Ruthless Temptation

Chapter 2

Catalina’s POV

When it ended, it was clear that our best friends were a serious item. Our paths would likely cross again. If we weren’t careful, future misunderstandings or hurt feelings between Percy and me could lead to awkwardness around Anna and Brown .

We agreed there was only one safe solution. We don’t do relationships anyway, so we were done. No repeats—not even casual ones.

It’s disappointing that we need to keep our distance though. I wouldn’t mind letting him treat my body to another concert while I’m in town.

That’s irrelevant though. There’s a bigger problem to deal with. Prince Brown has lost his effing mind! When he asked for help planning a party, I assumed it would be closer to when Anna makes her debut as a chef in two weeks, but no. The party’s in three days!

Brown shouldn’t have waited until the last minute. I’m the queen of spontaneity, but what normal person can pack up and fly to New York for three weeks with less than twenty-four hours’ notice?

I already promised Anna I’d be there for the opening week of Pinot & Pie. That’s when I’ve scheduled my vacation time, my plane ticket, and my hotel reservations. I explained to Brown that it’s not easy to rearrange work and everything to arrive two weeks early and stay that whole time.

It’s expensive too. He assured me he is taking care of the hotel, leaving me to deal with work and my plane ticket, which, fortunately, is changeable.

I left out that I’m also a bit nervous about seeing Percy again. I’d counted on a couple of additional weeks to adjust to the idea.

What if sparks still fly between us? If so, will it be torture knowing we can’t do anything about the attraction?

This line of thinking is ridiculous. That’s one of the reasons we agreed to no repeats—to ensure our future encounters wouldn’t be awkward. Besides, our chemistry was like a fire made of dry wood that burns fast and flames out quickly. It’s over.

We haven’t spoken or exchanged texts. We’ve both moved on. I doubt that Percy has given me a second thought.

I’m worrying about nothing. There are no expectations on my part. There won’t be any on his either.

So why am I having this internal debate? It’s out of character for me to worry about running into someone from my past. I’m careful not to date anyone related to work to minimize that chance. Of course, it still happens occasionally and is never a big deal.

It’s Percy’s perception that concerns me. He said women have gone to extreme measures to arrange opportunities to be near him. What if he thinks I orchestrated this three-week stay in his hotel, scheming to spend time with him? Hopefully, he thinks more of me than that. It’s not my thing to latch onto a man for his money, power, or approval. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.

I’m only going to New York to make sure Anna’s party is spectacular and to support her during the first week as the guest chef. I shouldn’t care what Percy thinks.

Who am I kidding? What he thinks matters. He’s not like previous guys I’ve dated. I could walk away from them, and we’d never see each other again. But Percy and I will be thrown together repeatedly if our best friends’ relationship lasts. Even if he and I don’t become close friends, it would be best if we’re in a place of mutual respect, which won’t happen if he wrongly thinks I’m chasing him.

Good grief. What is wrong with me? Percy has no reason to think I’m the mastermind behind Brown ’s last-minute party plans.

Get a grip!

Everyone’s entitled to the occasional self-doubt, but there’s no need to let others see it or let it take hold. Thank goodness no one can hear the thoughts running through my head.

If they could, it would blow my image as a confident, skilled lawyer by day and self-assured, carefree woman the rest of the time.

You’ve got this.

As Brown pointed out, I’m the closest person Anna has to family. She’s like a sister to me. I’ll never let her down. She’s finally living her fairytale, which she deserves after everything she’s been through. I’ll be there to help her real-life royal prince make sure her story continues on its happily-ever-after path.

My plane lands in New York less than twenty-four hours after Brown ’s call. I couldn’t manage three weeks of vacation. Instead, thanks to my law firm’s remote-work policy, I rearranged my schedule to work from here instead of San Diego until after Anna’s restaurant opens.

Walking toward baggage claim, I’m pulling up a ride-sharing app when a guy blocks my path. He’s holding an electronic tablet displaying my name and photo. “Ms. Upton, I’m Phil. Welcome. I’ll help you with your luggage, and we’ll be on our way.”

With a quick stutter step, I narrowly avoid stumbling over Phil’s bulky frame. “Thanks. I didn’t know the hotel was sending a car for me.”

“The VIP concierge made the arrangements. Please follow me. Your bags should arrive on carousel 5.”

I’m stepping back into a different world—one filled with wealth, opulence, luxury, and chance. Hopefully, luck will be on my side when it comes to that last part.

After we collect my bags, Phil shepherds me into the back seat of a black limo, pops a cork, and hands me a glass of champagne before sliding into the driver’s seat. My free hand caresses the buttery leather seat as my body sways to the music that’s playing through the speakers surrounding me.

I could get used to this celebrity treatment.

As Phil whisks me to the hotel, the glitz of New York brings back memories of my visit five months ago.

I haven’t forgotten a single moment of the steamy, passionate nights with Percy, not to mention a particularly satisfying ride in his private elevator.

We clicked in a way that was new for me. Not only did our bodies sizzle with every touch, but we also talked and laughed about random things.

We even raided the kitchen in the middle of the night to refuel. Being with him felt strangely comfortable.

If my past hadn’t taught me to avoid getting close to any man, I’d be tempted to reconsider a few more nights of mind-blowing s*x with Percy.

That can’t happen though. We both got what we needed, including a clean, no-questions-asked break at the end. We’ll plan the party as though nothing happened between us. It’ll be fun doing this for Anna and Brown.

Phil interrupts my thoughts, saying, “We’ll be pulling up to the VIP entrance in a few minutes.”

“Thanks,” I reply, looking out the window as the Grand Athena Resort and Casino comes into view. Spectacular white and blue buildings are the backdrop for a crystal blue lake that mimics the Aegean Sea.

It’s as if someone plucked the structures straight from the Greek islands. Fuchsia bougainvillea flowers drape over the lapis balconies. They create a breath-taking contrast with the bright white walls of the Mykonos Tower where Percy and I shared a long weekend of steamy nights in his penthouse apartment.

Now that I’m back, I can’t help wondering what New York has in store for me this time.

Will there be magical moments, mysterious men, or more mayhem? It’s time to find out.