As I led Beatrice out the back to the hotel gardens, I heard Mo’s words in my head. You couldn’t help losing Megyn, but you only have yourself to blame if you lose Beatrice. The idea of her no longer being around had the blood in my veins going ice-cold. Of course, I hated change, but mostly I hated myself for having feelings for someone else. In my heart, I’d thought I’d never be attracted to anyone again. Megyn had always been everything to me.

Yet here I was holding another woman’s hand, noting how soft it felt against my rough skin, the way her slender and delicate fingers laced with mine. Without thinking, I brought her knuckles to my lips for a light kiss. Dammit. She smelled good too. I was doomed. Glancing around, I realized we were finally alone. There was even a bench where we could sit. Always the strong, silent type, I merely gestured for her to have a seat.

Wide-eyed, she did so. “Will, say something,” she urged quietly. “Have I angered you in some way? You’ve been so distant…”

Staring into her eyes, I recognized pain and I hated myself for causing it. I cupped the side of her face with my hand. “I’m sorry,” I began. Then I groaned and pulled my hand away as I sank down on the bench beside her. “You know, I didn’t like you dancing with those other guys,” I blurted out awkwardly.

Her head hung. “Right. I’m on the clock. I should’ve been paying more attention to Thea. You’re right. Forgive me?”

I raked a hand through my hair. This was going badly. “You’re at a wedding. You’re not on the clock.” I couldn’t sit. I had too many thoughts I needed to get out and the only way I could do that was to move, to distance myself from her. When she was near, I wanted to touch her. Beatrice had become the sun to me. I wanted nothing more than to hover around her, basking in her light and the warmth she brought to me.

Her head tilted as I began to pace. “I don’t understand. Why can’t I dance with other guys if you don’t want to dance with me?”

“You think I don’t want to dance with you?” My brow furrowed.

“Well, you haven’t asked me since the first dance.” She shrugged. “What am I supposed to think? You’ve barely looked at me, and hardly spoken a word ever since.” Beatrice shook her head. “I don’t know what to do here, Will, but if you hate being around me so much, just say the word. I’ve become really good at leaving. I can be out of your hair and back to the U.K. in no time.” She fixed her eyes on me.

My throat closed up. I could barely breathe, let alone speak. I simply stared at her. Thea needed her. And if I was going to be honest, I probably needed her too.

“Alrighty then.” Beatrice stood stiffly. “My K-1 visa is set to expire and I’ve heard no news about the work visa. I’ll start making arrangements to fly home. Thanks to your generous pay, I can finally afford to do so.” She took a deep breath. “I guess I could start shipping things as early as next week. Plan to fly out the week after that. Does that leave you enough time to replace me?”

This was happening too fast. I studied her, wondering if she really could leave me so easily. Her cheeks had turned pink and she kept blinking back tears. But why would she be sad if she was ready and willing to go? And why couldn’t I just talk to her about how I felt if I wanted her to stay so badly?

“Let’s not do anything rash. Thea adores you. She’d be lost without you. She couldn’t imagine not having you around.” I stuffed my hands in my pockets because if I didn’t, I’d have her in my arms and start kissing her while claiming I was offering her kisses from my daughter. God, I’m an ass.

Beatrice stood stone-still. Her shoulders heaved. Finally, she murmured, “I guess we could address this when we get back. We’ll try to make the rest of the trip nice. For Thea.”

She started to turn and walk away, but I caught her arm and forced her to face me. “We need to talk. I’m just not very good at this.” I frowned as I felt my phone vibrating against my thigh. I sighed. The timing was terrible. Mo was busy. Who the hell could be calling? When I pulled it out, I saw Max was calling and sent it to voicemail. “Please, give me a minute. I’m trying here.” The phone vibrated again and I declined it once more. “You’re a really great nanny,” I began weakly. At my words, she actually wilted in front of me. Crap. I was doing this all wrong. My phone lit up once more and I gave in. “Gimme a second. It’s a client.” I took a deep breath and reluctantly answered the phone. “What’s up, Max?”

“Hey, so the kids are on spring break and Tori reminded me you’re in California. I thought you guys could join us on the yacht. Penelope could use a friend.” Max sounded ridiculously chipper.

“We’re in Pismo Beach. We’ll be leaving later tonight to drive back. The kids are on vacation, but I have work on Monday.” My fingers on Beatrice’s bicep had slid down her arm and were slowly working toward holding her hand.

“You work for me,” Max reminded me. “We’ll be there in a couple of hours. Be packed and ready.”

The man was used to getting his way. Normally, I wouldn’t mind, but Beatrice and I were in the middle of something. “I have the car,” I explained.

“I have Bodhi. He’ll drive it back.” I heard him clap his hands together and my stomach knotted. “Good, then it’s all settled. See you soon.”

The call ended and I looked into Beatrice’s sad eyes. “It looks like we’re going to be riding back on a yacht.”