Rescued By The Sheikh (Harlequin Romance #4004)

Lisa Sullinger stopped the Jeep near the ancient structure and turned off the engine. The silence was complete. Only the ticking of the motor as it cooled could be heard. She had been in Moquansaid six weeks and loved the days she could spend exploring on her own. The desolate countryside spoke to her with whispers of secrets hundreds of years old. The raw umber color gave an ageless feel to a land that was as old as time. The sights she captured on film were unlike any photographs she'd taken in the United States. There was something special about this land and she cherished each moment, each image captured.Now she gazed at the abandoned dwelling with fascination.The terra-cotta structure was the only building as far as the eye could see. In the distance, mountains rose to the clear blue sky, their edges softened by restless winds. Several miles behind her was the archeological dig she was working on. Today was her free day and she was once again exploring.Climbing out of the Jeep, she reached for her camera and bag. Her sturdy shoes protected her feet from the shifting sand. The jeans were hot, but she needed their protection. Her loose-fitting top was the only concession to the heat. Even after being exposed to the climate for weeks, she wasn't used to the constant high temperatures. Seattle had cooler weather--and lots more moisture in the air.There was little vegetation growing. A few scrubby bushes struggled near the open doorway. Sparse clumps of grass grew in scattered disarray. She looked around, searching for a water source. She'd learned quickly nothing lived in this arid land without a constant water supply. There must be a well or seep or something or no one would have built a house and made a home here.Outside stairs climbed to the flat roof. There was no glass on any window, the thick walls kept the interior in perpetual shade, and the open spaces gave ventilation. Lisa knew she'd find a dirt floor and little left to define the family who had once worked the land. The wooden door stood ajar. She peeped inside. The interior seemed dark after the dazzling afternoon sun. Gradually, her eyes grew used to the dim light. Drifts of sand filled the corners. There was no furniture. She walked through the three rooms that comprised the dwelling, trying to imagine the family that once lived here. How had they eked out a living? Nomads roamed the land, moving their sheep from place to place to let them graze on the limited grasses that grew. The oasis where the team was excavating was the only place for miles that had abundant water--it even had shade, with palm trees surrounding the site.She went to each window taking her time to gaze out, wondering what it would have been like to live here a hundred years ago. Life would have been hard. But the beauty of the Arabian desert captured her heart. She had never been in a desert before and found every bit of it fascinating.Snapping a few pictures, she felt dissatisfied. This didn't really capture the feeling she was searching for. Enchanted with the harsh setting of the land, the contrasts she unexpectedly discovered between barren sand and lush oasis, flat scrub and tall mountains, she wanted to portray this stark beauty with the intent of having another book published. She had enjoyed some small success with two books already. This one had to be extra special. Like the land she was visiting.Going outside, Lisa climbed the stairs, gingerly testing each step to make sure it would hold her. She didn't want to fall through! Once on the roof, she kept to the edges, knowing they would be the strongest parts of the structure.Looking around, she smiled her delight. From here the view was spectacular. She waited a moment before raising the camera to her eye. The illusion of coolness given by the mountains had her longing for shade and a cold drink. But she was on a mission--she only had one day each week when she could borrowMcMahon, Barbara is the author of 'Rescued By The Sheikh (Harlequin Romance #4004)' with ISBN 9780373174942 and ISBN 0373174942.