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." Will 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.
She'd voluntarily walked right into the lion's den.
"Let me show you around." Will took hold of her elbow and led her to the set of steps that went below deck. "The living quarters are even more impressive."
Catalina clutched her bag and stepped down as Will gestured for her to go first. The amount of space in the open floor plan below was shocking. It was even grander than she'd envisioned. A large king-sized bed sat in the distance and faced a wall of curved windows that overlooked the sparkling water. Waking up to a sunrise every morning would be heavenly. Waking up with your lover beside you would simply be the proverbial icing on the cake.
No. She couldn't think of Will as her lover or icing on her cake. She was here for a restful day and nothing else. Nookie could not play a part in this because she had no doubt the second he got her out of her clothes, she'd have no defense against him. She needed to stay on guard.
A deep, glossy mahogany bar with high stools separated the kitchen from a living area. The living area had a mounted flat-screen television and leather chairs that looked wide enough for at least two people.
The glossy fixtures and lighting only added to the perfection of the yacht. It all screamed bachelor and money...perfect for Will Rowling.
"You've done well for yourself," she told him as she placed her tote bag on a barstool. "I'm impressed."
Will's sidelong smile kicked up her heart rate. They hadn't even pulled away from the dock and he was already getting to her. This was going to be a day full of her willpower battling her emotions and she didn't know if she'd have the strength to fight off Will's advances.
Who was she kidding? Catalina already knew that if Will tried anything she would succumb to his charms. She'd known this the moment she'd accepted his invitation. But that didn't mean she'd drop her wall of defenses so easily. He'd seriously hurt her before and if he wanted to show her what a changed man he was now, she was going to make him work for it.
"Did you think I was taking you out in a canoe for the day?"
"I guess I hadn't given much thought to the actual boat," she replied, resting her arm on the smooth, curved edge of the bar. "I was too worried about your actions."
"Worried you'd enjoy them too much?" he asked with a naughty grin.
"More like concerned I'd have to deflate your ego," she countered with a matching smile. "You're not seriously going to start putting the moves on me now, are you?"