"What's your role in the future of Ubar?"
He paused again. "To be determined. I'm a real estate investor. Not much use for that in a place where the only real estate is mud-brick houses people build with their bare hands. So far I've been focusing on education and how to bring regular schooling to the children. Right now we're leaning toward some kind of Internet solution."
"Education is important, but it sounds like you should also be creating infrastructure."
"You mean houses and buildings?"
"And roads. Surely you'll need all of them to support the oil development." His fingertips rested right at her waist. She could almost hear his brain working. "You're right. The population is scattered. They don't live in tents so much any more, but little houses here and there in the hills. We'll need to bring in skilled labor from outside to train people as well."
"You'll need to build a town." Her skin prickled with possibilities that had nothing to do with the handsome man behind her. What architect didn't dream of creating a town from the ground up?
"I suppose you're right. And I suspect you could help me with that." His hands almost circled her waist. Her breathing had quickened, but she tried not to get too excited.
"You imagine correctly. In fact it would be a dream commission."
"As soon as we get out of here-and attend to our business in Bahrain-you must come visit Ubar and explore the possibilities."
"I'd love to." She shivered slightly as he pressed a new wipe against her neck. "I think I'm cool enough now. There's no need to keep stroking me with those things." With all the excitement there was a real danger she might explode into flames.
"The temperature's dropping. The desert can get quite cold at night."
"Right now that sounds good." As long as it didn't get so cold that they had to huddle together for warmth. She wasn't sure she could stand much more proximity to Zadir. And now, with the enthralling possibility of creating a whole town hanging in the balance, she had every reason to keep their relationship professional.
Zadir rose. "I'm going to go tinker with the radio again. These cabin lights mean there's still some kind of power. And if I can find a way to turn on some emergency outside lights, I'll do that, too. We might be easier to spot in the dark than during the day with enough light."
"How long do you think these lights in the cabin will last?"
He shrugged. "We've had time to get the lay of the land, so we'll be fine until morning if they go out."