Harlequin Desire September 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: Claimed\Maid for a Magnate\Only on His Terms (22 page)

Seven

W
ill stared over the rim of his tumbler as he sipped his scotch. The way Cat worked the room was something he'd seen in the past, but he hadn't fully appreciated the charm she portrayed toward others during such a difficult time.

There were moments where she'd been stealthy as she slipped in and out of the room, removing empty glasses and keeping the hors d'oeuvre trays filled. Will was positive others hadn't even noticed her, but he did. He noticed every single thing about her.

The dinner was due to be served in thirty minutes and the guests had mostly arrived. Bella stood off to the side with her brother Gabriel, his arm wrapped around her shoulders.

“Your maid is going to get a complex if you keep drilling holes into her.”

Will stiffened at James's words. His brother came to stand beside him, holding his own tumbler of scotch.

“I'm not drilling holes,” Will replied, tossing back the last of his drink. He welcomed the burn and turned to set the glass on the accent table. “I'm making sure she's okay.”

James's brief laugh had Will gritting his teeth to remain quiet and to prevent himself from spewing more defensive reasons as to why he'd been staring at Cat.

“She's used to working, Will. I'd say she's just fine.”

Will turned to face his twin. “Did you come over here to hassle me or did you actually want to say something important?”

James's smile spread across his face. Will knew that smile, dammit. He'd thrown it James's way when he'd been in knots over Bella.

“Shut up,” Will said as he turned back to watch Cat.

If his brother already had that knowing grin, then Will's watching Cat wouldn't matter at this point. She was working too damn hard. She'd been here all day to make sure the house was perfect for the Montoros and she was still busting her butt to make everyone happy. The chef was really busting it, too, behind the scenes. Cat was definitely due for a much needed relaxing day away from all of this.

“You appear to be plotting,” James commented. “But right now I want to discuss what Dad is in such a mood about.”

Will threw his brother a glance. “He's Patrick Rowling. Does he need a reason?”

“Not necessarily, but he was a bit gruffer than usual when I spoke with him earlier.”

Will watched his father across the room as the man approached Bella and Gabriel. As they all spoke, Will knew his father was diplomatic enough to put on a front of being compassionate. He wouldn't be his stiff, grouchy self with those two.

“I may have made some business decisions he wasn't happy with,” Will stated simply.

“Business? Yeah, that will do it.” James sighed and finished his scotch. “He put you in charge, so he can't expect you to run every decision by him.”

“That's what I told him. I'm not one of his employees, I'm his son and I'm the CEO of Rowling Energy now.”

“Plus you're trying to seduce his maid,” James added with a chuckle. “You're going to get grounded.”

Will couldn't help but smile. “You're such an ass.”

“It's fun to see the tables turned and you squirming over a woman for once.”

“I'm not squirming, dammit,” Will muttered.

But he wouldn't deny he was using Cat as another jab at his father. Yes, he wanted Cat and always had, but if being with her still irritated the old man, so much the better.

Part of him felt guilty for the lack of respect for his father, but that went both ways and the moment Patrick had issued his ultimatum years ago, Will had vowed then and there to gain back everything he deserved, no matter what the cost to his relationship with his father.

Bella's oldest brother, Rafe, and his very pregnant wife, Emily, crossed the room, heading for Will and James. Since he'd abdicated, Rafe and Emily had lived in Key West. But they'd traveled back to be with the family during this difficult time.

“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 had 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.