Mirage by Serena Janes Page B

developer.
    “My company buys up abandoned or condemned real estate. Warehouses, stores, that sort of thing. Then we apply for re-zoning, and turn them into affordable accommodation for low-income renters.”
    “That sounds rewarding,” said Hannah.
    “It is. But the best part, for me, is the actual physical transformation of these places. I love to go in there with a wrecking crew and gut a place. Then we cart away the junk and bring in all new building materials. State of the art wiring, plumbing. Energy efficient heating systems. We’ve won some awards for our designs. It’s been a very good six years for us.”
    Julie was impressed. He was both the brains and the brawn in his enterprise. She sat quietly, spinning the coral beads on her necklace round and round as she listened to him, mesmerized by his big square hands.
    He’s really good looking, yes. But he’s also really intense. So vital and alive.
    More than once she caught herself wondering what he was wearing under that loose robe.
    She watched him work the table, talking to everyone except Bish. He somehow managed to smoothly change the direction of his conversation each time it reached the sulking guide.
    When it was time to go, she was surprised when Tor picked up her tab and paid for her meal. He didn’t even ask. And she was further surprised when he held the restaurant door open for her on the way out.
    “Thank you. No bike, tonight?” she asked, peering down the street.
    He laughed. “No. I walked. I learned my lesson last night when I saw you struggling with your skirt. I’m sure I can’t ride in a dress, either. Come on, let’s walk along the colonnade.”
    “Okay, but I’d better ask my mom first.” She laughed at the startled expression on his face, then said, “Only kidding.”
    They wished the others a good night and turned toward the majestic third century archway in the distance. She could feel Bish’s dark eyes burning a hole in the back of her head as she walked away.
    The sky was as black as the night before, the stars as bright. But this time Julie felt curiously relaxed with Tor beside her. Strong and sure of herself. Maybe it was the meat, she thought. Or maybe it was because she’d sensed his interest in her. It was more than friendly, and it was more than she’d expected. Although he had been busy making conversation with other people at the table, she knew he was always acutely aware of her, sitting across from him. Watching, and listening.
    He played to her. Even if he wasn’t looking at her, everything he said was calculated to woo her. She knew this from experience. She smiled as she walked beside him, under a starry desert sky. He wanted her.
    He made no move to touch her as they slowed their steps to wander side-by-side along the floodlit columns. It was supernaturally exotic. Romantic. A perfect place for a man and a woman to be alone together. She shivered and pulled her wrap more tightly around her shoulders against the cool night air when she thought once more about what he might be wearing under his didashah.
    Maybe nothing.
    They approached the Roman theatre, which was surrounded by a high metal fence. When they stopped at the locked gate, she said, “I’ve never been in here. Apparently, it’s difficult to get permission. Or at least that what Bish said.”
    “That’s what Bish said, is it?” Tor reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a lone key, holding it up in front of her face in the dim light. “I’m going to prove him wrong,” he said, grinning.
    “Wow, I’m impressed. Where did you get that?”
    “I have my connections. That’s all you need to know.” The gate slid open smoothly and he ushered her in. Then he closed it, making sure it was locked behind him.
    They walked into the center of the arena, dark with shadows. Julie was awed by the solemn majesty of the architecture. She knew the theatre complex had been built in the first century, and wasn’t restored until the nineteen