Page 21 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

"You just keep your hands on that wheel," she ordered.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied smiling.

He saw her settle back against the seat and she was suddenly very quiet. He didn't mind that one bit. Sharing a quiet moment with Aliyah was just about the best thing he could think of, right now.

It took them less than a half hour to reach the coast. The car crested a high ridge and then he saw the bright, shimmering sea and the golden beach stretching away into the distance.

Shahid heard Aliyah emit a satisfied sigh.

"Beautiful," he said glancing from the beach to Aliyah. He loved the way the sun reflected off the sea, brightening Aliyah's smooth skin.

They followed the road until it curved and began to run parallel to the beach. This coastal route had been added recently to the inland road, connecting villages that were scattered along the coast.

Shahid parked the car on the side of the road. The beach was a hundred yards away, and it already looked enticing.

Shahid got out of the car and went quickly around to Aliyah's side. He opened the door and extended a hand to Aliyah. "Want to come for a walk?" he asked smiling down at Aliyah.

She peered up at him and smiled back, lifting her hand. "Sure," she said. "I could do with some fresh air. The smell of this leather is a bit overpowering, after a while."

"There's not much I can do about that," he said, laughing as he helped her out of the car, and then she was standing right next to him, the wind from the sea blowing through her hair. She shifted the loose strands away from her face and he could see the anticipation on her face. She gazed out across the wide expanse of the beach. "It's gorgeous here," she said looking up at him. Her eyes were shining with a simple joy that was so typical of Aliyah.

He felt her slide her hand out of his gentle grasp, and she took a step away from him. He felt a tinge of disappointment. He'd thought it would have been nice for them to walk down onto the beach hand in hand, but she obviously had different ideas.

He closed the car door and when he turned back to Aliyah he saw that she was running down toward the beach. He paused for a moment, content to watch her, savoring the way the fabric of her dress danced around her body as she ran.

Then she reached the edge of the beach and reached down, taking off her shoes, discarding them while turning to look back at Shahid. "What are you waiting for?" she called out. Her voice floated upon the sound of the waves.

Shahid went quickly to her and in a moment he was by her side. She stood, barefoot, her toes curling into the sand. She seemed even smaller next to him, and he had to contain the urge to wrap his arm around her.

Shahid gazed out to sea, drawing in a deep breath. "The sea's calm today," he said.

"I'm sure the water's warm," she replied.

Shahid gazed at her, wondering what she was suggesting. "What are you thinking?" he asked.

Aliyah shrugged. "Nothing," she said. "Just that I haven't been in the sea for while," she said. "Have you?" she added lifting a brow.

Before he had a chance to reply, Aliyah leapt forward, her feet pounding across the flat sand. She turned back to him as she ran, smiling broadly and calling out to him. "See you in the water," she yelled.

Shahid groaned. What did this woman think he was?

"Okay. You win," he roared, kicking off his shoes and chasing after Aliyah.

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