by Laura Iding
His teeth flashed in a bright smile, but he stood back, allowing her room to enter the elevator. “I’m sorry to have frightened you, but it’s already five minutes past eight. I was worried you’d forgotten about our dinner date and had fallen asleep.”
She struggled to breathe normally, but being in the small elevator so close to him was extremely nerve-racking. He was impeccably dressed in a crisp white shirt and black slacks, and his scent made her knees week. “How did you know what room I’m in? They’re not supposed to tell you that. What if I didn’t want to see you?” She was outraged that her privacy had been so easily violated.
“Hush, now, don’t be so upset. The clerk at the front desk is one of my patients from the hospital. She knows I wouldn’t hurt you.”
As he spoke, the doubts Diana had voiced seeped into the back of her mind. Miguel knew everyone, had connections everywhere. He’d gotten her room number without any effort at all. What if he really did plan to take Tommy away from her?
She had to believe he wouldn’t. But she wasn’t willing to let him or the clerk off so lightly. “It’s not right, Miguel. Just because she happens to know you, it doesn’t mean she has the right to give you my room number. I intend to file a complaint.”
He seemed taken aback by her biting anger. “I’m sorry, Katerina. The fault is mine. Please don’t get her in trouble for my mistake.”
She knew she was overreacting, but the near miss had rattled her. What if he’d gotten a glimpse of Tommy? She didn’t want him finding out about his son by accident. Back in the hotel room she’d been confident they could work something out, but now she wasn’t so sure.
It was tempting to beg off their plans, but keeping Tommy a secret was already eating at her. She couldn’t hold off another twenty-four hours, so she did her best to relax and smile. “Okay, fine, Miguel. I won’t file a complaint, although you know I have a right to be upset. You forget I’m a single woman in a strange country where few speak my native language. I have a right to be concerned about strange men being allowed up to my room.”
He lightly skimmed a hand down her back in a caress so light she thought she might have imagined it. “You are right, Katerina,” he murmured contritely, although with a hint of steel. “I would not be at all happy if any other man was allowed access to your room.”
The macho tone put her teeth on edge, but when the elevator doors opened she quickly escaped, putting badly needed distance between them.
She needed to stay in control. This wasn’t a date, and she realized she’d made a grave mistake by dressing up for him as if it were. She was on an important mission, one that would have a great impact on her son’s life, his future. Her future.
This was not a date!
* * *
Miguel cursed himself for being so stupid. If he’d been patient, they wouldn’t be starting the night off on the wrong foot with an argument.
Katerina was breathtakingly beautiful. He’d never seen her in a dress and it was taking all his will-power to keep his hands to himself. He’d wanted to sweep her into his arms, to kiss her the way he had over four years ago.
His car was waiting, and he gently cupped her elbow, steering her towards the vehicle. Of course she dug in her heels. “I thought the restaurant was close by?”
“Please, get in the car. The restaurant nearby is closed due to the earthquake.” After a brief pause she did as he asked, sliding into the back seat. “I’m afraid I have another sin to confess,” he murmured, once they were settled and the driver had pulled away from the curb.
Her brows pulled together in a frown. “Really? And what sin is that?”
He subtly wiped his damp palms on his pants, more nervous than he’d ever been in his life. He was used to women coming on to him, many made it no secret they wanted to be the one to help end his bachelor ways. But he suddenly cared what Katerina thought of him. It was telling that she hugged the door as if she might escape at any moment. He flashed his most charming smile. “I have made dinner for us tonight.”
“You?” her eyebrows shot upwards in surprise. And then the full meaning sank in. “We’re going to your home?”
She acted as if he intended to take advantage of her. Had he read her wrong? Was it possible that she didn’t feel the same sexual awareness that he did? Or had his stupid stunt in going up to her room broken her trust? “If you’d rather not, we can wait until tomorrow to dine. Hopefully the restaurants will reopen by then. I’m more than willing to ask my driver to return to your hotel.” He tried not to let his hurt feelings show.
There was a long pause before she let out a small sigh. “No need to go back, Miguel,” she said softly. She lifted her gaze and he saw the faint glint of amusement there. “I must say, I’m stunned to learn you know how to cook.”
He relaxed and lifted her hand to his mouth, pressing his mouth to her soft skin. “There are many things you don’t know about me, Katerina.”
She gasped and tugged on her hand, which he reluctantly released. “And maybe, Miguel, there are a few things you don’t know about me.”
He couldn’t deny the burning need to get to know all her secrets. The driver pulled up to his home and she glanced out the window. “You live right by the hospital,” she said, recognizing the landmarks.
“Yes, very convenient for those nights I’m on call,” he agreed.
His home was on the top floor, and they rode the elevator up in silence. He unlocked the door and then stepped back, allowing Katerina to enter first.
“Wow, very nice,” she murmured, and he was ridiculously pleased she liked his home. “Bigger than I expected for a man living alone.”
She didn’t sit, but wandered around looking at his things with interest. When she approached the hallway farthest from the kitchen, he said, “Feel free to explore. There are three bedrooms, although our rooms tend to be smaller than you’re used to back in the U.S.”
He turned to check on the food, which was being kept warm in the oven, and when he turned around he was startled to find her standing right behind him.
She was so beautiful, he ached. “Katerina, please don’t be angry with me.” He stepped closer, reaching up to thread his fingers through the silky golden strands of her hair. “I wanted tonight to be special.”
A strange expression, something akin to guilt, flashed in her eyes, but then she smiled and he knew he was forgiven. “I’m not angry,” she murmured.
“I don’t think I’ve thanked you properly for your help today,” he murmured, moving closer still. She stared up at him, standing her ground, and he couldn’t resist the soft invitation of her mouth for another minute. Without giving her a chance to say anything more, he gently cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.
CHAPTER SEVEN
KAT didn’t know how she allowed it to happen but the instant Miguel kissed her, memories of the night they’d shared came rushing back to her, flooding her mind, making her melt against him. Instinctively, she opened her mouth, wordlessly inviting him to deepen the kiss.
One moment his mouth was gentle, the next it was demanding, needy, stirring up flames of desire she’d tried to forget, vowed to live without.
She’d missed this. Missed him. Missed the way he made her feel, alive, vibrant, attractive. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, hanging on for dear life as a storm of desire washed over her, nearly drowning her with its intensity.
“Katerina,” he whispered, as he pressed soft, moist kisses down the side of her neck. “You are so beautiful to me. I’ve never forgotten you. Never.”
For one long moment she almost gave in to his sinful temptation. His hand came up to gently cup her breast, his thumb stroking her nipple through the thin layer of cotton, and her body reacted, arching into his, desperately needing to feel his hands on her bare skin.
She wanted nothing more than to close her eyes and give in to the whisper of pure pleasure, but she wasn’t that younger, carefree person any more. She was a single mother with re
sponsibilities.
Appalled with herself, she quickly broke off the embrace, forcing herself to let Miguel go, stumbling in her haste to put the width of the kitchen table between them. She grasped the back of a chair so tightly her knuckles were white. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this. I didn’t come here to—to pick up where we left off, Miguel.”
She couldn’t allow the flash of hurt in his eyes to get to her. Too bad if his macho pride had taken a low blow. He would survive. She had to think about Tommy now. She watched him struggle to pull himself under control and she was a little ashamed of herself for being glad he’d been as aroused as she had been. At least she knew for sure the attraction wasn’t one-sided.
“Of course you didn’t,” he said slowly, as if articulating each word helped him to maintain control. “I promised you dinner and I always follow through on my promises.”
Dinner? Food? He had to be joking. She couldn’t have eaten a bite to save her life. She shook her head and took a long deep breath, before letting it out slowly. “Miguel, listen to me. I came here because I have something to tell you. Something very important.” She forced herself to meet his gaze.
He seemed truly baffled and took a step towards her, and she instinctively took a quick step back. “What is it, Katerina? Are you all right? It’s not…your health, is it?”
She couldn’t help being touched that he cared enough to worry about her health. And if she was sick, would he stand by her? Or would he look for an excuse to leave? She didn’t want to consider the answer to that question, so she ruthlessly shoved the thought aside.
Obviously, he wasn’t going to be able to figure this out on his own. She’d have to come right out to say it. “I’m fine, Miguel. But there is something you should know.” She took a deep breath and bravely faced him. “I have a son. We have a son. He will be four years old in a little less than three months.”
He gaped at her in shock, and for several long seconds the silence was heavy between them. She wished she could read his mind to know what he was thinking. “A son?” he echoed, almost in disbelief.
“His name is Tomas. I named him after you.” During the night they’d shared, Miguel had confided that Tomas was his middle name. And his father’s name.
Miguel dragged a hand down his face, as if still hardly able to comprehend what she was saying. “I don’t understand. How did this happen? We used protection.”
She batted down the flicker of anger—hadn’t she asked herself the same question while staring down at the positive pregnancy test? But having him think, even for a moment, that she might have done this on purpose made her grind her teeth in frustration. “Protection can fail, Miguel. I’m sorry to spring this on you so suddenly. You need to know I tried to find you after you left. I called your cellphone and searched for you on all the popular social media websites. When I couldn’t find you, I assumed you were working somewhere remote with Doctors Without Borders, following your dream.” She spread her hands wide. “I didn’t know Seville was your home. Had no way of knowing you were here all this time.”
Miguel looked in shock and he lowered himself slowly onto a kitchen chair. “A son. Tomas. I can barely comprehend what you are telling me.”
Relieved to have the secret out in the open, she sank into a chair across from him and reached for her purse. “I have a picture. Would you like to see?” Without waiting for his reply, she slid Tommy’s picture across the table. “He looks very much like you, Miguel.”
He stared at the glossy photograph for several long moments before he dragged his gaze up to meet hers. “This is such a shock. I don’t know what to say, other than that he’s amazing. Thank you for bearing him.”
There had really been no choice, not for her. The way Miguel stared at the picture, as if awestruck, made her a bit nervous. Was he already thinking of taking their son away from her? Beneath the table she linked her fingers together, tightly. “Miguel, I only told you about Tommy because you had a right to know. Please be assured, I’m more than capable of raising him. I don’t expect anything from you.”
For the first time since arriving in Spain she saw his gaze darken with anger directed at her. “I will not avoid my responsibility, Katerina,” he murmured in a low tone. For just a brief moment she thought he looked upset, but then the fleeting expression was gone. In its place was grim resolution. “Of course I will provide for my son. And I would like to make arrangements to meet him. As soon as possible. I know Juliet will be here for a few more days, but I can make arrangements for the two of us to return immediately to the U.S.”
She stared at him, realizing in some portion of her brain that Miguel didn’t know Tommy was here in Seville with her. Was, in fact, sleeping soundly back in her hotel room. If she told Miguel he was there, she had no doubt he’d swoop in and wake him up, scaring the poor child to death. She strove to keep her tone level. “Miguel, be reasonable. He’s a young boy, not yet four. He won’t understand or recognize you. You will be a stranger to him. We need some time to think this through, to figure out what we’re going to do. Besides, I don’t want to leave Juliet yet.”
Miguel slowly rose to his feet, staring down at her arrogantly. “If you think I will let you raise my son without me, you are sorely mistaken. I will be a part of his life, and nothing you do or say will change my mind.”
The sick feeling in her stomach intensified as she stared up at him helplessly, knowing he meant every single word. And while she knew she’d have to share custody of Tommy with Miguel, she wasn’t at all sure what that exactly meant regarding their future.
Would Miguel play at being a father at first but then lose interest in them? Would he decide to up and leave, just like her father had? The way Juliet’s father had?
Seeing him with Pedro earlier, she’d thought Miguel would be a good father to her son. But now she couldn’t prevent the doubts from seeping in. And she desperately needed time. Needed to understand exactly what the future truly held for them.
How much would she have to sacrifice for her son?
* * *
Miguel inwardly winced when Katerina eyes filled with wounded shock. He knew he’d crossed the line, had put her on the defensive by practically threatening her, but he couldn’t seem to stop.
She’d borne his son. Had been raising him alone for years. Deep down he was outraged that he had been cheated of precious memories, yet logically he knew the situation wasn’t her fault. He’d left to return home after his father’s stroke, leaving Katerina to fend for herself. He’d simply assumed she’d be fine. Bitter guilt for not talking to her again after he’d left coated his tongue. She’d had every right to believe he was working in some distant country—after all, he’d told her about his dream. And truthfully, if not for his brother’s drinking problem, he would have already been in Africa, working with those in need. He wouldn’t be here now, hearing the truth about having a son. And she’d searched for him, too.
For a moment his resolve wavered. For so long he’d dreamed of joining Doctors Without Borders. Now his dream would have to be put on hold once again. Indefinitely. Maybe for ever.
He squelched the feeling of despair and refused to allow himself to think about that now. Instead, he glanced once more at the glossy photograph of a young boy with light brown skin, dark hair, and big dark eyes. His bright smile was the only facial feature that resembled Katerina. He trailed his fingertips over the photo and had the strongest urge to hop onto the first plane to the U.S. to see Tomas in person.
“Miguel? I smell something burning,” Katerina said in a tight voice.
He whirled around in surprise, having totally forgotten about the meal he’d prepared. He went over to pull the chicken dish from the oven, waving the smoke away. “I don’t think it’s too badly burned,” he said, even though the chicken looked a bit on the overdone side.
“I’m not hungry,” Katerina murmured. She pushed away from the table and rose to her feet. “I think it’s best that I go back to the hotel now. W
e can discuss this more tomorrow.”
He swung around to face her, unwilling to call an abrupt end to their evening. “Don’t leave,” he said, his voice sharply commanding rather than pleading with her, the way he should. He forced himself to soften his tone. “If you could spare a few minutes, I would like to hear more about Tomas.”
She stood indecisively, wringing her hands together, and he silently cursed himself for being so stupid. He’d frightened her, instead of reassuring her that he intended to be there for her and for Tomas. Maybe a part of him mourned the loss of his dream, but he refused, absolutely refused, to ignore his responsibilities.
He’d been selfish once, following his dream to study abroad, and his brother Luis had suffered for it. His father had suffered too. He would always regret not being there when his father had sustained his stroke. The fact that he’d saved countless patients’ lives wasn’t enough to make up for his failures regarding his family.
He couldn’t bear to fail his son.
“There isn’t much to tell,” she protested. “He’s hardly more than a baby.”
Katerina avoided his direct gaze and he wished he could cross over and take her once again into his arms. Kissing her had felt like heaven and he’d nearly lost all control when she’d wantonly kissed him back.
“He’s not stubborn, like his mother?” he asked, trying to lighten the mood by gently teasing her. “I find that difficult to believe.”
She narrowed her gaze and flipped her long golden hair over her shoulder. “Believe me, Tommy gets his stubborn streak from his father.”
He tried not to wince at the shortened version of his son’s name. He didn’t understand this American tendency to give nicknames rather than using given names. “I bet he’s smart, then, too. Just like me.”
Katerina rolled her eyes. “Of course he’s smart. I read to him before he goes to bed at night and he has memorized every story. He attends preschool and already knows his letters and numbers.”
