Never Say I Want You by Amy Pennza

Author:Amy Pennza [Pennza, Amy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scribble Pretty Books
Published: 2019-05-30T16:00:00+00:00

12

Ernesto Lopez was putty in her hands.

As Juan nursed his second old fashioned, he had to admire Catalina’s skill. Over the course of their three-hour dinner, she’d persuaded the little man to pledge more than five million dollars to a future campaign. He even promised to speak to the absent dinner guests on Juan’s behalf.

Catalina put her head back and laughed, her long throat an elegant sweep above delicate collarbones.

Lopez reached over and refilled her champagne glass, his gaze lingering on her breasts as he poured.

Make that reluctantly admire.

Juan tossed back the rest of his drink. This dinner couldn’t end soon enough.

Lopez looked up, as if just realizing Juan was still in the room. “Eh, Juan. Let me get you another drink.” He pushed his chair away from the dining table.

“No, no, Ernesto.” Juan put a hand over his glass. “I shouldn’t.”

“What?” Lopez frowned. “Why not? It’s not like you’re driving. Or did you fly the plane here?” He caught Catalina’s eye and chuckled at his own joke.

She smiled, then rose and waved Lopez back to his seat. “Sit, Don Ernesto. I’ll handle the drinks while you gentlemen discuss business.”

Lopez sat, as obedient as a cocker spaniel. As she slipped past him and went to the bar, his gaze followed her like his eyeballs were drawn by magnets.

Juan clenched his hand around his glass.

Lopez gave Catalina’s ass a final once-over before sliding his gaze back to Juan. “You’re a lucky man, Salvatierra,” he said.

Glass clinked as Catalina worked at the bar, an ocean breeze tugging at her hair. Lopez’s villa was right on the beach, with a covered patio steps from the water. Although “patio” might be too mild a word for the impressive dining area. A crystal chandelier hung from the beamed ceiling, and a full kitchen with a Viking grill and built-in sink dominated one corner. Catalina looked at home in the luxurious surroundings, the long curve of her spine exposed by the backless dress.

When Juan turned back to Lopez, the other man wore a knowing smile. Juan cleared his throat. “Yes, I am.”

“Having a woman like that by your side can make all the difference in a campaign.” Lopez’s eyes took on a faraway look. “I never ran for office, but I credit my wife with helping me build a successful business.”

This was the first Juan heard of Lopez being married. “My apologies, Ernesto. I don’t believe I’ve met your wife.”

“Late wife,” Lopez said, a small, sentimental smile on his lips. “She passed about ten years ago.”

Catalina came back to the table. She set a glass before Juan, then went to Lopez’s side and handed him his drink. A mix of surprise and sympathy crossed her face. She settled next to Lopez and put a hand on his arm. “You must miss her,” she said softly.

He patted her hand. “Of course, of course.” He was silent a moment, then he gestured around the patio. “I named this island for her, you see. She loved butterflies.”

Catalina smiled—a genuine smile that shone in her eyes.

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