Catherine lowered her eyes, and her shoulders sagged as though she were greatly relieved. "Thank you."
"We can set up a time now to talk in exactly one month." He leaned forward and flipped forward the pages of his calendar, finding the date and marking it.
She stood, her eyes somber and determined. "One month," she repeated on her way out the door.
Catherine had known from the moment Royce asked for a month's separation that it wasn't going to be easy. What she hadn't understood was exactly how difficult it would be.
She found herself watching him far more than she ever had before, hungry for contact with him. Each time they were in the same room together, her heart was bathed in a strange blend of emotions. On one hand he was her executive officer, the man she'd been trained to obey without question, without hesitation. On the other hand, he was the man she loved. Mere words were an injustice to describe the strength of what she felt for Royce. She ached for him emotionally and physically. Some nights she'd walk into her apartment so mentally exhausted from this silent battle of longing between them that it was all she could do to feed Sambo.
If this time apart was trying for her, and God knew it was, then it was equally difficult for Royce. They never spoke, not unless it was absolutely necessary. Yet they couldn't be anywhere close to each other without that throbbing awareness breaking out between them. They could be standing in a room filled with other people, yet the intimacy between them was as strong as anything Catherine had ever known. The air was thick and the sensations undeniable.
The first test of their self-imposed restriction came within the first week. Commander Dan Parker stopped Catherine outside the building one chilly afternoon. She'd stayed late working on a complicated case, knowing it was safe to do so since Royce had already left the office. Catherine assumed he'd gone down to the jogging track, as was his habit.
"Hello, Catherine," Dan greeted, strolling purposely toward her.
Catherine envied his carefree smile, and despite everything, found herself responding to it. He must have found encouragement in it, because he paused and asked, "Since you've already rejected my offer to the Birthday Ball, how about soothing my battered ego by agreeing to have dinner with me?"
To be honest, Catherine hadn't given the gala event more than a passing thought since the first time he'd mentioned it. She should give some thought to the ball, but her thoughts were far from festive. "Dinner...when?"
"What's wrong with tonight?"
"I can't," she answered automatically. Dan seemed to be waiting for an excuse, but she had none to offer. "I'm busy," she answered finally. Busy missing Royce. Busy being miserable. Busy pretending how busy I am.
"It is short notice," Dan admitted. "How about tomorrow night then, after work? We'll unwind over drinks."
Catherine had no reason to refuse. She was convinced Dan had guessed her and Royce's feelings for each other, and although it would be out of the question to discuss the situation, Dan might be able to give her some insight into Royce's personality.
"All right," she agreed, but there wasn't a lot of enthusiasm in her voice.
"Five o'clock at the Yachting Club?"
"Sure, that sounds great."
"Come on, I'll walk you to your car," Dan offered, pressing his hand at her elbow. The comfort
Catherine felt at his touch, however impersonal, was enough to bring a rush of surprising tears to her eyes. She managed to blink them away, embarrassed at the unexpected show of emotion.
They were walking toward the asphalt lot, when Royce appeared from out of nowhere. He rounded the corner in a dead run and nearly collided with them. He stopped abruptly, his breath coming in deep gasps.
"Sorry," he said, leaned forward and balanced his hands on his knees. "I didn't think there was anyone left around here."
"No problem," Dan assured him.
Slowly Royce straightened. His eyes avoided looking at Catherine. "What are you doing here so late?"
Dan chuckled and possessively moved his hand up Catherine's back to cup her shoulder. "Talking Catherine into having dinner with me, what else?"
Dan joked. "You don't honestly believe I'd stick around this late for Navy business, do you?"
Although everything seemed perfectly normal on the surface, Catherine was well aware of the way Royce's body tensed. The undercurrent between them was so strong she was about to drown in it.
"I see," Royce said, his smile decidedly forced. "I take it our very capable attorney has agreed."
"Not without my having to twist her arm, but once again the Parker charm has won out."
Royce raised his hand in a friendly gesture. "Then don't let me delay you any longer," he said cheerfully. "Have a good time."
"We're going to have a great time," Dan returned, squeezing Catherine's shoulder.
"Good night," Royce said, looking away, but before his eyes left them, Catherine noted that he dragged his gaze across her lips.
"Night," Dan murmured. The minute Royce was out of view, he demurely dropped his arm. "I'll meet you tomorrow," he said grinning, and left.
Catherine stood exactly where she was for several seconds. She didn't know what game Dan Parker was playing, let alone the rules. All she did know was that she had to speak to Royce. Had to explain why she'd agreed to spend time with Dan Parker.
Royce had gone into the building, and not standing around to debate the wisdom of her actions, she followed him inside.
She found him sitting at his desk, his back to her as he stared off into the distance.
"Royce," she said softly, wondering if it would have been better to greet him formally.
He didn't answer her. The silence seemed to stretch for a hundred miles.
"Royce?" she tried again. "Could we talk for just a minute? I know we agreed not to, but I feel...I