Alex Kava Bundle - Alex Kava [242]
“I’m Walker Harding,” he said. “Are you the agent I spoke to on the phone?”
“Yes, I’m Tess McGowan.” She offered her hand, then snatched it back quickly, embarrassed, when she realized he couldn’t see it.
He hesitated and slowly removed his hand from his pocket. She noticed how strong and muscular it was as he held it out to her. He was a little off target, his fingers pointed to the side of her. She stepped in closer and shook it. Immediately she felt his large hand swallow hers. The long fingers wrapped all the way around her wrist, surprising her in what felt more like a caress than a handshake. She dismissed the thought and ignored her unexpected discomfort.
“I just arrived,” she said, extracting her hand. “I didn’t get a chance to make a quick run-through,” she explained, wondering how in the world he would know the difference. How was she supposed to show him a house when he couldn’t see a damn thing?
He left her and wandered without a word across the living room, tapping his cane in front of him and walking confidently. He stopped at the bay window that looked out over the backyard. He fumbled for the latch and opened it. Then he stood quietly, staring out as if transfixed by something in the yard.
“The sun feels wonderful,” he finally said, tilting his head back and letting his face be warmed by the brilliant light. “I know it might seem silly, but I like lots of windows.”
“No, it’s not silly at all.” She caught herself talking louder and immediately chastised herself. He was blind not deaf.
Tess studied his profile. The straight nose had a slight bend, and from this angle she could see a scar just below his jawline. She couldn’t help wondering if his blindness had been caused by an accident of some kind. Despite his disability, he seemed to possess confidence. There was a self-assurance in his manner, the way he walked, the way he handled himself. However, his gestures seemed stiff, his hands constantly retreated to his pockets. Was he nervous, anxious?
“How big are the evergreens?” he asked, his voice startling her as though she had forgotten what they were here for.
“Excuse me?”
“I can smell evergreens. Are there a lot and are they big or small?”
She walked up beside him, keeping a safe distance without seeming rude and still being able to look out the window. The property lots here were huge, and the evergreens, mostly cedar and pine, created a natural border at the far edge. She couldn’t smell them. But of course his other senses had probably become more refined.
“They’re very large. Some cedar, some pine. There’s a line of them that separates the properties.”
“Good. I do like my privacy.” He turned to her and smiled. “I hope you’re not uncomfortable having to describe things to me.”
“No, of course not,” Tess said, hoping that she sounded convincing. “Where would you like to start your tour?”
“I was told there is a fabulous master bedroom. Could we start there?”
“Good choice,” she told him. Damn it! She wished she had come earlier. That Peterson asshole better not have left a mess. “Do you prefer walking alone or would you like me to take your arm?”
“You smell quite lovely.”
She stared at him, taken off guard.
“It’s Chanel No. 5, right?”
“Yes, it is.” Was he flirting with her?
“I’ll follow your lovely scent. Just lead the way.”
“Oh, yes. Okay.”
She walked slowly, almost too slowly, causing his outstretched hand to bump into her once on the landing. He let it linger on her hip as though needing to get his bearings. Or at least that was what Tess told herself. She had