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Shit.Why did I say that?
“No, not exactly,” I immediately try to backtrack. “I’m just staying there for a few days.”
“Why?”
I’m taken aback by the blunt question. Isaiah and I are friendly, and sometimes he’s a bit flirty, but we don’t ask about each other’s personal lives. He’s still my boss, after all.
I struggle to come up with a response as we step into the room featuring the shipwreck exhibit. “I just wanted to be in my space, I guess. And Declan works a lot so I was lonely at his place.”
“Isn’t his place supposed to be your place now?”
“We aren’t married yet,” I mutter. In an attempt to change the subject, I motion toward the zoomed-in photograph depicting the entire length of a submerged vessel with colorful fish swimming around the rotting ship covered with bright coral. “Isn’t this picture stunning?”
“Very,” he clips after barely glancing at the image. “Does your fiancé leave you alone often, Cat?”
My happiness at seeing Isaiah is swiftly fading. “I don’t believe that is any of your business.”
“I mean no offense.” His free hand covers the one I have resting on his arm as if to hold me in place and prevent me from walking away. “I’m just concerned about you. To be honest, I’ve been worried ever since I heard about your engagement. You and Declan MacKenzie don’t seem like a good match.”
“And I don’t mean any offense when I say my personal life is none of your business,” I snap back, uncharacteristically irritated with his prying questions and remarks. Normally, I’m pretty even-keeled. It takes a lot for someone to get under my skin. But this topic has me on edge. And I don’t appreciate the way it feels like Isaiah is gearing up for a lecture. Not one bit.
My boss’s lips turn down and his forehead creases. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention to upset you.”
“Then what was your intention?” Once again, this is unlike me. I usually avoid conflict at all costs. But I guess I’ve been feeling feisty lately.
Isaiah, to his credit, does not falter. “Just to ensure you are all right. You do a good job at hiding it, but I can tell something’s been bothering you this past week. I just want to make sure everything is okay. I care about you, Cat. As more than an employee.”
“That’s objectively inappropriate,” a deep, familiar voice says over my shoulder. Breath lodges in my throat.
I turn to see my fiancé standing behind me, shooting daggers at the gallery owner at my side. “And if you know what’s good for you, it would be best for you not to share such a sentiment again.”
Chapter3
Catarina
I take in Declan’s black tuxedo, perfectly-styled hair, and chiseled jawline. Like always, the attraction I feel to him hits me square in the chest. The pull I’ve been resisting this past week tugs me, urging me to close the distance between us and give in to the depth of feeling this man stirs within me.
But I don’t.
I do, however, draw my hand away from Isaiah’s arm.
“Declan.” I clear my throat, pretending he didn’t just threaten my boss. “I didn’t expect you to be here.”
“I wouldn’t miss it,macushla,” he tells me while his glare remains on my boss.
Isaiah tries to hide it, but his stiff body language reveals his unease. “Mr. MacKenzie,” he greets. “Good to see you.”
“I wish I could say the same.”
“Declan,” I hiss.
Finally, he turns his attention to me. Heat flares in his forest green irises as he takes in the black, strapless dress that hugs my body, showcasing my modest curves. I force myself not to fidget. I’d been hesitant to wear the dress Jane brought over this morning. It seemed too promiscuous for a work event. But really, it’s perfect. I haven’t felt uncomfortable all evening. Not until now. My fiancé looks at me like I’m a piece of meat he can’t wait to take a bite out of, and I don’t hate it.
“What is it, my love?” The endearment spoken in his low timbre gives me goosebumps.
For a second, I forget what I was going to say. “Don’t be rude,” I mumble when I remember his response to Isaiah.
“I will stop being rude when he stops coveting what’s mine.”
