“That’s all I’ve ever wanted,” she murmured. She snuggled a little closer. There were a few moments of silence, then she whispered, “I love you, Stone.”
He forced himself not to react physically. Cathy sounded as if she was already fading fast, and he doubted she realized she’d said the words aloud.
He believed them, though. Ula had been right. He’d tried to convince himself otherwise, but his housekeeper had seen the obvious. Cathy had fallen in love with him. She’d given her heart to a scarred, broken man who had sworn never to love anyone again.
Now what? he wondered. Did he let her go or keep her close? He didn’t have the answer. He would miss her dreadfully if she was gone. He didn’t know which act would be kinder for her. Loving her back wasn’t an option. It wasn’t allowed and even if that issue was resolved, he wasn’t capable anymore.
Not knowing what else to do, he pulled her close and silently promised he would never hurt her the way he’d hurt Evelyn.
Chapter Thirteen
“You know, when he first mentioned this, I thought he was kidding,” Cathy confessed.
Ula glanced up from the list she was reviewing. “When Mr. Ward first spoke about the party to me, I wanted to ask if he was feeling all right.”
The two women smiled conspiratorially.
“It’s too late for him to change his mind,” Cathy said, pointing to the list of acceptances that had quickly followed the mailing of the invitations.
“No one has seen him in years. They’re all curious.” Ula raised her eyebrows. “Then there’s the issue of his new assistant. Word has spread since your meeting at the office two weeks ago. I can’t tell you how many people have asked about you when they called to accept.”
Cathy ducked her head, partially in pleasure, partly from nerves. She was glad the meeting had gone well and that she hadn’t embarrassed herself or Stone. While she wouldn’t mind meeting those people again, she was sure she wouldn’t remember any of their names, and how on earth was she supposed to fill an evening with small talk? Except for Stone, she wasn’t going to know anyone.
You can do this, she told herself. That was her new trick. When something new threatened to overwhelm her, she reminded herself of how far she’d come. In the past five months, her entire life had turned around. There was very little she couldn’t accomplish. And she was not about to come undone over a simple party.
Her gaze fell on the guest list, and she sighed. “Here I am giving myself a pep talk when the reality is there are going to be nearly two hundred people coming here. Where on earth will we put them?”
Ula waved her hand. “I’ve done this dozens of times. There are going to be tents set up on the grounds. The weather is perfect—warm in the day, but cooling slightly at night. A valet service takes care of the cars. I’ve hired the caterer. Best of all, you have your dress.”
Cathy smiled. The cream-and-gold off-the-shoulder gown had been in the window of the first store she’d gone to. She’d tried it on and known instantly that it was right. As if proving it had been made just for her, it hadn’t required a single alteration.
“Did you get your mask?” Ula asked.
Cathy nodded. “I picked it up yesterday, along with Stone’s.” While his was a large affair, designed to cover half his face, hers was a small wisp of silk and sequins and barely covered her eyes.
She laughed with delight. “I can’t believe I’m actually going to attend a masked ball.”
“Imagine how I feel,” Ula told her. The housekeeper rose and collected the coffeepot, then refilled each of their cups. “For three years, this house has been shut up as tight as a coffin. All of a sudden, Mr. Ward wants to throw a party.” Her expression softened. “Just like it used to be.”
“Did he and Evelyn entertain much?” Cathy asked.
“Some. Their wedding reception was held at the country club, but as soon as they moved here, they had a big open house. There were the usual Christmas parties and barbecues in the summer. Evelyn wasn’t one for entertaining, but she did it to please Mr. Ward. That woman would have done anything for him.”
“She loved him very much, didn’t she?”
Ula glanced at her, then returned the pot to the stand and took her seat. The slight pause told Cathy that the housekeeper was weighing her words carefully.
Cathy understood her reluctance. Not only did Ula not want to betray a confidence, but she was also caught in the middle of a new situation.
For the past two weeks, Cathy and Stone had been lovers. After that first afternoon, he’d asked her to move into his bedroom. She’d accepted gladly. While she understood the limitations of their relationship, she greedily wanted as much as she could get for as long as possible. He might not love her, but she cared about him deeply and she wanted to be with him.
So every evening, she retired to his bed. He pulled her close and they made love. Every night they slept cuddled together, bodies satisfied and entwined.
While Ula didn’t know the details, she was aware of the change in circumstances. She hadn’t commented, although she’d put Cathy’s clean laundry into the drawers of Stone’s dresser without being prompted.
“It’s all right,” Cathy told the other woman. “I didn’t mean to make things awkward for you. This is confusing for all of us.”
Ula nodded. “I know you have questions. Some I’m comfortable answering, but others, well, you’re going to have to talk to Mr. Ward. As for Evelyn, she did love him. Had since they were children. He was all she’d ever wanted.”
