Chapter Four
Tuesday, Gemma found it hard to concentrate at work. She arrived early to avoid other employees. Try as she might, she couldn’t concentrate on the tasks at hand, instead kept remembering the previous evening with Nikos.
Remembering and anticipating the next time the two of them were alone. Would he kiss her again? Touch her hand, brush back her hair? Looking up, she wished she could see behind closed doors.
When he’d arrived that morning, he’d gone straight to his office after a brusque hello and shut his door. She hadn’t seen or heard from him since.
By noon, Gemma gave in. She couldn’t do her job effectively. Instead, she’d go look for something to wear to her wedding.
Stopping at Elise’s desk, she told her she was taking the rest of the day off.
“Nikos didn’t mention that to me,” Elise replied, checking her calendar.
“Yes, well, he should have. If he asks for me, tell him I’ll see him tomorrow.”
“At the wedding. I’m attending,” the older woman said, her face wreathed in smiles.
“Good, I’ll need all the friends there I can get.”
Oops, that didn’t sound like a blushing bride. Pretense was harder than she suspected.
Elise looked startled. “Why?”
With another look at Nikos' closed door, Gemma sighed, trying to come up with a reason for her comment that would satisfy Elise.
“You know how forceful he can be. It’s hard to hold my own sometimes.”
Like with the wedding arrangements he’d made without a by-your-leave. Eyes narrowed, she glared at his door. Their marriage was for mutual convenience. She was bringing him something he couldn’t get on his own, just as he was helping her out of a very awkward situation.
“I think being swept off my feet by such a handsome man would be thrilling,” Elise said, smiling.
Gemma turned her gaze to the older woman and noted the dreamy expression. Even Elise felt the magnetism. How was she supposed to resist if she was living with the man? Remembering the charade, Gemma forced a smile.
“It is thrilling. He’s wonderful. I think I have pre-wedding jitters.”
“That’s common. Don’t worry about it, they’ll pass. When Joe and I married, I was a nervous wreck for weeks before the event. We had a big church wedding and—”
Elise stopped abruptly. “I guess it was different for us.”
Gemma nodded.
“This will suit us both fine. I don’t have any family. My friend Susan will be my bridesmaid tomorrow. I thought about inviting a few other friends, but decided we can have a reception later and invite everyone.”
Or not, since the marriage probably wouldn’t last long enough to bother with such festivities. But no need to tell Elise that.
“Anyway,” Gemma continued, “if he asks, tell him I’ve gone to get my wedding dress.”
After stopping at a nearby deli for lunch, Gemma then caught a cab to one of Manhattan’s trendiest boutiques. She’d heard of the place for years and never considered entering it, much less buying something from it.
However, if her only wedding wasn’t a time to splurge, Gemma didn’t know what would be.
The boutique was spacious and quiet, despite the many women shopping. A smartly tailored young woman came up to her only seconds after she entered. Within an hour, Gemma had the perfect silk suit and darling veiled hat. Matching accessories took only a little longer, and by late afternoon she was on her way home. Extremely pleased with her selection, she hoped Nikos would appreciate how nice she looked.
Susan was still at work, so Gemma had the apartment to herself. Changing into jeans, she began to sort and pack some things she’d take to Nikos' apartment. Marking those items she wanted, she wondered if Susan would want the things she didn’t care to move.
The phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Are you all right?”
Nikos' strong voice came across clearly.
“Sure. Why?”
“Elise said you left before lunch.”
“And did she tell you why?”
He paused a moment. “No.”
“Did you give her a chance to?”
“I looked for you and when I didn’t see you, I asked her. She said you’d left for the day. Then I tried your cell. There was no answer.”
“I went shopping.”
The silence stretched out for several seconds.
“Shopping?”
“For a wedding dress. Remember, according to your very complete plan, Tuesday was the day to shop for a wedding dress.”
“Ah yes, because black wouldn’t suit.”
“Right.”
“So, did you get one?”
“Yes, and it’s definitely not black.”
“White?”
“Sort of off-white. And a little hat with a veil.”
Did he care at all, or was she babbling to cover the nervousness that crept up? Sitting beside the phone, Gemma took a deep breath. This was just Nikos, her boss for five years.
And the man who had kissed her last night. A kiss like none other.
“So you will be the epitome of a traditional bride.”
“Maybe not the epitome, but fairly traditional. Is that a problem?”
“Not at all. I look forward to seeing you in the morning. Shall I pick you up at noon?”
“You can’t pick me up. It’s bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony. Susan and I will get a cab and meet you at the judge’s chambers.”
“I’ll send Hal. He can drive you. And you can give him your bags. He’ll bring them back to the apartment so they’ll be waiting for you here when we return. I’ve had Elise book us for lunch at the Waldorf. I’ll make sure she includes Susan.”
“Who else is coming?” Gemma asked, again a bit annoyed he was arranging things without asking her opinion.
Strong-willed and forceful as he might be, she would not let everything go his way.
“Elise, Phil Mannering and Abe Miller.” Although Gemma had never met Abe, she knew he and Nikos had been friends for many years.
“Not your cousin Allessandros?”
The pause was barely discernible.
“I haven’t yet informed my family of our marriage.”
“I see.”
But she didn’t. Was it some big, dark secret? Was he hoping to marry, get his green card and discard his new wife before his family learned of their nuptials?
“I doubt it, but I don’t have time to go into that now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Nikos, what did you want? Why were you trying to get me at the office?”
“I wanted the updated numbers on that new freighter in the Pacific, the Alabaster. ”
“Those figures are in the left drawer, about three folders down. Elise can get them for you.”
“I’m not so helpless I can’t get them myself,” he returned dryly.
Nikos hung up the phone. He’d used that as an excuse to call her. When he’d discovered she’d left for the day, he’d immediately wondered if something was wrong. He knew little about pregnant women, only that they could suffer from morning sickness and other problems.
And for a split second, he wondered if she was having regrets about agreeing to their upcoming marriage. Her buying the dress should reassure him. But it didn’t.
He leaned back in his chair and turned to gaze out over Manhattan. It was unlike him to worry about what others did or thought. It had been a long time since he moved beyond that. He considered the solution he’d proposed perfect for them both. He’d keep his personal assistant and give her the help she needed.
And he’d get his visa extended—permanently.
But was there more?
For a moment, he let himself recall the kiss they’d shared last night. Gemma had been sweet, shy and surprised. He felt it all. She could keep an impassive demeanor while working, but her emotions were clear to him last night.
And the pull of attraction surprised him.
He’d dated before and after his brief marriage. Beautiful women, sophisticated, talented, articulate. Some he desired, many he did not. But none touched his sense of protectiveness, like Gemma. None raised questions that could only be answered by getting to know her better.
For having worked with her for five years, he really knew only the most superficial information about his assistant. Soon to be his wife.
He looked forward to discovering more aspects of her as they lived together.
And maybe explore that potent attraction.
Hal picked up Gemma and Susan the next day and delivered them to the courthouse. As they walked into the marble-floored lobby, Gemma felt almost sick. She knew it wasn’t from the pregnancy, but from sheer nerves. She hadn’t slept well. Worry about the advisability of taking this step plagued her.
“Are you okay?” Susan asked.
They had been roommates for the five years Gemma had worked at ALK Shipping and had developed a strong and lasting friendship.
Susan was short, a bit plump, and the best friend Gemma had ever had.
“You look a bit green around the gills.”
“Great, I hope the color goes well with my suit.”
“You look fine, just a bit off color. Having doubts?”
Susan was the only person besides Gemma and Nikos who knew the entire story behind the wedding. “It’s not too late to say no.”
“And do what—move to California?”
“I’ve told you a dozen times no one pays that much attention to unmarried mothers these days.”
“And I’ve told you back it would matter to me. Blame it on my small-town upbringing. Anyway, I’m committed. Just a bit nervous.”
They found the judge’s chambers and entered. Nikos was already there, standing near the window conversing with the judge. Phil and another man Gemma didn’t recognize. Must be his friend Abe.
“Wow.” Susan said. “Is that hunk by the window the groom? Tall, dark and devilishly handsome? If you don’t fall madly in love with him, send him my way.”
Gemma swallowed. The last thing she wanted to do was fall in love with anyone. Much less Nikos Petropoulos.
He looked up and saw her. Without a word to the men he’d been talking with, he crossed the room to her.
“Gemma.”
He reached for her hand and kissed the palm, enclosing it in his own as he turned to Susan.
“You must be Susan.”
“Yes, Susan Abernathy. I guess you’re Nikos.”
“I’m pleased Gemma has a good friend to join us today.”
“I just hope this all works.”
He raised an eyebrow and looked at Gemma.
“The marriage and all,” she said. “Is everyone here? Are we ready to start?”
He pulled her slightly to one side and reached for a small florist box on the table.
“I took the chance the colors would suit,” he said, offering her the box.
When Gemma opened it, she found a lovely corsage of pink roses and white baby’s breath. Susan stepped up and helped her fasten it to her suit.
“Now you really look like a bride,” her friend said, giving her a hug.
Elise hurried in, and with the entire wedding party present, they were ready to start.
The judge began the familiar service and Gemma listened as if in a trance. The opening was nice and sounded just as if they were truly getting married. Which they were, she reminded herself. Just because it seemed like a dream didn’t mean it wouldn’t be legal and binding.
“Do you, Gemma, take Nikos to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and obey, in sickness—”
Gemma became instantly alert.
“Wait.”
The judge stopped. Nikos looked at her.
“Say that part again.”
The judge began again, and as soon as he reached the word obey , Gemma stopped him.
“No.” She turned to Nikos. “No ‘obey’ in the vows. I never agreed to that. I’m not some child to be directed by someone else.”
“Gemma, it’s just part of the ceremony.”
“No.”
With a suppressed sound of frustration, Nikos took her arm and walked her across the room, where they’d have a modicum of privacy.
“What’s going on?” he asked, leaning close, his glare capturing Gemma.
“I will not promise to obey you unless you promise to obey me and say your part first. That’s all. I didn’t know he would use such an antiquated ceremony. I know the newer version doesn’t say ‘obey’.”
“For goodness sakes, it’s just a ceremony.”
“And can you promise me in all the time we’ll be married you will never say to me you must do it my way or you must obey me in this because you promised when we were married?”
He stared at her for endless moments.
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“I’ve worked with you for five years. I know how you operate. When you really want something, you go after it with everything you have. And this is just the perfect thing to add to your arsenal when making a point.”
“I can’t believe you’ve stopped everything over one word.”
“Then eliminate the word or include it in your vows. Your choice.”
He shook his head and looked around. The others were waiting near the judge, watching them curiously. Susan fought a smile. Abe seemed amused.
Looking back at Gemma, Nikos asked softly, “Are you going to be this difficult all the time?”
She smiled at him and shook her head. “Consider this our first compromise. And isn’t that a big part of marriage? Compromising, so we both come out ahead?”
“Fine.”
He inclined his head once and then started back toward the judge.
Gemma didn’t know if she could claim a victory or not. But at least she’d stood up for herself. She knew she had to make sure Nikos didn’t overwhelm her.
After a brief conference with the judge, Nikos indicated he should continue, which he did—omitting “obey” from her vows.
“You may kiss the bride,” the judge ended.
Nikos brushed a light kiss across her lips and turned to shake the judge’s hand.
Gemma felt disappointed. She’d expected more. For a moment she thought she might cry. Was that it? A light brush of lips for the wedding kiss? The kiss in the apartment the other night had held more emotion, more passion.
“Congratulations. And best wishes.” Susan hugged her.
Then Elise. Abe shook her hand, offering his best wishes.
“I brought a camera. Want some pictures with the judge?” Susan asked. “I’m your official wedding photographer.”
“I brought my camera,” Elise added. “Wouldn’t be a wedding without pictures.”
Gemma smiled, though she felt uncertain inside. Would Nikos stand for further nonsense about a wedding, or now that the deed was done, would he hasten back to work after lunch to have the legal department contact the INS?
He surprised her. When Susan told him what she wanted, he posed with Gemma, his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. She could smell the scent of his aftershave, which brought memories of the night at his apartment.
The warmth of his hand against her waist spread. Her breathing caught and for a moment she felt light-headed. Her blood pounded through her veins and echoed in her ears.
Smiling, turning this way and that, she made it through the battery of pictures both Susan and Elise insisted upon. But she felt disjointed, out of control. Nikos Petropoulos was her husband. She was no longer Gemma Green, but Gemma Petropoulos.
Lunch was a blur. She hoped she talked coherently, but couldn’t remember a single sentence.
Settled after lunch in the extravagant limousine Nikos had hired, Gemma suddenly longed for her freedom. She’d had it made when she was single. She could go where she wanted, do what she wanted.
Now she had agreed to a marriage to provide Nikos a way to remain in the U.S. and save her own pride when the pregnancy became obvious. She had to play her part of a loving devoted wife well to allay any suspicion of the INS—or the gossips at work.
Could she do that? Pretend to feel strongly for her husband while all the while trying to keep her distance? She couldn’t let herself fall for him, as Susan had suggested. She already knew she wasn’t his type. If a worldly beauty like Katrina couldn’t hold him, how could a woman from a small town in Ohio?
“Tired?” Nikos asked as the limousine slid quietly through the Manhattan traffic.
“No. Still keyed up a bit.”
“Despite your interruption, the ceremony went well. I liked it better than the elaborate affair Katrina dreamed up.”
Ignoring the reference to his first wife, Gemma gazed out the window. They were heading uptown—toward his apartment. Their apartment.
“Are you planning to return to work today?” she asked.
“No. If we are to give the impression this is a genuine marriage, I don’t see a doting husband deserting his wife on their wedding day.”
“I guess not.”
“In fact, I think we should take the rest of the week off.”
She looked at him in surprise.
“While I like the idea, you need to work on your husband skills. You don’t just announce things. We need to discuss them and decide mutually what we’ll do.”
His eyes danced with amusement.
“I see I have created a different person in Gemma, the wife from Gemma, the personal assistant.”
“I start as I mean to go on,” she said defensively.
“And for how long will we go on? I wonder,” he said.
“What do you mean?”
“We agreed to marry for expediency. But I’ve been thinking that it might work out well enough to continue even after your baby is born and I have the green card. Unless, of course, you have other plans.”
She shook her head. Had she heard him correctly? He’d be interested in continuing this marriage of convenience indefinitely?
“Only time will tell, I think,” he said.
Hal greeted them when they arrived at the apartment.
“I’ve put your bags in your room, madam. If you wish for me to unpack, please tell me.”
“No, that’s all right, I can manage,” Gemma said quickly. She needed something to keep her busy for the afternoon.
“Change into something you find comfortable and join me in the living room when you feel like it,” Nikos suggested.
Gemma took her time changing and sorting and putting away her clothes. The closet was huge and her few skirts, business suits and dresses looked lost. The built-in shelves would hold twice as many clothes as she had brought.
She gazed at the view from her window. If she angled her head just right, she could get a view of Central Park. But the living room was the place to be for that view.
Wishing she didn’t feel awkward and uneasy, she finally decided she couldn’t remain in her room forever.
Wandering into the living room, she was disappointed to find she was alone. She thought Nikos would be waiting for her.
Hal appeared as if summoned.
“Would you like something to drink, madam?”
“Do you have any fruit juice?” she asked.
“Certainly. We have orange, apple, cranberry and grape.”
“That’s quite a selection. I’ll have some cranberry juice.”
He inclined his head.
“Nikos said you are expecting, so I made sure we have food and beverages that will be of healthy benefit.”
Flustered, she nodded and watched as he almost glided from the room. It would take some getting used to having a butler. Especially one who seemed to know everything already.
No matter what Nikos said about seeing how long they might wish to continue their marriage, there were too many differences standing between them. The major one being status in life. She knew he was wealthy. But the difference between their lifestyles was becoming clear.
“I like that shirt on you.”
Nikos stood in the opening from the hall.
Gemma turned and smiled, then felt her heart rate increase.
Nikos was wearing dark jeans and a blue polo shirt. The clothes emphasized his slim physique and displayed the muscular chest and arms.
He’d always looked wonderful in his tailored suits. Now he was breathtaking. Sexy and virile and overwhelmingly masculine.
Her fingertips itched to explore that broad chest, to touch him, feel his heat pour into her. Her heart sped up like she’d just run a race.
He came into the room, and her heart skipped a beat.
“Is Hal taking care of you?” he asked.
“He’s bringing me some juice.”
It was with monumental effort she raised her gaze to meet his eyes. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she cleared her throat.
“He knows I’m pregnant?”
“I told him. Just, as I guess from her comment, you told your roommate the truth about our marriage.”
“Susan won’t tell anyone.”
“And if Immigration asks her questions?”
“Why would they?”
“If they suspect this marriage is false, they may question everyone who knows us.”
“She starts her vacation this weekend. She’s going to Mexico for an archaeological dig. Someone will surely decide by the time she gets back. She’s my best friend. She’d have suspected something was weird when I went to work planning to give notice and returned engaged.”
“Your powers of persuasion couldn’t have convinced her you fell madly in love and agreed to my proposal for that purpose?”
She grinned.
“Nope. My powers of persuasion are not that strong” “
“And there is the baby’s father. Do you miss him?”
Gemma shrugged and turned away, strolling over to the wide expanse of windows.
“I don’t. I’m still angry more than anything when I think of him. If he truly loved me as he told me, why would he have let our relationship go so far without telling me the truth?”
“Perhaps he does love you and cannot get out of the marriage. I can see a man wanting to keep you—no matter what the cost.”
Gemma spun around—to find Nikos right beside her. How had he crossed the room so silently?
His dark eyes gazed down at hers.
She turned the wedding band on her finger, uncertain how to take his comment.
“Are you flirting with me?”
“And if I am?”
Gemma smiled. “It seems odd.”
She liked it too much. He might be comfortable flirting, but she must remember this was merely a temporary arrangement. She wasn’t falling for another man to have that expectation fall through.
“Perhaps too soon. In the meantime, come and tell me some more about my new wife.”
Sinking on the comfortable sofa cushions, Gemma wondered how she’d ever get up again. But they felt wonderful. Looking out the window, she felt as if she were on top of the world.
“What do you want to know?” she asked.
“What you were like at age five.”
“And if I tell you that, will you share with me?”
His childhood would fascinate her. About growing up in Greece. It sounded so faraway and so exotic.
“Of course, isn’t that also a part of marriage—besides the compromises you spoke of?”
Hal brought juice for them both and quietly retired.
Hesitating only a moment, Gemma talked about her childhood in Elmsville, Ohio. Wondering how different it was from his, she told about her first bicycle, about starting school and about slumber parties.
She kept her gaze firmly fixed on the view of the park, and not on the sight of Nikos sprawled so casually beside her on the wide sofa, lest she become tongue-tied and forget what she wanted to say.
At one point, he reached out and unfastened her clip. Fingers combing through her hair, he gazed at her while she talked.
She stopped talking and looked at him, her eyes wide.
“Your hair has sunshine in it,” he said whimsically. “And it’s as soft as the finest silk. I couldn’t resist touching it.”
His fingers toyed with strands, as if memorizing the texture.
“I’ve seen it worn pulled back for five years. But never like this, soft and full around your face.” He spoke as if talking to himself. “It suits you.”
“It’s easier to keep it pulled back at work,” she said breathlessly.
“Ah, but more feminine like this.”
Slowly, he leaned forward, and Gemma held her breath.