A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

Page 10



She had feared the dark in every life.

"Just a little," she admitted.

She turned and started walking back the way she had come. He fell into step beside her, aware of the subtle warmth radiating from her body, the floral scent rising from her hair and skin, the slow, steady beat of her heart. He drank in the sight of her, the line of her throat, the delicate shape of her ear, the faint flush that lingered in her cheeks.

"Have you lived in Sea Cliff long?" she asked.

"Yes, for years."More years than she had been alive in this body.

"It's lovely here. I couldn't believe my luck in finding a house near the beach, even though it was quite a bit more than I planned to spend."

"Nightingale House has been for sale for quite some time." Startled, she looked up at him. "How do you know that's where I live?" He smiled to put her at ease. "It's the only house that's been up for sale recently."
"Oh." She laughed self-consciously."Of course."

"What do you do for a living?" he asked.

"I paint.Landscapes and seascapes, mostly. What about you?" "I'm retired."

"Retired?" She looked up at him and frowned. "You don't look old enough to be retired."

You would be surprised, he thought. Aloud, he said, "I made some good investments when I was very young. Now I live off the interest."

"Must be nice."

"Very."

They stopped side by side when they reached the long flight of wooden steps that led up to Nightingale House.

"Thank you for walking me home," she said.
"Shall I see you to your door?"

"No, that won't be necessary." "Good night, then."

"Good night." She started up the steps, paused, and turned around to face him again. "Would you like to