Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
“First of all, I want to move quickly. That’s a priority. I’m looking for something with space and privacy. At least three bedrooms, a garage, and I’d like a home gym.”
It wasn’t the huge list of demands she was used to from other high-profile clients, but it wasn’t nothing either. “Price range?”
He shrugged. “From looking at properties online, I know I can’t afford the waterfront homes the movie stars are buying, not that I’d want them…” Here, he allowed himself a wry smile. “But most of the other homes are within my budget. It’s more about finding the right quiet spot.”
He emphasized the word quiet, and her interest grew. Was Hersch trying to hide out here in Carmel? Why the focus on privacy? Sure, he was a public figure, but it wasn’t like he was hunted by the press like Damien or Arch.
“Cool,” she replied, mentally flicking through her mental file of all the houses currently for sale. She knew the market inside and out, and it didn’t take long before she snapped her fingers and shot Hersch her best winning smile. “I actually know of one that isn’t even listed yet. The owner came into the office Friday and had a meeting with me, so it’s at the very beginning stages. I think it could be perfect for you. They’ve already bought their new home, and they also want to move fast. It’s not a waterfront home, but you can see the beach and the ocean from the back bedroom windows, and—”
She stopped speaking as Hersch visibly shuddered. She kicked herself. Her excitement had gotten the better of her, and she’d already made a blunder.
He shook his head. “No view of the ocean. I don’t want to see the ocean—I don’t want to hear it—I don’t want to smell it.”
She looked at him, understanding. but the fact was, there was no getting away from his bizarre decision. “And you’re moving to Carmel-by-the-Sea?” She wasn’t at all sure she should be wasting her time with a client who wanted to move to a seaside community but not be near the ocean.
She was hoping he might grin again, but Hersch’s face remained serious. “I know it probably sounds crazy. But it’s near enough to the space program that I can commute fairly easily on the days when they need me onsite. I just feel drawn here somehow. I can’t explain it.”
“Did you close your eyes and put your finger on the map, and it landed on Carmel?”
Now he did laugh. “Not exactly. I remembered visiting here on vacation and really loving the area.” He paused and looked around them at the beach, which had grown busier since they’d sat down. There was a pleasant breeze, and dogs yipped as they happily chased balls and Frisbees across the sand. Mila thought of the family dog, Buster, who loved to roll in the sand, and smiled.
Hersch continued, his voice quieter now, “And maybe my subconscious knows that if I don’t at least go somewhere with an ocean nearby, then I’m basically giving up and throwing in the towel on my career.”
In that instant, Mila realized just how deeply their common bond ran. It had taken every ounce of the strength she’d had left to get back on that surfboard after her accident, but there hadn’t been a single moment where it had crossed her mind that she wouldn’t. Mila hadn’t been physically able to continue the career she loved so much, but if Hersch could save his, well, then, she’d have to find a way to help him.
She touched his arm. The movement was brief, but it sent a thrum of longing through her fingertips. She said, “I have to tell you, Carmel is a really special place. Your instincts didn’t lie.” She thought a little more, trying to engage the practical and professional side of her brain. “You might like Carmel Heights. It’s nearby, but set back from the ocean. You’ll also get more house and more land for your money because, as you can imagine, most people want proximity to the ocean and the sea views.”
Hersch looked pleased. “I think Carmel Heights could be good, from what I’ve seen online. And yeah, plenty of land would be fantastic. I like my privacy. And did I mention a two-car garage?”
A stray piece of dried seaweed tumbled by on the sand. He had mentioned that, and three bedrooms. “So you’re looking for a family home,” she said. Why had she assumed he was single? Probably from the way he looked at her, but plenty of married guys did that. Still, she was a little disappointed.
Quickly, he said, “Oh, no, I’m single. I just like a lot of space around me. And I want the room for a home office and a home gym. I work out a lot.”