emotions inside as she hugged Bella. Even though years had passed, Catalina still missed her grandmother every single day. Some days were just more of a struggle than others.
“I’m here anytime.” Catalina squeezed the petite woman, knowing what just a simple touch could do to help ease a bit of the pain, to know you weren’t alone in your grief. “There will be times memories sneak up on you and crush you all over again and there will be days you are just fine. Don’t try to hide your emotions. Everyone grieves differently so whatever your outlet is, it’s normal.”
Bella shifted back and patted her damp cheeks. “Thank you. I didn’t mean to cry all over you and bring up a bad time in your life.”
Pushing her own memories aside, Catalina offered a smile. “You didn’t do anything but need a shoulder to cry on. I just hope I helped in some small way to ease the hurt and I’m glad I was here.”
“Bella.”
The sound of James’s voice had Catalina stepping back as he came in to stand beside his wife. Tucking her short hair behind her ears, Catalina offered the couple a brief smile. James hugged Bella to his side and glanced at Catalina.
“I didn’t want to interrupt, but I know you need to work, too,” James said. “We really appreciate you.”
Those striking Rowling eyes held hers. This man was a star athlete, wanted by women all over the world. Yet Catalina felt nothing. He looked exactly like Will, but in Catalina’s heart...
No. Her heart wasn’t involved. Her hormones were a jumbled mess, but her heart was sealed off and impenetrable...at least where Will was concerned. Maybe when she left Alma she’d settle somewhere new and find the man she was meant to be with, the man who wouldn’t consider her a mistake.
Those damning words always seemed to be in the forefront of her mind.
“I’m here all day through the week,” Catalina told Bella. “You can always call me, too. I’m happy to help any way I can.”
“Thank you.” Bella sniffed. She dabbed her eyes again and turned into James’s embrace.
Catalina left the couple alone and pulled the door shut behind her. She leaned against the panel, closed her eyes and tipped her head back. Even though Catalina still had her mother, she missed her grandmother. There was just something special about a woman who enters your life in such a bold way that leaves a lasting impression.
Catalina knew Bella was hurting over the loss of her aunt, there was no way to avoid the pain. But Bella had a great support team and James would stay by her side.
A stab of remorse hit her. Bella’s and Catalina’s situations were so similar, yet so different. Will had comforted her over her loss when they’d first started dating and Catalina had taken his concern as a sign of pure interest. Unfortunately, her moments of weakness had led her to her first broken heart.
The only good thing to come out of it was that she hadn’t given him her innocence. But she’d certainly been tempted on more than one occasion. The man still tempted her, but she was smarter now, less naïve, and she had her eyes wide open.
Pushing off the door, she shoved aside the thoughts of Will and their past relationship. She’d jumped from one mistake to another after he broke things off with her. Two unfortunate relationships were more than enough for her. Focusing on turning her hobby and passion for making clothes into a possible career had kept her head on straight and her life pointed in the right direction. She didn’t have time for obstacles...no matter how sexy.
She made her way down the hall toward the main bathroom on the second floor. This bathroom was nearly the size of her little flat across town. She could afford something bigger, but she’d opted to keep her place small because she lived alone and she’d rather save her money for fabrics, new sewing machines, investing in her future and ultimately her move. One day that nest egg she’d set aside would come in handy and she couldn’t wait to leave Alma and see how far her dreams could take her. Another couple months and she truly believed she would be ready. She still couldn’t pinpoint her exact destination, though. Milan was by far the hot spot for fashion and she could head there and aim straight for the top. New York was also an option, or Paris.
Catalina smiled at the possibilities as she reached beneath the sink and pulled out fresh white hand towels. Just as she turned, she collided with a very hard, very familiar chest.
Will gripped her arms to steady her, but she wasn’t going anywhere, not when she was wedged between his solid frame and the vanity biting into her back.
“Excuse me,” she said, gripping the terrycloth next to her chest and tipping her chin up. “I’m running behind.”
“Then a few more minutes won’t matter.” He didn’t let up on his hold, but instead leaned back and kicked the door shut with his foot. “You’re avoiding me.”
Hadn’t she thought this bathroom was spacious just moments ago? Because now it seemed even smaller than the closet in her bedroom.
“Your ego is getting in the way of common sense,” she countered. “I’m working. Why are you always here lately anyway? Don’t you have an office to run on the other side of town?”
The edge of his mouth kicked up in a cocky half smile. “You’ve noticed. I was beginning to think you were immune.”
“I’ve been vaccinated.”
Will’s rich laugh washed over her and she cursed the goose bumps that covered her skin. Between his touch, his masculine scent and feeling his warm breath on her, her defenses were slipping. She couldn’t get sucked back into his spell, not when she was so close to breaking free once and for all.
“Come to dinner with me,” he told her, smile still in place as if he truly thought she’d jump at the chance. “Your choice of places.”
Now Catalina laughed. “You’re delusional. I’m not going anywhere with you.”
His eyes darkened as they slid to her lips. “You will.”
Catalina pushed against him, surprised when he released her and stepped back. She busied herself with changing out the hand towels on the heated rack. Why wouldn’t he leave? Did he not take a hint? Why suddenly was he so interested in her when a few years ago she’d been “a mistake”? Plus, a month ago he’d almost been engaged to another woman.
Being a backup plan for anybody was never an option. She’d rather be alone.
Taking more care than normal, Catalina focused on making sure the edges of the towels were perfectly lined up. She needed to keep her shaking hands busy.
“You can’t avoid this forever.” Will’s bold words sliced through the tension. “I want you, Cat. I think you know me well enough to realize I get what I want.”
Anger rolled through her as she spun around to face him. “For once in your life, you’re not going to be able to have something just because you say so. I’m not just a possession, Will. You can’t buy me or even work your charm on me. I’ve told you I’m not the same naïve girl I used to be.”
In two swift steps, he’d closed the gap between them and had her backed against the wall. His hands settled on her hips, gripping them and pulling them flush with his. This time she didn’t have the towels
