CHAPTER TWENTY
KATY
They finally arrived in Flores that afternoon. Katy had dozed on and off on the bus ride. Her heart contracted at the sight of the colorful houses on the hill and the expanse of Lake Peten Itza surrounding the little island.
Marcus was awake, looking around as though anxious to be going. “I hope you don’t mind, but I asked my assistant to arrange for lodging at this resort called Las Lagunas.”
Her face fell. She knew of that place. People had talked about it to her, and she’d decided on previous trips that it was far too pricey and out of touch from the real Flores. She didn’t want to stay there.
“I’d already booked a place for us,” she said. “It’’s a smaller hotel in town. Modest and comfortable. I’ve stayed there before.”
“After the hammocks last night, I just need…civilization.” He gave her an apologetic smile.
Frustration mounted within her. “Did nothing I said this morning get through to you?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Pardon me?”
“You know I don’t like flaunting wealth, yet you went ahead and booked us at the most expensive place in Flores?”
“Would you please relax?” he said. “It’s only three hundred fifty-five dollars a night.”
His nonchalance made her blood boil. She counted to ten. And then to twenty. Her body relaxed, and she felt better about speaking again. “Marcus, that’s outrageous.”
“Latrell says it’s well-rated on Trip Advisor.” He exhaled a deep breath. “Listen. I know you have this aversion for luxuries—”
“It’s not that,” Katy said.
“Then what is it?”
“I just worry about making locals feel bad, or taking away from them.”
“This is a local establishment, I believe. Local people own it.”
Katy was unconvinced.
His eyes held a turmoiled expression. “I could have my assistant cancel the reservation.”
“Wouldn’t you lose your money?”
“I’d rather lose money than your respect.” His gaze bore into hers.
Katy bit her lip. She was probably being unreasonable. “It’s okay,” she said softly. “It’ll be fun to try something different for a change.”
“Are you sure?” He frowned. “I know how important staying down-to-earth is to you.”
“Well, it is,” she said. “But I’ve only been here by myself before. Sometimes, I have to think of others and not what’s best for me.”
He reached over and touched her face. “Sweet Katy.”
Her skin burned where he touched. He might have been speaking in some other language, as jumbled up as she felt at that moment.
They had no privacy. It was not the time for declarations. They were on the bus in the middle of the terminal, surrounded by other passengers waiting to get places. They needed to catch a cab to their rooms at Las Lagunas.
He let his arm drop to the side and flashed her a smile that made her insides melt.
They exited the bus, and a cab took them from the heart of town into the outskirts by the edge of the island. Katy’s eyes grew wide at her first sighting of Las Lagunas. Nestled in the jungle at the edge of the lake, the hotel was huge and nothing like she’d stayed in before in Guatemala. The lodge had burnished wood walls and decks.
With fascination, she watched Marcus move comfortably. He was used to luxury, and she could tell. Where the concierge greeted them, he left his two pieces of luggage for someone to carry to his room. Hers was next door. A bellboy wheeled her luggage along the well-appointed hallways.
“I’m restless right now,” Marcus said, appearing in her doorway after they’d stored their luggage into their rooms. “Want to explore the place?”
Katy followed him out, a smile playing on her lips. He was like a little boy.
There were sitting areas with comfortable canvas pillows on furniture. Lounge chairs sat right in the water of the pool. The air was cool, like a spring day in Manhattan, and a soak in a jacuzzi would probably feel good.
Marcus glanced over at Katy, and she wondered if he was thinking of the same thing. The thought of them sitting together in the jacuzzi, under the stars and in their swimwear, made her blush.
Goodness, Katy, you’re acting like you were raised in a convent.
Truth was, she was out of her depth. She didn’t know how to react to someone like Marcus. She’d managed to avoid the wealthy circles the last decade by traveling outside of America, and now she didn’t know how to act around a hot rich guy.
Thank goodness she wasn’t some penniless girl, susceptible to being bribed with such a billionaire fantasy date.
“The bus takes us to Tikal tomorrow,” Katy said. “And then we head out to Conchilla from there. What would you like to do for the rest of the day?””
He took off his socks and shoes and sat on the lounge chair, dipping his feet in the pool. “What’s there to do?”
He appeared relaxed and happy, just gazing at the lake.
“Nothing,” she said, half-kidding.
“Nothing?” He surveyed her lazily, making her knees weaken.
“I mean, you look like you just need to relax right here. Maybe we could just take it easy until dinner.”
He leaned back, setting his arms behind his head. His muscles rippled with the movement. “Ahh, that sounds perfect.”
“Great then,” she said.
“Join me?” he murmured, his gaze inviting.
“I’ll change into my swimsuit and put on a cover.”
He smiled and closed his eyes.
Katy went to her room and surveyed its crisp white linen, the glossy wood walls, and the room opening up to the balcony where there was a little table for two and a Jacuzzi. If she didn’t know she was in Guatemala, the room could pass for a suite in a five-star hotel in America.
The view of the lake from the balcony calmed her. The unruffled blue surface calmed Katy, until she remembered why she was here. The devastated people of Conchilla, who had only a lake’s view and nothing else, needed help.
Yet, she recognized her blessings. She was in a very nice hotel in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Instead of begrudging this opportunity, she should let herself enjoy the moment.
She changed into her swimsuit and put a robe over it. At the entrance to the pool, she grabbed a towel to lie on.
A bare-chested Marcus had gone back to his room and returned to the lounge chair in Bermuda shorts.
He opened his eyes at her approach.
She wished he would look away, but when he didn’t, she went ahead and took off the robe, tossing it at the foot of the lounge chair and settling herself on the towel.
Marcus watched her the entire time, his gaze turning heated.
She busied herself with sunblock lotion. With the cool air, the sun felt warm and wonderful.
“You know what sounds good right now?” he said. “A dip in the jacuzzi. Want to join me in mine?”
No way, Jose.
“No, thanks,” Katy said, putting the robe over her bare legs as a line of defense.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded vigorously. “Yes.”
“Well, that’s where I’ll be if you need me.”