower lip soften, and she was sure she looked startled. Shahid seemed more confident now, as if relieved that he'd finally said what he had to say.

Shahid took hold of her arm. "You know how I feel about you Aliyah," he said evenly. "How can you doubt that, after what just happened."

"It was just a kiss, Shahid," she said tentatively, not believing that for one moment.

Shahid shook his head. "It wasn't just a kiss, Aliyah. And you know it."

Aliyah considered moving away, but his touch was so tender, so welcome, and his eyes were filled with such warmth, such sincerity that she couldn't bear the thought of destroying the intimacy of this moment. He was right. That had been more than a kiss. It had been a declaration of intent.

Aliyah sighed gently and glanced up at Shahid. "What exactly are you saying Shahid?"

The question struck her as ludicrous, even as she uttered the words. Of course, she knew what he was asking her. She just needed to hear it from his own lips.

"I'm saying I want us to become closer than just friends, Aliyah. And I think you want that too. Am I right?"

It seemed so simple when he put it like that. It was almost the most natural thing in the world for him to tell her that he wanted her and that he knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she wanted him. Had it been so obvious all along? Had others noticed the attraction between Aliyah and Shahid? Of course they had. That had been why Nadyah had arranged this whole thing today.

Still, though, there was a nagging uncertainty, the sharp tug of doubt that pulled at Aliyah's insides. It was the same feeling she'd had when she'd been wrapped in his arms moments before. The feeling was much more than uncertainty. It felt like anxiety. Could she possibly submit to this wondrous temptation? Wasn't it all moving too fast?

And then there was the issue of the wedding which would take place in a matter of days. If she and Shahid did announce they were an item, surely that would undermine everything Aliyah had stood for all these years. The most important thing right now was the happiness of Azim and Lucy. Nothing could be allowed to interfere with that.

"This isn't the right time, Shahid. Not for something like this," she said.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"This is Azim and Lucy's time. We can't do anything to interfere with their happiness. It's just not right."

Shahid leaned closer. "Sometimes you have to be selfish, Aliyah. Sometimes you have to think of yourself."

Aliyah shook her head. "No. It's not right."

"We're not right together?" he asked, sudden concern on his face.

---