“It is a surprise. Do you ride?” he asked.
Sara shook her head. “Not unless you count a pony ride at the county fair when I was six years old. It scared me to death, as I recall.”
Rashid laughed. Since he had learned to ride before he could walk, he could not imagine being afraid of such a noble beast.
“No matter, you will learn not to fear. I am sure you will find something suitable to wear in your closet, I will send Fatima to assist you. And have her pack a change of clothes. I will come for you in an hour.”
“Rashid! Do you hear yourself? You’re giving me orders, like ... like a slave. I thought that was what you saved me from.”
He was instantly contrite. “I am sorry ... I did not mean to bark orders at you. I suppose it has become a habit.”
“Well, you could try to break that habit and learn to ask politely.”
“Your wish is my command, my lady,” he said as he got down on his knees. “May I please be blessed with the pleasure of your company this evening.”
He looked so silly, kneeling there, soaking wet, that Sara burst out laughing. “You certainly do go from one extreme to the other.”
“That is why I need you to teach me moderation ... though not in everything ...” His voice trailed off meaningfully, and his eyes burned into hers.
Sara’s body tingled all over with the memory of last night and this morning, and to her dismay, she felt the color rising to her cheeks and turned away from him, not wanting him to see how he affected her. But she could not hide her feelings from him. He rose and went to her. “You have not answered my question.”
“What question?”
“My invitation to go out on a date.”
“Oh. ... Is that what this is all about?” she asked.
“Yes, you said you wanted to go out on dates, so we will go out on a date. I mean, ...” he caught himself before she yelled at him for ordering again. “... if you wish to.”
Sara smiled. “Yes, I will go out with you. But, ... I’m not sure about the horse part.”
He hugged her one last time before leaving. “Everything will be fine. Trust me, ...please.”