by Victoria Zak
She’d been lucky to find such a job, for Antonio and Kenderly were thoroughly selective with the employees they hired. Because of the island’s charm and the addictive fantasies it weaved, employees were only allowed to work at the resort for two years. At the end of their service, they were granted a large severance payment and offered another position within Aragon enterprises, headed by Antonio’s brother, Miguel.
Her hand trembled as she took another bite of toast. She desperately needed this job and the severance bonus.
Of course, she had to spill drinks on her boss’s VIP guest. What was wrong with her? Dario Dicola was a guest, just like any other. Why, then, did she melt into a puddle of lusty goo beneath his smoldering dark chocolate eyes? Heat pooled between her thighs just thinking about his dimpled chin peeking through his five o'clock scruff. His Italian accent had rolled off his tongue—rich and thick like honey. The temperature in the dining room rose by at least ten degrees. She cupped the back of her neck, fanned her flaming cheeks, and crossed and uncrossed her legs, failing to relieve her body’s involuntary response to the sexy memory.
The local news flashed on a nearby television, snapping her attention to the reporter talking about the cleanup efforts from the storm. With a heavy heart, Cat shook her head at the devastation left behind. So many people had lost their homes and lives. Most areas still didn’t have electricity. Her family was fortunate, having made it through relatively unscathed, with the exception of losing their power for a few hours.
Her gaze was drawn to the time on the lower left-hand corner of the screen. “Dammit.” I’m going to be late. Quickly, she tossed the napkin onto the plate, ran it back to the kitchen, and thanked the cook for her breakfast. “The mango jam was to die for,” she called out over the sound of clanging pots and pans.
A few moments later, she stood outside Kenderly’s office, swiping her sweaty palms down her tan cargo shorts. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm her rattled nerves, but her heart raced as she gave the door a few timid taps, secretly hoping Kenderly wasn’t in.
“Come in,” Kenderly answered.
Cat entered the office. “You wanted to see me?”
“Good morning, Cat.” Kenderly looked up from her desk. “Yes. Please sit.”
Cat took the chair across from her boss and folded her hands in her lap. She’d rehearsed all morning how she was going to beg for another chance, but once inside Kenderly’s office, she was having difficulty just remembering how to breathe. “Kenderly.” She sat forward in her seat. “I’m so sorry. It’s not like me to be so clumsy. I’ll pay for his suit. I’m sure it’s expensive, but whatever it takes.”
Kenderly held up a staying hand.
Dios, I’m trying too hard.
“I didn’t ask you to come here to fire you, darling. In fact, you’re taking a vacation.”
“I’m sorry. What?” It sounded like Kenderly said something about a vacation, but with the ringing in her ears she wasn’t sure.
“Cat, you’re a mess.” Kenderly stood and walked around to sit in the chair beside her. “Antonio and I have been worried about you, darling. You worked through every off week last month and barely took a weekend to check on your family after the storm.”
A vacation? “Kenderly, I’d love the extra time to spend with my family, but you know I can’t afford to take the time off. I’ll get it together. I promise.”
“I’m not talking about taking another weekend to spend with your family.” Kenderly reached over the chair arm and took her hand. “I’m talking about taking time for yourself.”
Cat shook her head. “I don’t need—”
“This is nonnegotiable, Cat.” Kenderly let go of her hand and returned to her seat behind the desk. “If you love your job as much as we love having you here, then you will take this week off.”
A week? Cat knew she should hold her tongue, but a week? “Kenderly I can’t afford a week—”
“You can.” Kenderly opened a folder in front of her and pulled out a piece of paper. “According to your file, you’ve accumulated over three weeks paid vacation.” She picked up a plastic card and held it out to Cat. “If you agree to take this week for yourself, and only yourself, I’ll add a week to it.”
Cat narrowed her eyes, studying Kenderly as she reached out and took the Aragon Island credit card, recognizing the tale-tell twinkle in her boss’s eyes. What was Kenderly up to?
“Wonderful,” Kenderly said with a knowing wink. “I’ve taken the liberty of having your things moved to the Celestial Cabana at the beach. Charge anything you wish on that card and we’ll take care of the rest.
“The Celestial?” That was one of the most palatial cabanas on the island!
“Enjoy it,” Kenderly urged. “You’ve more than earned it, darling.”
Cat looked down at the silver card in her hand. No one had ever gone out of their way to do something this nice for her—ever. Saying no would be an insult. No. She couldn’t. Could she? Maybe Kenderly was right. With her papa terminally ill and medical bills piling up, she’d worked every available shift, and many times doubles. Her brothers helped with the bills when they could, but they had their own families to provide for. Every penny she made went to her family. It would be nice to take a few days to herself. Cat felt adrift in an unknown sea. Even thinking about it felt unnatural.
“Are you sure?” she asked one last time, but Kenderly’s arched brow said there was no room for argument. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Darling, you needn’t say a thing. Take the week and relax. As I said, you more than deserve it.” Kenderly stood and walked over to Cat, giving her a hug. “Here’s the key to the cabana. Now go, indulge,” she said with a scheming grin.
Still stunned a half hour later, Cat slid the keycard into the cabana door and opened it to an elaborate oasis.
Surrounded by palm trees and nestled among the mangroves, there were six cabanas on the west side of the island, each secluded and private. In the morning and evening hours, birds sang a variety of tunes, making this part of the resort truly magical. It was Catalina’s favorite place.
Many times she’d hiked on the path that snaked beyond the last cabana and deeper into the tropical jungle. Listening to the birds, seeing a variety of brightly-colored orchids, and smelling the salty air were a few of her favorite things about the spot. It was a place of peace and harmony. A place she could recharge between shifts. What would she do with a whole week?
Once inside, she placed her purse on the small kitchen table and continued into the living room, the wall-to-wall sliding glass doors providing a vibrant view of the turquoise water that beckoned her to the white sandy beach. She opened the slider and breathed in the ocean air, feeling a tingle that ran from the top of her head to her toes. The magic of Aragon Island.
The view was indeed breathtaking—sun sparkling like diamonds on the water’s surface. She closed her eyes, listening to the waves lap against the shore. She understood the magic of the place and how easy it was to lose one’s self in a fantasy, for she was doing it right now without an ounce of effort. All she needed now was her prince charming.
A rap at the door shook her from her fantasy just in time. Another second and she’d have been mired in a fantasy with Dario, wrapped in his arms, looking up into his deep chocolate-colored eyes.
“Cat, are you in there?”
She smiled at the familiar voice and opened the door. “Mario!” He strolled past her in a whirlwind leaving behind a cloud of coconut fragrance.
“Wow,” he exclaimed, spinning circles as he took in the room. “Take a look at this place. The upgrades Antonio added after the storm really does the trick!”
She chuckled. “The view is still the same, though. That’s all that matters.”
Mario strolled to the glass door. “Kenderly is really giving you the Cinderella treatment, isn’t she?”
“Yeah, she’s giving me the rest of the week off. Can you believe it?”
<
br /> “Oh, honey.” He turned around and waved her off. “I know all about it.”
Cat folded her arms across her chest and watched as Mario brought in a garment bag and laid it on the bed. “What’s that?”
Mario faced her with a devilish grin. “Looks like you’re going to the Festival of Fantasies Masquerade ball tonight.”
“What?” She didn’t have a dress, shoes, or even a mask. And what was she going to do at a ball? She didn’t even know how to dance! “I don’t have—”
“No time to argue, honey. Your dress is in the bag. Here’s your shoes and mask.” He handed her another bag.
“Mario, this is all too much.”
“Na-ah-ah. Hair, make-up, nails,” he said, snapping his fingers in a Z pattern with his dramatic style, “and a wax at six in the salon. You know where it is. Ask for the Mario special.” He winked. “And Cinderella time is eight o’clock sharp, or your pumpkin will leave without you.”
Cat followed Mario out of the bedroom. “Seriously, why is Kenderly doing this? Moments ago I was sure I’d be searching for a new job, and now this? I don’t understand. I don’t deserve this, whatever this is. No more than you, or Rosa, or anyone else here. Why me? She’s never—”
Mario turned on his heels, almost crashing into her. “Honey, Kenderly and Antonio have taken care of each of us when we needed them the most. You know Kenderly adores you, too. She’s worried about you. We all are.”
“I know, but—”
Mario cupped her face. “No buts, honey. Now get to the salon.”
Catalina forced a smile. Accepting such a gift would never feel right, but it didn’t look as though she had much of a choice.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” Mario reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a bottle of perfume. “This is a special gift from Kenderly. One spritz behind each ear, one between the ladies.” He cupped his own pecs to form a cleavage line, making her laugh. “And one between those gorgeous thighs, and done. Don’t overdo it.”
She took the bottle and studied the liquid. Between my thighs?
“Just do it, and don’t ask any more questions. Tonight is your night to sparkle, my love.” Mario gave her a dismissive wave as he sauntered out of the cabana.
Catalina closed the door, walked over to the bed, and unzipped the garment bag. She stood speechless as she stared at the light blue designer dress, exactly her size. She was dreaming. She had to be.
4
Beneath the stars at the seaside pavilion, violins softly blended into the lower pitch of the cello, creating beautiful music and setting the mood for the night—magical and romantic. And that was exactly how Catalina felt.
Despite her reservations, she’d donned the powder blue and silver dress, which fit her to perfection, and decided to give this whole vacation thing an honest try. She owed Antonio and Kenderly that much in appreciation for their concern and generosity.
Once dressed, she’d refused to look at herself in the mirror, knowing she’d feel nothing short of ridiculous. But when the soft light from the candlelit canopy reflected off the jewel encrusted bodice of her dress and the long layers of silk and chiffon, she felt like a princess attending her first ball.
A waiter stopped next to her, offering a glass of champagne. She took one, sipping it quickly before she placed the empty glass back onto the tray. Nervous, she adjusted her matching blue and silver butterfly mask and straightened her spine as she crossed the ballroom floor. You can do this, Cat. Behind the mask no one knew her identity. She could be whatever she wanted tonight. For the first time since she could remember, she desired to put her worries behind her and indulge, to live a fantasy. She didn’t think she could last the week Kenderly had asked of her, but for one night, this night, she could be Cinderella.
“You look ravishing.”
“Oh!” Cat flinched at the deep whisper so close to her ear, but before she could pull away, Dario Dicola whisked her into his arms and onto the dance floor.
“Relax,” he said, his lips so close his hot breath tickled her ear. “I waited until you put the glass down, so there’s nothing to be nervous about.”
Cat’s stomach flipped and heat tinged her cheeks. “I’m so sorry about that,” she rushed to offer again, but when she pulled back to look up at him, he placed a finger over her lips.
“No more apologies,” Dario insisted, his gaze so intense, even through his mysterious, black mask, she had to look away. “Tonight, we begin anew. Ow!” Dario stumbled when she stepped on his toe.
Oh, Dios mio! “I don’t know how to dance! I’m sor—” At his playful warning glance her next apology derailed. “I shouldn’t be here,” she said instead, and turned to leave.
Dario refused to let her go.
“Don’t go.” He gathered her back into his arms. “Dancing is simple, instinctual. I will show you.”
He took her hand in his and pulled her close, too close. She drew in a subtle whiff of his cologne. Not close enough.
“Relax and feel the way my body moves against yours.” He took a step forward, and she took a step back. “Very good.” He took another and she moved with him. “See? You are a natural.”
“I’m positive I’m not,” Cat replied with a squeak. “I’m probably the only Latino I know who doesn’t know how to dance.”
“Catalina is a beautiful name,” Dario purred in response. “Tell me. Did you inherit it from a favorite relative?”
Cat nodded. “My great grandmother. She was the first in my family born in the Americas.”
Dario nodded. “From where did your family immigrate originally?”
“Spain, but my great-great grandparents were missionaries in South Africa, so I suppose you could say both.”
“It must be exhilarating to have such rich and adventurous blood coursing through your veins.”
Cat giggled. “I’m afraid I’m neither rich or adventurous.”
“On the contrary,” Dario insisted. “It takes a very brave woman to wear such a daring dress.”
Dario’s hand tightened on her hip before he slid his hand to her lower back, his hold more of a caress than a controlling force as he splayed his warm fingers over her exposed skin.
Cat tensed at the contact, but saw his ploy for what it was. “Does that line work often?”
Dario laughed out loud, the sound rich and unrestrained. “Is it working on you?”
Cat laughed, too. “Not one bit.”
“Then it doesn’t work often enough,” he replied smoothly with a flirty wink.
The easy conversation with Dario served to distract Cat from her nerves and she responded with ease to Dario’s every move. Before she knew it, they were floating across the dance floor to the sound of the music. She’d never felt so carefree, the cool ocean breeze kissing her bare skin, her silken dress swishing along her legs like a lover’s caress. Her heart pounded. The breathy laugh that escaped her lips as he twirled her around sounded unfamiliar, even to her own ears. She couldn’t believe it. She was dancing with Dario Dicola and loving every moment.
“Your eyes sparkle like stars when you smile,” Dario hummed in her ear. “Did you know that?”
Focused on the knot in his tie, Cat lifted her gaze to his chin, a very masculine chin jutting out just below two very soft lips that were curled in a seductive smile. A sudden flutter tickled her insides and she made the mistake of meeting his gaze, the intense heat she saw there making her stumble.
“Whoa!”
Cat cursed at her clumsiness as Dario steadied her on her feet, but she’d been having so much fun, she couldn’t help but laugh. “I should probably stop before I break something or have to replace your shoes with the suit I’ve already ruined.”
Dario didn’t argue this time and escorted her to the outer rim of the pavilion, snagging two glasses of Champagne on the way.
“Oh, no thank you,” Cat refused when he offered her one. She’d never be able to carry another glass in his presence again.
Dario arche
d an insistent brow; he wasn’t taking no for an answer.
“Okay.” She took the glass from his hand. “But stand over there.” She motioned to a spot by the marble railing behind them. “I can’t spill anything on you from that far away.”
When the butterflies finally settled and she had control of the glass in her hands, she joined him.
Breathing in the salty breeze, Cat looked out over the darkened beach. Dario stepped behind her and her body came alive. He gripped the wide railing, trapping her between his arms. His tall frame closed around her as he lowered his head, brushing his lips against the side of her neck. She shivered, fighting the urge to lean back and melt into him.
“Are you cold?” he asked, trailing his fingertips down her arms.
Catalina closed her eyes, surrendering to his touch. “Quite the opposite.” The sentiment escaped her lips before she had a chance to stop it. Why was her body betraying her? She didn’t want to crave his touch or sigh when she breathed in his scent—sweet like chocolate with a hint of spice.
He inhaled, long and slow, appreciating her scent as he would an exotic flower. “Your perfume… I’ve never smelled anything like it.”
“It was a gift, from Kenderly.” Flattered, but overwhelmed by his strong brand of blatant seduction, Cat escaped the confines of his arms and stood beside him against the railing, desperate for something distracting to say. She didn’t want to encourage him, but she wasn’t ready to say goodnight. “There are so many stars out tonight,” she mused. “Emilio would love it.” She cringed, biting her lip at the habitual slip. There was no place for Emilio in her conversation with Dario, a near stranger, but their conversation on the dance floor had stirred her longing to hear her son’s voice.
“This Emilio, he is your lover? A husband, perhaps?”
Cat grinned. She couldn’t help it. Aside from the awkward picture his question inspired, the idea that Dario was in no shy way asking her about her love life, was so foreign, she didn’t know how to respond. “Um, not quite. How about you? Where is your family from?” she asked, eager to change the subject.