Touch the Horizon Read Free

than oil technicians. Do you work for one of the oil companies?”
    That was a reasonable assumption, since Sedikhan was one of the richest oil kingdoms in the world. She suddenly wished she could have answered in the affirmative. It sounded so sensible, and doubtless would have improved her credibility. “No, I came to Sedikhan to play a features role in
Desert Venture
, an adventure movie that was filmed partially in a village on the outskirts of Marasef.”
    “You’re an actress?”
    The incredulity in his voice caused her to bristle. “I did very well for a first role. My director said so.” Then she added with reluctant honesty, “Well, that’s not quite true. He said I was very effective, which is a different thing entirely. We both knew I was a lousy actress, but he didn’t care as long as I looked vulnerable and wistful. It was the expression on my face he wanted, not my acting ability.”
    “I can understand that.” He raised his head to look down into deep violet eyes framed in extravagant lashes; her eyes had the mistiness of a dreamer of dreams. Hers was not a beautiful face, but there was something so sensitive and loving in the curve of those lips and the clear honesty in her eyes that it tugged at the heart. “I find that I’m wanting that face very much myself. I want it on the pillow next to mine and across the breakfast table and…”
    “You weren’t going to say things like that,” she interjected hurriedly.
    “Sorry.” He didn’t sound at all apologetic. “Go on. You were saying that you were a lousy actress?”
    “Terrible. But it didn’t make any difference, because this is probably the only film I’ll be in anyway. I only accepted the role because it was a chance to get a free trip to Sedikhan. I like to visit new places.”
    “Windflower.” This time his tone was thoughtful. “But even windflowers have roots. What are yours, Billie? A family, a special place?”
    “I’m an orphanage brat,” she said lightly. “And all places are special in their own way. And I can’t possibly be a windflower, because I don’t have any roots. I’m a gypsy, and I’ll probably still be one when I’m ninety. I like my life very much just the way it is.”
    “You don’t have to be so forceful about it. No one’s arguing with you. We all have to be what we are. I don’t want to change you, Billie; that would be altering the natural order of things.” He rubbed his cheek lightly, almost teasingly, against hers. “But it’s not unnatural to blossom and develop into all you can be. That can be very beautiful. I’d like to watch that happening to you, windflower.”
    “You’re absolutely unbelievable,” Billie said blankly. “I’ve never known anyone to speak to a complete stranger the way you do. Windflowers and blossoms and philosophy. Are you always like this?”
    “Most of the time,” he said simply. “Something happened to me quite a few years ago that burned all the small talk out of me. Now I don’t even try to play word games. Life is too short for us not to be completely honest with one another.”
    “That could be very dangerous,” Billie said slowly. “The world can be a very devious place, and complete honesty leaves you terribly open to hurt.”
    “It also leaves you open to beauty and truth and the lovely rhythms of life,” he said quietly. “And to the knowledge of gypsies like Billie Callahan.”
    “Knowledge?”
    “I’m hoping that if I leave myself open you’ll want to come near and give a little of yourself to me. Rest against me and let me learn you. Do you suppose that’s possible?”
    In that moment she could believe anything was possible with this eccentric man whose voice was mellow as honey and whose words glittered clear as crystal yet bewildered at the same time. “I have an idea it wouldn’t make any difference if I said no. Doesn’t the fact that we’re complete strangers make any difference to you?”
    “Why should it? I’ve always