Free Continental Divide by Dyanne Davis

at least received a sign that things might
go well for you?”
    “I think I just did.” Imran gave her a full
grin.
    “I meant your book.”
    “Oh.” Imran's grin widened even more. “In
that case it’s not book, but books. I have two out with publishers
and I’m working on the third. I’m thinking maybe I should add a bit
of romance to this one. What do you think, Tanya?”
    “Okay.” Tanya finally tore her eyes from
Imran. “It’s getting hot in here,” she said fanning herself. Then
she turned to Heaven. “Come-on, now, pick up the baby and let's go
do something.”
    Heaven made one step toward the crib when
Hamid stopped her. “Tanya, I know Heaven and I are being rude. But
could you please allow Imran to escort you to lunch today? My
treat,” he glanced at Imran. “That is if you don’t have things to
do. I’m swamped with paperwork and if Heaven could just help me for
a few hours, we’ll be free for the rest of the week. I
promise.”
    Tanya looked to where the baby was napping
in the crib in Hamid’s office and she laughed. “This is bogus.
Heaven, you did not come to the clinic to work, not with the baby.
Now come on and bring your behind home. Nice try. Thanks, Imran.”
She went to the crib to pick up the baby and Imran stopped her.
“Not again,” she said.
    “Tanya, I really don’t mind taking you to
lunch. Besides, the baby is asleep and should not be disturbed.
Heaven and Hamid will be home in a couple of hours. If you’d like I
could take you on a drive of Karachi. I have no qualms about
escorting you when Heaven and Hamid have to work. And, Hamid, I may
be the poor relations but I can afford to take Tanya out for
lunch.” He laughed, “Tanya, we do have McDonald’s here in
Pakistan.” He grinned. “But that’s not where I plan to take
you.
    Tanya turned quickly, half expecting Heaven
and Hamid to be jumping with joy. They weren’t jumping but they
were sure grinning from ear to ear.
    “Thanks, Imran.” She frowned at her friends.
“But the two of you are not fooling anyone. I just happen to be
enjoying Imran’s company right now more than the two of you. You’re
bad hosts,” she said and flounced out of the door. When Heaven
grabbed her from behind pulling her into a hug she stopped
walking.
    “You don’t mind do you, Tann?”
    “No, I don’t mind. If I did I wouldn’t be
going off with him. Nice try, Heaven, but I still intend to go
after one of Hamid’s brothers. Since Imran is indeed fine I won’t
mind spending some time with him for the next couple of days.”

    ***

    Heaven watched at the door of the clinic as
Tanya got back into the car and Imran closed the door. She turned
toward Hamid and threw her arms around him. “Thank you,” she
whispered against his lips. “That was a fantastic idea.”
    “You’re right about the two of them being
right for each other. They have that certain look. I couldn’t
resist,” he replied kissing his wife passionately. “But I do expect
to be rewarded for having thought of it.”

    ***

    For two days Tanya had enjoyed hanging out
with Imran listening to him play tour guide. But after the first
day she’d insisted that Heaven and Hamid accompany them as they’d
promised. There was just too much heat between her and Imran for
her to want to be alone with him. She wanted to keep the lusting to
a minimal. Her plans hadn’t changed. She was there for one of
Hamid’s brothers. Now the moment she’d waited for and had journeyed
thousands of miles for was at hand.
    The biting of her nails was the only sign
that Tanya was a bit nervous. Fatima had only warmed slightly
toward her. In just under an hour this new family Heaven had
adopted would descend on them and Tanya was determined to make a
better impression on them than she had on Fatima and Imran.
    When she heard his voice she groaned. She
should have known thinking about Imran would bring him around the
same as it had for the past two days. They’d sparred as they