A Solitary Romance: Book 1 in the Only Love Series (16 page)

LaSalla turned to Katrina, his eyes tender, and studied her features.  He placed a hand at the nape of her neck and drew her to him, embracing her against his rock hard chest.  All too quickly, he released Kate, then mussed the hair on the crown of her head in a playful manner.

"You're one smart girl, Katrina Crimshaw.  I'd have never guessed this balloon thing of yours would work, but I feel a whole lot better."

"I'm glad, Robert.  I didn't like seeing you that way earlier in the office."

Her boss grinned, grabbed her hand and hauled her up the hill, away from the Pacific.  As they walked across the wide expanse of sand towards the parking lot, Robert laced his fingers through hers and stroked her thumb every so often.

"Hey, what did you come to see me for, anyway?" he asked, remembering there had to be a reason for her visit to his office.

"Oh, I forgot!" she exclaimed.  She added, "I'm afraid it's not good news."

He drew up and faced his employee.

"What is it, Katrina?"

"Daud Industrial backed out of their deal with Morris Greir, Inc., because the SEC is set to launch an investigation into Greir Limited.  They must have assumed that the two companies are related."

Relief spread across Robert's face as Kate wondered what her boss had expected.  He scratched his head, tousling his thick locks.  His messy mop, with tufts pointing in all directions, gave the man a boyish appearance.

"That should be easy to fix.  We'll just explain that they're not connected," he stated.

"Mike Johnson is already on it.  Apparently, there's a strict protocol to be followed in situations like these.  Hopefully, we'll know something later this week," she said.

"All right," he said, resuming their walk to the lot.

He opened the Ranger's door for her and helped her into her seat.  Then he clicked the seat belt into place across her lap.  The action brought his face close to hers as he reached over her body, causing heat to rush through her.  She held her breath and feigned indifference.  Having him so close created all sorts of sensations inside her.  Once he'd shut her door, oxygen rushed from her lungs, and she drew in several large gasps before he reached the driver's side and sat down. 

"Where to?" he asked.

Kate concentrated on slowing her pulse and cooling the hot blush she felt rising to her cheeks.

"Katrina, where should I take you?"

She became aware of Robert's voice. 
What did he just say?

"Anywhere," she said before catching herself.

"What was that?" he asked.

"Huh?  What were you saying?" she asked, flustered.

"Are you feeling all right, Kate?  I wanted to know if I should drop you back at the office or take you home."

With you? Yes, take me home with you, Robert.

"Uh, just drive me home, if you don't mind," she said.  Kate couldn't even remember where she'd left her car, or if she'd driven herself or taken the bus that morning. 

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again.

"Yes, I'm good. Thank you," she replied, staring out the window and trying to steel herself.

He drove straight to her place without needing directions.  Once he put the gear shift in park, LaSalla turned to Katrina.

"Thank you again for this afternoon.  It really helped," he said, focusing his gaze on her blue eyes.

"You're welcome.  Thank you for sharing about your father.  He sounds like a wonderful man, Robert."

He stared at her a moment longer.  She felt glued to her seat as he held her gaze.  She saw his jaw clench just before his features softened and he leaned in towards her, dipping his head.

Something snapped in Katrina.

She sprang from the Rover and yelled, "Thanks for the ride!" before dashing into her apartment.

Inside, she leaned against her locked door, panting.  Fear chased her from what she felt certain was a kiss.  Robert was going to kiss her, full on the mouth. 
Would that have been so bad?

"No!" she shouted.

No, it wouldn't be a bad thing
.  Images of her and Rod kissing flashed across her mind.  Her ex-fiancée was a boy compared to Robert.  She shook her head, trying to erase her memories of Rod Baxter and the pain he'd caused.  And didn't her boss have a girlfriend?  In fact, he had a tall, leggy, gorgeous girlfriend. 
What business did he have trying to kiss me, when he's already dating someone else?  Someone who keeps him from coming to work early each morning.

A plethora of negative emotions flooded Katrina.  Anger, bitterness, jealousy, and regret combined and produced a tremble throughout her body.  She eased herself onto the sofa and tried to calm down.  After some time, she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of Robert and the passionate kiss they almost shared.

Chapter 12
-Tests-

In an examining room at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, the doctor explained the tests required for Kate.  Barry held her hand, and after yesterday, his composed presence reassured her.  She'd said a silent prayer to God, asking for good results, and now felt calm.

A slough of exams, designed to test her inner ear and brain, made her nauseous.  Each proved worse than the one before.  After that ordeal, she underwent a CAT scan, the last procedure of the day.

"I should have lied when I filled out the online questionnaire," Katrina whispered as Barry drove her home.  She continued, "Those tests were worse than my symptoms.  I don't know why they insisted on those. Dizziness is not my problem!"

"Yes, Darling, but you have experienced light-headedness and you've fainted.  They want to be thorough.  Now keep still.  The doctor said you shouldn't move your head for twenty-four hours."

"Yeah, like that's going to be possible."

"Violet, just don't jostle your
cabeza
, okay?"

She closed her eyes.  She'd had a close call when Doctor Halleck almost revealed her real name.  Luckily, he didn't remember her Christian name, and while he scanned her chart to refresh his memory, she'd said, "Violet. Call me Violet. And it's good to see you again, too, Doctor."  Then she reached out to shake his hand, and although the physician appeared puzzled, he hadn't said anything or questioned her further.

"Violet, did you hear me?"

"Yes, Both. I'll hold still as best I can."

She'd taken to calling him
Both
, short for his middle name, Bothwell.

"Thank you, Darling.  I hate to bring this up, and I'd be terribly disappointed, but I want you to know you can skip the gala next week if you don't feel up to it." 

   "Are you trying to ditch me, Both?"

"Not at all, Violet.  I want you by my side that night more than anything, but your health comes first."

She shifted her eyes to examine his face and see if he was sincere.  She didn't dare turn her head to confront him.  After yesterday's encounter with her two-timing boss, she felt short on trust and long on suspicion where men were concerned.

She watched as Barry turned his head in her direction and smiled.  Katrina only saw honest affection and concern on his face.

"Wild horses couldn't keep me away, Both.  Besides, the doctor said I should feel better by tomorrow."

"That's my girl!  No, stop, don't move your head!" he commanded.

* * * * *

"Kiki, where is Katrina?" Robert demanded in a stern tone, stepping inside Kate's office.

The receptionist, surprised by his sneak attack, shot bolt upright.  She'd been bent over the credenza, searching for a file Chuck Manning needed, with her back to the door.  For some reason, her boss exhibited distaste whenever he dealt with her.  Since the Spring Fling, she remained out of favor. The Hawaiian had decided to ignore her boss's negativity and tried not to let it bother her.  Reviews were scheduled soon, and she'd deal with it then, if she must.

"Uh, I'm not sure where Miss Crimshaw is," the receptionist replied.  "I'm just getting a file for Chuck and—"

"Her light has been on all day," Robert interrupted, his lips pressed into a thin, hard line.  His expression scared her.  He continued, "But every time I come by, she's nowhere to be seen.  I need to speak with her," he said, his voice cold and insisting.

Kiki imagined there was something odd about the way her boss said
need
, but her thoughts moved on before she processed the idea.  The receptionist figured she'd better give the man some kind of answer, since he blocked her escape with his large frame and didn't appear to be going anywhere soon.

"Uh, I believe she called in sick.  Maybe Harriet knows more."

Robert turned on his heels and marched towards Human Resources.  Kiki breathed a sigh of relief.  What was that guy's problem?  Since the dinner dance, she'd seen the moody side of him that Katrina often mentioned.  The receptionist missed William Dodd, her benevolent, indulgent old boss.

* * * * *

Barry eased his Jaguar sedan to a stop outside Katrina's apartment.  The girl didn't open her eyes, and he assumed she'd fallen asleep after her ordeal.  Content to gaze at her lovely features, he didn't wake her or notice the SUV that parked on his tail.  A minute went by before she stirred.

"Ready to go in, Darling?" he asked, flashing
The Grin
.

"Yes, Both."

"All right!  Hold still while I come round."

Barry jumped from the car and ran around its front to open her door, gently lifting her from the car.  On the sidewalk, he paused to embrace her, then planted a soft kiss on her lips, startling the auditor.

"You must know I'm crazy for you, Violet.  Should I stick around tonight to be sure you behave?"

She started to laugh, but Barry pressed a finger to her lips and said, "No jostling your head!"

The director placed an arm around her waist and walked her toward the apartment, then escorted her inside.  She never saw the black Range Rover or Robert LaSalla seething in its driver's seat, nor did she hear the squealing tires when he peeled out a minute later.

Barry prepared dinner, shared the meal of soup and sour dough bread, then got Katrina settled for the night.  She thought it best to sleep propped up on the couch, thus avoiding moving her head about too much.  Barry tucked her in, left a glass of water on the end table, and said good night.

The next morning, she still felt pretty terrible, so she left a message with Harriet Reynolds stating she wouldn't be in.  She drifted back to sleep and didn't wake until one in the afternoon.  Hungry, she moved to the kitchen, taking care to keep her head steady.  Somehow, Barry had stocked her fridge with food from a nearby deli.  She pulled several slices of cheese and turkey breast from the refrigerator and returned to the sofa.  Munching on her cold cuts, she remembered the Daud situation.  She decided to check her voicemails from the office.

Harriet Reynolds had called regarding reviews.  She'd scheduled Katrina's for next Wednesday afternoon.  She mentioned that she'd sent an email with an attached form to be completed and brought to the review.  Kate saved the message and continued.

Next, she heard Mike's voice.  Their attempts to calm the people at Daud met with success!  The Malaysian company planned to hire a firm to perform a due diligence review on Morris Greir, Inc.  Once completed, the deal would be finalized.

She forwarded Mike's message to Robert, adding her own excited comments and asking him if he'd pass the news to Greir.  Then, she fell back asleep.

Chapter 13
-A Miracle Worker & the Shoe Fairy-

On Saturday, Katrina did something she never thought she'd do:  drop more money in Irina's shop.  With the Romanov Gala the following week, she needed an appropriate dress and didn't know where else to turn.  The Russian hit the mark for the Spring Fling, and Kate figured she could do it again.  Remembering the establishment's dress code, she donned a floral dress and drove towards Beverly Hills.

Outside, she steeled herself for the coming experience—and the price tag.  Once inside, Irina asked for Kiki.

"I didn’t think I needed to bring her," Kate replied.

"It vud be good idea," Irina said with her strong accent, glancing up and down at her with a discerning eye.

"I trust your judgment, Irina.  I won't need a second opinion."  She hoped buttering up the shop owner might ease her critical attitude.

"Da.  I understand.  Now, what do you need dress for?"

She explained the event in detail, encouraged by Irina's nods.  The Russian asked for a description of the jewels and other items in the exhibit.

"So.  Yellow
parure
and
devant de corsage
are main attraction?"

"Da, I mean, yes," Kate replied.  She added, "The
kokoshnik,
too."

"Hmm," Irina hummed with a faraway look in her eyes.

Katrina waited, afraid to disturb the older woman.  Irina walked to the back of the shop and disappeared down the hall that led to the dressing room.  She reappeared a minute later, cradling an ornate gold frame against her chest.

"My grandmamma," the Russian said, turning the frame to show her customer.

Kate stared at a beautiful young girl with large, dark eyes and mounds of dark hair, tucked behind a kokoshnik.  The photo was black and white, but she guessed the headpiece consisted of yellow gold and sapphires. 

"She's lovely," Katrina said, then searched Irina's face for any similarities.

"Da.  She fled with nothing to Paris and learned to make dresses.  I want tickets to show."

"Huh?  What show?" Kate asked.

"Romanov jewels show."

"Oh, yes.  I can get you those.  Not to the opening gala, but any other time."

"Good," Irina said, placing the portrait inside a rococo French desk and clicking its slanted lid shut.

"How many tickets would you like?" she asked.

"Just one, for a Monday.  The shop closes Mondays."