Sea Haven 02 - Spirit Bound

it. And those with psychic abilities were attracted to the small epicenter of it.
    “If you’re trying to say you have psychic abilities,” she said, “I do as well.”
    He looked infinitely relieved, sinking back down into the chair by the computer. “Most people think I’m crazy. I never admit I even believe in psychic gifts.”
    She stayed behind the counter where she felt a little safer—or where she could keep him safe. She hadn’t realized until that moment how sex-starved she’d been. She didn’t date. Didn’t trust anyone enough to get that close to her—close enough to share intimacy. Judith couldn’t do one-night stands. She was all or nothing, and for a very long time, it had been nothing. Of course, it had to remain that way, but . . .
    He pushed his fingers through his hair, messing it up further. She hadn’t realized it was as long as it was, or as thick. He had beautiful hair. Judith couldn’t help her fascination with the thick wavy strands, her fingers itching to touch. Why did he have to be so attractive?
    “I’m sorry about . . .” He trailed off, looking as if he was blushing a little. “About, you know. I don’t normally get erotic images of women in my head, but you’re very sexy and it’s been a long time for me.” Each word of his confession was delivered painfully.
    She couldn’t let him take the blame. As humiliating as it was, he had the courage to confess what he thought was his sin, she couldn’t do less.
    Judith moistened her lips. “Actually, Tom, I think you’re off the hook this time. I’m standing behind the counter here because I’m not sure you’re entirely safe. I seem to have a few wayward thoughts of my own. I’m totally sorry.”
    He lifted his head, his eyes meeting hers. “You don’t have to take the blame, Judith.”
    “I’m being honest. Believe me, if it wasn’t the truth, I would never say it.”
    A slow smile pulled at Stefan’s mouth even as his body went so rock hard he was afraid he would burst. A strange roaring began in his head. The thunder of his heart was loud enough to wake the dead. He didn’t want to think too much about the real reason such elation swept through him. Doing a job meant getting it done, not necessarily being happy in the doing of it. He didn’t have emotions swaying him one way or the other—or making him vulnerable.
    He shouldn’t give a damn that Judith Henderson thought she was having the exact same erotic fantasy about him as he was about her. He shouldn’t care that she was attracted to him other than to make his job easier. He shouldn’t be in danger of drowning in her amazing eyes. He was in her presence an hour and he was fucking up big time.
    “Are you still willing to take me for a tractor ride on your farm tomorrow?” He had to give her the out. Thomas Vincent was a decent man, and in keeping with his reticence with women, Stefan had no choice. If it was left to him, the counter wouldn’t save her. Nothing would save her—or him.
    “Of course. I can’t very well condemn you when I was being just as bad. We’ll just agree to behave ourselves.” She offered him a faint, hopeful smile.
    Oh yeah. She believed the Thomas Vincent act, or else she’d be much more alarmed. He could read the wariness in her eyes, but the fact that he was keeping his distance and so careful to take the blame for a healthy male’s thoughts was a good sign. She was a little bit flattered as well. He averted his eyes, not for Thomas, but because she was so damned beautiful, so bright and innocent, he was choking on his own deception. Not once in his life had he felt shame for misleading another person, but Judith, with her willingness to confess an embarrassing moment to a complete stranger, with that profound sorrow weighing her down that she kept so carefully hidden from the rest of the world, made him feel unworthy.
    “I think that’s a good idea,” Stefan agreed. “If you don’t mind, I’ll keep my mind on the books for a little while.” Resolutely, Thomas Vincent turned his attention to the books lying open on the desk while Stefan Prakenskii centered his attention on his surroundings and the woman.
    The front of the gallery was all tinted glass, allowing a magnificent view of the turbulent ocean, while still protecting the paintings and sculpture from the sun. It would be difficult, but not impossible to see inside during the day. With the lights on at night, it would be easy. The office was