The Nanny and The Sheikh. Barbara McMahon

much she had to offer in the few days remaining. Still, if she could get them all comfortable around each other, that would go a long way.

      “Perhaps,” she said at last.

      When they reached the door to her bedroom, he paused. She reached to open it. Surim stopped her, turning her to face him.

      “Thank you for your help. The children seemed happier tonight than they have since they arrived.”

      To her surprise, he kissed her. His lips touched hers lightly, then he stood back. “Don’t tell Max I’m taking advantage of his new stepsister. He’d have my head.”

      He turned and walked down the hall.

      Melissa blinked, still not sure of what had happened. Her lips still felt the brief warmth of Surim’s. Her head was spinning. And the way her heart pounded, she couldn’t have imagined it.

      Yet how astonishing.

      In a haze, she entered her bedroom.

      Surim continued down the hall, wondering what had come over him. He had dated some beautiful, sophisticated women. Enjoyed their company, their sparkling repartee. But he’d never kissed them on such short provocation. Melissa was kissable. He’d wanted to kiss her since he saw her laughing on the beach that afternoon.