Chapter Nine
It was dark when Gemma awoke. She lay in bed for a long moment thinking. Had Nikos said what she thought he’d said just before she fell asleep?
Impossible.
She rose and went to wash her face. Donning a light robe, she wandered out to the living room. Soft lighting illuminated the room. Nikos lay on the sofa. She paused in the shadows of the hallway for a long moment, watching him. He was reading a book, and the scene looked infinitely dear to her.
She must have made some movement or noise, because he suddenly looked right at her.
Rising swiftly, he crossed the room.
“Are you feeling better?” he asked, raising her chin with his finger to look into her eyes.
“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry to flake out on you like that.”
“We’ve had a hectic week. Come on, I’ll have Hal prepare you something to eat.”
“How late is it?” she asked as they walked to the dining room.
“A bit after ten.”
“He’ll have retired. Don’t bother him. I can scrounge something to eat in the kitchen.”
“He's still up and has been waiting for you to awaken. I believe he's prepared something especially for you.”
Ten minutes later, Gemma sat at the dining table with a large bowl of chicken noodle soup and warm rolls in front of her.
“Is this some kind of universal remedy?” she asked as she dipped her spoon into the bowl.
Hal stood near the doorway watching closely. Nikos sat in his chair, watching her closely .
“Mmm, it’s delicious.”
She smiled at Hal and inclined her head in the same manner Nikos often did. “Thank you, Hal. It's perfect.”
He bowed and left, but she glimpsed the pleased look in his eyes.
“You have a loyal servant for life,” Nikos said casually. “Tell me the significance of chicken noodle soup.”
Gemma smiled and ate some more. The warm rolls Hal prepared went well with the soup.
“It’s supposed to make you feel better if you’re sick. I’m not sick, just tired, but it's making me feel better. I take it you don’t have such a thing in Greece?”
Slowly, he shook his head.
“Sometimes when I was a boy and sick, my mother prepared a broth but no noodles. If I become sick, you’ll have to remind me to try this.”
She nodded, unable to imagine the man ever falling victim to any illness. He’d never had as much as a cold in all the years she’d known him.
“Should you consider cutting back at work?” Nikos asked.
Gemma looked up.
“No. I’m not sick, Nikos, just pregnant. This week has been hectic and the hours long. But I can manage a normal workweek. I can do my job.”
“We’ll see how you feel on Monday.”
“I’ll feel fine.”
He smiled at her certainty and she felt that flutter in her heart again.
“If you're feeling rested in the morning, I thought we'd go shopping for baby furniture.”
She tilted her head to the side.
“I can’t picture you shopping for furniture.”
“How do you think I get new pieces?”
“Wave a hand and order some interior designer to go buy it?”
“And I thought you were an astute businesswoman. I picked out almost every stick of furniture in this apartment. I kept nothing from Katrina’s time.”
“I stand corrected. But don’t you think it’s a bit early to be buying furniture for the baby? I’m not due for almost five months.”
“I realize that, but this is a good time. The negotiations are complete. We have a few days before we leave, so why not now?”
“Leave? Leave for where?”
“Phil contacted me this afternoon. My petition for permanent residence was approved. The marriage made the difference. I can now travel outside the US and get back in with no trouble.”
“Oh, that was fast.”
“I thought so as well. Phil said I should have the final documents early next week.”
“And now you want to leave?”
“To visit Greece. I phoned my father this afternoon to let him know the negotiations were accomplished as we wanted. And to tell him I remarried. He and my mother want to meet you. Allessandros already told him about you and he insists we visit. I told him we'd leave as soon as the contracts were signed. As long as your doctor says traveling will pose no danger to you. It’s a long journey.”
She put down her spoon, butterflies suddenly dancing in her stomach.
“I don’t think I should go,” she said. “I’m not sure your parents are going to be thrilled with me as a new daughter-in-law, even a temporary one. Maybe you should explain things to them and…”
She let her words trail off at the frown on his face.
“Of course you should go. They'll love you. And we don't need to talk at all about our reasons for marriage. I thought if we get everything wound up by the end of the week, we could leave next Friday.”
She opened her mouth to protest, then closed it abruptly. That look was familiar to her. Her bossy husband would not budge on this issue.
And she couldn't help feeling some anticipation to see where Nikos grew up, to meet more of his family. It made this fake marriage seem even more real.
Though, maybe it wasn't such a fake marriage after all. He had his green card and never said a word about ending things. What he'd suggested in Washington echoed.
The next morning, Gemma awoke refreshed. The long nap and a solid night’s sleep had done wonders.
She showered and dressed quickly, trying on several outfits until she settled on a loose cotton sundress. Her jeans no longer fit comfortably. Brushing her hair, she was pleased to note the circles beneath her eyes were gone. Healthy color glowed in her cheeks.
Nikos was already at the dining room table, the remnants of his breakfast in front of him as he sipped coffee and read some papers.
How domestic, she thought as she slipped into her seat. She wished she felt more comfortable in the situation.
“Good morning,” he said. “You look much better.”
“I feel wonderful.”
“Up to shopping, then?”
“Always,” she replied as Hal entered, carrying a fresh pot of tea.
“Have you decided which room to use as a nursery?” Nikos asked.
For a moment Gemma wanted to tell him she wanted to use her room, as it was next to his. But then he’d wonder where she planned to stay, and somehow she hadn’t figured out a way to get him to invite her back into his room, to insist she share that big bed.
She nodded. “Initially, the baby can bunk in with me. Then I thought the yellow room across the hall.”
Nikos nodded, saying nothing.
What was he thinking, she wondered. How was it possible she anticipated his needs in business so easily and yet had no clue about what he thought when they were home?
When she had finished eating, Nikos instructed Hal to have the car available in thirty minutes.
As they wandered around the infant department in a large store an hour later, Gemma realized for the first time what a difference a baby would make in her life. She felt suddenly grateful for the magnitude of Nikos' gesture in marrying her.
She appreciated the fact she wouldn't have to go through her pregnancy alone. That she'd have someone to share the difficulties with. Someone to be with her when the baby arrived.
Watching Nikos as he moved purposefully among the furniture, she suspected he'd prove to be a good father. He'd make sure any child felt secure and loved. And he'd teach him as well about honesty and honor.
She almost stopped in her tracks when she realized how fervently she wished the baby was his. She felt as if she was shortchanging the man who offered her so much.
“Something wrong?” he asked, as if attuned to her.
She looked up, searching for something that would let her continue on this path.
“No, except…”
He glanced at her and then took her hand, threading his fingers through hers as he pulled her out of the aisle and into a small space near the infant swings.
“What?”
She took a deep breath.
“Nikos, I don’t think I can go through with this after all. I’m taking and taking, and you’re getting nothing out of this arrangement.”
“Buying baby furniture?”
She shook her head, wanting to make him understand.
“No, not that. This marriage. You got your green card and can stay in the country. And with the negotiations finished…”
“There’s the Alteras merger to incorporate, don’t forget.”
“I know, but to be stuck with me and with James’s baby…”
She ran out of words, feeling miserable.
“Ah, I think I see where you are going with this. Do you still long for James?”
“No! He’s despicable. I'd never take up with the man again, knowing what I know now. I feel sorry for his wife and sorry for him and all the joy he’ll miss not knowing this baby. But I never want to have anything to do with him.”
Her sincerity rang clearly.
“I loved him once, but he destroyed that love forever. And turned out to be a completely different man from what I thought he was.”
“Then I cannot see the problem.”
“It’s not fair to you.”
For a long moment Nikos stared at her.
“How is it unfair?”
“You should have someone fresh and free from complications from a previous relationship. Someone who knows how to dress for high society and fit in with galas and opening nights. Someone who will give you lots of babies.”
“And you can’t?”
She blinked. “I don’t know.”
She was silent for a moment, thinking.
“The event we went to wasn’t the disaster I expected.”
“I was speaking of lots of babies.”
“Oh.”
Heat swept through her as she thought of having Nikos' babies. Of dark-haired infants with black eyes.
Her heart rate soared.
“Of course I could, if you really wanted. But after the night at Allessandros and Megan’s, you said nothing more. I thought you'd changed your mind.”
He raised their linked hands, turning so he could brush his lips across the back of hers.
“I did not change my mind.”
He looked at her with grave eyes.
“If you had been married before with a child and your husband had died or you divorced him, would you expect never to get married again?”
She shook her head.
“Nor would I. If Katrina and I had had a child, and it lived with me, would you come to care for that child?”
“I think I would.”
“That’s what I think about your baby. I believe I'll grow to care for that baby as if he or she were my own. Another man may have sired the child, but I will be its father.”
Tears welled in her eyes, and she tried to absorb the full extent of his statement.
“Thank you,” she whispered, tightening her grip on his hand.
He brushed back some of her hair, his fingers lingering against her cheek.
“Let us have no more doubts, all right?”
She nodded, love overflowing for this powerful man. If she hadn't already tumbled in love with him, this would have caused her to do so. Now his comment strengthened her feelings. But she knew better than to allow a hint of that love to show.
That had not been part of their bargain.
“Then let’s go find the best crib we can for our baby,” she said calmly.
They examined every crib and listened to the salesclerk explain the various safety features, the benefits of one over another. Gemma was pleased to discover she and Nikos both liked the same one, in cherry wood with carved spindles. They bought a matching cradle and a changing table. Then a whimsical mobile—Nikos' idea.
Browsing through the bedding, they selected colorful sheets and blankets.
“We should buy some clothes, too,” Nikos said.
“Not that the baby will need much,” she murmured as she piled the bedding in Nikos' arms.
“You may find things in Greece you’d like to get, too,” Nikos said.
“Mmm.”
She still had doubts and concerns about the impending visit, but she was curious to see his home, to meet his parents and learn more about her husband.
By the time they’d finished shopping, Gemma was glad to return to the apartment. She was ready for another nap. She hoped this fatigue didn't last the entire nine months.
Entering the apartment, she instantly felt at home. What had changed? Knowing how Nikos felt toward her baby was one factor. Was hope another? Would someday her husband grow to care for her as he promised to grow to care for her child?
“If we're leaving at the end of next week, there're a bunch of loose ends to wind up. You can stay home all week and rest. And when the furniture's delivered, you can show them where to put everything.”
“I'm not staying home. We can let Hal know where to put things. I’ll keep the cradle in my room for the first few weeks. But we can set up the rest of the furniture in the yellow room.”
“You need rest.”
“I'll get enough rest, even if I have to go to bed at seven thirty. But I'm not sick or an invalid. I can do my job.”
He looked frustrated.
“Very well. We'll see how the week goes.”
She nodded. “And it'll go fine.”
He looked at his watch. “I'm going to the office for a little while today. I’ll be back before dinner.”
“I could go in with you,” she offered.
Nikos shook his head.
“Rest up. Time enough Monday for the hectic pace at work. Besides, I suspect you'd like to go through the things we bought.”
Smiling at the thought of the layette, of the tiny baby clothes and the velvety soft teddy bear Nikos also insisted they purchase, Gemma hesitated.
“Actually I would, but I’ll wait for you. We can ooh and ahh over them together.”
He looked at her for a moment, then shook his head slowly.
“I’m not a man to ooh and ahh over things.”
She laughed.
“Okay, then you can just hand them to me one by one, and I’ll do enough for both of us.”
He frowned.
She laughed softly again and reached out to pat his arm.
“Don’t worry, we’ll have fun together..”
“I’m sure of it. You have a knack for making the ordinary special,” Nikos said.
He drew her closer and kissed her quickly, then set her free.
“I’ll be home for dinner. Tell Hal.”
With that, he was gone.
Grateful for the time to rest over the weekend, Gemma took advantage of every moment. She slept in late Sunday and even napped in the afternoon. By Monday, she felt refreshed and ready to face the week.
Shortly before quitting time Monday afternoon, Nikos stepped out of his office.
“Hal called—the furniture has arrived. Turns out the crib came in a box and needs assembling. I thought we could leave early and assemble the crib after dinner.”
Gemma looked up, startled. He seemed as interested in getting things set up for the baby as she was.
“Assembly? The delivery guys didn't do it?”
“Apparently not.”
“Do you know anything about assembling furniture?”
“No, but how hard can it be?”
“Okay. I’ll just tidy my desk and be ready.”
“Hal will be downstairs with the car in twenty minutes.”
Once home, they changed into casual clothes and hurried through dinner. Gemma felt the excitement grow at the thought of getting the baby's room ready. As if a treat awaited, instead of an unfamiliar chore.
Gemma had chosen the yellow room across the long hall from her own. The baby monitor they’d purchased insured she’d be able to hear the baby no matter where she went in the apartment, but she liked the thought of having the child close. Once it graduated from the cradle, that is.
They'd checked out the furniture when they first arrived at home. They’d positioned the dresser against a wall and placed the changing table in front of it. The rocker set at an angle. The crib was in a big box leaning against another wall. A smaller box held the cradle.
Gemma noted that Hal had emptied the room before the delivery.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Gemma asked, looking at the boxes yet to be opened.
“Certain.”
A few minutes later, Nikos had the parts of the crib spread across the floor. It turned out to be a simple task to affix the ends, the slide rails, the sides of the crib, insert the springs. Gemma held the ends as he attached the various items.
He could almost feel her excitement.
“Did Hal wash the linen?” he asked as he tightened a screw.
“Yes, everything's ready to be used. But if we set it up this early, everything will be dusty before the baby's born.”
“And everything can be washed again,” he said.
She smiled at him, her eyes shining.
“Yes, that’s true, isn’t it? I can’t wait to see how it all will look.”
He stared at her for a long moment, forgetting the screwdriver he held, forgetting the last steps left in the crib's assembly. She looked so pretty holding the end of the crib, her eyes full of dreams. He wasn’t expecting to feel so much for her. Their relationship had always been completely business like.
But he wanted her. Tightening his grip on the screwdriver, he drew a deep breath. When she looked up at him with that smile, he wanted to throw caution to the wind, sweep her into his arms and kiss her until tomorrow.
“We still have the cradle to assemble, too, don’t forget,” she said happily. “I didn’t realize how multi-talented you are. This is great.”
Sycophants over the years had tried flattery to get something, but the compliment from Gemma was heartfelt. And touched him as nothing else ever had.
Dragging his gaze away from her, he finished what he was doing.
“Wait a minute and you can help me make up the crib,” she said, hurrying from the room.
In two minutes she was back, arms piled high with the bedding.
Nikos enjoyed working with her. His fingers brushed hers as they smoothed the sheet, brightly covered with circus animals.
“Okay, now set up the mobile,” she ordered, placing the teddy bear in one corner.
Once they finished, he could escape to the office, immerse himself in the last-minute details he wanted to complete before their trip. Focus on something to take his mind off the growing desire he felt for her.
But until then, the sweet scent of his wife and her enthusiastic delight in the mundane task of making a baby's bed surrounded him.
When they entered her bedroom to assemble the cradle, Nikos hesitated in the doorway. There was a feminine feel to the room he’d never noticed before. Her scent filled the air, a frilly nightgown lay where tossed across the pillow, trailing to the floor. Near the dresser was a pair of high heels, one on its side, as if Gemma had kicked them off and let them stay where they landed.
The need to distance himself grew. He was growing too interested in her, too involved. Too caught up in the fantasy of a family life, or what one could be like.
Yet nothing had been confirmed with a lasting commitment. Time enough to reevaluate the situation once the baby was born.
The cradle looked small when he lifted it onto the supports a few minutes later. Gently pushing it, he could picture a tiny infant snuggled down in it, soothed by the swaying.
He brought his gaze up to Gemma. Would the baby look like her?
She smiled and reached out to touch his arm.
“Thanks. This is perfect.”
He drew her into the circle of his arms and lowered his face to kiss her. She tasted sweet and warm and womanly. Deepening the kiss, he let the feelings sweep through him, hot and exciting. He wanted her.
Then he stepped back, turned and left the room. That road was one he had traveled before. He didn’t plan to go that way again. He needed distance. Distance and distractions. Gemma wasn't Katrina.
Even so, the better way forward was not to fall in love with his wife.
A week later, while gazing out the window on the flight to London, Gemma remembered every caress and embrace she’d shared with Nikos.
For the three days after leaving so abruptly Monday night, he hadn’t touched her once.
Yet hadn’t he said something about wanting to be a daddy to her baby? Didn’t that imply a future together? Granted, they’d been inundated with tasks at work that took a lot of concentration and long hours. But the rides to and from were quiet. He could have brought up the topic.
Confused, she tried to find some glimmer of understanding about the complex man sitting beside her in first class. But she felt no closer than the day he’d proposed his wild scheme of a marriage of convenience.
When they returned to New York, she'd definitely give Megan a call to see if she could shed some light on how to deal with her husband. It was obvious from the love and devotion between Megan and Allessandros they'd found the key. While Gemma didn’t expect love from Nikos, maybe she could at least figure out how to draw closer.
Always keeping her own love for him a secret.
He'd never mentioned expecting love in their relationship.
And after his experience with Katrina, she knew he didn’t have a high opinion of love.
But it was hard to resist touching him, soaking up every scrap of time with him, listening to his every word.
From London, they flew to Athens. Spending the night in a luxurious hotel, Gemma saw little of the city; she was too tired and eager for sleep. Early the next morning, they boarded a private jet, which flew them directly to the seaside town of Pylos.
“It’s beautiful,” she exclaimed as the plane banked into a turn on its final approach to the small airport. The Ionian Sea was a deep blue with sugar white sandy shores edging it. A wide stretch of lush green bordered the beach. The white buildings below were dazzling in the sun.
“I have always thought so,” Nikos said, leaning close as he, too, gazed from the window.
For him, it was home. Would she ever feel like this place was home?
Disembarking, Gemma breathed the sweet fragrance in the air. Jasmine, and an unfamiliar scent. But the sudden intense heat caught her unawares, and the glare of the sun seemed relentless.
Once they disembarked, they hurried across the tarmac to the coolness of the small airport.
“Nikos!”
An older man and woman rushed toward them with big smiles and open arms.
In seconds, Nikos introduced Gemma to his parents, Stefanos and Maria. They seemed more formal than Gemma expected, but also seemed pleased to meet her.
Before long, they were in their air-conditioned car and heading for their home.
Gemma gazed avidly from the window, trying to see everything. Buildings gleamed sparkling white in the bright sunshine. The roads were wide, with unfamiliar trees lining both sides. Villas were tucked behind high masonry walls, only the tile roofs visible from the street.
As they passed through a shopping district, she was intrigued to see some storefronts with names she’d associated with New York and London, side by side with outdoor displays of local merchandise.
Pylos was obviously a tourist town. People strolled along the sidewalks, and she saw tour buses as they headed out of town.
Gemma continued to stare out the window, charmed by the buildings so different from New York. What else would she find different?
When Stefanos turned between the wide gates of a private estate, Gemma looked eagerly at Nikos' childhood home. The villa was lovely—white with soaring columns and a two-tiered veranda around all sides. Gardens with a profusion of blossoms surrounded the house. Beyond, she glimpsed the sea.
“Welcome to our home,” Nikos' mother said, turning to smile politely at Gemma.
“It's beautiful,” Gemma replied.
She felt awkward and wished she knew what Nikos' parents really thought of their hasty marriage. So far, they'd been very gracious.
Did they compare her to Katrina? And if so, did they hope this marriage would last?
“I'll show you to your room. You both must be tired from all the travel and the time change. Perhaps you'd care to rest before dinner.”
“I was thinking Gemma could take a nap,” Nikos said.
Exasperated, Gemma glared at him.
“I’m not tired. I’m too excited. I want to see everything.”
“We’ll have plenty of time later to see things,” he responded.
Gemma frowned. She would not argue with him when they just arrived. But she had something to say once they reached their room.
It was clear that Nikos’ parents were aware of the tension building up, but they remained silent.
Her feeling of being totally out of place faded when she saw their rooms. They were warm and inviting. High ceilings gave the illusion that they were larger than their actual size. The far wall was entirely glass, with French doors that opened to a veranda. Had this been the model for his apartment in New York?
The large windows on the adjacent wall overlooked the garden and the sea beyond. She spotted a walkway, partially hidden by towering shrubs she believed led to the beach.
“It’s beautiful,” she said sincerely, crossing to the windows to gaze at the view.
“I want to walk beside the sea. Go swimming.”
She spun around.
“I can’t go swimming—I’ll feel like a beached whale, plus, I didn't bring a bathing suit.”
“Whales don’t come as small as you. At this stage, it’s hard to even tell you're pregnant. And lack of a suit isn't a problem. Tomorrow we'll go shopping. We’ll find something that will fit.”
“No, I don’t need to go swimming.”
“Of course you do. You can't come all the way to Greece and not swim in the sea.”
She gave a quick longing glance at the water, then turned back to the room.
“You're right. I need a new suit anyway. I haven't been swimming once since I moved to New York.”
She looked at him and placed her hands on her hips.
“There is another matter we need to discuss.”
He looked up from the suitcase he started to unpack.
“That sounds ominous.”
“You can't speak for me.”
“True.”
“Then don't be telling people I need a nap. I'm grown up now. If I'm tired, I can say so and do something about it.”
He slowly grinned.
Gemma wanted to stomp her foot. His smile caused that fluttering feeling again. Wasn't he taking her seriously?
“I knew the minute the words left my mouth I'd hear about it,” he said. “You're right. We had a good night's sleep last night and the flight here was hardly arduous. Change into something comfortable and we'll take the path to the beach. Even if we don't swim today, we can see the water.”
“Thank you,” she said primly, then laughed. “Maybe this union will last.”
“Why wouldn't it, if that's the way we choose?”
“What if your parents don't like me? What if your father doesn't want his son married to another foreigner?” she asked.
What if Nikos realized he’d made a mistake? Was the reason for his distracted air this last week showing that he was already thinking of ways to end their marriage?
Her heart sank. Just when she thought they were drawing closer, he seemed to pull away.
He crossed the room and tilted her chin up with a finger, gazing down into her eyes. Gemma caught her breath, longing to gaze into his eyes for the rest of her life.
“We'll go shopping tomorrow. Today, we'll take it easy. My father and mother will love you once they get to know you. We'll visit with them after we walk to the sea. You'll love them, I believe, when you get to know them. Tonight we’ll all dine on the veranda and enjoy being at my family's home.”
She nodded, already growing nervous. She was no good at small talk. What would she find to discuss during dinner?
Two days later, Gemma was frustrated.
She leaned against the railing of their balcony and glared at the sea. Nothing was going as she had thought it would.
Who'd have expected Nikos to be tied up so much with business? Didn’t his father trust him? They’d been behind closed doors for hours every day. And tonight there was a reception. An event to welcome their son and his new bride.
She and Maria had little in common. They were cordial at meals, and the older woman had taken her into town one day to shop for the swimsuit Gemma wanted.
Instead of swimming with her husband, she took the path to the beach by herself and tried to enjoy the solitary splendor of the pristine white beach while he was tied up with business.
Tonight she'd meet the neighbors and family friends and smile and try to display how she adored her husband while making sure he never suspected she truly adored him.
She slapped her hand on the railing in frustration. Any thought she had of their learning more about each other had fled. Nikos was more distant than ever. Waiting until she was asleep before coming to bed, he was gone before she awoke in the morning. And they were never alone. What was going on? She understood his wanting to spend time with his parents. But she was feeling totally neglected.
Had being at his home changed his mind? Was he now regretting his hasty marriage to another foreigner? Did he wish to end their agreement and seek true companionship among the women he knew in Greece?
Restless, she pushed away from the railing and headed down the stairs to the garden. Garden was a misnomer. Estate would be more like it, she thought as she reached the area. It was huge, easily covering over ten acres. Winding her way along the sandy pathway, she touched the shrubbery lining the walkway. It grew tall enough to be used in a maze. Alcoves were set every dozen feet, with stone benches and small gurgling fountains. Sitting on one for a moment, she tried to let the soothing sound of the water calm her nerves.
No use. She jumped up and continued walking toward the beach. There was an ornamental gate—for show, not security. It only latched, not locked. She lifted the lever and stepped onto the pristine sand. Not a soul had used the beach when she'd been here since she arrived. It was private to the family, and none of them seemed as enamored with it as she was.
Feeling free for a moment, she ran lightly across the sand until her sandals became drenched with the lapping water. Warm and soft, it seemed to caress her feet. Splashing as she walked, she headed away from the house. She wished Nikos had joined her, but he was once again tied up with his father.
And if she could be at ease with his mother, maybe she wouldn’t feel so much like an odd man out. But Maria Petropoulos spoke English hesitantly. And slowly.
Honored she’d even make the effort, Gemma still felt it was a chore, and she hated to put the woman through it. They had little in common. Nikos' mother had no interest in business. And Gemma knew little about taking care of a house as large as theirs.
After two days, Gemma knew the various people who lived in the large house and had even met several neighbors who had stopped by. Most spoke a little English. She felt awkward that she had not tried to learn Greek.
“Gemma.”
She turned and her heart skipped, then raced.
Nikos wore loose white trousers. The shirt billowed in the light breeze that danced across the water. She waited, watching him approach, her heart in her throat. He was so gorgeous it was all she could do to keep herself from dashing down the beach and throwing herself into his arms, demanding that he love her as much as she loved him.
“Free for a while?” she asked as he drew near. She knew her place in the scheme of things. Nikos wasn’t looking for love.
He was barefoot, and just the sight of his bare feet set her nerves tingling.
“Free until it’s time to get ready for the reception.” He looked across the sea. “We could go sailing one day if you wish.”
“I would. That would be great. But it’s also fun to walk along the beach. I haven’t seen any shells.”
“The beach is raked every few days. Until there is another storm, I doubt you’ll find any.”
Imagine, they raked the sand. No wonder the wide expanse was so pristine.
“I thought you might be with my mother,” he said as they began walking in the direction Gemma had been heading.
“It seems hard for her to speak English.”
Had she heard a note of censure? Or just gentle inquiry?
“She likes the chance to practice. Is it too difficult to understand her?”
“Oh, no. She has a beautiful accent, very British and all. Like yours.”
She hesitated a moment.
“Ah, but there is something.”
“What could we talk about, Nikos? You know I’m not good at small talk, and she and I have nothing in common.”
“You can discuss children. She has raised several and would be delighted to offer suggestions. She hesitates to intrude, however.”
Gemma swung around and stared at him. “You told them about the baby?”