She crossed back to the sofa. “You’re serious? You’re not just offering me this to keep me busy?”

“You have my word. This is vital information. I trust you to get it right.”

He spoke with a low, steady voice that seemed to pull her closer. There was something in his eyes that made her want to believe him.

Excitement grew inside of her. It was a project she could throw herself into, and still have plenty of time for the girls. It would be challenging and interesting and meaningful.

She rushed toward him. “I’d love to do it. Thank you.”

She leaned forward impulsively, then stopped herself. What was the plan? To hug him? One did not idly hug a prince and she didn’t go around hugging men.

She straightened and took a step back, not sure if she should apologize or pretend it never happened. As’ad rose and crossed to his desk. Apparently he was going to ignore what she’d almost done. Or he hadn’t noticed.

“Then we are agreed,” he said. “You’ll report your progress to me in weekly meetings.” He opened a desk drawer and pulled out a credit card. “Use this to get yourself a laptop and printer. Your suite already has Internet access.”

She hesitated before taking the card. No one had ever offered her a credit card before. She fingered the slim plastic. “I’ll, um, make sure I get a bargain.”

“You don’t have to. Kayleen, do you have any idea how wealthy I am?”

“Not really,” she admitted.

“You don’t need to shop for a bargain.”

But she would. She would be responsible with his money, even if he didn’t care.

“Okay. I’ll get right on ordering one.”

He studied her for a moment. “You may also use that to shop for yourself and the girls.”