Chapter Nine: The Decision Maker
In spite of her jittery nerves, Catherine moved forward with her hand out the moment Don Jose and his nephew walked into the room. Everyone at Cleves Cosmetics was counting on her to negotiate a new agreement with the powerful businessman!
"Ah, but she is so tall! How am I to greet such a lofty beauty? A real golden-haired goddess!" Don Jose was not what nervous Catherine had been expecting. He really was very short and fat. Also he was bald. The top of his head looked shiny in the light of the candles Mrs. Holliday had put at the center of the dinner table.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Don Jose." Catherine couldn't control her giggles when the fat little man seized her outstretched hand in both of his and greedily kissed each one of her fingers! This was not at all the stern, demanding businessman she had expected. Don Jose was a funny little man who made her laugh.
"You're the model from England?" Bored and disdainful, Don Jose's tall, slim young nephew seemed to look right through her. He didn't even bother to shake her hand. He gave her a haughty look, his arrogant, dark-eyed gaze making her feel like an ant. At the same time she felt very aware of his lithe and powerful body, like a panther hidden in the jungle, coiled and ready to strike.
"I'm . . . I'm Catherine," she stammered, stupidly forgetting to mention Cleves Cosmetics. Her mind went blank when she looked into those dark brown eyes.
"And I'm hungry," Don Jose cut in with a laugh. "Antonio, Senora Holliday is waiting to serve us. Help the young lady to her seat."
"Of course, tio." Antonio used the Spanish word for uncle, and his low, rumbling voice was suddenly as soft and smooth as silk. He pulled back Catherine's seat for her, just like a true gentleman.
". . . and when the boat tipped over I fell right into the mud!"
Dinner was over, and Catherine was laughing her head off while Don Jose told her all about his most recent trip to the jungle. It was just the two of them, since Antonio had offered to help Mrs. Holliday tidy up in the kitchen. All through the meal he'd behaved himself, though Catherine remained very aware of his angry dark eyes on her body. She couldn't help being aware of his body too. All that coiled power just below the surface.
"I don't think your nephew likes me at all," she blurted out, interrupting Don Jose's story with her own jumbled up thoughts.
"Do not worry," Don Jose replied. "I make the decisions in my family. My nephew will do what I say." The fat little man sounded very sure of himself, though Catherine couldn't help noticing how soft and flabby he was compared to his dark, dangerous nephew.
"You're going to give Cleves Cosmetics more time?" In spite of her misgivings, Catherine's blue eyes sparkled with gratitude. Over dinner she'd talked a lot about her friend Anne, explaining how clever she was and how the new line of beauty products would make them all rich. But everything depended on Don Jose giving Anne more time to pay for the vast supply of cocoa butter needed for the new suntan lotion.
"We will talk about the repayment later," Don Jose replied, lazily waving his hand. "After you have seen the sights, and enjoyed the nightlife, and explored all the natural beauty of Puerto Tranquillo."
"But I'm . . . but I'm only supposed to be here for a few days," Catherine objected. She didn't want to get into any trouble.
"I will arrange it with Anne." Don Jose was already lighting up a big cigar, leaning back in his chair as though it were all decided. He was looking very sleepy and satisfied.
"Oh! Well, if you're sure, then." Catherine did not feel sleepy or satisfied. She felt jumpy and anxious about the future. And she wondered if Don Jose was the real decision maker in the family.