I nodded proudly. “Tess and I set it up. Started with an online store, then opened this.” Glancing at the papers he held, I asked, “Is that the list of questions?”
The stack of papers seemed far too thick for it to be just questions.
“Yes, as well as the contract. I had it reviewed by lawyers.”
To simplify the process, the owners had allowed the applicants who came to see the house to also download the contract from the online platform where the house was listed.
I cocked a brow. “I assume all was standard, or did you find any issues?”
“No issues, but I like to cover my bases.”
That take-charge tone, damn. I was betting he was nobody’s fool, ever. He was used to being in control, and I admired that... liked it even. His gaze was trained on me, making me hyperaware of my own body. I barely kept from squirming and was determined to make eye contact the whole time.
Easier said than done. I could practically feel my heartbeat pulsating throughout my whole body.
He placed the stack of papers on the desk. “Do you have a pen? I want to make a few notes on the contract.”
“Sure.” I took one from the first drawer, pushing it toward him. Our fingers touched briefly. I sucked in a breath. I gave up, darting my gaze away, only training it back on him once he was hunched over the papers, making notes on them. I never knew shoulders could be sexy, but Robert’s definitely were: muscles that were perfectly defined but lean.
“So, my lawyers say the asking price is about 2 percent too high... but I’m willing to overpay in light of the family’s situation.”
“Much appreciated.” In fact, he had no idea how much. The owners would be over the moon, but so was I... because I’d just discovered that this man with six feet of pure muscle had his heart in the right place.
Hmmm... why did I care, though? Well, it was good to have nice neighbors, right? I kept telling myself that was the only reason.
“I do, however, want them to hire independent companies to check the wiring and plumbing. After t
hey confirm it’s good to go, we’ll schedule the closing. I don’t want any nasty surprises after I move in, and I don’t have time to handle this myself.”
Fair enough. When he straightened up, his lips curled into a smile along with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. I looked away quickly, but he caught me checking him out.
“Okay. I’ll pass the information on. I’m sure they’ll accept, because they want to sell as soon as possible. When do you plan to move in?” I asked.
“As soon as we have a deal.”
“Okay. Then I’ll have their lawyer contact you, and you can finalize everything with him.” I played with a strand of hair between my fingers, acutely aware of the energy between us thickening.
“Ms. Winchester, I think we need to clear the air.”
“Oh?”
“What was it you said... you don’t know what describes me best: smoking hot or fucking gorgeous.”
His gaze trapped me in my spot. My whole body was instantly on alert. Heat coiled through me slowly.
“If I return the compliment you made me, would that even the playing field?” he continued.
Wow. He doesn’t pull any punches, does he? I smiled but remained silent. What could I say?
“Skye, I need to look for some merchandise,” Tess called from the corridor, effectively saving my ass.
“Sure,” I replied, grateful for the interruption.
My sister walked in, heading straight to the shelves with merchandise.
“I’ll see myself out,” Robert said. He paused a beat at the door, winking at me. “About what I asked... let me know.”
In a fraction of a second, heat replaced the amusement in his eyes. The air between us charged. My throat went dry, and so did my lips.