The question seemed to surprise him. "Where did that come from?"
"I was just thinking about everything you left behind. The desert. Your solitude. For this—" she gestured vaguely around them, "—corporate life. Meetings. Bureaucracy."
He frowned. "Sabrina, I wasn't happy in the desert. I was hiding. From Ray's death, from my own failures, from life itself." His thumb traced her cheekbone. "Being with you—even in meetings, even in this corporate world—is the happiest I've been since we were teenagers at the lake."
The simple honesty in his words brought tears to her eyes. "When did you get so good at saying exactly the right thing?"
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Must be all those corporate communication seminars Reed's making me attend."
She laughed, the tension broken. “Good.”
Again, he kissed her. "After this meeting," Walker said in a lower voice, "I need to show you something."
"What kind of something?"
"A surprise. Trust me?"
"Always," she replied simply.
After the meeting, Sabrina moved to his side. "So, about that surprise?"
Walker's lips quirked in that half-smile she found so endearing. "This way."
He led her down the corridor to the executive garage, where a sleek black SUV waited.
Walker opened the passenger door for her, his hand brushing the small of her back as she slid into the seat.
"Where are we going?" she asked as he joined her in the vehicle.
"Patience," he replied, starting the engine. "You'll see."
They drove north out of the city, away from the dense urban landscape and toward the quieter suburban areas.
Sabrina watched the scenery change, curiosity building as Walker navigated through increasingly residential neighborhoods.
Finally, he turned onto a private road that wound through thick evergreens before opening onto a stunning view of Puget Sound. A modern house of glass and cedar stood on the bluff, positioned to maximize the panoramic vista of water and mountains beyond.
"Walker," Sabrina breathed as he parked in the circular drive. "What is this place?"
"Let's find out," he suggested, coming around to open her door.
A realtor waited on the front porch, greeting them with professional enthusiasm. Walker had clearly arranged this in advance, Sabrina realized as the woman led them through thehouse—a spacious, open-concept design with floor-to-ceiling windows that captured the magnificent views from every room.
The tour concluded on a back deck that overlooked the Sound, where the realtor discreetly withdrew, leaving them alone with the breathtaking vista.
"What do you think?" Walker asked, watching her face closely.
Sabrina turned to him, understanding dawning. "Are you... house hunting?"
He nodded, moving closer to stand beside her at the railing. "Reed's guest room has been great for the transition, but?—"
"But it's Reed's guest room," she finished for him.
"Exactly." Walker hesitated, then took both her hands in his. "I've been thinking about roots. About building something permanent."
Sabrina's heart quickened. "Here in Seattle?"
"Here with you," he corrected softly. "Look, I know it's fast. After everything that's happened, after all these years apart. But I don't want to waste any more time, Sabrina."
