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)
He nodded, barely taking in the words when his thoughts were wholly occupied with how incredibly sexy she looked while she delivered crisp business news. As she turned the key in the lock and then guided him around, he saw that the house was pretty much what he’d seen online. The photos hadn’t lied: three bedrooms, a two-car garage, a perfectly serviceable kitchen, and a pretty big yard. It was a solid, if unremarkable, family home. He didn’t hate it, but he didn’t love it.
After dutifully walking through every room, she asked, “What do you think?”
He told her the truth. “I don’t hate it. But it’s not love.”
She nodded at him and smiled, and he could tell she appreciated his honesty. “Well, at least you don’t hate it,” she said. “I’ll consider that a plus. Let’s go see the next one.”
The second house was only about five minutes away and pretty similar. It had been built in the late eighties, and had panoramic views of the mountains and a slightly different layout. The décor was more rustic, but it was also a solid family home. There was even a basketball hoop outside.
As they walked out into the sunshine, Mila said brightly, “You could keep in shape playing basketball. I bet my brothers would come up and shoot some hoops with you.”
Hersch laughed. “I guess that’s a selling feature.” He thought Mila’s suggestion was pretty darn cute, and he suddenly had a warm and cozy vision of meeting her family. But as soon as the image arrived, he shook it away, aware he was entering dangerous fantasy territory. Besides, if a basketball hoop was the biggest selling feature the place had, what did that say about it?
Mila didn’t look the least bit disheartened by his noncommittal comment. If anything, he detected a barely suppressed excitement. She said, “There’s one more I’d like to show you. It’s just come back on the market, and I’m curious to see what you think.”
“Great,” he said, relieved she might have something up her sleeve after all.
Chapter Eight
When Mila’s car pulled into the long drive, Hersch felt his interest perk up. He had not seen this house online. In fact, the first thing he saw wasn’t the house, but the trees, which were old and beautiful, and then the way the house almost followed the lie of the land. The house was gray, and he could see that even though it was in the trees, it was full of windows. It was beautiful.
He didn’t say anything as she let him in the front door, and he walked through as the house itself invited him in. Through some instinct, he followed his feet as they led him right into the living room and its wall of windows looking out into a forested backyard. It took his breath away.
Mila appeared by his side. “No ocean in sight,” she said. “Bonus.”
“I love the trees.”
He turned and noted the elegant tile fireplace, the sophisticated furnishings and fittings, the muted colors that allowed the space to flow. He admired the doors that opened onto a huge veranda that ran the whole length of the house. It was as much an outdoor house as an indoor one.
As they surveyed the rest of the property, he liked that Mila let him lead the way. He headed through a dining area into the kitchen, which was modeled in a classic style. He was pleased that it wasn’t modern and fancy. He disliked the trend for stainless steel and gadgets he’d never use—utilitarianism belonged in a spacecraft, not in a home in the trees. No, this was a kitchen where he pictured himself cooking—and enjoying it for once. Outside was a big seating area that had a fireplace for cooler nights and a lower deck that featured an outdoor Jacuzzi perfect for soaking in after an intense workout.
The kitchen led back to a hallway and a grand staircase. She pointed out a powder room on the main floor, and he nodded before they headed upstairs. The primary bedroom was a thing of beauty, with French doors that opened onto a large balcony overlooking the long stretch of acreage.
“Incredibly private,” Mila said, sounding pretty pleased with herself.
He had to agree. No other buildings in sight. Just pure nature. A table and chairs on the balcony looked perfect for enjoying his morning coffee, and he imagined starting each day out there, greeted by the sunrise over the hills.
Returning to the bedroom, he was pleased with the tastefully decorated ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. The closet was divided into his and hers, but neither of them said a word about that. A gas fireplace rounded out the features. He nodded thoughtfully and headed back out to the hallway. There were three more bedrooms and a three-car garage. He tried to control his excitement. Mila had delivered everything he wanted and more. The house was definitely at the top end of his budget. But it was perfect. It held the magic he’d been after.