Natasha's Legacy Read Online Free PDF

asked.
    He would have preferred dealing with the male
clerk, but it appeared he had no choice. Alex avoided looking up.
“Yes, that would be appreciated.”
    Alex approached the wooden counter and placed
the list down. He stole a long glance while she scanned the large
order. Five or six inches shorter than his six foot one frame, her
chestnut brown hair was tied back, complementing her fair
completion and long eyelashes. He found her features quite
pleasing. Her eyes shifted up and locked onto his. Alex
instinctively stared at the counter. The burning sensation in his
cheeks went into his spine and down his neck. Prickles irritated
his skin. He had avoided associating with females other than
family, Uncomfortable in the woman’s company, he closed his eyes
and scratched the back of his neck.
    “I’ll return in a moment,” the clerk informed
him. “I require help given the size of this order.”
    The clerk disappeared but returned a moment
later. She began chatting as she gathered the items, listing them
on an invoice and putting them into boxes. Despite his nerves Alex
began chuckling at her amazing sense of humour. Her face brightened
and her cute, rounded nose wrinkled when she laughed. Fascinated by
her smile, he was gazing at her lips when she looked at him. Their
eyes locked for a second time. Alex closed his eyes. If able, he
would crawl into a hole and vanish.
    “Would you be requiring anything else?” she
asked.
    Opening his eyes, he took the paper in his
hands and scanned the list.
    “I do not believe so,” he whispered.
    Alex gazed around as she added the items on
the invoice. Then she stated the amount owing, expecting payment.
Arrangements had been made years earlier. The orphanage was sent
invoices which his mother paid monthly.
    “My humble apologies. The invoice is to be
added to the Venderkemp Orphanage account,” he responded, staring
at the counter top.
    The clerk reached below the counter and
retrieved a small box. It pleased Alex that she questioned him.
Limited people had permission to charge goods to the orphanage
account. Tom’s name would be listed as well as his family.
    “It is not my intent to be rude, but I’m not
aware of your name.”
    “Alex,” he replied.
    “Mr. Venderkemp?”
    There were far too many questions. Far too
much conversation. I’m not comfortable with this. It was a mistake
coming on my own.
    “Technically.”
    Unable to look at her, he hadn’t been in the
mercantile in a number of years. If Tom was unable to run errands,
his parents made the trip, or, on the rare occasion, his
grandfather would pick up a few supplies.
    “I’m certain you are familiar with our
employee, Tom. You will also see the names Adam, Hope, Rose,
Stewart, Victoria, and Gregory on that list. Please accept my
apologies. I’m forgetting my manners.”
    Taking a deep breath, he raised his head and
stood transfixed by the woman’s dazzling green eyes. Eyes that
complemented her beautiful smile. Alex fought the impulse and
temptation to look away.
    “Alexander Venderkemp.”
    “Sarah McLennon. It is a great pleasure to
meet you, Mr. Venderkemp.”
    Sarah McLennon. Why is that name familiar?
Did she attend a class at university? Think.
    “The pleasure is mine,” he managed to say. He
scratched the back of his neck shifting his attention back to the
counter.
    “I’ve been to the orphanage and was impressed
by the building, grounds, and the content children. I don’t recall
seeing you.”
    “We take pride in the orphanage,” he
remarked. His tone had less enthusiasm than he should have
used.
    “I was hopeful at the time you would appear
in the lobby and offer a tour. Perhaps it would have been
advantageous for me to volunteer in the hopes of becoming
acquainted with you.”
    His heart pounded. Staring at the countertop,
his mind went blank. The uncomfortable silence stretched. Glancing
up, Sarah had refocused her attention on the invoice and added the
amounts. She slid the paper