The Master (41 page)

For my birthday, we’d visited Martinez Beach and my childhood home. It’d been emotional, but I’d gotten excited when Máxim found an architect—who could actually
take that one room off the house. Why the hell not?

I thought my dad would’ve liked Máxim. Would my mother? I didn’t know; it didn’t matter. Though Máxim’s endowment to my college in her name couldn’t
have hurt things. . . .

Shortly after our move to the island, he’d made a formal proposal (with an obscenely large marquise-cut diamond ring). I’d asked him to give me more time. True to his word,
he’d proposed every week.

He’d asked again yesterday.

I glanced from behind the curtain at my Russian. His gaze found and locked on mine.
Look at him.
I sighed.

Only one more person was left before the dean called my name! I blew Máxim a kiss, then ducked back behind the curtain. With a grin, I peeled off the cover I’d affixed to my
graduation cap, revealing the hidden message I’d written. I would tip it to Máxim, make the man’s day and all.

“
Ana-Lucía ‘Cat’ Martinez. Summa Cum Laude.
”

As I strode across the stage, I canted my head so my Russian could read . . .

YES YES YES

M
any thanks to Carmen S. for all your translation help! You helped make Cat into one of my favorite heroines to date.

And as ever, I’d like to thank the talented team who help me get books to readers in the best shape possible.

To Dr. Bridget, for making sure all of my medical details are on point. Though I did run with the contraceptive shot (there could be one in the U.S. soon, right?).

To Dr. Beth, for your psychological insight into character motivations. You floor me every time.

To the production department at Simon & Schuster. I know this one was a doozy. Chocolate AND booze TK.

To Elana Cohen, for somehow keeping me on track as we published six books in three genres over nineteen months. This project alone should get you a promotion and a crazy raise (your move,
S&S, your move).

To Robin Rue, for your invaluable guidance during these exciting times in publishing!

To Lauren McKenna, this is our twenty-fifth book, baby! You give each and every one flavor and heart.

And to Swede, you scrub through manuscripts like M-O from Wall-E. Only you’re cuter.