Chapter Three
Gemma knew she’d never make it through the day without going crazy. The meeting with Frank LeBec ended on a low note from her point of view. She hadn’t been so inattentive in a meeting since she first started and feared she would make a mistake.
Yet how could she focus on business when her thoughts spun around her forthcoming marriage to Nikos?
Would they find common interests or live parallel but separate lives? Did he plan to remain in the States his entire life, or did he expect to return to his own country at some point in the future when he turned over the reins of the shipping line to a younger family member?
And always at the back of her mind hovered the question of what he expected from their marriage.
What did she expect?
At the conclusion of the meeting, she almost ran to her desk, hoping for a few minutes to herself. She ordered lunch from a nearby deli. She knew it reflected cowardice, but it also meant she could avoid her inquisitive co-workers for a while. If she stayed late tonight, she could avoid them all together.
Gemma had finished the last of her sandwich when Nikos walked calmly into her office. He eyed the deli wrapping paper with distaste.
“If you are free for dinner this evening, shall we have it at my home? It will give you an opportunity to see the place and provide us with the time to speak privately about our plans.”
Gemma nodded, wadding up the wrapping paper and tossing it into the trash.
“You’ll have to give me directions.”
She knew his apartment was on the west side of Central Park, but didn’t know exactly where.
“No need, you’ll be with me. Elise has discovered what we need to do to get a license. We’ll leave this afternoon in time to arrive at City Hall before they close. After we acquire the license, there is a one-day waiting period before we can conduct the ceremony. Wednesday afternoon has been cleared. We’ll be married then. Elise also located a moving company, which will pick up your furniture on Friday. If you’d prefer to be home on Friday when they arrive, we can work around that. Or I can have Hal handle it.”
“What?”
Gemma stared at him.
“Did you not hear me?”
Gemma stood, unable to decide if she should laugh or shout. A hint of temper simmered. She leaned over her desk slightly, eyes narrowed.
“Let me understand this, Nikos. You’ve single-handedly arranged our entire wedding without consulting me? Arranged to move my stuff without even asking what I want to do?”
He nodded. “I need you to work on these negotiations, not become sidetracked with plans someone else can handle. I delegated the tasks to Elise, and she completed them.”
“So we marry on Wednesday. Did it ever occur to you that I might wish to have some friends attend my nuptials? Or that maybe I have something already planned for Wednesday afternoon?”
Her voice rose on the last part, and Gemma took a deep breath.
It was nerves, nothing more.
But the man was so arrogant sometimes she could hardly stand it.
“Do you?” he asked calmly.
Tilting her chin, she met his gaze.
“What time? I’ll check my calendar.”
“Don’t be foolish, Gemma. I already had Elise verify that you’d be free. We agreed to marry as quickly as possible. Wednesday isn’t a busy day. Elise has canceled all appointments except those directly involved with the negotiations. When would be a better time?”
“That’s not the point.”
“Ah, maybe I’m missing something in this discussion.”
Using the word “discussion” by him reminded her of their earlier “discussion.” For a moment she became sidetracked. But she quickly recovered.
“I need to get something to wear,” she said, stalling.
He looked at the royal-blue silk blouse she wore with a mid-calf-length black skirt.
“What you have on is lovely.”
“Nikos, I am not getting married in black.”
“Ah, I see there are subtle nuances to this marriage business.”
She eyed him suspiciously. Was he mocking her? His bland expression gave nothing away. He’d been married before. He knew what was involved.
She wouldn’t wear white, not four months pregnant. But a nice cream-colored suit would work. If she could find one.
“In America, brides do not get married wearing black,” she said.
“Nor do they in my country.”
Gemma hesitated. “I know very little about Greece. Is it lovely?”
He laughed softly, his teeth startling white against his tanned face.
“It’s quite lovely, Gemma. My family’s home is on the edge of the Ionian Sea. The tangy scent of salt water mingles with the fragrance of jasmine when we’re in the garden. It’s wonderful to walk along the shore in the moonlight. Away from the sea, the land becomes more arid. Yet it holds its own beauty. It’s hot during the day, but cools off at night.”
Excitement filled Gemma as she listened to Nikos describe his home. His voice took on a lyrical quality as he painted word pictures. She wistfully wished she could see it, experience it. It sounded romantic and mystical. Very unlike Ohio, and totally unlike New York.
“We must leave by four to accomplish everything. Tonight, you can tell me about your parents and your childhood. You have never mentioned them before. Are they happy memories?” Nikos said in a brusque tone.
“Before this, we had a working relationship. I don’t mix work with personal.”
“Indeed, you’re a very private person, Gemma. I look forward to learning more about you in the weeks to come.”
“I could say the same thing, Nikos. I imagine I’ll be pretty easy to know, but I’m not so sure about you.”
Nikos studied her thoughtfully for a moment, then turned to enter his office. Gemma was quite unlike Katrina. His personal assistant seemed almost fragile in comparison. His first wife had been wild and beautiful, demanding and restless. She’d delighted in spending his money, buying clothes and furnishings and jewels like a child let loose in a candy shop.
He hadn’t minded indulging her at first. It was only when he saw her true nature that he grew resentful of her love for his money. When he’d discovered she didn’t care for him as much as for his assets, and one of his business rivals, he’d started divorce proceedings.
He’d known Gemma for five years—yet knew nothing beyond what she allowed. But he detected no wild extravagances in her life.
He wondered what the full story was with the man who’d fathered her baby. What was the private Gemma like? Had she been devastated when the truth became known? For a moment he wondered if she’d have continued the relationship had there not been a baby.
No, not once she’d discovered the man was married. She was nothing like Katrina.
In more ways than one.
He thought about the jeans and the snug-fitting top she’d worn on Saturday. His first wife would not have been caught dead in such an outfit. Smiling slightly, Nikos knew he couldn’t wait to see Gemma wear it again.
Crossing to his wide window, he gazed out over the busy city street without seeing a thing. He’d wanted to kiss her that morning. The softness of her lips beguiled him, the warmth and suspected sweetness of her mouth tantalized. As did the feelings that still gripped him.
He’d proposed this union to satisfy the INS. Now it looked as if he might get more from it than he expected.
Would Gemma have kissed him back?
Would she in the future?
How far did they dare take this marriage and be able to break apart in a few months?
Would she want to share a bed?
Did he want her there?
He needed to understand her better before pushing for more. But with the sanctity of marriage between them, they could enjoy each other, with no expectations to come crashing down later.
Except for the baby.
What did he know about babies? They were innocent creatures, not deserving of some things fate had in store for them. Still, he could make sure it had a good start in the world.
For a moment he wondered if it would be a girl or boy. Would the child look like Gemma? He could see a little chubby toddler with Gemma’s chestnut hair and wide gray eyes running around. Where would he be when the baby was two? Would they continue their arranged marriage or have long since parted?
“Are you ready?” Elise asked when she phoned shortly before four o’clock.
“As I’ll ever be,” Gemma replied.
Quickly she straightened her desk, locking the sensitive folders in her drawer and stacking the rest of the papers. She slipped out to the ladies’ room for a moment.
Checking to make sure her hair was neat, she studied herself in the mirror. She didn’t look at all ruffled, yet inside, her stomach churned. She couldn’t believe she’d agreed to this marriage. Was she crazy?
She took a deep breath and raised her chin. For better or worse, she was committed. It was just temporary. A solution to both their problems.
Nikos waited for her in her office. He let his gaze run across her lightly, then took her arm. “Ready?” he asked.
“Yes.”
Gemma felt his touch tingling in every cell. She had difficulty remembering he was her boss. Her clamoring senses wanted to deny that relationship and seek another.
Instantly, the memory of his lips against her skin flashed into mind. Her wrist felt warm where he’d touched her. Licking her lips, she slid a glance sideways, almost feeling that kiss against her wrist. Would he kiss her on the mouth next time?
Her heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t sure she could handle Nikos. Yet the vague yearnings around him made little sense. Would she prove a satisfactory wife for him, even temporarily?
Or would he end up regretting his hasty decision before the situation was resolved?
“Nikos?” she said when they were in the elevator. Amazing—they were alone.
“Yes?”
“If this doesn’t work—”
“Why wouldn’t it work?” he interrupted.
“I don’t know, but I’m not sure I can pull it off.”
“Pull what off?”
“Act like a wife for you.”
“Let me be the judge of that, Gemma.”
The car stopped at another floor, and three men entered.
Unwilling to pursue the conversation with others eavesdropping, Gemma fell silent.
Nikos flagged a cab with ease, handing her in and then climbing in beside her. Gemma moved closer to the far door, but Nikos' legs sprawled in the space, his knee touching hers. It was as if there was a direct link between them.
Staring out the window, Gemma saw nothing. While staring out the window, Gemma’s entire body concentrated on Nikos and the spot where they touched.
It was distracting. She should think about their marriage, making sure she knew what she was doing. Instead, she could only fixate on that connection with Nikos and the roiling sensations that swamped her.
The cab ride to City Hall took longer than expected. Or had it only seemed endless? Gemma wasn’t sure.
In contrast to the ride, getting the marriage license seemed to take only seconds. And they were soon back in another cab and headed for Nikos' apartment.
Gemma was curious to see it. She wondered if there’d be room for any of her furniture. Would it blend in with his? Did he have very modern pieces and art she’d never understand?
He certainly was unlikely to have Early American furnishings, which she loved. Maybe she’d put her things in storage for a few months. Or maybe leave them where they were. She could continue to pay her portion of the rent and move back in with Susan after the marriage ended.
When the cab stopped before the tall stone building, Gemma realized the building sat directly across from Central Park. Did his apartment overlook the park? How nice to be so close to green space.
Gemma’s spirits rose.
“Remember, Gemma, you may change things as you see fit. This will be your home,” Nikos said as they ascended in the quiet elevator. The lobby had been small, but elegantly appointed.
Nikos had introduced her to the doorman, telling him of their planned wedding and Gemma’s forthcoming move into the building.
Gemma felt as if she had stepped into a dream.
The soft chime of the elevator and the doors sliding open brought her back to reality. Nikos used a key and opened the door to his apartment, standing aside for her to enter.
Stepping inside, Gemma paused for a moment to take in the surroundings. They had stepped into a small foyer, with a long hall branching off to the left and right. Moving farther into the apartment, she entered the spacious living room. The wall opposite seemed to be made entirely of glass and overlooked the park.
For a moment she felt as if the room opened out and became a part of the outdoors. There were no curtains cutting into the view, no shades to block the light. Just a wide expanse of glass to admit the beauty of the park.
“Nikos, this is amazing.”
The room itself reminded her of how she thought billionaires lived.
Thick Persian carpets covered the floor. Her heels sank into them. Without thinking, Gemma slipped out of her shoes and felt the lush carpets beneath her feet.
The furnishings defied categorizing. Traditional sofas faced the wall, with wing chairs flanking offering places to sit and enjoy the view. The room felt spacious, open, and comfortable.
Her expectation of sophistication evaporated. And she loved it.
“I’m pleased you like it, Gemma,” Nikos said quietly, studying her as she absorbed the beauty of her surroundings.
She turned to discover he was standing beside her, his head inclined as he looked into her eyes.
“If you wish to change anything, you may,” he said.
“I don’t think I’d want to. It’s totally unexpected, but fantastic.”
Her toes curled into the carpet as she tried to think of something else to say. To think up a reason to step away from the spell that held her captive. Nikos stood so close she could reach out and touch him without moving but a few inches. His dark eyes seemed to look right down into her soul.
Shyly, she smiled.
“It reminds me of an English country home . ”
He nodded, and she felt her heart skip another beat.
Warmth filled her at his look. She felt almost light-headed.
The back of his fingers caressed her cheek, his fingers stopping beneath her chin, tilting her head to better gaze into her eyes.
“Good. Katrina had the room entirely filled with modern furniture and dozens of knickknacks. It was too much. I find simplicity soothing, and beauty in the handiwork of God from the park.”
“At night, what do you see?”
“We are high enough to be assured privacy. The sparkling lights from the buildings in the distance are enchanting. You’ll love it at night, as well. Ah, Hal.”
Nikos lowered his hand and turned to greet the man who had silently stepped through the doorway.
“Gemma, this is Hal. Hal, your new mistress, Gemma Green, soon to be my wife. She and I will be married on Wednesday and she’ll move in immediately.”
“Welcome, madam.”
Hal was a tall man, dressed in a traditional black trousers and a white shirt with a black tie. He reminded her of an English butler. She knew Nikos had attended Cambridge. Was that the reason for some of the English feel?
Nikos speech had a slight British intonation. Hal’s was totally British.
“For the first few days, things will continue as always, Hal,” Nikos instructed. “After Gemma’s lived here awhile, she may wish to make changes. You’ll be guided by her decisions.”
“As you say.” Hal nodded his head once to Nikos and once to Gemma.
“We’ll have dinner at seven,” Nikos said.
Hal nodded once more and quietly left the room.
“Come, I’ll show you around the place,” Nikos said, taking Gemma’s arm in a gentle clasp.
The familiar sensations began spiraling through her body at his touch. She didn’t understand it. She’d never felt this way around James or any other man.
Gratitude, that was it. Nikos was helping her beyond what she should have expected. It was no wonder she felt grateful to him.
By the time dinner was served, Gemma’s head was spinning. The apartment consisted of twelve rooms. Nikos had shown her several bedrooms with en suite baths, a study and a formal dining room, besides an enormous kitchen.
The apartment was furnished with a variety of furnishings—French provincial in one bedroom, modern chrome and glass in another and heavy Mediterranean in a third.
Nikos' bedroom looked very ordinary, which surprised Gemma. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected. But the king-size bed with a rather plain oak headboard filled a good portion. A dark dresser and night stand complimented the bed.
“This room will be yours,” Nikos said, opening an adjoining door.
The room was tastefully decorated in soft sea-green and bright yellow.
“You may wish to have your own furnishings in here. If so, Hal can take care of removing this furniture.”
“This’ll be fine. Actually, I thought I might leave my furniture in my apartment. Then when we end the marriage, I can move back with minimum effort.”
“Impossible. I thought you understood we must make certain we provide an impression to the INS of being completely committed. No one must suspect the reasons for this marriage, nor that we do not plan to remain together forever. You need to move in here. We’ll be a married couple sharing our lives.”
“Oh, of course. I guess I didn’t think it through,” she murmured, annoyed with herself that she hadn’t.
The INS would look into all aspects of their marriage with a fine-tooth comb. And her keeping her apartment would be a blatant clue that all was not as it appeared.
And the INS also explained the reason for adjoining rooms. They had to look married—always. For a moment she wondered if she could go through with the charade, after all.
Nikos looked at her sharply. “Something wrong?”
“No, not at all.”
She couldn’t meet his eyes. Instead, Gemma studied the room as if her life depended upon being able to reconstruct it from memory. It was only for a few months. And she had her baby to think about.
“Gemma—” Nikos turned her to face him, his hands on her arms “—we have five bedrooms in this apartment. If this one doesn’t suit, we can find another.”
Yours?
Gemma blinked and desperately prayed she had not uttered the word aloud. Where had that thought come from?
She stepped back.
“No, really, Nikos, this is perfect. And we need to keep up the pretense of a normal marriage.”
“Unless such a time arrives that you feel comfortable sharing my room, perhaps?”
He did read minds.
Mesmerized, she stood still, her eyes caught in his dark gaze, totally unable to form a single sound.
Share Nikos' room? His bed? Her heart thundered in response to the images that danced in her imagination. Of his strong, sleek body pressed against hers, of his mouth kissing her as she had imagined only that morning. Escalating the spark of interest deep within until it raged as full-fledged desire. A conflagration only his touch could ignite and extinguish.
“You never thought of that?”
His voice splashed through her like mulled wine, intoxicating every sense with its melodious tone. His head blotted out the rest of the room when he brushed her lips with his. Gemma opened her mouth slightly and caught her breath.
“I’m not sure this is such a good idea,” she whispered.
Her voice wouldn’t obey her. She wanted to sound firm and assured; instead, she sounded breathless and uncertain.
“Ah, but we need to get to know each other better, right?” he said, his lips scant millimeters from hers.
He closed the distance and kissed her deeply.
Gemma felt as if she were floating as the room spun round. The only solid anchor in a world turned topsy-turvy was Nikos. Naturally, she clung to that anchor. Her hands gripped his shoulders, and she tilted her head slightly. Opening her mouth at his insistence, she felt the wonder of his kiss to her toes. Lost in the magic of his touch, she gave herself up to the sheer pleasure found in his arms.
When he pulled back, she was stunned at her reaction. There was no place for such activity in a business arrangement. The sooner she made her position clear, the better. It was as if cold water had been dashed in her face. She stepped back, feeling almost bereft, but determined not to give in to temptation so easily in the future.
Was Nikos assessing how willing a bride he’d gained? Had the kiss meant anything to him?
Feeling lost, Gemma brushed her hands down her skirt and turned to head back to the living room. Theirs was not a love match—she knew that better than anyone. And she didn’t wish it to be. She’d experienced enough heartache and disappointment. She had no intentions of going down that path again.
Nikos had proposed a business alliance, and that was what she’d agreed to. His kisses were extraordinary. But she’d remain aloof, untouched. She didn’t trust him, nor any man.
But her blood still raced through her veins. Her heart still beat heavily from the excitement of his embrace. She could tell herself to ignore him all she wanted, but she wondered if her body would ever listen.
“Come on, we’ll sit in the living room and talk until dinner,” Nikos said.
Glancing at him as she passed, she was peeved to note he appeared totally unaffected by their kiss. Good.
At least she tried to tell herself that.
Hal had set the dinner table with beautiful china, elegant silver and delicate crystal, Gemma noted when called to dinner some time later. The table looked fit for royalty.
Gemma sat at Nikos' right, doubts and uncertainty plaguing her.
“Do you dine like this every night?” she asked.
“No. Hal has outdone himself tonight for the special occasion of your first meal with us.”
“It’s lovely. I wasn’t sure if I had to live up to this daily.”
She should say something about the kiss, explain what she was willing to do for this marriage and what she was not willing to do, but the words wouldn’t come.
“We’ll have settings like this for special events or when we have guests over.”
“Otherwise it’s paper plates in the kitchen, huh?” she said, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
His gleam of amusement brought a strong sense of satisfaction to Gemma. Sometimes she wondered if she’d lose sight of who she was when she was with this man.
Time to reassert her own personality. If he planned to go through with this charade, it was time he knew what he was getting.
Hal entered, placing a bowl of soup before each of them.
“Perhaps not so casual. But the dishes we will normally use are not fine china. Do you like to cook, Gemma? Will you be vying for time in the kitchen with Hal?”
“No worry there. I like to bake brownies or cookies once in a while, but I have done little cooking lately. It’s hardly worth it for a single person.”
“Ah, but what about friends? Do you entertain?”
“Rarely. We usually go out and each pay our own way. After working all day, the last thing I want to do is more work, and that’s what I think cooking is. Though my mother was a great cook.”
“Was she? Tell me about your parents, Gemma.”
“My mom died when I was fourteen. My dad only a few weeks later. I thought he died of a broken heart. They were very close. I lived with an aunt until I moved here. Aunt Bea died just before I came to work for you. No other close family. Until my baby’s born,” she said briefly.
As the meal progressed, Gemma relaxed. The food was prime rib, twice-baked potatoes and a collection of steamed vegetables. Another case of Hal outdoing himself for her first dinner?
She didn’t question it, just enjoyed every morsel.
“We’ll take our coffee in the living room,” Nikos said at the end of the meal.
“Thank you, Hal, it was perfect.” Gemma said as she rose to join Nikos after they finished. “I’ll skip the coffee, however. I’m not having caffeine these days.”
“My pleasure, madam,” Hal said formally.
“You’ve made his day,” Nikos said a few minutes later as they sat on the sofa in the living room.
“Katrina never said thank you or told him that a meal was delicious.”
Hal entered the living room and set a tray before them on the coffee table, fragrant coffee in a fragile pot. A second pot contained hot water. Two cups and a small plate of assorted tea bags completed the tray.
“I brought an assortment of herbal tea,” he told her.
“Thank you. I appreciate that,” Gemma said with a smile.
“Hal was here then?” Gemma asked as she poured a cup for Nikos after Hal had left. She was touched he’d brought her tea.
Did that show he approved of the forthcoming alliance? Or only that his training was excellent?
“Yes.”
His clipped tone clued her in. He didn’t want to discuss his ex-wife.
Then why had he brought up her name?
“Shall we discuss the wedding?” she asked.
“It will be the two of us and witnesses. Elise has scheduled it with a judge. Tomorrow you can find a suitable dress.”
“So, will we leave work early or just dash out on our lunch break?”
She couldn’t help the hint of impatience in her tone. Wasn’t the bride supposed to have some say in her own wedding—no matter how arranged it was?
He glanced at her, raising one eyebrow.
“We will be married at one o’clock, eat a celebration luncheon and then return home.”
“Here, you mean?”
“Of course. This is your home now, Gemma.”
She didn’t feel at home.
Time would change that. At least she hoped so.
Would it also change how she felt about Nikos?
Exactly how did she feel about this man?
Grateful he was willing to marry her. Intrigued by the personal glimpses she’d seen today. Fascinated by the attraction that seemed to grow every moment she spent with him.
But she wouldn’t forget for an instant that this was a temporary arrangement. No more fairy-tale love stories for her. Once they separated, she’d be free to live her life just as she wished.
For an instant, Gemma wondered if that would be enough.