Page 24 of Maid for a Magnate

“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.