Single Daddy's Valentine: (A Small Town Fake Fiancee Romance)

by Amanda Horton

  “Gemma!” he hollered over the storm. When he finally found a pulse, his heart heaved a sigh of relief, but he couldn’t make her wake up. He moved the boats into the safety of the lagoon and then set the skipper free, taking the smaller boat into the enclosure of the estate house. He killed the engine and carried her back into the house, praying to every God he could name for mercy and favor for Gemma.

  “Hang on, Gemma!” he told her. “You’re so cold!” I have to get her warmed up. He lay her on the rug in the living area. He tugged at her sodden clothing. “We…need…to get these…wet clothes…off of you.” He finally worked her clothing off, skimming his hands and eyes over her prone form, looking for visible signs of injury.

  He gently turned her head, locating the cut and a large bump on the back of her head. “If only you would wake up and tell me what happened.” He grabbed a nearby blanket and draped it over her. Standing up, he stripped out of his own soaked clothing.

  I need to call for a helicopter. A quick glance outside dashed that thought away. Not in this weather! No one is going to risk their life flying in these winds and storm. He looked back at the woman, shivering on the floor. I can’t lose you now! I just found you. “Stay with me, Gemma. I’ll get you warm.”

  He picked her up, blanket and all, and carried her into the nearest bedroom. He settled them both between the sheets, piling the quilt and blankets over their bodies and wrapping himself around her icy cold body. She shivered violently. “You’ll feel warm in a few minutes,” he whispered against her temple.

  He smoothed his hands over her arms and back, trying to instill some warmth into her body. “Gemma?” he asked every few minutes, hoping she’d open her eyes and talk to him. “Gemma, you need to wake up. You’re safe now.”

  Twenty minutes later, her lips lost their bluish tint and her shivers had slowed down to just the occasional body-wracking quake. He slipped from the bed and stalked to the window, cursing the storm that still raged outside.

  She needs medical attention! But for once, he was helpless to get what he wanted. Not even the Moustakas name can hold up against Mother Nature.

  He returned to the bed, a towel in his hands. Carefully, he began to dry her hair. It was matted with salt water. He considered carrying her into the shower to give her a proper bath, but was afraid she would get chilled again. He cared too much for her to stop trying. Suddenly, keeping his feelings locked inside was impossible.

  “Lígo gáta, please wake up. De exo niosi pote etsi os tora. I’ve never felt this way before. I need you to help me make sense of these feelings.”

  He’d never felt so protective as he did right then—or so useless. For the first time that he could remember, he was scared. Gemma isn’t out of the woods yet. She could die. The fact that she won’t wake up cannot be a good sign.

  His fear was like a physical pain in his chest. He sucked in a long breath. Laying his palm against her neck, he relaxed only when he felt her pulse beating steadily beneath his fingers.

  As soon as this storm breaks, I’ll call the helicopter and get you back to the mainland. You’ll have the best medical care available…I promise. You have to wake up so I can tell you how I really feel.

  “I want to raise Damien with you, by your side. Together, we’ll make sure he knows what a wonderful man his father was. He’ll have the best of everything, go to the best schools, and you won’t have to work unless you want to.

  “We can take him to visit all of the places that bring a spark to his eyes. And maybe one day, we could have a few children of our own.”

  He paused, tears filling his eyes. “Gemma, you have to be here to make this possible. Please, wake up. You have to fight.”

  He dropped his head down, laying it against hers. He stayed vigilant over her all night long. When the winds finally died down close to sunrise, he fell asleep with her cuddled in his arms. Where you belong. I’ll always keep you safe. Nothing like this will ever happen again. You have my word.

  Chapter 15

  The next day…

  Gemma woke slowly. Her head was beating like a painful drum. Her body was sweltering hot. She pushed at the covers, only to realize they weren’t blankets, but a man’s arms holding her tightly. She turned her head slowly, groaning at the pain the movement caused, and came face to face with Leo. She gasped.

  His eyes popped open. He hugged her tighly, muttering to himself in Greek for several minutes before releasing his grip. He searched her eyes. “You are awake!”

  “Apparently so. Could you please let me go? It’s really hot under these covers.” Her voice was scratchy, making her head ache something fierce.

  Leo loosened his arms. Gemma pushed the blankets back, realizing too late that she was completely naked underneath. “Where are my clothes?”

  Leo pointed to a sodden heap of clothing lying on the tiled floor. “I didn’t have the foresight to hang them up to dry last night. I was too worried about you. Gemma, how do you feel?”

  Gemma pulled a blanket around her naked torso. How do I feel? Everything that had happened the day before rushed back. “Petrina! She brought me out here and then left me here.” She gripped Leo’s arm. “She had a gun! Leo, she was going to shoot me!”

  Leo looked grim. “The authorities have already questioned her. Once you have given your statement, she will be held accountable for her actions. Why would you go sailing with her after the way she treated you?”

  Gemma flushed. “She said she was sorry and that she wanted to be friends. She seemed nothing like the woman I had originally met, and I wanted to get away….”

  Leo’s eyes softened. “From me?”

  “I just needed some time to think. Your parents took Damien…” She looked around frantically, as if she expected to see her son. “Leo, I need to make sure Damien is okay.”

  Leo pushed himself to his feet. “I will try the radio, but I warn you, the storm was vicious last night. It might be a while before we get reception back.”

  Gemma tried to stand, crying out as sharp pain lanced through her skull. She gripped her head with both hands. It was several seconds before she could speak. “What happened to my head?”

  “You were bleeding when I found you floating at the sea. It’s a wonder the boat didn’t capsize.”

  Gemma blanched. “I thought several times it might. Oh, God, Leo! The waves were so big…”

  Leo pulled her into a hug. Gemma closed her eyes, basking in the comfort he offered. I’ll remember this feeling. I’ll need it in the days to come. She was pretty sure she would be having more than one nightmare about being trapped on the boat during the storm.

  “Shush, lígo gáta. You are safe now.”

  Gemma nodded gingerly. She allowed him to comfort her for several long moments. “Did you come after me?”

  Leo nodded. “Yes, as soon as I realized what had occurred. I feel that this is all my fault.”

  Gemma didn’t give him a pass on his feelings of guilt. It was pressure from him that had brought her to Greece in the first place. She pulled away. Immediately a wave of nausea hit her. “Oh, no.”

  “What’s wrong?” he inquired, holding her up as her knees started to buckle.

  “I’m going to be sick.”

  Leo immediately swept her up in his arms, carrying her through to the closest bathroom. He deposited her by the toilet, holding her hair as she emptied her stomach.

  When she was finished, he handed her a cup to rinse her mouth out with and then a damp rag to wipe her face. He then carried her back into the bedroom and settled her in the bed once more.

  Gemma felt like a damp cloth. She could only huddle in the bed as shivers wracked her body. Her body was hurting everywhere and her headache was becoming more intense. “Leo, I don’t feel very well.” She closed her eyes, finding the effort to keep them open more than she had in her.

  “I know.” His voice was soothing, and he gently massaged her hands. “Let me go try the radio and see if I can get some help headed this wa
y. I could take you back in the boat…”

  Gemma moaned in distress. “No boat!”

  “I didn’t think you would be up for that and to tell you the truth, neither am I. Hang on, and I’ll get help coming as soon as possible.”

  *****

  Leo was frantic about Gemma. She didn’t look well at all. She needed medical attention soon. He fired up the radio, trying the first two of the three emergency channels, and getting no response. As he dialed in the third and final frequency, he offered up a prayer to the Gods for help. He sent the distress call and when a voice came back, he was so shocked that it took him a moment to respond.

  “Ya sou. Is anyone there?” the voice called a second time.

  “Neh! I’m here. This is Leonidis Moustakas. I have a woman in urgent need of medical attention on the island échase parádeisos. How soon can you send a helicopter?”

  “Mr. Moustakas, we are pleased to hear that you did not perish during the storm.” It was the Coast Guard captain. “I trust you found the American woman?”

  “Neh! She was unconscious. She’s awake now, but is nauseated and needs to see a doctor soon. Is the storm over?”

  “It is. I will have a chopper headed in your direction as soon as we end this transmission. Is there a place on the island for it to land?”

  “There is a helipad on top of the main house. You’ll see it marked clearly.”

  “Very good. Safe journey, and I look forward to meeting this woman you risked your life for one day.”

  Leo signed off and then headed to tell Gemma the good news. He stood in the doorway, watching her for several minutes. The thought of how close he’d come to losing her forever almost brought him to his knees.

  She stood at the window, seemingly lost in thought too. Even in her disheveled condition, she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

  Leo stepped toward her, hoping his words would give her relief. “I was able to make contact. A chopper is on its way right now. You need to sit back down before you fall over.”

  Gemma tried to smile at him, but only tears came. “Damien?”

  “I need to radio home and let them know what is happening. I will have them bring Damien to the hospital.”

  Gemma’s tears fell faster. “No, please. I don’t need to go to a hospital.”

  “The doctor…”

  “Please, Leo. I don’t want to go to a hospital.”

  Leo warred with himself for only a moment. “Very well. I will have the doctor come to you.” He grinned at her confused expression, smoothing her hair back from her face and using his thumbs to wipe away her tears. “Another benefit of having lots of money. You can pay people to do things others can’t. We have a family physician who loves making house calls. He’s been my doctor since I was born.”

  Gemma smiled gratefully at him. Her tears started to subside. “Thank you. How do you say that in Greek?”

  “Efkharisto,” he told her. “I will be happy to teach you all the Greek you want to learn, but first you must get better.”

  “Could I… Could I talk to Damien?”

  Leo nodded. He picked her up, covers and all, and carried her to where the radio was setup. He positioned her in the chair and then placed the call. The call was connected via a transfer station and shortly thereafter he was speaking directly to his father. He informed him of their situation and asked that the doctor be summoned to attend to Gemma’s injuries upon their arrival.

  His mother was the next to talk. After assuring her they were both going to survive, he let Gemma speak with her through her tears. “Tressa, is Damien okay? I’ve never been away from him at night before.”

  “He is doing fine, Gemma. He was a little confused when you were not there to tuck him in, but I took him up with me and we had a what do you call it…sleep over?”

  Gemma smiled weakly. “Yes, that’s what we call it. Can I speak to him?”

  “He is right here. Damien, can you talk to your momma?”

  “Hey, sweetie.” Tears ran freely down her cheeks. Leo felt his own eyes well up. “I miss you, so much. I’ll be home soon. I love you.”

  “Love you,” Damien repeated back to her, his tone indicating he was confused by hearing her voice and not being able to see her.

  Gemma couldn’t talk anymore. Leo ended the call a few minutes later. He carried her back to the bed. “I’m going to see what I can find for us to wear. Even billionaires cannot go around naked without repercussions.”

  Gemma tried to smile. “I would prefer not to arrive back at your parents’ home in a blanket.”

  After digging through all of the bedrooms, he found enough clothing to decently cover both of them. He then went up on the roof to check there was nothing on the helipad to prevent the chopper landing safely.

  Three hours later, they descended on the helipad at the Moustakas estate. Gemma had contained her nausea during the journey, but her skin was a pasty white. Leo could see the pain in her eyes. He didn’t wait for help, he simply picked her up and bore her inside the house.

  There were many things he felt he needed to say—but not until she was pain free and willing to listen. He wasn’t sure if everything would work out, but the thought of living without her and Damien was a bleak one. One I will do everything possible to avoid.

  Chapter 16

  The Moustakas Estate…

  Gemma burst into tears the minute she saw Damien. Her son reached out his tiny arms toward her. “Please, Leo...”

  Leo was carrying her toward the stairs. He hesitated, finally lowering her to the ground, allowing her to hug the little boy close to her for several long moments.

  “Mommy missed you so much, little man.”

  Damien held onto her neck. When Tressa disengaged him so that Leo could continue carrying her up the stairs, he burst into cries for his mother. The sound nearly broke her heart. She was wailing loudly by the time Leo entered her rooms and laid her upon the bed. Seconds later, Damien scrambled to her side, wrapping his little body around her like a second skin.

  “Shush, darling. Mommy’s here now.” Her head was pounding, but nothing could keep her away from her baby.

  “Gemma, the doctor is here. Do you think Damien would come with me?” Leo knelt by the side of the bed. His expression was gentle as he looked down at her son, far gentler than she’d believed was possible for Leo.

  She took a calming breath. “Hey, Damien, did you say hello to Uncle Leo? How about you go sit in that chair with him while the doctor looks at Mommy’s head?”

  Damien didn’t immediately warm to the idea, but when Leo picked up one of his favorite books and offered to read it, he nodded and went to him. He turned and looked at her, wanting to make sure she wasn’t going to leave.

  Gemma’s heart melted. I won’t leave you alone again. I promise.

  “Kalimera, Miss Larsen.”

  Gemma was greatly relieved that the doctor spoke perfect English. “Good afternoon, Doctor.”

  He beamed at her. “Now, I understand you were on the open water during last night’s storm. I must say, you are a very lucky young lady.”

  “It’s true,” she told him. “I must have fallen backwards in the boat and hit my head.”

  “Let’s take a look, shall we?” He urged her into a sitting position and then prodded around her scalp.

  Gemma was very aware of her audience. A blush stained her cheeks when the doctor inquired about various other injuries and bodily functions that might have suffered due to last night’s escapade. “I threw up earlier today and have felt nauseated off and on all day long but the achiness seems to have gone away.”

  “The nausea is to be expected with a concussion. I would like to prescribe some antibiotics for you and plenty of bed rest. You may experience some dizziness, so take it easy on the stairs for a while.”

  Gemma nodded. “Is there anything I can take for this headache?”

  “Of course.” He wrote out directions for some over-the-counter painkillers and Tre
ssa immediately sent a maid to fetch them from the household medical kit.

  “Thank you, Doctor.”

  “You are very welcome.” He packed away his medical instruments and then looked over to where Leo and Damien were huddled over a book. “It’s uncanny how similar to his father he looks.”

  Gemma followed the doctor’s gaze and then shook her head, realizing he’d jumped to the wrong conclusion. “Leo is not his father. Alexi is Damien’s father.”

  The doctor turned to look at her, shaking his head. “That is impossible.”

  The doctor’s comments drew everyone’s attention. Silence fell over the room.

  The medical man looked around and sighed. “I promised Alexi that I would never share his secret, but seeing as he is no longer here and you all believe Alexi is the father of this child, I cannot keep quiet.”

  Vasil came forward. “What secret are you keeping?”

  “This child is not Alexi’s. There is no possibility of that being so.”

  Leo carried Damien over to the bed to cuddle with his mother. “Explain,” he demanded.

  The doctor nodded grimly. “Alexi was very ill five years ago.”

  “I remember that,” Tressa said. “He ran a very high fever and spent a few days in the hospital getting fluids and antibiotics.”

  Leo translated the Greek for Gemma. She frowned, doing her best to follow along.

  “After he recovered, he came to me. A young woman he’d been…seeing had suddenly announced she was pregnant. Alexi suspected she was lying. He initially wanted me to run a paternity test as he didn’t believe he could have fathered this woman’s child.

  “I explained to him the possibility of there being some lasting effects from his illness. He asked me to run some tests, and I did. The results showed that the illness had left him sterile. Alexi was incapable of fathering children after his illness, most likely due to the extremely high temperature he ran for so many days.”