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He left the tent, closing the flap behind him. For the first time since he'd appeared in front of her car, like an apparition out of the darkness, she was alone.
She was sure she'd heard just a hint of displeasure in his voice. Maybe he'd expected her to be overwhelmed by the place. The innocent impressed, she thought.
The truth was, she was trying to hold everything back. The emotions which had come to life during the last day or so were beginning to become more insistent by the hour.
The last thing she wanted was to give him the impression that she was some kind of simple-minded foreigner who was easily captivated.
She drew in a deep breath. The scent of the interior was redolent with a perfume that was earthy and thick. She imagined he must use some kind of incense to keep the place smelling nice. She nodded approvingly, savoring the thick aroma which seemed to cling to every fabric.
She heard the sounds of the horse as Ahmed busied himself with her belongings. It looked as if he was determined to keep his word and try to be as civil with her as possible. That reassured her, because in spite of the growing trust she had in him, she knew there was always the chance she had misjudged him. But, it was looking like, for one night at least, her trust hadn't been misplaced.
Ahmed came back into the tent carrying the entire saddle. He placed it on the floor by the side of the entrance. "Thought I'd bring everything," he said glancing down at the saddle. "Let you sort it out however you want."
She nodded. "Thanks. I think I'm a bit tired," she said realizing her voice did indeed sound heavy with the exertions of the day.
"I'm not surprised," he replied. "It's been a long day for you."
"Where is the sleeping area?" she asked.
He looked awkwardly toward a partitioned-off part of the tent to his left. He walked over to it and pulled back the separating wall of the tent. Behind it she saw a very large bed, neatly laid out with vividly colored bed coverings and a few plump looking red pillows.
There was an uneasy pause when they both gazed at the bed.
Then Gemma forced herself to speak, eager to break the silence. "That looks comfy," she said trying to sound offhand, but failing miserably. She looked at Ahmed. "And you?"
It was a question that needed asking, even if she already guessed what he would say in response.
"I'll be in the next tent. There's plenty for me to use as a bed. I'll be fine," he said.
She nodded. "Did I see a pool out there?" she asked. That sounded funny, she told herself. It was almost like she was talking about a hotel.
He smiled. "It's small, but it serves its purpose," he replied.
"Which is?"
He looked surprised by the question. "Why, bathing, of course." He grinned. "In case you hadn't noticed, it is a bit dry and dusty out here," he joked.
She laughed and patted her robe, seeing the sand drifting to the floor around her feet. "I noticed."
Things were becoming awkward between them. She could feel it, and the last thing she wanted was an uneasy conversation which would leave them both feeling uncomfortable.
"Maybe I should rest a while," she suggested.
He nodded, but she could tell he was feeling a bit let down by her decision. "If you get hungry, let me know."
"You have food?"
"Of course. The tribesmen who look after this place when I'm not around always make sure there's something available." He lifted a brow. "It might not be quite what you're used to, but you'll probably like it."
She needed to respond to that last part. "So, what exactly do you think I'm used to Sheikh Ahmed?" she asked, trying to contain the snark in her voice.
At first he seemed surprised. "I would have thought you'd be used to the finest things in life." He gazed around the tent. "This must seem primitive compared to the five star existence you usually enjoy."
She frowned and took a step toward him. "And you? What about you and your luxury lifestyle. Surely all of this must be quite a comedown."
He gazed evenly at her. "Not at all. I consider this to be an essential part of a sheikhs life."
He cleared his throat and his eyes brightened suddenly. "Unfortunately, some of my fellow sheikhs in this kingdom don't quite agree. They would rather be seen dead than live in such spartan conditions as these." He lifted his chin proudly. "But I consider it a duty to remember where I came from. He shrugged. "Not everyone shares that view."
