Flight to Romance Read online

  "Yes you do. Is there any reason why you don't want to talk about it?"

  Jennifer's fingers were icy as she clasped them tightly in her lap. He obviously knew something, but what? Had Kalim denounced her in some way? But what could he have said? He could hardly have complained that she wouldn't go to bed with him. The memory of his determined efforts in that direction though brought bright color to her cheeks and she ducked her head.

  When it became clear that she was struggling for words, Graystock cleared his throat. "Jennifer, I feel responsible for this because I'm the one who threw you two together." He leaned across the desk, and although his embarrassment was evident, he plowed doggedly on. "He didn't… I mean, you two…"

  Her answer was explosive. "No! I told you nothing happened and I meant it. How could you even think such a thing?"

  He relaxed and there was relief on his face. "I'm sorry, but I'm fond of you, Jenny—you know that by now. I don't often play the heavy, but when his request came in, it seemed so strange."

  She looked at him uncomprehendingly. "What request?"

  "Kalim Al Kahira wants to take you to Cairo with him tomorrow morning."

  "What?" Jennifer shot out of her chair, her mouth shaped in an oval of disbelief.

  "Wait, hear me out. It seems his secretary had an attack of appendicitis and was rushed to the hospital last night. With the big conference coming up and all the delegates starting to gather, it leaves him short-handed. You evidently told him you're a secretary and he said he was impressed by your qualifications."

  Jennifer could just imagine the sardonic twist to his mouth when he said that! "That's very flattering, but I'm sure he can hire any number of secretaries in Cairo."

  "You'd think so, wouldn't you? But something you said put a bug in his ear and he considers your services indispensable."

  Jennifer was mystified. "What did I say?"

  "Something about people not understanding each other even when they spoke the same language." Her breathing quickened as she remembered the circumstances under which those words were uttered, but she didn't have time to dwell on it as he continued. "This conference is Kahira's baby—he's really serious about it. I guess I shouldn't have said what I did about him yesterday. Did he talk about it at all last night?"

  "No… er, it didn't come up."

  "That's surprising." Graystock looked at her appraisingly. "Well, no, maybe it isn't. But anyway, he's determined to set up a world network to take care of these little kids and that takes plenty of money."

  "I know it's a worthy project—you don't have to convince me of that. But I just don't see what I have to do with it."

  "I was coming to that. Whenever you try to part people from hard cash it's a problem. And the same thing goes for nations. After all, a country is just a group of individuals who have to approve, because when you come right down to it, it's their money. The media is going to cover this conference like a blanket and Kahira doesn't want any misunderstandings. So that's where you come in."

  She looked at him blankly. "Where?"

  "If there is the slightest loophole—an ambiguous phrase used, for instance—it could give the cheapskates a chance to weasel out of what is really everyone's responsibility."

  "You won't get an argument from me on that, but I still don't…"

  "It's very simple," he interrupted, anticipating her question. "Besides wanting you to help out with the secretarial work, Kahira wants to go over the English-language press releases with you. He will tell you what the information should say and ask you if the translation conveys the true meaning."

  Jennifer collapsed limply in her chair. It was almost impossible to believe what she was hearing. "I couldn't do a thing like that!"

  "Why not?"

  "Well, because… I… it's much too important." The words tumbled over each other. "I couldn't take the responsibility!"

  "You understand plain English, don't you?" he asked impatiently. "All Kahira wants is to discuss it with you—that doesn't sound too difficult to me."

  A clear picture rose in Jennifer's mind of Kalim and herself sitting close together in some hotel suite, his enigmatic dark eyes watching her try to concentrate on unfamiliar jargon. Could she bear to be that close to him again, remembering the feel of his powerful body awakening slumbering passions she didn't even know she possessed? And if he tried to make love to her again, could she resist that sensuous mouth that seduced her will or those practiced hands that knew exactly where to caress?

  Misunderstanding her silence, Graystock took a milder tone. "There's nothing to be so nervous about, Jenny. Your part in all of this is really minor. But it's a good cause, and if you can help even a little bit to solve a problem that's plaguing the world, it will be worth the effort."

  The idea seemed overwhelming. "I don't know if I can," she said slowly.

  "If it's any comfort to you, everyone else is struggling with the same problem. But look at it this way—what do you have to lose? A free trip to Egypt doesn't sound bad to me."

  Egypt! The reality of it struggled with her disbelief. Jennifer had scarcely been out of California and now she was being offered a fantastic trip to an exotic land, all expenses paid. Was she dreaming? Then the practical side of her nature surfaced.

  "Did you say tomorrow? I couldn't possibly be ready that soon. I don't have a passport—and what about clothes?"

  Her boss started to chuckle. "Isn't that just like a woman? Offered the chance of a lifetime and the first thing she thinks of is, I don't have a thing to wear."

  "Well, it's true," she protested.

  "Don't worry about it, Jenny. You can buy whatever you need over there and we'll foot the bill. Within reason, of course," he added prudently. "And as for your passport, that's all being taken care of. The State Department is processing it right now."

  Everything was moving too fast and Jennifer had the feeling that she was being steamrollered. It was a fabulous opportunity, of course, and yet… why had Kalim requested her services? Was the reason he gave the real one or was there something a great deal more sinister behind all this?

  They had scarcely parted friends. The misunderstanding between them had left them both angry. A tiny chill ran up her back even now when she remembered his unleashed fury as he stalked her like a giant cat, bending her trembling body like a reed when he caught her. And what had he said after she slapped his face?—"You will pay for that!"

  "What's eating you now?" Graystock complained.

  "I was just thinking that this whole thing is too good to be true," she said diffidently. "He could use any American who was already over there. Why me?"

  "Oh, for Pete's sake," he exploded, "you're being offered a gift. Why look for strings attached?"

  Because Kalim in the role of benefactor didn't ring true, Jennifer thought grimly. No, the more she thought about it, the stranger it seemed. Kalim was a man who wasn't used to being turned down and her rejection couldn't have sat well with his proud nature. His narrowed eyes as she ran out the door were inscrutable, but it didn't take a mind reader to sense his displeasure. Had he decided to forgive and forget? Or did he have some diabolical revenge planned once he got her away from the safety of her own country?

  Graystock's impatient voice reminded her of the shortage of time. "If you don't get out of here, you'll never be ready. The plane leaves first thing in the morning."

  "I haven't agreed to go yet," she protested.

  "Of course you have—it's all settled. Kahira is even sending his man for you. That big bruiser—what's his name?"

  Something clicked in Jennifer's mind and she felt as though she had been given a sign. Habeeb! That big bruiser. Kalim had told her himself that Habeeb would carry out any order. He was like a giant robot and she was terrified of him. Her instincts were right when they warned her that something was wrong. The fact that he was part of the package deal was the deciding factor and she wanted none of it.

  "No, I've made up my mind." She shook her head. "I'm
not going."

  "Are you crazy?" He looked at her as though she had taken leave of her senses. "You don't know what you're saying!"

  "Yes, I do. I'm telling you that I don't want the job."

  "But why, in the name of all that's sensible?" His face showed complete bewilderment.

  Jennifer lowered her head and looked carefully at her tightly clasped hands. "The reason doesn't matter, does it?"

  "You're really serious, aren't you?" he asked slowly. When she nodded her head, there was a short silence. Looking up, she saw that he was observing her gravely. "I think you ought to reconsider, Jennifer. I don't believe you've thought this whole thing out."

  "What do you mean? It's my decision, isn't it?"

  "Yes," he admitted, "but have you considered the consequences?"

  Now it was her turn to be puzzled. "I don't think I know what you're driving at."

  In a mystifying aside Graystock said, "Are you still hoping for a job with that congressman if he gets elected in November?"

  Her soft brow furrowed at this sudden change of subject. "You know I am. We talked it all over and you even advised me to take it. You're not having second thoughts, are you?" she asked anxiously. "It will be a snap to train somebody to take my place here and you agreed that it was an opportunity I couldn't afford to pass up."

  "I still think so and that's the point. If you refuse this request from Kahira, you can kiss your career in politics good-bye."

  "What does one thing have to do with the other?" she cried.

  "Grow up, Jenny. If you don't know that politics is a very involved game, then you're not ready for it. Your services have been requested by a very powerful man. Our government wants to lead the world by giving him our full cooperation, and if there's any chance you can be helpful in Cairo, the State Department is all for it. If you turn him down for no discernible reason, they're going to conclude that you're capricious at best and undependable at worst. There are hundreds of girls who would like to be on a congressman's staff. How much chance do you think you'd have of getting the job if a few disparaging words were used against you?"

  "But that's practically blackmail!" she protested.

  He shrugged. "Who ever told you life was fair? Now, I'm asking as your friend—is there any good reason why you don't want to go to Egypt?"

  Jennifer moistened her dry lips as he waited, watching her shrewdly. What could she tell him? There wasn't really a valid reason—only her own wild surmises. She couldn't say, I'm afraid of Kalim. He makes my blood race, and when he kissed me, it was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. He's a suave and experienced lover and I don't trust him. I think he means to teach me some kind of lesson.

  No, she couldn't tell Mr. Graystock that, but what reason could she give? He was right about her job with Congressman Peregrini. With a sinking heart Jennifer realized that no matter how useful she had been to him in the past, he wouldn't want to saddle himself with someone who might turn out to be a liability. Nor would anyone else.

  A feeling of hopelessness enveloped her as she felt the trap closing, but there was nothing to do but surrender. "There's no good reason and you're right—I guess I don't have any choice."

  "That's a smart girl," Graystock told her approvingly. "As long as Kahira wants you, you're stuck. But look at the bright side. Do you know how many people would jump at the chance to change places with you?"

  His first words electrified her and Jennifer barely heard the question that followed. Unwittingly, he had given her the solution to this whole mess. As long as he wants you—that was the key! If Kalim withdrew his request, she was off the hook.

  Did he know that a suggestion from him would be honored like a command? Surely not. It was another case of people not understanding each other. Although she had a deep-seated feeling that this trip was wrong for her for a variety of reasons, she mustn't make Kalim into a monster.

  Last night had been a trying experience and her overwrought nerves were reading all kinds of sinister motives into something that was quite simple. She had inadvertently given him a good idea and he had acted on it. But if she explained that it complicated her life, he would be glad to find someone else. Wouldn't he?

  "Are you all right, Jenny?"

  Vaguely aware that Mr. Graystock was looking at her anxiously, she managed a little smile. "Of course. May I leave now? I have a million things to do." Not wanting to be talked out of her plan, she was careful not to mention it.

  "Sure, go ahead and get packed. I'll phone you later with all the details."

  Returning hurriedly to the outer office, Jennifer got her purse from the desk drawer. There were no taxis in sight when she reached the street, but an approaching cable car provided a handy substitute. It was only a short trip up the California Street hill and this would be faster anyway.

  The little trolley with its gay red and gold paint looked more like a ride at an amusement park than a public conveyance as it made its imperious way up the street with bells clanging. The jam-packed little car was always filled to the rafters, mostly with tourists clinging to every pole and even standing outside on the steps. Today was no exception.

  Jennifer managed to squeeze on board, but she was oblivious to the happy people laughing and chattering all around her. The thoughts running through her mind were somber. Back at the office, her plan to get Kalim to release her had seemed so simple, but her doubts were starting to multiply with each passing block.

  Suppose he refused? What if there really was an ulterior motive behind all this? There went her wild imagination again, making a big deal out of nothing. Once she explained everything and apologized for any misunderstanding between them, surely everything would be all right.

  Suddenly, it struck her. That might be what he wanted all along—an apology! Well, he was certainly entitled to it. The enormity of her actions last night swept over Jennifer. How could she have slapped his face? That just wasn't done no matter what the provocation! It didn't help to realize that she was probably the first person to take such a liberty.

  When the cable car jerked to a stop on top of Nob Hill, Jennifer got off reluctantly and crossed the cobbled courtyard of the imposing hotel. Using the house phone in the lobby, she listened to the ring with a thumping heart. An unfamiliar voice answered, and after giving her name and receiving permission to go up, she entered the elevator. Unfortunately for her already shaken confidence, Habeeb answered the door.

  "I'm here to… is… may I see Kalim?" she stammered.

  The huge man barred her way, not a trace of expression on his threatening countenance. But from an inner room a deep masculine voice called, "Is that the little Jennifer, Habeeb? Bring her in here."

  She breathed a sigh of relief and followed the big man, but at the sight of Kalim, her heart did a flip and she hesitated in the doorway. He was shrugging into a white shirt and she stared fascinated at the muscles rippling in his shoulders and the curly black hair on his powerful chest.

  When he noticed her hesitation, a mocking light lit his dark eyes. "I am sorry to embarrass you by inviting you into my bedroom, my cautious little virgin. But alas, I must dress to go out."

  She caught her breath indignantly. "I won't keep you. I just want a minute of your time."

  "I would be willing to give you much more than that," he said, and although the words were courteous, they were said derisively.

  Attempting to quell her mounting anger, Jennifer came right to the point. "I came to thank you for your job offer and to tell you that I can't accept."

  He didn't look surprised, but his eyes hardened to onyx as he regarded her dispassionately. "May I ask the reason?"

  "What difference does it make? I just can't, that's all, and I'd like you to tell the State Department that you've changed your mind."

  "But I have not."

  His refusal wasn't entirely unexpected, but it was irritating nonetheless. "You don't understand what you're doing," Jennifer told him impatiently.

  A sardonic smile
touched the corners of his mouth. "I do not?"

  She looked at him warily and became a lot less sanguine about the success of her mission. "Look, Kalim, I'm glad you thought I gave you a good idea—about double-checking the news releases, I mean. But you don't need me. I'd like you to choose someone else."

  He had resumed dressing and Jennifer was relieved when the crisp white shirt was at last buttoned over his bronze chest. "Why would I do that? I have already chosen you."

  His faintly disinterested tone infuriated her, but she carefully kept her voice level. "It isn't convenient for me to go to Egypt right now. I have other plans."

  "You will change them," It was a flat statement.

  "I will not!" she snapped. But when his narrowed eyes bored into hers, she added hastily, "I mean, I can't."

  "I believe you can," he told her, and his smug assurance made her careless.

  "Then let's just say I don't want to," she flung at him.

  "Perhaps you will tell me why?" His voice was silky, but Jennifer could tell that he wasn't giving way, and she felt a chill, sensing the implacable will of this man.

  Ignoring the question, she took a different tack. "I'll find someone else for you, someone who will be much more suitable." It was an idea that had suddenly popped into her mind, but it would be a snap to accomplish even at such short notice. He refused to take the bait however, merely shaking his head. "Why not?" she cried.

  "Let us say that I have made up my mind and I dislike changing it." He smiled.

  "But that isn't fair! Why does it have to be me?"

  His lazy glance took in every curve of her slim body before moving unhurriedly to the lovely face. "Because I wish it," he answered mockingly.

  She felt the blood start to course through her veins at his sensuous appraisal and was furious at his ability to inflame her senses even while she was hating him. "You're being completely unreasonable," she raged. "This is just a whim on your part."

  His face hardened. "I am used to indulging my whims."

  "Not with me, you're not! I won't go and you can't make me!"