Sight Unseen(64)
“No, those were there already. They were installed to showcase a collection of my favorite paintings in all the world. Paintings, by the way, that the movers relegated to a hall closet.”
Kendra laughed even harder.
“What can I do?” Lynch said. “She’s very proud of this. She took a lot of time planning it. I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”
“You’re so damn tough. Yet you can’t say no to a bikini model?”
“I could say no, but I have to work my way around to doing it humanely. She thinks most guys just want to screw her.” He frowned ruefully. “Okay, that may be one of my prime objectives. But she’s decent and likeable, and I don’t want her to think that’s all she is to me. We have enough problems understanding each other’s point of view. She honestly thought this was a terrific gift.”
“I’m sure she did.” Kendra struggled to catch her breath. “Hey, if I had a body like that, I’d give out wall-sized pictures of myself, too.”
“You have a fantastic body. And no, I don’t think you would do that.”
“I agree it’s not very subtle. But at one time I might have yielded to the temptation.” Kendra realized she was laughing so hard that tears were rolling down her cheeks. She wiped them away. “Oh, that felt good. I needed that, especially after the day I’ve had today.”
“Glad I could be of service.” He grimaced. “Now, if you’re through enjoying your laugh at my expense, I’ll show you your room.”
“I can hardly wait.” She followed him up the stairs. “But nothing could impress me more than beautiful Ashley.”
“You’re not going to drop it, are you?”
“No way. Unless you can offer me something to make it worth my while.”
He slanted a look over his shoulder. “Oh, I could do that. Just give the word.”
She lost her breath as she met his gaze. Dammit, being with Lynch was like riding a seesaw that pitched and changed with every second. “Forget it. It’s much more amusing to laugh at your vulnerabilities, Lynch.”
“Is it? Do you realize that displaying my vulnerability might have been planned? It’s a prime tactic to disarm.” He opened a door. “Did I disarm you, Kendra?”
Had he planned it? She didn’t know, and she wouldn’t think about it right now. “What do you think?” She glanced away from him and looked at the guest room. “This is very nice.”
True to Lynch’s word, the guest room was large and comfortable, centered by a four-poster bed and half a dozen overstuffed pillows.
He handed her a touch-screen remote. “Pretty much every song ever recorded is at your fingertips. You select your tunes here, and the sound comes out of the ceiling speakers. In case you’d like to listen to music as you fall asleep.”
Kendra looked at the remote and smiled. He knew how important music was to her. It was medicine not only for her clients, but for herself. Music had helped her through some of the most difficult times of her life, bringing life and color when there was literally only darkness.
“Thanks, but I doubt I will. I get too interested in the music, and it keeps me awake.”
He pointed toward a side door. “There’s an adjoining bathroom, and you’ll probably find any toiletry you didn’t bring with you.”
“Really?” She smiled mischievously. “Chosen by our Ashley?”
“No. Saks Fifth Avenue.” He paused, gazing at her. “I’m doing the best I can, Kendra. This isn’t easy for me either. I’m not accustomed to platonic living arrangements.”
“You know, I gathered that from the moment I walked into your living room.”
“I mean it.”
Her smile faded. “I know you do.” She moistened her lips. “Look, I’d have to be blind again not to realize that you’re very highly sexed. It’s natural that you might possibly want to screw me given the intimacy of the circumstances. And, I admit I find you sexually desirable.” She shrugged. “But neither of us want to go down that path.”
“Don’t we?”
“It would confuse things. I don’t need that, and neither do you.”
He smiled. “So logical. So reasonable.”
“You betcha. We just have to remember what’s important.”
“This is the second time you’ve seen fit to lecture me on what I want or don’t want in our relationship.” He tilted his head. “I find it very interesting. You’ve noticed I haven’t commented on your analysis of my needs or desires? When I decide to do so, you may be surprised.”