Unfortunately, when he’d broken things off with her, he’d hurt her more than she cared to admit. Beyond leaving her when she hadn’t even seen it coming, he’d gone so far as to say it had all been a mistake. His exact words, which had shocked her and left her wondering how she’d been so clueless. Catalina wouldn’t be played for a fool and she would never be his “mistake” again. She had more pride than that...even if her heart was still bruised from the harsh rejection.
Even if her lips still tingled at the memory of their recent kiss.
Catalina continued to pick up random antique trinkets on the built-in bookshelves as she dusted. She couldn’t face Will, not just yet. This was the first encounter since that night three weeks ago. She’d seen him, he’d purposely caught her eye a few times since then, but he’d not approached her until now. It was as if the man enjoyed the torture he inflicted upon her senses.
“You work too hard.”
That voice. Will’s low, sultry tone dripped with sex appeal. She didn’t turn around. No doubt the sight of him would still give her that swift punch of lust to the gut, but she was stronger now than she used to be...or she’d been stronger before he’d weakened her defenses with one simple yet toe-curling kiss.
“Would that make you the pot or the kettle?” she asked, giving extra attention to one specific shelf because focusing on anything other than this man was all that was holding her sanity together.
His rich laughter washed over her, penetrating any defense she’d surrounded herself with. Why did her body have to betray her? Why did she find herself drawn to the one man she shouldn’t want? Because she hadn’t forgotten that he’d recently been the chosen one to wed Bella Montoro. Bella’s father had put out a false press release announcing their engagement, but of course Bella fell for James instead and Will ended up single. James had informed Cat that Bella and Will were never actually engaged, but still. With Will single now, and after that toe-curling kiss, Cat had to be on her guard. She had too much pride in herself to be anybody’s Plan B.
“That spot is clean.” His warm, solid hand slid easily onto her shoulder. “Turn around.”
Pulling in a deep breath, Catalina turned, keeping her shoulders back and her chin high. She would not be intimidated by sexy good looks, flawless charm and that knowing twinkle in Will’s eye. Chemistry wouldn’t get her what she wanted out of life...all she’d end up with was another broken heart.
“I have a lot on my list today.” She stared at his ear, trying to avoid those piercing aqua eyes. “Your dad should be in his den if you’re looking for him.”
“Our business is already taken care of.” Will’s hand dropped, but he didn’t step back; if anything, he shifted closer. “Now you and I are going to talk.”
“Which is just another area where we differ,” she retorted, skirting around him to cross in front of the mantel and head to the other wall of built-in bookcases. “We have nothing to discuss.”
Of course he was right behind her. The man had dropped her so easily four years ago yet in the past few weeks, he’d been relentless. Perhaps she just needed to be more firm, to let him know exactly where she stood.
“Listen.” She spun back around, brandishing her feather duster at him. Maybe he’d start sneezing and she could make a run for it. “I’ve no doubt you want to talk about that kiss. We kissed. Nothing we hadn’t done before.”
Of course this kiss was so, so much more; it had penetrated to her very soul. Dammit.
“But I’m not the same girl you used to know,” she continued, propping her hand on her hip. “I’m not looking for a relationship, I’m not looking for love. I’m not even interested in you anymore, Will.”
Catalina nearly choked on that lie, but she mentally applauded herself for the firmness in her delivery and for stating all she needed to. She wasn’t about to start playing whatever game Will had in mind because she knew one thing for certain...she’d lose.
Will stepped closer, took hold of her wrist and pulled her arm gently behind her back. Her body arched into his as she gripped her feather duster and tried to concentrate on the bite of the handle into her palm and not the way those mesmerizing eyes were full of passion and want.
“Not interested?” he asked with a smirk. “You may be able to lie to yourself, Cat, but you can never lie to me. I know you too well.”
She swallowed. “You don’t know me at all if you think I still like to be called Cat.”
Will leaned in until his lips caressed the side of her ear. “I want to stand out in your mind,” he whispered. “I won’t call you what everyone else does because our relationship is different.”
“We have nothing but a past that was a mistake.” She purposely threw his words back in his face and she didn’t care if that was childish or not.
Struggling against his hold only caused her body to respond even more as she rubbed against that hard, powerful build.
“You can fight this all you want,” he said as he eased back just enough to look into her eyes. “You can deny you want me and you can even try to tell yourself you hate me. But know this. I’m also not the same man I used to be. I’m not going to let you get away this time.”
Catalina narrowed her gaze. “I have goals, Will, and you’re not on my list.”
A sultry grin spread across his face an instant before he captured her lips. His body shifted so that she could feel just how much he wanted her. Catalina couldn’t stop herself from opening her mouth for him and if her hands had been free, she probably would’ve fully embarrassed herself by gripping his hair and holding him even tighter.
Damn this man she wanted to hate, but couldn’t.
He demanded her affection, demanded desire from her and she gave it. Mercy, she had no choice.
He nipped at her, their tongues tangling, before he finally, finally lifted his head and ran a thumb across her moist bottom lip.
“I have goals, too, Cat,” he murmured against her mouth. “And you’re on the top of my list.”
The second he released her, she had to hurry to steady herself. By the time she’d processed that full-on arousing attack, Will was gone.
Typical of the man to get her ready for more and leave her hanging. She just wished she still wasn’t tingling and aching all over for more of his touch.
Will sat on his patio, staring down at his boat and contemplating another plan of action. Unfortunately his cell phone rang before he could fully appreciate the brilliant idea he’d just had.
His father’s name popped up on the screen and Will knew without answering what this would be about. It looked as if Patrick Rowling had just got wind of Will’s latest business actions.
“Afternoon,” he greeted, purposely being more cheerful than he assumed his father was.
“What the hell are you doing with the Cortes Real Estate company?”
Will stared out onto the sparkling water and crossed his ankles as he leaned back in his cushioned patio chair. “I dropped them.”
“I’m well aware of that seeing as how Dominic called me to raise hell. What were you thinking?” his father demanded. “When you steamrolled into the head position, I thought you’d make wise moves to further the family business and make it even more profitable into the next generation. I never expected you to sever ties with companies we’ve dealt with for decades.”
“I’m not hanging on to business