Delaney's Desert Sheikh by Brenda Jackson Read Free Book Online

at her didn’t help matters. Intentionally or not, he was igniting feelings she had been experiencing lately; feelings she had tried ridding herself of by staying in her room. But now she felt the slow pounding of blood as it rushed to her head and back down to her toes. She also heard the ragged pant of her breathing and wondered if he heard it.
    â€œI’m used to living alone, Jamal,” she finally responded. “And I can take care of myself. Because of my study habits, I’m used to going shopping at night instead of in the daytime.”
    He nodded. “Do you mind some company? There are some things I need to pick up, as well.”
    Delaney narrowed dark eyes, wondering if he actually needed something or if he was using that as an excuse to tag along. If it was the latter, she wasn’t having any of it. “If I wasn’t here, how would you have managed to get those things?”
    He shrugged. “I would have called Asalum. And although he would be more than happy to do my shopping for me, I prefer doing things for myself. Besides, it’s after midnight and he needs his rest.”
    Delaney was glad to hear that he was considerate of the people who worked for him. Slowly nodding, she said, “Then I guess it will be all right if you come along.”
    Jamal laughed. It was a deep, husky, rich sound that made heat spread through the lower part of her body. She slanted him a look. “Something funny?”
    â€œYes. You make it seem such a hardship to spend time with me.”
    Delaney sighed, looking away. He didn’t know the half of it. Moments later she returned her attention to him. “Mainly because I had thought I would be here alone for the next few weeks.”
    He grinned at her suddenly. It was so unexpected that her anger lost some of its muster. “So had I,” he said huskily, slowly crossing the room to stand in front of her. “But since we’re not alone and it was your decision to stay, don’t you think we should stop avoiding each other and make the most of it and get along?”
    Delaney fought her body’s reaction to his closeness. It wasn’t easy. “I suppose we can try.”
    â€œWhat do we have to lose?”
    Oh, I can think of a number of things I have to lose. My virginity for one, Delaney thought to herself. Instead of responding to his question, she turned and headed for the door. “I’ll wait in the car while you change clothes.”
    Â 
    â€œDid you get everything you need?” Delaney asked Jamal as they got back into her car to return to the cabin. Once they had gone inside the all-night supermarket he seemed to have disappeared.
    â€œYes, I got everything I need. What about you?”
    â€œYes. I even picked up a few things I hadn’t intended to get,” she said, thinking of the romance novel she had talked herself into buying. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been able to read a book for pleasure.
    They drove back to the cabin in silence. Delaney kept her eyes on the road but felt Jamal’s eyes on her all the while.
    â€œWhat kind of doctor are you?” he asked after they had ridden a few miles.
    His question got him a smile. She enjoyed talking about her profession and was proud of the fact that she was the only doctor in the Westmoreland family. “I will be a pediatrician, but first I have to complete my residency, which will take another two years.”
    â€œYou like working with children?”
    Delaney’s response was immediate. “Not only do I enjoy working with kids, I love kids, period.”
    â€œSo do I.”
    Delaney was surprised by his comment. “You do?” Most men, especially a single man, wouldn’t admit that fact.
    â€œYes. I’m looking forward to getting married one day and having a family.”
    She nodded. “Me, too. I want a houseful.”
    Jamal chuckled and gave her a curious look. “Define