Free Blind Attraction by A.C. Warneke

interrogated; it sounded so unnerving.
    “I promise,” Philip said, prying their hands apart and leading her to the dance floor before either James or she could protest. Putting a hand on her waist and taking her hand in his other one, he began dancing with her. After a moment of semi-awkward silence, Philip shook his head and said, “I have to admit that you aren’t what I expected.”
    “Is that good or bad?” Victoria asked, forcing herself to keep her attention on Philip and not let her gaze meander over to James. It was difficult. Catching herself watching James as he talked with several people she amended that thought; it was very difficult.
    “I think it might be good,” Philip murmured thoughtfully.
    Determinedly, Victoria forced her focus back to Philip, mentally promising him that he would have her complete attention while they danced. “Have you known him long?”
    “At least thirty years,” Philip answered , watching her closely as if he wasn’t sure she was for real.
    Victoria frowned; neither James nor Philip seemed that old….
    Obviously s eeing the consternation on her face, Philip laughed, “We’re cousins, born a few days apart. Our moms are sisters.”
    “That is so cool,” Victoria beamed. “I take it that the two of you are close?”
    “Practically brothers,” Philip conceded. Pausing for a moment, feeling the atmosphere shift slightly, he added, “It’s been a tough couple of months for him, with the accident and all.”
    “I can imagine,” Victoria murmured, her eyes wandering over to James again. He held himself so well, with such confidence and grace. Looking at him, it was almost impossible to believe that he was blind at all and knowing how much he relied on his eyesight prior to the accident…. With a slight frown, she shook her head, “Actually, I don’t think I could imagine. He’s amazing.”
    “He’s always been that way,” Philip told her, his expression relaxing the longer they danced. “Just after he woke up and realized he couldn’t see, he freaked out a bit.”
    “Yeah,” Victoria murmured wryly, knowing that she would still be freaking out months later.
    Philip smiled, “Within a few days he was learning how to get along without his sight, putting a hundred and eighty percent into his efforts; just like he does with everything. I think losing his sight has been good for him, though.”
    “In what way?” Victoria asked, truly stumped. “He’s a man who makes a living with his vision and now it’s gone.”
    Philip chuckled at her outrage on Jimmy’s behalf. “He’s slowed down, learned to rely on others, learned that he doesn’t have to do it all on his own. Plus, I think he’s benefited from the loss by having to focus on substance rather than flash.”
    Victoria ’s brows drew together as Philip spoke, “I think I should be insulted.”
    “Not at all,” Philip was quick to reassure her. “I think you’re incredible.”
    “Just not James’s usual fare,” Victoria said with a sigh, knowing it without having to hear Philip say anything. With a shrug, she sighed, “I know.”
    “It’s not what you think, Victoria,” Philip said hastily. “You are extremely pretty; you’re someone I would go out with. It’s just that the women James usually dates are more interested in being seen rather than being with him.”
    “And that never bothered him?” Victoria asked incredulously.
    “He knew the game.” The corners of Philip’s mouth quirked upwards in a wicked smile, “ He dated women who looked good on his arm; glamorous, high-maintenance drama queens attracted to his bank account.”
    “I would think that they would be attracted to his looks,” Victoria said thoughtfully, examining the man in question. “He’s very handsome.”
    “His looks definitely haven’t hurt him,” Philip agreed ruefully. “But I think they liked the idea of the number of zeroes in his ba nk account. After all, beauty fades, money…..”
    “Buys