Page 82 of Titus

Jesus Christ.

The woman somehow looked both exhausted and beautiful at the same time. She wore a soft cream sweater, tan slacks, and dark sunglasses resting on top of her head. Her long, dark hair cascaded in thick, relaxed waves down the center of her back. I noted she also had an untouched coffee beside her hand, and what appeared to be architectural layouts partially tucked inside her bag.

She must’ve heard my approach because she turned and immediately locked eyes with me. For one brief second, everything in the lobby disappeared completely.

It was very interesting how a woman could somehow command more attention than the entire empire surrounding her. I continued to cross the marble floor toward her, while nearby staff failed miserably at pretending not to stare.

Cat stood the second I reached her. “Well,” she said lightly, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder. “This seems mildly excessive.”

One corner of my mouth pulled up slightly despite my best efforts to prevent it.

“You walked into Hawk Enterprise unannounced,” I answered calmly. “What exactly did you expect?”

“Honestly?” she admitted softly. “At least an hour or three of waiting downstairs.”

I tilted my head to study her beautiful chestnut eyes. “Any other guest who showed up unannounced, perhaps?” I kept my eyes locked on hers. “You? Not a chance.”

Something subtle shifted across her expression at that. I really didn’t care because it was the damn truth. There wasn’t a chance in hell I was leaving Catalina Veléz unattended in my lobby once I knew she was here.

“Listen,” she said. “I haven’t had a chance to properly thank you for helping my sister and me.” Her eyes were filled with heartwarming sincerity.

My God, how could she be even more beautiful to me right now than ever?

“It was truly nothing,” I answered. “I’m thankful she and the baby are safe, and that you were able to get to her side by the time she woke the next morning.” I shifted where I stood. “Perhaps you’d like to come up to my office?”

“That won’t be necessary,” she answered.

Her eyes peeled away from me as she rubbed her forehead.

“Is everything okay?” I questioned.

She smiled at me, allowing me to experience a vulnerable side of the woman I didn’t know existed.

“Everything is fine. It’s just that you didn’t have to go through all of that for us.” She licked her lips, and I couldn’t tell if she was flustered or frustrated.

“I know that, but I am truly grateful I could help her,” I smiled warmly.

She exhaled. “Thank God she got the buildings confused,” Cat said with a nervous laugh.

Shock nearly forced a laugh out of me. This woman, of all the fucking women, was nervous? I didn’t think she possessed the emotion.

“Indeed,” I answered. “I have no idea how she managed that, but I’m glad she did.”

She pushed her hair over her shoulder. “She told me that instead of looking at the building address, as soon as she saw yours, she figured that was the place I would’ve chosen to run a business like mine.”

“Well, if I hadn’t been foolish with my proposals, perhaps that would’ve been the case,” I chuckled.

Surprisingly, she laughed too.

“Well, I wanted to repay the favor in any way I could,” she said. “Of course, I won’t be leaving the country for any events until things are fully settled with my sister, but if you need me to arrange⁠—”

“First of all,” I cut her off. “There is no need to repay the favor,” I confirmed. “Secondly, you don’t have to take on any of my events just because I helped. I know it is unlike you to abandon your clients, and I don’t expect any special treatment as a favor.”

“Well, that’s the thing,” she said, looking sad. “I won’t leave my sister, so I’ve been forced to cancel on many anyway, unless they’re having local events.”

I stood there trying to figure out what the hell she was trying to say.

“So, you’re canceling clients, then?” I questioned.