“Sure. Whatever you need.”
She turned around. “Could you pull up my zipper?”
He told himself not to, but he couldn’t resist the temptation of taking in the sight of her bare back. Her smooth skin had a warm bronze tone to it. And in that moment, Stasia had gone from being the sister of his friend to a woman that he desired. He swallowed hard.
He stepped toward her. He told himself that if he did this quickly, it would be all over. The temptation would be gone. And they could return to being nothing more than friends.
Stasia lifted her long hair and swiped it off to the side, revealing her long, slender neck. It was so tempting to lean forward and plant a kiss on the gentle slope where her neck met her shoulder. He wondered what her reaction would be.
“Roberto? Is there a problem?”
Yes! A great big problem. How am I to remain a perfect gentleman when you look so utterly desirable?
“No. No problem.” His voice came out deeper than normal.
Now he had to touch her and act like it was nothing. Otherwise, she would suspect something. And there was no way he wanted to risk their fledgling friendship. He told himself that their friendship was so important to him because she was his only true ally on the ship. Even his cousin was telling him to give romance a chance. Gaia was so happy and she wanted everyone to be just as happy.
He reached out for the zipper. In the process, his fingertips slid across the small of Stasia’s back. He noticed the ever-so-slight intake of her breath. So, it wasn’t just him who was uncomfortable with this intimate situation.
He grasped the zipper, but it wouldn’t budge. How could that be? He pulled harder. Nothing. Though he didn’t want to, he used his other hand to pull the material together, being careful not to touch Stasia’s back. He pulled again. Still nothing.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s the zipper. It’s stuck.”
“Stuck?” She attempted to turn around.
“Don’t move! You’re making it worse.”
He pulled gently on the material, clearing it from the teeth of the zipper. He gave it another go. It started to move. He breathed a sigh of relief. His relief was short-lived as the zipper got stuck again.
“This is ridiculous,” Stasia said. “I’ll just put on something else. Pull down the zipper so I can get out of it.”
He tried pulling it the other direction. “It won’t budge.”
“What?” Concern rang out in her voice. “You mean I’m stuck in this dress that is only half-zipped?”
He needed to get a better view of the zipper. “Move over here.”
He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. This gave him an eye-level view of the problem.
She turned around and took a step toward him. When her heel caught on the carpeting, she lost her balance. Roberto reached out to her, wrapping his hands around her slender waist. He guided her to him. She landed on his thigh.
She turned to look at him. At this point, her face was mere centimeters from his. The breath caught in his throat as his heart hammered against his ribs. He couldn’t ever remember experiencing this powerful of an attraction.
His gaze lowered to her lips. They wore a rosy shade of lip gloss. They reminded him of sun-ripened berries just perfect for picking. But dare he?
When his gaze rose to meet hers, he saw the flames of desire flickering in her eyes. In that moment, she was no one’s widow, no one’s little sister. She was just a very desirable woman who wanted the same thing as him.
He leaned forward. His mouth lightly brushed hers. He had to move with caution. And then he stopped. Too much, too fast, and she’d bolt. The only sound in the room was the beating of his heart echoing in his ears.
He wanted her so badly, but he wasn’t going to rush her. If it killed him, he would sit here and let her walk away. If this kiss were to happen it had to be wanted by both of them.
And then she was there, pressing her lips to his.
At first, her touch was tentative, unsure. He let her lead the way. Right now, he would follow her just about anywhere. Her kiss was sweet and yet it was also spicy. This was a kiss unlike any other—and he’d been kissed a lot. But he knew going forward that Stasia had ruined him for any other woman.
His hand moved to her back. With her zipper stuck, it left her back completely bare. His mouth grew dry. His fingers grazed over the silky-smooth flesh. A moan swelled in the back of his throat. If this didn’t stop soon, it would go so much further than either of them was ready for. And he didn’t want to lose Stasia—as a friend.
It took every bit of willpower in him to grip her bare shoulders and pull back. Desire and confusion warred within her eyes.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean for that to happen.”
“Um...you’re right.” She got to her feet and started to walk away.
“Wait.”
She turned back to him. The confusion was still evident in her eyes, but in place of the desire there was now something else. Could it be disappointment? In a blink, whatever he saw was now gone.
He ran his fingers over his mouth. “Your zipper. I need to get it unstuck.”
She shook her head. “I’ll just change.”
“But I don’t think you can get out of it until the zipper is fixed.”
A distinct frown settled over her beautiful face. He could tell she was considering ways to get out of the dress that didn’t involve him touching her again. And it made him feel bad that he’d let go of his common sense and caused this rift between them. He wondered if—no, he hoped—they could move past it.
“Come here.” When she didn’t move, he said, “The kiss, it won’t happen again.”
Her eyes reflected the uncertainties churning within her.
“I promise.”
That seemed to be enough to get her to move toward him. When Stasia stopped in front of him, he noticed she’d kicked off her high heels. And when she stood with her back to him, she left a modest distance between them. It saddened him that he’d ruined the easiness between them. He would have to work extra hard throughout dinner to gain her trust back.
It took him a few minutes to work the delicate material out of the teeth of the zipper. He slowly pulled on the zipper until it was to the top.
Once she gathered her shoes and purse, he presented his arm to her. For a second, she didn’t move. And then she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. It was a small thing, but it was a start.
* * *
What in the world had happened back there?
Stasia’s heart still hadn’t returned to its normal rhythm. She wasn’t sure it would as long as she was with Roberto. She’d always been aware of his devastatingly handsome looks, but she never thought he would be interested in her. She’d seen him in photos on the internet with fashion models, pop stars and countless other beautiful women on his arm, but she never thought she’d be one of them.
The only vision in her mind was of that kiss.
That kiss, it was mind-blowing. It was sinfully delicious. And she hadn’t wanted it to end—not ever.
And now that it had, she was struck by a tsunami of guilt. She knew it didn’t have to be that way. After all, she’d been a widow for almost two years now. It was past the time for her to move on—at least that was what her friends had been telling her. But it was easier said than done.
Now she was filled with elation that this very sexy man desired her, which was tempered by the thought that she was somehow being unfaithful to her husband’s memory. How could she just act like she hadn’t pledged her heart and life to Lukos?
Her heart continued to beat wildly in anticipation of feeling Roberto’s lips once more. It was traitorous. She was a terrible person.
But then in the back of her mind, she could hear the echo of Lukos’s voice. He’d told her
she was too young to live the rest of her life alone. He’d insisted she find someone to love and have those kids she wanted. Two of them. A boy and girl.
She’d told him that she would always love him—that their memories would be enough for her. At the time, she’d been unable to imagine her life without Lukos.
He’d pushed and prodded until she’d promised to go on with her life and love again. Tears had been involved on both their parts, but Lukos seemed to relax, knowing she wouldn’t give up on life. She wondered what he’d think of her being with Roberto.
Her gaze moved to Roberto. There was absolutely nothing about his stylish haircut, designer suit or flirty smile that said he was ready to settle down. She was worrying too much. It had been a kiss. Nothing more. Everything would be all right.
Once they were seated at their table in the enormous dining room, she ordered a glass of wine. Maybe it would help her relax. She didn’t want the evening to be filled with an awkward silence.
“Can we just pretend that it didn’t happen?” She hoped he’d agree.
His gaze met hers, and just by looking into his eyes, her pulse raced. What was it about this guy that could make her whole body react to him? It was more than just his great looks. Or maybe she was lonelier than she’d thought.
She needed to focus more on her future and then she’d be less distracted by the Robertos of the world. But right now, there was only one Roberto on her radar. And he didn’t seem keen to disregard that steamy kiss.
His voice lowered. It held a sexy rumble to it. “Is that really what you want?”
Her one-word response rushed to the tip of her tongue and teetered there. No. She wanted more of those kisses. Lots more. She would never get enough of them.
But then what? They’d have a steamy onboard affair, and by the time the boat docked back in Athens, she would be left with what? Memories? Would that be enough?
And if she let herself become distracted, she would have no five-year plan for her life. She would be in exactly the same position that she was in now. She couldn’t let that happen.
Renewed in her determination to forge her own path in life, she said, “Yes, that’s what I would like.” But she didn’t want to draw a firm line in the sand. “I’d also like it if we could continue our friendship.”
There was a flicker of something—could it be disappointment in his eyes? Or was she just seeing what she wanted to see?
“I would like that very much.” He sent her a warm, reassuring smile. “Now wait until I tell you about my day.”
It didn’t take long for the awkwardness to fade away. They ordered their dinner and relaxed. Roberto’s day had been anything but boring. And Stasia felt bad for him, not only being set up on a lunch date, but also two other dates that afternoon. And if it hadn’t been for their dinner plans, he would be having dinner with some other young woman.
Stasia sipped her wine. “And here I thought my brother was bad with his overprotective tendencies.”
“Xander just wants what is best for you.”
“Don’t start sticking up for him or I might have to rethink this whole arrangement.” And then she sent him a teasing smile.
Roberto held up his hands in surrender. “I have no interest in getting between two siblings.”
“Smart man. I knew there was a reason I liked you.”
They both smiled and the rest of dinner was filled with light conversation as well as laughter. By the end, Stasia had to admit that she hadn’t had this much fun in...well, in a very long time. And she hated to see it end. But she knew she couldn’t occupy all his time.
“Would you like dessert?” Roberto offered.
She shook her head. “I’m full. The meal was delicious. I must admit that I had my doubts about onboard dining, but they have most definitely put my worries to rest.”
Roberto set aside his napkin. “Thank you for joining me. This dinner was definitely the best part of my day.” His smile faltered and she had to wonder if he was recalling their kiss. “Would you like to do anything else?”
She best not press her luck. “Thank you for the offer, but I should be going.”
“Maybe we can share a meal again while we’re sailing.”
“I’d like that.” She would like that a whole lot—so much so that it scared her.
And with that, they parted company. She went one way and he went the other. She should head back to her cabin to start reading some of the self-help books she’d purchased. Some people would think that she was silly or perhaps frivolous for not having a clear path in life. But when your future was stolen away by cancer you had to regroup. That was what she was doing.
But she found that she was too wound up to concentrate on reading just yet. She told herself it was the lively dinner conversation and that it had absolutely nothing to do with that earth-moving kiss back in her cabin. Either way, she decided a walk around the deck might be nice.
She found that she wasn’t the only one wanting to enjoy the warm evening under the stars. But most of the people around her were coupled up. Some were arm in arm; others were stealing a kiss in the moonlight.
Stasia, in that moment, felt profoundly alone. There was no one waiting back in her cabin for her. Her thoughts turned to Roberto, but she halted them. She would be fine alone.
* * *
“There you are.”
Roberto paused in the hallway. “Hello, Yaya.”
“Did you have a good dinner?”
“I did. Thank you. And how was yours?”
She gave a nonchalant shrug of her shoulder. “It was nothing special. Marissa was sorry you couldn’t have joined us.”
Marissa must be another attempt at matchmaking. “Like I said, I had a prior commitment. And I didn’t want to cancel at the last moment.” He knew how his grandmother felt about manners—even when it foiled one of her matchmaking schemes.
“Perhaps tomorrow when we dock, you could make it up to Marissa.” His grandmother’s eyes twinkled with renewed hope.
“I have plans.” He was going to ask Stasia to go sightseeing with him. The idea had just come to him, but he liked the idea of spending the day with her. He liked it quite a lot. “I’m sorry, Yaya. I must go. I have to meet someone.”
His grandmother’s eyes narrowed. “Is this someone a female?” When he nodded, she asked, “The same one you dined with?” When he nodded again, she asked, “And you still maintain that you’re nothing more than friends?”
The answer to that question was more complicated than the last time she’d asked it. He drew in a deep breath as he considered his options. He never lied to his grandmother. He might not always give her full and complete answers, but never an outright lie.
He continued to meet her inquisitive stare. “It’s complicated.”
His grandmother’s eyes widened. “You have feelings for this girl?”
Ding.
He’d never been so happy to receive an email.
“I have to go. I have some business that needs my immediate attention.” The truth was that he didn’t know how he felt. That kiss, it had affected him more than he’d expected.
He headed for the deck to get some fresh air before he spoke with Stasia. He didn’t want to do anything foolish. The more time he spent with Stasia, the more he liked spending time with her. And therein lay the rub. He stepped out on the spacious deck, and as though his thoughts had summoned her, there stood Stasia, staring out at the vast sea. Like a magnet, he was drawn to her.
He stepped up behind her. “We meet again.”
Stasia turned to him and smiled, making his chest get that funny, warm sensation again. “I was just going to take a walk. Would you like to join me?”
“I can’t think of anything I’d like more.” Because it was the gentlemanly thing to do, he offered her his arm.
And this time, withou
t hesitation, she accepted. When she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, he could feel the warmth of her touch through the fabric of his dinner jacket. He liked that feeling—very much so.
They set off, strolling along the moon-drenched deck, looking like every other star-crossed lover enjoying their evening with the one they loved. Except they weren’t in love, he reminded himself. Sure, they’d kissed, but that had been a mistake. The best mistake he’d ever made.
As the other couples headed inside, they strolled for a while in the quiet of the evening. The only sounds around them were of the sea and occasionally when a door was opened, voices from within trickling out to them.
“You know, we’re docking in Corfu tomorrow. Would you like to go with me on the guided tour and check out some ancient ruins?”
Stasia shook her head. “Thank you. But I don’t think so.”
“What? You don’t like history?”
“It’s not that. It’s just that I have some stuff I need to do.”
She made it sound like work. And he couldn’t imagine what work she would have to do while on vacation. Xander had sent his sister on this trip for her to relax and unwind. Her sitting in her cabin working while he was out sightseeing didn’t seem right.
“Come with me for just a little while.”
She turned a questioning glance his way. “You really want me to go sightseeing with you?”
He nodded. “It’d be nice to see it with a friend.”
She hesitated. He implored her with his eyes. He didn’t know why this was so important to him, but it was.
“All right. I think an outing would be nice.” Stasia smiled at him, making his heart pound harder than normal.
“It’s a date.” Once the words had left his lips, he knew it was a mistake. But when she didn’t correct him, he let it go.
He escorted Stasia back to her cabin, and it seemed so natural to lean in and give her a kiss good-night, but he caught himself just in time. After they agreed on where to meet in the morning, they said good-night. Stasia slipped inside the cabin and a feeling of disappointment fell over him by missing out on that kiss.
Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring Page 4
