“This was a really nice thing for Patrick to do,” Rafe stated as he wrapped an arm around his wife’s waist. “Losing Isabella has been hard.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Will said. “She was definitely a fighter and Alma is a better place because of her.”
“She was quite stubborn,” Emily chimed in with a smile. “But we’ll get through this because the Montoros are strong.”
Will didn’t think this was the appropriate time to bring up the subject of Rafe resigning from his duties before his coronation. It was the proverbial elephant in the room.
“I’m going to save my wife from my father,” James told them. “Excuse me.”
Rafe and Emily were talking about the funeral—how many people had turned out and how supportive the country was in respecting their time of mourning. But Will was only half listening. Cat glanced his way once and that’s all it took for his heart to kick up and his body to respond. She didn’t smile, she merely locked those dark eyes on him as if she knew his every thought.
Tension crackled between them and everyone else in the room disappeared from his world. Nobody existed but Cat and he knew without a doubt she would agree to his proposal.
He wouldn’t accept no for an answer.
* * *
Her feet were absolutely screaming. Her back wasn’t faring much better. The Montoros lingered longer than she’d expected and Catalina had stuck around an hour after the guests had left.
This fourteen-hour workday would certainly yield a nice chunk of change, but right now all Catalina could think of was her bed, which she hoped to fall into the moment she got home. She may not even take the time to peel out of her clothes.
Catalina nearly wept as she walked toward her car. She’d parked in the back of the estate near the detached garage where Patrick kept his sporty cars that he only brought out on special occasions. The motion light popped on as she approached her vehicle.
Instantly she spotted Will sitting on a decorative bench along the garage wall. Catalina stopped and couldn’t help but smile.
“Are you hiding?” she asked as she started forward again.
“Waiting.” He unfolded that tall, broad frame and started coming toward her. “I know you’re exhausted, but I just wanted to ask something.”
Catalina crossed her arms and stared up at him. “You could’ve called or texted me your question.”
“I could’ve,” he agreed with a slight nod. “But you could say no too easily. I figure if you’re looking me in the eye—”
“You think I can’t resist you?” she laughed.
Exhaustion might have been consuming her and clouding her judgment, but there was still something so irresistible and charming about this overbearing man...and something calculating as well. He’d purposely waited for her, to catch her at a weak moment. He must really want something major.
“I’m hoping.” He reached out, tucking her hair behind her ears before his fingertips trailed down her jawline. “I want to take you somewhere tomorrow afternoon. Just us, on my yacht for a day out.”
Catalina wanted to give in to him, she wanted to forget all the reasons they shouldn’t be together in any way. She wished her head and her heart would get on the same page where Will Rowling was concerned. She had goals, she had a job she needed to keep in order to reach those goals...yet everything about Will made her want to entertain the idea of letting him in, even if just for one night.
“I even have the perfect spot chosen for a swim,” he added, resting his hands on her shoulders. Squeezing her tense muscles, Will smiled. “I’ll be a total gentleman.”
“A total gentleman?” Catalina couldn’t help but laugh. “Then why are you so eager to go?”
“Maybe I think it’s time someone gives back to you.” His hands stilled as he held her gaze and she realized he wasn’t joking at all. “And maybe it’s time you see that I’m a changed man.”
Her heart tumbled in her chest. “I’m so tired, Will. I’m pretty sure I’m going to spend the next two days sleeping.”
“You won’t have to do a thing,” he promised. “I’ll bring the food. All you have to do is wear a swimsuit. I promise this will be a day of total relaxation and pampering.”
Catalina sighed. “Will, your father—”
“He’s not invited.”
She laughed again. “I’m serious.”
“I am, too.”
Will backed her up to her car and towered over her with such an intense gaze, Catalina knew she was fighting a losing battle.
“This has nothing to do with my father, your job or our differences.” His strong jaw set firm, he pressed his gloriously hard body against hers as he stared into her eyes. “I want to spend time with you, Cat. I’ve finally got my sights set on what is important to me and I’m not letting you get away again. Not without a fight.”
“That’s what scares me.” She whispered the confession.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
“Said the big bad wolf.”
Will smiled, dropped his hands and eased back. “No pressure, Cat. I want to spend time with you, but if you’re not ready, I understand. I’m not going anywhere.”
The man knew exactly what to say and his delivery was flawless. In his line of work, Will was a master at getting people to see things his way, to ensure he got what he wanted at the end of the day.
No matter what common sense tried to tell her, Catalina wasn’t about to start in on a battle she had no chance of winning.
“I’ll go,” she told him.
The smile that spread across his face was half shadowed by the slant of the motion lights, but she knew all too well how beautiful and sexy the gesture was.
“I’ll pick you up at your apartment around noon,” he told her. “Now, go home. I’m going to follow you to make sure you get there safely since you’re so tired.”
“That’s not necessary.”
Will shrugged. “Maybe not, but I wasn’t kidding when I said someone needed to take care of you and pamper you for a change. I’m not coming in. I’ll just follow, and then be on my way home.”
“I live in the opposite direction from your house,” she argued.
“We could’ve been halfway to your flat by now.” He slid his arm around her and tugged on her door handle. “Get in, stop fighting me and let’s just save time. You know I’ll win in the end anyway.”
That’s precisely what she feared the most. Will having a win over her could prove more damaging than the last time she’d let him in, but she wanted to see this new side of him. She wanted to take a day and do absolutely nothing but be catered to.
Catalina eased behind the wheel and let Will shut her door. Tomorrow would tell her one of two things: either she was ready to move on and just be his friend or she wanted more with him than stolen kisses behind closed doors.
Worry and panic flooded Catalina as she realized she already knew what tomorrow would bring.
* * *
Will had been meaning to see his niece, Maisey, and this morning he was making her his top priority. Before he went to pick up Cat for their outing, he wanted to surprise his adorable niece with a gift...the first of many. He had a feeling this little girl was going to be spoiled, which was better than a child being ignored.
Maisey Rowling would want for nothing. Will’s brother had given up being a playboy and was growing into his family-man role rather nicely, and Bella was the perfect stepmother to the infant. Will figured since he and his twin were growing closer, he’d stop in and offer support to James. This complete one-eighty in lifestyles had to be a rough transition for James, but he had Bella and the two were completely in love. And they both loved sweet Maisey.
A slight twinge of jealousy speared through Will, but not over the fact that his brother ha
d married Bella. There had been no chemistry between Will and Bella. She was sweet and stunning, but Will only had eyes for one woman.
The jealousy stemmed from the thought of his brother settling down with his own family. Will hadn’t given much thought to family before. He’d been raised to focus solely on taking over Rowling Energy one day.
Will tapped on the etched glass front door to James and Bella’s temporary home. They were living here until they knew for sure where they wanted to be permanently. They were in the middle of renovating the old farmhouse that belonged to the Montoros and James had mentioned that they’d probably end up there.
But for now, this house was ideal. It was near the beach, near the park and near Bella’s family. Family was important to the Montoros...and yet Will was still thrilled he’d dodged that clan.
The door swung open and Bella greeted him with a smile. “Will, this is a surprise. Come on in.”
Clutching the doll he’d brought as a present, Will stepped over the threshold. “I should’ve called, but I really thought of this last-minute.”
Bella smoothed her blond hair behind her shoulders. “This is fine. Maisey and James are in the living room. They just finished breakfast and they’re watching a movie.”
Her blue eyes darted down to his hands. “I’m assuming that’s for Maisey?”
Will nodded. “I haven’t played the good uncle yet. Figured it was time I started spoiling her.”
Bella’s smile lit up her face. “She’s going to love it.”
The thought of being married to this woman did nothing for Will. Yes, she was stunning, but he’d never felt the stirrings of lust or need when he’d been around her. Their fathers never should have attempted to arrange their engagement, but thankfully everything had worked out for the best...at least where Bella and James were concerned. They were a unified family now.
The thought of his black sheep, playboy brother snuggling up with a baby girl and watching some kid flick was nearly laughable. But Will also knew that once James had learned he had a child, his entire life had changed and his priorities had taken on a whole new order, Maisey being at the top.
Bella led Will through a wide, open-arched doorway to a spacious living room. Two pale yellow sofas sat facing each other with a squat, oversized table between them. An array of coloring books and crayons were scattered over the top of the glossy surface.
James sat on one of the sofas, legs sprawled out before him with Maisey on his lap. James’s short hair was all in disarray. He still wore his pajama bottoms and no shirt, and Maisey had a little pink nightgown on; it was obvious they were enjoying a morning of laziness.
As Will stepped farther into the room, James glanced over and smiled. “Hey, brother. What brings you out?”
Bella sat at the end of the couch at her husband’s feet. Maisey crawled over her father’s legs and settled herself onto Bella’s lap. Will looked at his niece and found himself staring into those signature Rowling aqua eyes. No denying who this baby’s father was.
“I brought something for Maisey.” Will crossed the room and sat on the edge of the coffee table. “Hey, sweetheart. Do you like dolls?”
What if she didn’t like it? What if she didn’t like him? Dammit. He should’ve planned better and called to see what Maisey actually played with. He’d just assumed a little girl would like a tiny stuffed doll.
“Her dress matches your nightgown,” Bella said softly to the little girl.
Maisey kept her eyes on him as she reached for the toy. Instantly the blond hair went into Maisey’s mouth.
“She likes it.” James laughed. “Everything goes into her mouth these days.”
Will continued to stare at his niece. Children were one area where he had no clue, but if James said Maisey liked it, then Will had to assume she did.
James swung his legs to the floor and leaned forward. “You hungry?” he asked. “We still have some pancakes and bacon in the kitchen.”
“No, I’m good. I’m getting ready to pick up Cat, so I can’t stay anyway.”
James’s brows lifted as he shot Bella a look. “Is this a date?”
Will hadn’t intended on telling anyone, but in growing closer with James over the past couple months, he realized he wanted this bond with his twin. Besides, after their conversation last night, James pretty much knew exactly where Will stood in regards to Cat.
He trusted James, that had never been an issue. The issue they’d had wedged between them stemmed from their father always doting on one brother, molding him into a disciple, while ostracizing the other one.
“I’m taking her out on my yacht,” Will told him. “We’re headed to one of the islands for the day. I’m hoping for total seclusion. Most tourists don’t know about them.”
There was a small cluster of islands off the coast of Alma. He planned on taking her to Isla de Descanso. The island’s name literally meant Island of Relaxation. Cat deserved to be properly pampered and he was going to be the man to give her all of her needs...every single one.
“Sounds romantic.” Bella shifted Maisey on her lap as she stared at Will. “I wasn’t aware you and Catalina were getting more serious.”
James laughed. “I think they’ve been sneaking.”
“We’re not serious and we’re not sneaking,” Will defended himself. “Okay, fine. We were sneaking, but she’s private and she’s still leery of me.”
“You can’t blame her,” James added.
Will nodded. “I don’t, which is why we need this time away from everything. Plus she’s working like crazy for Dad and she’s never appreciated.”
James snorted. “He barely appreciates his sons. You think he appreciates a maid? I was worried when he moved into my old house. I tried to warn her, but she said she could handle it and she needed the job.”
Will hated the thought of her having to work. Hated how much she pushed herself for little to no praise and recognition.
“Well, I appreciate her,” Bella chimed in. “I saw how hard she worked the dinner last night. I can’t imagine the prep that she and the cooks went through, plus the cleanup after. Catalina is a dedicated, hard worker.”
“She won’t stay forever,” James stated as he leaned over and ruffled Maisey’s hair.
Will sat up straighter. “What do you mean?”
His brother’s eyes came back to meet his. “I’m just saying someone who is such a perfectionist and self-disciplined surely has a long-term goal in mind. I can’t imagine she’ll want to play maid until she’s old and gray. She hinted a few times when she worked for me that she hoped to one day leave Alma.”
Leave Alma? The thought hadn’t even crossed Will’s mind. Would Cat really go somewhere else? Surely not. Her mother still worked here. She used to work for Patrick, but years ago she had suddenly quit and gone to work for another prominent family. Cat had been with the Rowlings for five years, but James was right. Someone as vibrant as Cat wouldn’t want to dust and wash sheets her entire life. He’d already seen the toll her endless hours were taking on her.
Will came to his feet, suddenly more eager than ever to see her, to be alone with her. “I better get going. I just wanted to stop by and see Maisey before I headed out.”
James stood as well. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
Bidding a goodbye to Bella and Maisey, Will followed his brother to the foyer.
“Don’t say a word about Cat and me,” Will said.
Gripping the doorknob, James nodded. “I’m not saying a word. I already know Dad would hate the idea and he’s interfered enough in our personal lives lately. And I’m not judging you and Catalina. I actually think you two are a good match.”
“Thanks, man, but don’t let this happily-ever-after stuff you have going on filter into my world. I’m just spending time with Cat. That’s all.” Wil
l gave his brother a one-armed man hug. “I’ll talk to you next week.”
Will headed toward his car, more than ready to pick up Cat and get this afternoon started. He planned to be in complete control, but he’d let her set the tone. As much as he wanted her, he wasn’t going to pressure her and he wasn’t going to deceive her.
Yes, there was the obvious appeal of the fact that his father would hate Will bedding the maid, but he wouldn’t risk her job that way even to get petty revenge on his domineering father.
Besides, Cat was so much more than a romp. He couldn’t figure out exactly what she was...and that irritated him.
But now he had another worry. What was Cat’s ultimate goal in life? Would she leave Alma and pursue something more meaningful? And why did he care? He wasn’t looking for a ring on his finger and he wasn’t about to place one on hers, either.
Still, the fact that she could leave bothered him more than he cared to admit.
Will pushed those thoughts aside. Right now, for today, all he was concerned with was Cat and being alone with her. All other world problems would have to wait.
Eight
Nerves kicked around in Catalina’s belly as she boarded the yacht. Which seemed like such a simple word for this pristine, massive floating vessel. The fact that the Rowlings had money was an understatement, but to think that Will could own something this amazing...it boggled her mind. She knew he would make a name for himself, knew he’d climb to the top of Rowling Energy. There was never any doubt which twin Patrick was grooming for the position.
But she wasn’t focusing on or even thinking of Patrick today. Will wanted her to relax, wanted her to enjoy her day off, and she was going to take full advantage.
Turning toward Will, Catalina laughed as he stepped on board. “I’m pretty sure my entire flat would fit on this deck.”
Near the bow, she surveyed the wide, curved outdoor seating complete with plush white pillows. There was even a hot tub off to the side. Catalina couldn’t even imagine soaking in that warm water out under the stars. This yacht screamed money, relaxation...and seduction.
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