“What do you mean you’re on your way?” His voice sounded fierce.
She gripped her phone tighter. “I’m at the airport and they’re calling for my flight right now. I have to go.”
“When will you be coming back?”
Heaven help me.
“I’m flying straight back to California after I leave Venice. I’ve been away a long time and need to get my affairs in order before I start teaching again this fall.”
“You can’t leave yet. There are things you don’t know. Things I need to tell you.”
“Andreas—I’m so sorry. I have to board the plane. But let me say this one last thing. You’ll never know what meeting you has meant to me. I’ll always be grateful to you for everything. You’re the finest man I’ve ever known. I guarantee that in time your life is going to be happy again. Take care, my good friend.”
CHAPTER THREE
ZOE STOOD NEXT to Abby and her husband, Raoul Decorvet, in front of the fabulous Palazzo Della Scala in Venice. Together with the other wedding guests, they watched Vittorio kiss a radiant Ginger before helping her climb in the flower-laden gondola in their wedding finery.
Off on a honeymoon and a heavenly future, and Zoe couldn’t have been happier for her, or for Abby, who’d also recently married her titled Frenchman and now lived in Burgundy.
Abby and Raoul had invited Zoe to stay with them until she had to fly back to California. That was her plan. But later in the day when she went up to the guest room in the palazzo, she ended up calling her friend.
“Abby? There’s something I have to tell you. If you can’t talk now—”
“Raoul is still downstairs with Vittorio’s family discussing the lawsuit being waged against him. What’s wrong?”
Zoe broke down and told her about Andreas. “Do you think I’m crazy to want to go back when nothing can come of it?”
“You’re asking me a question like that? The woman who left for France with a virtual stranger who might or might not have been on the level about showing me a poem of Lord Byron’s?”
She laughed through the tears. “But Raoul wasn’t just working his way through a troubled separation. I don’t know any details about Andreas’s marriage and don’t want to, but I’ve seen the pain in his eyes. Sometimes he seems miles away. Whatever he’s holding back, he hasn’t shared it with me. I can’t handle it.”
“At least this Andreas told you up front he was separated from his wife and had a child, but it sounds like he’s being careful. I’m sorry you left before he could explain more. It might have been important.”
Zoe wiped the moisture off her cheeks. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t really matter because I’m afraid to get in any deeper. Like Nate, he’s no more ready for a lasting relationship than a fly. That’s the only kind I want and probably won’t ever experience. I’ve been through one divorce and have no desire to be used or hurt because he’s looking for temporary comfort.”
“It doesn’t sound like he’s using you, Zoe. Quite the opposite, in fact, considering his attention to you and the help he’s given you.”
“I’ll admit he’s been incredible.”
“That’s honest at least,” Abby murmured. “Look—I hear what you’re saying, but I can tell you’re really torn up at leaving him. I never thought I’d see you in this condition. Driving off into the sunset with Raoul after what Nigel did to me was close to lunacy, except that I felt something for him I had to explore. Now look what’s happened!”
“Your story is like a fairy tale.”
“Ginger’s is, too. She’d adored her husband who’d died and thought she could never find that happiness again. Then she met Vittorio, who won her heart. Now she’s the wife of a fantastic, important Venetian. Maybe it’s your turn.”
My turn for more regrets.
“Much as I’d selfishly hoped you would stay at the chateau with me for the rest of the summer, my advice is to go back and hear him out.”
She sucked in her breath. “Abby? I can’t believe you’re telling me this. Do you remember the conversation the three of us had at the vineyard in Geneva at the start of our vacation? When you told us about the French Realtor you’d met, Ginger and I were fearful for you. Something that sounded so good couldn’t possibly be true.”
“But it was, Zoe, even though he turned out not to be a Realtor.”
“I know,” she whispered.
“What could it hurt to see him one more time and hear what he has to say? You were pretty abrupt to cut it off on the phone with him when he had no idea you’d been planning to leave. It isn’t as if he did something you couldn’t abide. Or did he?”
“Of course not. If anything—”
“He hasn’t even kissed you?” Abby broke in on her.
Her face went hot. “I told you. It hasn’t been that kind of a relationship. I don’t know what you’d call it.”
“Then go back and find out. If I’m wrong and seeing him again only causes you more pain and frustration, then come to Burgundy. My invitation is always open. As for tomorrow, on our way home Raoul and I will drive you to the airport in the morning, if that’s what you want.”
Zoe’s hand squeezed the phone tightly. “I’m afraid it is what I want. You’re the greatest friend in the world, Abby.”
After they hung up, she booked a flight to Patras. Abby had given her the courage. She needed to see Andreas again one last time and tell him the truth. That she’d started to develop feelings for him but it was wrong to act on them while he still wasn’t free.
* * *
Andreas stared gloomily out the window of his private jet as it headed to Patras airport from Athens, where he’d spent a couple of days on business. After Zoe had said goodbye to him a week ago, he’d almost gone out of his mind. Ari was the only constant in his life and he didn’t see enough of him. Knowing Zoe was on her way to California was killing him.
When he wasn’t with Ari at Gavras House in Athens, Andreas wanted to spend every free minute with Zoe. He’d thought she’d felt the same way until that phone call. Her goodbye had gutted him. He’d experienced a staggering sense of loss and asked her to listen to him, but she’d hung up. He hadn’t had the opportunity to tell her what was on his mind.
The next time he went to Athens, he’d had plans to take her with him so she could meet Ari. Ever since he’d met her, Andreas had sensed something earthshaking was happening to him and she was the reason.
Whatever had frightened her off, he vowed this wasn’t going to be the end. He knew where to find her, even if it meant flying to California.
All these thoughts and more bombarded him as the jet landed and he got in the back of the limousine. He told his driver to take him to the Gavras building complex in the city center. His office manager, Lukas, needed his signature on new construction contracts that would take time to study.
When he walked into his inner sanctum, Lukas followed him inside. “Welcome back. Before we get started, I received a phone call from a woman who is most anxious to talk to you. The number is on your desk.”
“Was she calling from Yorgos Zika’s office?” He supposed it was something to do with Lia asking for more money to finalize the purchase of the Athenian villa she’d chosen. He would pay it. The sooner she was settled, the sooner he would change the temporary terms of visitation.
“No. This woman is an American and asked to speak to you if you were available.”
His heart hammered wildly. Zoe? Why did she call his office instead of reaching him on his cell phone? Was she still in Italy? Andreas was incredulous.
“What did you tell her?”
“That you were flying in from Athens sometime today.”
“Thank you, Lukas. I’ll make the call, then we’ll go over the contracts.”
He nodded and left, shutting the door.
Andreas sat down at his de
sk and called her cell phone. When he heard her say hello, she sounded as breathless as he felt.
“Zoe?”
“Andreas—I wasn’t sure you would bother to return my call. In fact I—I can’t believe you did.” Her voice faltered.
Excitement swept through him. “Why didn’t you call my cell?”
“I was afraid you might not answer it if you knew it was me on the other end. I hoped you’d at least pick up if you were at your office.”
He shook his head at her logic. “Where are you?”
“In Patras at my same apartment.”
Patras? His pulse raced off the charts. “I thought you were in Italy, or had flown on to California.”
“I did attend the wedding, but then I flew back here this morning...because I owe you an apology.”
Maybe he was dreaming. “What do you mean?”
“The way I left Greece so abruptly, I was afraid I might have offended you. Ever since we met, you’ve been nothing but kind to me. When I look back on the time we managed to spend together in spite of our busy schedules, you were always the one giving me rides, taking care of me, paying for our food.”
“It was my pleasure from the very beginning. You know that.”
“But it was very rude and inconsiderate of me to announce that I was leaving without hearing what you had to say. I just want you to know that no researcher from America who’d never been to Greece until now could have been so blessed as to have you of all people for a guide, translator and friend.”
Her touching words caused his throat to swell. “We met at a dark time for me. The last few weeks with you have been my salvation.” She could have no idea.
“And mine. Magda Collier was ecstatic over the research I sent to the script writers, and you had something to do with that.”
“I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“To show my gratitude for all you did for me, could I take you to dinner this evening if you’re free? My treat? Magda paid me well so my funds have been replenished.”
His eyes closed tightly. He’d already made arrangements to eat dinner with his grandparents at their villa and give his grandfather another business update. But this night with Zoe was too important. Andreas would drop by to see them and explain before going home to get ready.
“I’d be honored.”
“I thought we’d go to Naut-oiko. When I visited the University of Patras, the dean told me it’s the best seafood restaurant around.”
There was a lot that went on inside her he still had to find out.
“The dean was right. What makes it even more perfect is that it’s right on the sea. We can take a stroll along the beach after. What time shall I come by for you?” His watch said four fifteen.
“Would seven work for you?”
Andreas wasn’t sure he could wait that long to see her again. “I’ll be out in front.”
“I’ll look for you.”
He hung up a new man who didn’t have time to look over contracts today. With his adrenaline surging, he left the office for his car, telling Lukas he’d work on them early in the morning instead.
* * *
Zoe changed her mind three times before deciding on a floral print of pink, purple and coral on a white dress with a round neck and cap sleeves. If they were going to walk along the shore in the ninety-degree heat, the fluttery material was summery and light. She’d never worn it with Andreas. Everywhere they went, people recognized him. Tonight at dinner she wanted to look her best.
She hadn’t known what kind of greeting she’d get when he’d returned her call. The minute she’d heard his deep enticing voice, she’d started talking way too fast and hadn’t given him a second to breathe. Zoe almost fainted when he said he’d be honored to go to dinner with her.
While she washed and dried her hair, she thought about her conversation with Abby. What if she hadn’t come back to see Andreas? Thank goodness she’d taken her friend’s advice and had been able to tell him how much his friendship had meant to her. Running away from him the other day without allowing him to talk to her had been incredibly childish.
When she told him tonight that she’d be flying to Dijon tomorrow to stay with Abby and Raoul until she went back to California, she would feel she’d shown him the respect he deserved.
Today, while she’d had time after her arrival in Patras, she’d gone to a toy store and bought his son a set of three little ModMobiles on wheels, with interchangeable foam pieces. They were colorful and looked fun to play with. The clerk had put them in a gift bag.
Andreas, with his influence, had done things for her she could never repay. But she knew how much he adored his son and decided a gift for his little boy would please him.
Zoe brushed her hair into its usual windblown style and wore her floral enamel earrings. After applying a peach-scented lotion, she put on her favorite coral lipstick. Once she’d reached for her purse and the gift bag, she felt ready to walk out of the flat in her white leather sandals. It was only ten to seven, but her heart was pounding so hard, she couldn’t stay inside any longer.
This evening she found him lounging against the passenger door of his silver Mercedes sedan with his arms folded. He’d come early, too. Though he looked sensational in everything he wore, the black silk shirt and khaki chinos covering his powerful legs made him more dangerously attractive than ever before.
His penetrating black eyes roved over her, missing nothing. It made her think he was seeing her for the first time. Zoe sensed a marked difference in him that caused her insides to flutter. This was a new Andreas, throwing her off balance.
He straightened to his full height and opened the door as she walked up to him, swallowing hard. “Andreas—thank you for letting me do something for you tonight, even if you had to pick me up.”
One corner of his sensual mouth lifted. “Being a beach-city girl from California, your boss should have paid you enough money to buy the latest Porsche you once told me you coveted. Then you could have picked me up. I never saw anyone work harder than you.”
She felt the sincerity of his unexpected compliment to her bones. “That’s high praise coming from a man the media touts as the human dynamo of Greek industry.”
Her arm brushed against his well-defined chest as she climbed in the car. The mere brief contact darted to every atom of her body. He walked around and got behind the wheel. She could smell the familiar faint scent of the lime soap he’d used in the shower. There wasn’t anything about him that didn’t bring her alive.
You’re in such trouble, Zoe.
An excellent driver, he pulled into traffic and they headed for Rion, a suburb eight kilometers to the northeast of the city. It sat at the foot of Mount Panachaico. This evening she marveled over the view of the heavenly blue Gulf of Corinth spanned by the Rion-Antirion Bridge. The miracle of engineering linked the Peloponnese with mainland Greece.
Andreas had been right. She had a natural affinity for water and sunshine. How she adored Greece, the land of pristine beaches and twelve hours of daylight in summer! Tonight the sun wouldn’t set until close to nine. To be here with him like this was better than any dream where he was always part of it, but forever out of reach and shrouded in mystery.
“Now that you’ve finally finished with your research, do you feel like a woman without a cause?”
She feared he could see right through her. “You’re a very intuitive man and already know the answer.”
They soon reached the delightful-looking open-air restaurant with large white umbrellas to shade the tables. He parked on the side of the road next to the beach and shut off the engine.
“Andreas? Before we get out, I wanted you to have this.” She handed him the bag she’d kept on her lap.
He shot her a surprised glance. “Dinner and gifts? What have I done to deserve all this?”
“Take a
peek.”
In seconds he’d pulled out the box and opened it. The smile that broke out on his handsome face was worth everything. “Ari is going to love these.”
“They look fun to me, too, and indestructible. That photo you showed me of him in your sunglasses tickled me. I may not have met him, but I can just picture him pushing these around on the sand, pretending he’s at one of your hotel construction sites. Your little boy is so lucky to have a great role model in his remarkable father.”
She felt him hesitate before he said, “You’re the one who’s remarkable.” Just now his deep voice sounded husky. Something had been going on in his mind she couldn’t decipher. “So tell me the real reason you’ve come back.”
The truth, Zoe.
“Since we met, I’ve developed feelings for you. Guilty feelings because you’re not free. It frightened me and I ran away. That was childish. You deserved to know the truth face-to-face. If I’ve embarrassed you, I’m sorry.”
He was quiet so long, she couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking. In a minute he gathered the toys into the bag and placed it on the back seat before getting out of the car to help her.
The restaurant was getting crowded, but she’d reserved a table that had an exquisite view of the gulf. The host showed them where to sit and the waiter came right over.
Zoe gave Andreas a brief look. “Please choose whatever you want and I’ll have the same.”
“You trust me?” he quipped.
“How can you ask me a question like that?”
With a subtle smile, he gave the order to the waiter. In a minute they were served Greek frappe known as iced coffee. “This is the ideal drink for a hot night. Try it.”
She did his bidding. “This is delicious.”
He put down his half-empty glass and sat forward. “Just so there’s no question, I’ve developed feelings for you, too. In time I intend to act on them, but not yet. That’s what I was anxious to tell you before you left for Venice.”
Wedding the Greek Billionaire Page 4
