Page 27 of Maid for a Magnate
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?”
Will placed a hand over his heart. “You wound me, Cat. I’m at least going to get this boat on course before I rip your clothes off.”
Catalina’s breath caught in her throat.
Will turned and mounted the steps to go above deck, and then froze and threw a sexy grin over his shoulder. “Relax, Cat. I won’t do anything you don’t want.”
The playful banter had just taken a turn, a sharp turn that sent shivers racing through her entire body. Was she prepared for sex with this man? That’s what everything leading up to this moment boiled down to.
Cat would be lying to herself if she tried to say she didn’t want Will physically. That had been proven each time he’d kissed her recently.
I won’t do anything you don’t want, he’d said.
And that was precisely what scared her the most.
* * *
With the ocean breeze sliding across his face, Will welcomed the spittle of spray, the taste of salt on his lips. He needed to get a damn grip. He hadn’t meant to be so teasing with Cat.