“Right.” I knew that much absolutely. “But how do I separate the two?” I really didn’t know how much of William the Man was intertwined with William the Wealthy Magnate, and I hadn’t really thought about it until right this instant. I could feel my chest tightening—all my old insecurities were lurking just under the surface. “Beckett, honestly, what do I have to offer William? He can have anything and anyone he wants. I don’t know if I’m ready for all this. I told you weeks ago, I’m not ready.” What little I had to offer seemed pretty inconsequential compared to the spoils of William’s empire.
“Cat, you know what I’m going to say, right?”
I sighed. “Stop thinking so much?”
“Exactly. You’re smart, beautiful, successful, and really, really nice. And you’re more than ready. You know that. Hold on a sec.”
Someone said his name, and I narrowed my eyes. Once again, I heard music in the background and the sound of voices. “Where are you right now?”
“Just checking on your condo.”
“Are you having a party?”
There was a pause. “A little one.”
“Are you celebrating or something?”
Another pause. “Sort of. I’ve got a lead on a work thing, but I don’t want to say anything yet. I might jinx it. And this is just a teeny, tiny dinner party. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use the AGA.”
I sighed, happy for Beckett but not thrilled about my condo being used for his ‘teeny, tiny’ party. But I knew I could trust Beckett and besides, as a pastry chef, he got more out of my giant cast-iron gourmet cooker than I ever would, given that my culinary tool of choice was my microwave. “Just clean up after, okay?”
“Absolutely. And you stop worrying so much. Have fun at your billionaire boyfriend’s estate with a name, Cat. Why don’t you take a bubble bath and have a glass of wine? He makes it there, right?”
The idea actually sounded pretty good. I had to stop turning everything over in my mind because it was only freaking me out. I might wish things could be simple with William, but they weren’t. Nothing was or would ever be simple with him. He needed me here and I couldn’t be his rock if I was preoccupied with my own issues. Beckett and I hung up and I got off the huge bed and headed to the bathroom, intent upon taking his advice though I’d skip the wine for now. I needed a clear head.
The bathroom was an amazing study in white marble and was wonderfully inviting. The huge sunken tub, in particular, beckoned. I ran the water and, while I waited for the bath to fill, I opened drawers and cabinets. The vanity was stocked with most of my favorite toiletries and even some of the make-up I usually used. I was flattered that William knew what I liked and had made sure it was available for me, but it was also a little off-putting. How did he know so much about me? I spotted an unmarked vial of amber liquid, opened the stopper, and sniffed. It was the same perfume William had sent me before our first date at the Art Institute. At least he was consistent.
When the tub was almost full, I added some bubbles and climbed in. Leaning back, I closed my eyes and let the warm water soothe me. One thing I knew for certain: I loved William Maddox Lambourne and I wasn’t going to let what he owned get in the way of who he was in my heart. If he had nothing, I’d feel exactly the same way about him.
I tried to relax and clear my mind, but that rarely worked for me. Instead, I ran my hands across my breasts and pinched my nipples, which were still sensitive after William’s oral ministrations on the plane. I could feel a pull between my legs as I rolled my nipple between my fingers and I thought for a split second about checking out the water pressure of the gleaming, silver handheld shower sprayer, but I didn’t. I wanted to save my pleasure for William.
Only William.
Four
I found William in the kitchen. He greeted me with a long, hungry look and a lingering kiss. His mouth was warm and tasted of cilantro and lime, and the citrus spiciness tingled on my lips. When we broke apart, I saw Fernanda smiling at us. “It smells delicious,” I told them, savoring the feel of William’s body still touching mine.
“We’re having Mexican tonight.” William smiled. “My favorite. Did you rest and relax?”
I nodded. “You?”
“I had a quick workout then showered and started cooking.” He gestured to the kitchen. “This is the best form of relaxation.” He gave me a wicked smile. “Well, the second best. You look breathtaking tonight, Catherine.”
I looked down and blushed as my belly did a slow roll, like it always did when he looked at me that way. I almost wished we could skip dinner. But I was hungry now that I was surrounded by the smell of the food. And I knew William well enough to know he believed in savoring a meal and building anticipation for what was to come.