Nothing was working out as she thought it would be.

Four weeks of this, and she'd go spare. Not even her first week was up, and already she wanted out. There was no way she can go back to Zaid, after what she had put him through. All her friends were married with young children. Her family was so involved in their own lives, it was nearly impossible to even get together as one family. 

The noise - she had forgotten how noisy her family was, while Zaid was so serene, quiet, and peaceful. Calming.

"Excuse me," she smiled at her friends as she went to answer her ringing phone. "Hi," she greeted warmly, knowing who it was by the tune. Zaid. Her heart doing a little happy dance.

"Hi?" a deep voice come back surprised.

"Sorry, how can I help you Zaid." She was so happy to get away from the overwhelming friend time. They only talked about their kids and family. Not interested in her world of travelling. And she had travelled, she came to realise. She had been to so many fascinating countries and seen so much at his side. 

What had she been thinking?

"Enjoying yourself?" he asked casually, taking her completely by surprise. 

He rang just to say hello literally, when she wanted him to take her away from all this mundane nonsense. Not that she didn't like kids, but not wanting to listen to it all afternoon long. She had expected it to be like it used to be. Girl chatter. Clothes. Movies. No, just how little Drew cooed his first word. Or sweet, adorable Mandy took her first step that all her friends oohed and aahed over, making no sense of it at all.

"Of course," she forced, all smiles as her old school friends listened in, and watched her while seeing to their young children. Multi-tasking. She was only good at work. Seeing this man's need that she was missing desperately. "Do you need me?" Please say yes. I need a break, she wanted to scream as she walked away.

"No, no, of course not. Krissy is doing a marvellous job. If you ever decide to leave, I have the perfect replacement."

Her life just died with those words. 

The noise around her was just a din, while her heart roared in her ears, like thundering waves crashing against a dead, and broken body as her heart pounded in her chest that tightened in pain. "I still owe you two years. A contract, one I plan not to break," she said softly. 

She looked into her future to see none.

"Maybe we need to look into that Charlotte," he said softly. No growl. No arguments. The bottom of her world just fell away to swing around and walk further away, so no one could hear.

"I'm so sorry about my meltdown. I didn't mean it, sheikh."

"Are you, Miss Charlotte, apologising to me?" he asked astonished.

She paused to look down at her feet to smile. No slippers, just runners to go with her jeans and a casual yellow top. "I guess I am," she said. "I'm sorry. Please don't take this away from me," she begged to have silence. Her whole world was collapsing. The grass wasn't greener on the other side. In fact, horrifying to be precise. She was happy in her job. "I would see the contract through," she said more firmly.

"I could pay you out," he offered, breaking her heart.

"I don't want your money!" she snapped, then took a deep breath. "No, you just want me gone, now you have her," she hissed. "Is that why you rang to give me my notice? If so you can..."

"No!" His harsh answer knocked the wind out of her sails, raking a hand through her hair. What was she doing? She never raised her voice at him. Never hissed at him, and never argued, until lately, it seemed.

"Oh."

"I was wondering if you could tell me where you placed that file on Sinclair."

"Sinclair? I don't remember a Sinclair," she said astonished.

"The one you had a hissy fit on." Trust him to bring that up to have her cheeks go flaming red. Would she ever live that down?

"Look, I'd be there in twenty. It might be in my room."

"Charlotte!" But it was too late. She had shut down her phone and headed back to her high school friends, and their babies to collect her handbag.

"Sorry emergency, have to go."

"Was that your boss?" one asked.

"Yes."

"I thought this was your free time," another pointed out. "Hasn't he heard about holidays?"

"It's an emergency, so just popping in, and he needs me now."

"Seems to me, he calls and you run," came another to her annoyance, and glared at her in disgust.

"Zaid's a very good boss. He only asked. I said I was coming in, not him demanding my time. I offered to come in."

"So we would see you tonight."

Lottie shouldered her handbag. "Yes, you will." 

Turning around, she walked away, and out of the cafe they had agreed to meet and spend an afternoon together. She couldn't get out of there fast enough. It wasn't their fault or hers. They just had nothing in common anymore. 

She looked around for a taxi to see none, so raced across the busy street to catch a free tram to the other side of the city to South Bank where the Hotel was situated to enter, and rushed to the top floor, where she had to go through the guards, identified herself with her security card to be told she wasn't allowed pass.

"Why not?" she asked shocked. What, he had banned her from the hotel?

"Because you're coming with me." She looked up at the deep rolling voice that she had missed taking in his every detail like a starving child.

"Zai...sire?" she quickly changed her slip of his first name with his men standing there on guard. He walked passed them to join her side, taking hold of her arm to lead her away.

"I'm on my way to meet him so would explain on the way."

Her eyes widened. "I have no idea, who or what it's about." She looked at him horrified. 

He handed over a folder. She flicked through as they walked towards the elevators, scanning every word, and detail. An Australian, born and bred in Melbourne, architect, flickering over his offered designs, outside and interior. 

Before she knew it they were in the limousine being driven away.

"So what do you think?" Zaid asked softly.

Funny the work had a familiar feel, yet not. "Young, impressive, inspirational, but is it what you want?" she glanced across at him.

"Shall we find out?"

"Oh, yes,' she beamed as she read over his file again. "He's only a few years older than me. and look what he had achieved. Amazing. His profile is brilliant, nearly as good as yours. Not quite, but good. Oh, I see you two getting along fine. Zaid he's brilliant." She glanced across. "So do you like his ideas?" That was so important, if he didn't it was going to be a waste of time.

"We are going, aren't we?"

"Yes!" she beamed, her blue eyes bright, then grew dark. "I thought you couldn't find these?" she waved the papers at him.

"Not those. The others. The ones you threw at me."

"Oh," she said softly, going a softer blue. "Sorry," then flashed dark again. "Why not?"

"I placed them on the table if I remember."

She frowned thoughtfully. "So why are we here?"

"No reason, just a get-together over coffee." She nodded to go back to read over every detail in her mind. 

His past that was interesting, it seemed they went to the same high school. His achievements, to be impressed, then onto his photo, so she would recognise him when they arrived. Quite good-looking in a scruffy way, and slightly familiar. Her heart gave a little leap of recognition, surely not? 

Possible not to go back to the front page? Yep, differently Sinclair, and she knew no Sinclair.

It escaped her where she had seen his face before to sigh. She didn't know any good-looking men except for mister sexy sheikh beside her to glance across under her lashes. He had dressed down and looked so hot about it. Light white v-necked sweater, sleeves pushed up, over dark pressed immaculate pants. Yep, definitely hot. Then glanced down at her very casual clothes of jeans, a light shirt, and runners. Great look, not. Her hair was loose and flowing to tug at, gasping. Not suitable.

"What is it Charlotte," he asked never missing anything.

"I'm not suitably dressed, Zaid. I'm sorry but I was with my friends, and dressed to fit their attire." Dark, intense eyes roamed over her slowly, taking in every detail with shrewd intelligent eyes. Resting upon her fresh, cleaned face with long, chestnut hair that cascaded over her slender shoulders in rivers of waves.

"You'd do fine. In fact, I would say perfect," he smiled which took her breath away. She loved the way his cheeks dimpled when he smiled showing perfect white teeth, like the rest of him. Perfect in every way. "I'm sure you would make him feel right at home."

She stiffened. "I'm not..."

"Not what?" his voice caressed over her, already sensitive by his roaming gaze. Her senses heightened.

"I'm here to help you as usual, not flirt with the clientele."

"Not what I meant Charlotte. When have I ever asked you to do so? When haven't I treated you with respect, or as an equal?"

Ashamed she lowered her head. "I'm sorry, of course not, just rattled, I guess." She placed a hand on his arm. "I'm so sorry Zaid." He nodded, accepting her apology. "Anyway, back to this. What did you want me to look over, in the first place."

"Before your hissy fit?" he asked softly.

"Let it go Zaid," she advised with a gentle smile, dropping her hand away.

"Just some of the lingo. Chrissy has seen to it, wrote it all out, so I could study."

She pfft. "What? She had to look it up? You ask, and I say, easy peasy." He smiled. "What?"

"I know that one." Annoyed she sat back and crossed her arms, glad the blond wasn't here with them, then her eyes widened.

"She's not joining us?"

"She as in Chrissy? No, she is doing other work for me. A major project."

Lottie blinked stunned. "You let her go off by herself to do that? A temp?" she asked dazed.

"Chrissy is very good." She nodded. 

She always worked at his side, never off on her own project. Confused, she turned to stare out the window, the papers on her lap. She didn't need to read anymore. This Chrissy was a temp, and she had worked for him for four years. And what? Had her own side project. Where did that leave her? His go and fetch girl.

Wake up girl, you only did a business course, broken down in the olden days. A secretary. That's all she was. His secretary, not even a personal assistant. Not a partner. Just a girl who ran around after all his needs. Is that what she really wanted? She wasn't sure anymore. Confused. Feeling useless. Unimportant. Used? No, she shook her head. Zaid never used her. He had been a good, and kind boss, now a tolerating one. She had always admired him. So calm. So organised, and she had lost it with him. Zaid of all people.

"I have totally messed it up," she mainly said to herself.

"Did you say something Charlotte?" Zaid asked, curious.

"No," she turned to him searching but as usual he was so hard to read. Never showed his emotions or reactions. "Have I been a total pain in the ass lately?" A dark brow rose. Colour flooded her cheeks. Her mouth was running away of late. So unlike her.

"Would I suffer if I answer that?" She shook her head. "Then yes." Her shoulders sagged to nod. One foot out the door, it seemed. Isn't that what she wanted? Not so sure now. She had no idea. All over the place in her head, she didn't know where she was anymore. "Sorry."

"Charlotte," she glanced across with uncertain eyes. "Would you stop apologising? I get it, you needed a break. I'm giving you one. I asked you to join me as a friend, and hopefully make a fellow Melbournian feel relaxed."

"Ah,' she smiled feeling better. "Your little mascot." Now she understood and could live with that.

"Really Charlotte," he clicked her tongue. "Good thing we are here or I would drop you off."

"I'm annoying you again, aren't I? Good thing I'm here as your friend, isn't it?" she teased, flashing him a smile, suddenly feeling lighthearted.

"Good thing I'm a tolerating man," he corrected. "Please try to control this sudden most unbecoming mischief, no matter what, it is still business."

She sobered instantly. "Of course. I'd be on my best behaviour, Zaid," she promised.

Entering the upmarket restaurant, Zaid placed his hand on her back, guiding her through to be greeted by the manager, and shown to their table. Josh hadn't arrived as yet that suited his purposes, for now. Charlotte settled at his side as usual, though usually dressed in her finery, not this casual. She looked so happy to be back here at his side. 

"So how was your gathering with your friends?" he asked casually. She turned to him, running her bright blue eyes over him. Good sign. Happy, the question is why? Because she was here with him, or because she was enjoying her time away from him. 

He couldn't afford that.

She smiled at him. "It is always good to catch up with friends," she said removing the menu to look over.

"Don't tell me I have to feed you?"

"Oh," she mouthed and replaced the menu. "Of course not." She glanced back at him. "So no issues without me?"

"I told you Chrissy is perfect. Very efficient, and knows exactly what I need, and want." Her eyes lowered and tilted her head away. "Drink?"

"Yes please, Chardonnay." He caught the attention of a waiter to order two drinks one red, one white, then leaned forward towards her. Startled blue eyes looked at him.

"Out with it, what is wrong? You're all skittish."

She sighed. "It's been four years Zaid, and it's not easy to fit back in."

"Of course, it's not," he smiled placing a hand on her leg, squeezing, having her lean in closer. "Give it time Charlotte. Surely you must be enjoying time with your family."

She pressed up against his arm, placing a hand on his arm as he caressed her leg with his thumb. It was so good to have her back where she belonged and smelt Charlotte. A teasing fragrance. He didn't realise how much he had missed it until it was gone. 

"We are so lucky to have five seconds together as a family."

"How long has it been?" Three long days. He already knew to curl his hand around her knee, caressing.

"Only three days," she sounded so lonely, only to pull back as their drinks arrived, and released her leg as she did his arm, reluctantly. All good signs, then it was too late, and their guest arrived. 

A tall man with thick black wavy hair and blue eyes rested on Charlotte with interest. 

Zaid stood.

"Please sit down Mr. Sinclair." He waved at a chair.

"Thank you." He took the offered seat. Zaid waved back to the waiter and ordered another drink. Without waiting Josh offered his hand to Charlotte. "Josh Sinclair." She hesitated, glancing briefly at him to nod.

"Charlotte Johnson, however, most call me Lottie," she smiled taking his hand, then dropped her hand down into her lap.

Crossing his legs, Zaid draped his arm over the back of Charlotte's chair, lightly brushing her back with his fingers. "Give me one good reason why I should deal with you, Josh Sinclair." 

Josh removed his phone, turned it on went to photos, and handed it across to show the buildings he had designed, and had built. Charlotte leaned in against him, having a look.

"They are good Zaid," she pointed out. He breathed in deeply as she filled his senses. "Oh, I like that one," she pointed at as he flicked through. "No, no, go back," yes she was back. "Yes that one," she smiled at him, then reached for her drink to sip from as she went back to her seat, eyeing off the other man. "They are very good," she said. "Which has nothing to do with me," she added at Zaid's warning low, growl in his throat. He never gave anything away about what he was thinking, especially in business. "All him. Actually, I am hungry." 

He retrieved the menu to hand over to her, which she glanced over. "Didn't they feed you?'

"I did leave before we ate." He nodded handing back the phone.

"Quite impressive. I do have a particular idea in my mind about what I want. Do you have a problem with that?"

"Not at all."

"I would need to see drafts before I go ahead with it. I would pay you for your time, however, if you don't come up to my standards, we are done." 

Charlotte nodded at what he was saying, pointing at something on the menu, drawing his attention. He caught the waiter's attention, ordering the cheese and fruit platter for the table.

"I see no problem with that. So Lottie where do you fit into all this?" Josh asked curious.

"I'm just here for the food, on holidays," she smiled. Josh gave her a strange look. "Old Melbourne girl," she stated. Zaid wished she would stop smiling at him. "Zaid thought I might make you feel more at ease." Too chatty, not so good. 

Probably shouldn't have brought her here after all.

"We should take in the sights then."

"I don't know the Melbourne scene anymore," Lottie admitted. "It's been four years since I've been home. We went to the same school. I was in grade seven to your grade ten."

His eyes widened. "Really." Then narrowed. "I know you."

"Me?" she laughed. "Little mouse?"

"Brilliant little mouse. Little sister to Matt."

Her eyes widened. "Josh Carmichael. Your Josh! I had the biggest crush on you. Well, your artwork, and your designs. Why Sinclair?"

"Mother's name," he said saying no more. She nodded. Even in those days, his parent's relationship had been rocky. Hers just crazy. Still were but lovable in small doses.

"So you never married Josh?"

"No, and you never disappeared into nothing as a virgin," he teased. 

Colour flooded her cheeks. She might as well have. She always thought she would be compared to her very outgoing artist family. Then there was her, all businesslike.

"I emerged into the Middle East," she smiled, realising she had to find herself that is why she was so frustrated at this time in her life.

"She is a true treasure," Zaid said at her side, stroking her hair from behind, drawing her eyes. "I don't know where I would be without her," he smiled. 

Lottie leaned back into her seat, knowing the signs, to back off.

Josh shot him a look. "I hope you appreciate our little Lottie, she's a treasure to have at your side," resting his eyes on Lottie. "I would take her away in a blink of an eye. She's an asset to behold."

She couldn't help laughing. "Not after my hissy fit. I was very rude to his highness. Sorry boss," she admitted, trying to apologise.

"Then he doesn't appreciate you." Her eyes narrowed in warning. "Oops, so protective. You're very lucky, your highness," Josh noted leaning further back in his seat, watchful.

"Yes I am," Zaid noted.

Zaid watched as she talked animately with Josh like she had known him all her life while attacking the cheese platter with delight. Getting stuck in to cut off pieces of cheese, added to a biscuit to pass onto him, then saw her own as she had always done. 

Laughing over memories of their shared past. 

He was seriously thinking of not going with him after all. This happy little get-together wasn't what he had planned, glancing at his watch. Time to break up this party. "Sorry I have to wrap this up," he said.

"Oh, okay," Charlotte reached for her glass to finish off, and retrieved the last piece of cheese to pop in her mouth. Vivid blue eyes turned on him as if just dawned on her. "I'm so sorry, I had completely taken over."

He leaned in closer. "I don't see you having any problems fitting back in with your friends."

"Ah, but this is different,"

"How so?"

"No babies."

Shocked he sat back. "Sorry?"

Shaking her head, she placed a hand on his arm. "Nothing Zaid. We mustn't keep you if you have to go." We? What we? Oh, no that wasn't going to happen.

"I was hoping Josh would join me back to the hotel to discuss this further without my constant chatterbox."

"I could see to the coffee," she offered.

"There is no need. No, go back to your friends." Josh frowned. "She insisted rushing to my side when there was no need. Charlotte was supposed to be on holiday with her friends and family, not seeing to my needs. I'm sure Chrissy can see to us." Her eyes narrowed and grew darker, lips thinning. Every time. "I wouldn't want to put you out Charlotte. Once we are dropped off, my driver would take you anywhere you need to go."

"That won't be necessary," she told him in a tight voice. "I can find my own way home." He leaned back into her, placing a hand on her arm.

"I insist." Her eyes grew darker, and her lips pursed.

"I'm fine," she hissed.

"Are we having another meltdown?" he asked softly. She blinked rapidly, making him feel like a heel. He sighed. "If you want to come back, then you can as long as no more talking. We do need to discuss this Charlotte." Her eyes lightened to nod.

"I do need to change," she pointed out.

"Sorry, all your belongings have been removed." Gasping, she looked at him in shock. The last thing she had expected, and had wanted to crash for a few hours. Now she had nowhere to go. "They are in my spare room if you need anything." He eyed her closely. "You want to come back, don't you?" she nodded to smile. He sighed to stand. "Perhaps we can make it another time Josh?"

"No, I'm fine. Lottie and I can make a special time to catch up, like dinner tonight."

"Can't. I have dinner booked with my friends and their other halves. Tomorrow night." 

Zaid glanced at his watch again and began to walk away. Lottie grabbed her bag, turned and followed Zaid, waving Josh to follow as she raced to catch up with her boss, walking at his side. He paused to stop and speak to the manager and handed over his card, paying for their drinks and food. His phone rang to be taken and saw to then shut down, and looked down at Charlotte at his side.

"That was Chrissy, it seems you would be seeing to coffee after all," he said, having his card returned and walking out towards a waiting limousine. The back door opened, urging Charlotte to slip in, Zaid beside her followed by Josh, who moved to the other seats. "Can I look over those pictures again?" Josh handed over his phone to Zaid who passed it to Charlotte. "Pick your favourites, and impress me." 

She nodded to spend the time going over every picture, going over every detail.

"Can I send it to my phone Josh?" she asked waving his phone at him, receiving a nod.

"No, make that mine," Zaid jumped in to be nodded at, for her to do so, then handed Josh's phone back, while Zaid handed over his, having her settle in at his side as they were driven back to his hotel. 

She gave all her concentration to the photos.

Charlotte nudge him to lean closer as she showed him a photo. "Is that your choice?"

"I need to see them all in one place. I'll download them onto...." She chewed on her bottom lip to look up at him questioning.

"On my laptop. Yes, I get it. Where's yours?" she frowned to smile.

"Should be packed up with my stuff." She had no reason to take it home with her, and the fact she mainly used it for work, and there were sensitive documents on it.

Once back at the hotel, they went to the top floor where they went through security, except for Zaid, who walked straight through so did Charlotte, while Josh was checked over with a metal detector, and a pat down, then handed a visitor's pass.

"Sorry about that," Lottie said as Josh joined them. "We have to protect this one." She remembered how she felt the first time she went through a check. " A necessity to protect him," she patted Zaid's back.

"Charlotte," he warned.

"I was only explaining. It isn't every day one has a pat down."

Zaid lowered his dark head, whispering in her ear. "Keep going, and I'd give you a personal pat down." Her eyes widened.

"Could be interesting," she laughed, urging him forward. A dark brow rose as heat reddened her cheeks. "Believe me this isn't an everyday event, Zaid." She explained. "I should've warned Josh." Shaking his head, he walked ahead. Lottie and Josh follow into his suite of rooms.

Lottie went off, seeing to their coffee, then scampered off to the spare room, where her belongings were. Changing out of the jeans and top into a flowing kaftan, she settled on a super-sized queen-sized bed with her laptop that had been hidden in the bottom of her wardrobe. Connected to Zaid's phone and downloaded all the photos onto her laptop, shut down his phone then set up a photo programme, put four photos on one page ready for printing, and then send off to the wireless printer in Zaid's office.

Once down, she left giving Zaid back his phone on the way through to his office, collecting the printed-out photos and back to her bedroom, spreading them out across the bed to look over. She kept coming back to one. The shape, colour, and surrounding grounds, stood out to her. Eye-catching. It had to catch her eye, and this one did from the beginning to gather them all up, having her chosen one on top. She went to join the men, sitting at Zaid's side, waiting until he was ready.

He glanced across. "And?" she pointed to the one she liked to be nodded at. She handed all the pages to him to go over the rest. "Don't you have a dinner to get ready for?" 

Stunned, she glanced at her watch, leap to her feet and raced back to her room to shower in the en-suite, then flicked through her clothes, finding nothing suitable. She would have to go home and change after all. Not wanting to disturb Zaid, she hovered near the main room doorway, deciding what to do. 

Sensing her reluctance to join them, and dressed back in her jeans and top, Zaid excused himself and went to join her, leading her out of the room into the corridor. "What is wrong?"

"I need to go home."

"Why? Surely most of what you own is here."

"Which aren't that suitable? I mean it's just a dinner at someone's place."

"And this is too casual?" she shook her head. "What then?'

"I wore this to the girl's get-together. I can't turn up in the same outfit, and what I wear around you is far too upmarket, and the kaftans they would never understand."

"Do you have anything suitable at home, it has been four years. Stay here, I'd see to it." She grabbed at his hand as he turned to leave.

"The shops close in half an hour, and I'm expected around the same time. I don't have the time Zaid, it's best if I cancel."

"Nonsense. When have I ever let you down?" Chewing her bottom lip, she shook her head. He never had. Only to dive into a jean pocket as her phone rang. "Oh hi, Annie. Dinner? Yes of course I am, but I might be a little bit late. Just running late, so nothing fancy?" she asked hopefully. "Good, um, I'd ask." She cover the mouthpiece to look at Zaid, who had stayed and waited. "Annie was wondering if you like to join us tonight? I had to ask, and you don't have to go," she added softly.

"Tell your friend we would be there in the hour after I have things sorted out." Lottie passed on his message, having a very excited friend and was fine with the delay. They couldn't wait to meet her boss, the Sheikh.

Closing down the phone, she looked at Zaid. "It seems you have made their day and can't wait to meet you." She only hoped he didn't regret it.

"I'm sure it's going to be fine." He held out his hand to be taken and guided her back to Josh, saying their goodbyes. Showed him out, and went downstairs to his BMW sports car, driving through the streets of Melbourne looking for the perfect dress.