Chapter Eighteen: Their First Real Kiss

"I never had a father," Catherine whispered, leaning over the bed. It was late at night, and the intensive care unit was silent except for the blipping life support unit that kept Don Jose alive.

Beep. Beep. Beep . . .

Blinking back her tears, the English girl gazed into the face of the unconscious man. Did he see her, or even sense that she was holding his hand? It was so dark and lonely in the ICU. Hours and days just slipped away in the silence. "Nobody ever made me laugh like you. Nobody ever looked after me the way you did. If there was any way I could switch places with you, I would. If there was any way I could repay . . ."

"There is a way." The deep voice came from the open door. Silhouetted against the bright light from the hallway was the tall, broad-shouldered figure of a man.

"Bloody hell! Have you ever heard of knocking before you enter?" Catherine didn't shout. She remembered just in time that loud noises might be bad for Don Jose. Unfortunately, she forgot that she was injured as well. When she spun around and glared at the intruder it sent a jolt of agony through her wounded shoulder.

"It hurts, doesn't it?" Antonio wasn't like other men she'd known. He didn't retreat when she got angry. He didn't make excuses or apologize. Instead he walked right into the room, his dark features somber, his midnight-black eyes never leaving her face.

"Yes, it hurts. I got shot in the shoulder!" Catherine told herself she was furious with Antonio. She was hurt and full of grief and she just felt like quarreling with someone, anyone. That was why she stood up the moment the arrogant Antonio entered the ICU. She walked right up to him, full of fury, her blue eyes blazing and her shoulder throbbing.

"I don't mean that kind of hurt. It hurts because you love him." Antonio traced the lumpy shape of the bandages, and the sling with the big knot holding Catherine's arm in place. "You made my uncle happy, Catherine. You made him laugh. He was a weak fool, but you made him feel smart and strong and powerful. I wish I could have loved him the way you did." Antonio's eyes were sad. His fingers were strong, but his touch was a caress light as air.

"He's . . . he's going to get better." Catherine felt like an utter ass. Anyone could take one look at poor Don Jose and see it was hopeless. The fat little man had suffered a massive heart attack. He was in a coma. He might never, ever wake up again. Catherine felt the big baby tears building inside, welling up, and then rolling down her cheeks. She was crying for Don Jose. And she was crying for herself, because Antonio had no idea how she really felt. He thought she loved his uncle. He had no idea . . .

"He will get better." Antonio's voice was strong and sure. His fingertips traced her tears as though they were precious diamonds. "You saved my uncle's life, Catherine. You took the bullet that was meant for him. You are family now, and I am forever in your debt. But there is a war that must be fought on this island, a war against the drug dealers and corrupt police who tried to kill my uncle. Carmela was merely their greedy, foolish pawn."

"Carmela!" Catherine's blue eyes flashed with anger. She pictured the beautiful woman who had deceived poor trusting Don Jose. "Have you caught up with her yet? Is she in jail?"

"She is in hiding, deep in the jungle. I must find her and bring her to justice. But I cannot leave you and my uncle here, unguarded. He is being moved this afternoon to a military base, a facility with restricted access. And you must return to England, to your home."

"But I don't want to leave you! I mean I won't . . . I can't . . ." Catherine's tears started up again, but this time she just couldn't help it. It was no good saying she could take care of herself when her arm was in a sling. It was no good pretending she could take care of Don Jose either. And as far as sticking by Antonio, fighting side by side with him in the jungle, well, it just wasn't happening.

"You must go," Antonio said, his voice husky and a bit rough. He tipped Catherine's chin up with one finger. "Will you please go?"

He wants me to stay. Triumph made Catherine's tears come even faster. She knew the truth the moment Antonio's lips met hers. But their first real kiss was cut short by a loud knock on the door.

"Come along, Miss Catherine!" The fat figure of Mrs. Holliday suddenly seemed to fill the doorway. "I've got your luggage all packed and ready. My lady Anne is expecting you in London."