“I’ll keep combing through the numbers,” Stasia said.
He appreciated how dedicated she was to helping him. She was easy to work with and she didn’t ask too many questions. In fact, he was thinking of asking her to come work with him.
Then Stasia would always be close. He wouldn’t have to miss her after this cruise ended. Because he was quite certain he would. She was so easy to be around. She didn’t make him uptight because she wanted something from him that he wasn’t willing to give. And she listened to him with avid interest.
He wondered what Xander would think about the working arrangement. He knew how worried Xander was about his sister. Maybe this would give his friend some peace of mind because Roberto would be able to keep an eye on Stasia and make sure no one took advantage of her while she sorted through the aftermath of her husband’s death.
The more he thought about this idea, the more he liked it. And if he was able to think of Stasia as a colleague, it would rid him of these other thoughts—the ones about wanting to pull her into his arms and smother her lips with kisses before tumbling into bed.
Yes, this plan to offer her a job was much better.
“Oh, no.” Stasia’s voice filled with worry.
“What’s the matter? Did you find another mistake?”
She shook her head. “It’s not that. It’s the time. If I’m going to be ready for us to meet up with your cousin and her fiancé for dinner, I have to start now. And I haven’t finished reviewing the report you gave me. There were just so many numbers and the trail back to the source documents can be quite lengthy.”
He was having the exact same problem. There was nothing fast about this analysis. And he had a feeling his grandfather knew it.
“I think what you discovered will be enough for today,” Roberto said.
“You do?”
He nodded. “My grandfather is a very wise man. He knows it’ll take more than an afternoon to uncover whatever it is he thinks is amiss in these reports. That’s why he gave me until the end of the cruise.”
“Which isn’t that far off.”
Her concern touched him. “Don’t worry. It’ll all work out.”
“If he asks about it, what will you tell him? Will you mention the typo?”
“I’ll tell him enough to let him know we’re on track.”
She shook her head. “You shouldn’t mention me. He didn’t ask us both. He wanted you to work on this. Alone.”
Perhaps she was right. He didn’t like taking credit for someone else’s work, but if she accepted his business proposal, he knew this would never happen again.
And so he sent her off to get ready for the dinner. He wouldn’t take nearly as long to prepare. It was only after she’d gathered her things and headed for the door to the interior of the ship that he realized he hadn’t asked her to be his official assistant.
He’d turned to find her disappearing through the doorway and then she slipped out of sight. The question would have to wait for later. He just hoped it would be the answer she was searching for as far as her future. He knew she didn’t have to work. Her family and husband had made sure that she would be well cared for, but he understood the need to have a goal in life, a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
But he didn’t want to rush things. He was not a man to be rushed into things. His normal way was to let it simmer at the back of his mind as he weighed the pros and cons of such a decision.
Though part of him was certain they’d make a good match, the other more cautious part of him said to rush things was an opportunity to make a mistake. And a mistake might lead to Stasia getting hurt. And that could not happen, not on his watch.
Perhaps it was best to give it some more thought. Maybe once this project was complete, he would know for sure just how well they worked together.
He decided to work a bit longer on the reports. Who knew what he’d find, but his curiosity was piqued now. Thanks to Stasia.
* * *
“Roberto.” It was his grandmother’s voice. He turned to find her headed toward him. She wore a serious expression. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
He thought of mentioning that she could have called his cell phone, but he refrained. “Now that you’ve found me, what can I do for you?”
“I’d like you to walk with me back to my cabin.”
He turned back to his computer. He thought of telling her he was busy working on the project for his grandfather—
“Whatever you’re doing can wait,” she said in a firm tone. “This can’t.”
That got his full attention. He gathered his things and walked with her. She made idle chitchat about the cruise and the upcoming wedding. All the while, he wondered what was really on his grandmother’s mind.
If it had something to do with Stasia, he would have to stand up to his grandmother and put a halt to her meddling—easier said than done. His grandmother was fiercely strong and he loved her dearly. But it was saying something when he was more worried about a meeting with his grandmother than he was with fourteen lawyers and a shrewd billionaire.
He paused outside her cabin door and took a deep breath. He sensed his grandmother had something serious on her mind. And that was never a good thing.
“Come in,” she said. “Don’t loiter in the hallway.”
He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Her suite was the most luxurious and spacious on the ship. She moved to sit at the head of the dining room table where a teapot and service were awaiting her.
She held a cup of what he presumed was her favorite tea. “Would you like some?”
He shook his head. Anxious to get this over with, he asked, “What did you want to discuss?”
She poured him a cup of tea anyway and then waved for him to have a seat next to her. “We need to talk.”
He took a seat. Normally, he wasn’t a fan of tea, but right about now, he welcomed the fact that he had something to do with his hands. He stirred in some sugar and waited quietly for his grandmother to have her say.
She leaned back in her chair. “You know I’m not easily fooled.” His gaze met hers but he remained quiet and she continued. “I know you were not happy that I invited some young women on the cruise to attend the wedding—and for you to meet.”
“You shouldn’t have done that, Yaya.” It was time to make some things clear with his grandmother. “When or if I decide to settle down, I am quite capable of finding my own wife.”
Her knowing smile broadened. “Are you ready to admit that you’re not really involved with Ms. Marinakos?”
“Why do you presume it’s all a pretense?” The truth was he did feel something for Stasia. However, he was reluctant to examine those feelings too closely.
“Because you told me very bluntly that you were a confirmed bachelor. Why should I believe you are suddenly involved with this young woman?”
“It isn’t sudden. I’ve known Stasia for a while now. She’s Xander’s younger sister. And she’s been involved with the business.”
His grandmother’s eyes widened. “So you’re saying you’ve been seeing her for quite a while?”
He paused. It all depended on what she meant by “seeing.” He’d spent quite a bit of time with Stasia since her husband passed away. Xander had been trying to get Stasia started in his business, and when he was preoccupied with working things out with Lea, Roberto had strived to make Stasia feel welcome.
“What is this inquisition all about?” He cut to the chase. “If you want me to end things with Stasia, it’s not going to happen.”
He surprised not only his grandmother but himself with such a declaration. The fact it was true was all the more startling. He didn’t want this thing with Stasia to end.
His grandmother’s gaze widened. “So you’re telling me you care about this woman?”
He
nodded. It was true. But caring was different than loving someone. He was a long way from that.
His grandmother’s gaze searched his. “In that case, I have something for you.”
She reached over and pulled a small black velvet box from her purse. She placed it on the table and pushed it toward him. The box sat there in front of him like some ominous apparition.
“Go ahead and open it. It won’t bite you.”
He had a feeling it would do much worse. He knew what was in the box without opening it.
His grandmother was calling him out on his story. She was going to make him prove his commitment to Stasia. Could he do something like that?
He reached forward and took the box in his hands. He pried it open and found a stunning diamond ring inside set in white gold. His first thought was that it would look perfect on Stasia’s delicate hand. And the next thought was that he was in trouble—very big trouble.
He tried to form words to say something and utterly failed. There was a disconnect between his shocked mind and his dry mouth. He sat quietly staring at the dazzling ring.
“That belonged to your great-grandmother. My mother. I’ve been saving it all these years and now I want you to have it. I want you to give it to the woman who you pledge your heart and life to.” She glanced at her wristwatch. “Look at the time. I have to go meet your grandfather.”
And with that, they parted ways. He slipped the ring box in his pocket. It felt like it was burning a hole through his clothes. He’d had absolutely no idea that his grandmother had been saving this for him.
Part of him was touched that his grandmother entrusted him with a family heirloom, but another part of him was angry that she had his life planned out for him. His grandmother had this ring and this ship full of women because she was bound and determined he should be married because it was the way things were done—even though he’d told her marriage wasn’t for him. It obviously wasn’t for his absent parents either and look where that had gotten them.
And then there was his grandfather with this problem that needed to be solved. Was there a problem? Or was his grandfather trying to lure him back into the family business?
Roberto got the distinct impression that he was being played. And he didn’t like it one little bit. And the more he thought about it, the less guilty he felt about his fake engagement.
DAY SEVEN
Venice, Italy
WHY HAD HE worked so late?
Today there was no room for tiredness.
This was their first day in Venice. And most important, it was Stasia’s birthday.
After a cold shower and two espressos, Roberto was feeling so much more like himself. And he couldn’t think of anything he wanted to do more than to make Stasia smile. When she was happy, her radiance lit up everything in her orbit, including him.
He’d wanted to throw her a party with all the trimmings, but she’d firmly refused. He would have to do something low-key, but that didn’t mean it couldn’t be special. And he had the perfect thing in mind. He was keeping it a surprise.
They weren’t the only ones going ashore. The ship practically emptied at this stop. He glanced over at Stasia. She was beaming with anticipation.
“Where are we going?” Stasia watched as some passengers went one direction while Roberto took her hand and headed in the opposite direction. “Roberto?” She dug her heels in and they came to a stop. “I’m not going any farther until you speak to me.”
He turned to her with a smile on his face. “Do you want to hit a couple of the highlights with a paid tour or do you want to have the most amazing day?”
Like that was a hard question to answer. “Of course I want to have an amazing visit. This is my first time in Venice.”
“But it’s not mine.” Sure, he’d been here for business purposes, but he’d never had anyone to share the magic of this very special city. “I want to show you around. I want your birthday to be memorable.”
She removed her hand from his hold. “You don’t need to do that. It’s too much.”
Was she making a point that, since he wasn’t truly her boyfriend, he was overstepping? The thought didn’t sit well with him.
During the past week, it felt like they’d moved beyond friends. But where did that leave them? He wasn’t sure of the answer and now certainly wasn’t the time to evaluate it.
“Relax,” he said. “It’s just one friend showing another a good time on your birthday. Nothing more.” When he saw the worry disappear from her eyes, he said, “We need to catch a vaporetto.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s like a floating taxi.”
“Oh.”
He reached out to take her hand again but caught himself and lowered his arm to his side. He took off again with rapid steps. When he noticed her lagging behind, he slowed down for her.
The water taxi was crowded as it chugged down the Grand Canal. But Roberto was able to claim the last two seats in the open prow, which provided a sweeping view of the majestic canal. There wasn’t much room. When he sat down, his thigh rubbed against Stasia’s. A bolt of attraction shot through him, settling in a tightness in his abdomen.
He willed away the unwanted sensation. He attempted to put some space between them but that only succeeded in rubbing not only his thigh but also his shoulder against her. He was becoming increasingly aware of her—of wanting her—in a much friendlier manner than was appropriate. He stopped moving.
“Are you all right?” Stasia asked.
“I’m fine.” He was anything but fine. However, that was his problem, not hers.
“I could stand.”
As she started to get up, he reached out to her. “No. Stay where you are.”
And then realizing he was touching her, he withdrew his hand. She settled once again, next to him. Why had he thought being “just friends” was going to be easy?
It didn’t help that this ride seemed to go on and on. There were a few stops along the way before they finally exited at the Rialto Bridge, one of the oldest bridges that spanned the Grand Canal.
Stasia snapped photo after photo on her smartphone. All the while, she wore a big smile that made her eyes twinkle with happiness. Thankfully, his uneasiness hadn’t ruined her good mood. The more she smiled, the more relaxed he became. He could just stare at her for hours. It was then that she turned to him and snapped his photo.
“I hope you don’t mind. I couldn’t resist,” she said. “You smile so little when you’re conducting business, which is when I see you the most. But on this trip, I’ve seen a new side of you. The relaxed, fun side of you.”
“And this new side, do you like it?” His breath hitched as he waited for her answer.
“I do.” Her gaze caught and held his a little longer than necessary. “I like it very much.”
“Then I’ll make a point of relaxing more often.” So long as he maintained a respectable distance between them.
“And don’t forget about having fun. The smile on your face looks good on you.”
He didn’t think her admission would affect him one way or the other, but her words zeroed in on his chest and a warm sensation filled it. She had a way of sneaking past his best-laid defenses. His smile broadened.
They meandered around until they came to the Campanile di San Marco, where they took the elevator to the top of the bell tower. Stasia continued making the pictorial history of their outing. And he had to admit the view from the top of the bell tower was awe-inspiring, with all the historic architecture, but the most amazing view of all was the look of awe reflected on Stasia’s face.
With so much to see, they didn’t linger long. They hurried to nearby Saint Mark’s Basilica, with its most amazing mosaics. And then they were off to the Doge’s Palace, where they arrived early enough to tour the hidden rooms followed by a tour of the public rooms. There was ju
st so much history in this amazing city that it was hard to take it all in.
But he had to admit it was so hard to concentrate on the historical artifacts and the culture when the most amazing person was right next to him and all he could think about was pulling her into his arms and kissing her. But completely impossible. He’d promised her they would tour the city as friends—nothing more. It was best for both their sakes.
They shared lunch at an outside café serving authentic Venetian fare, as Stasia insisted they soak up as much of the culture as possible during their brief visit. Stasia chose spaghetti alle vongole and he chose to go with a rice dish, risi e bisi. And with witnessing her bubbly enthusiasm, he was incapable of denying her just about anything. Seeing Venice through Stasia’s eyes was like seeing it for the very first time.
And for dessert, he surprised her with glasses of prosecco as well as some tiramisu. Her face lit up with happiness and he’d never experienced such joy just by watching someone smile.
“Roberto, what have you done?”
“It’s your birthday. We have to celebrate.”
“But I told you not to make a big deal of it.” But the twinkle in her eyes let him know she wasn’t upset with him.
He wasn’t well versed at buying birthday gifts, so he’d called his assistant for some advice. She’d assured him that jewelry was the way to go and the salesperson at the jewelry store at one of the ports had concurred. Now that he was sitting here with Stasia, he hoped they’d been right.
He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small box. He placed it in front of her. “Happy birthday.”
Her eyes widened.
When she didn’t move to take the box, he worried that he’d done the wrong thing. “Don’t you want it?”
She nodded, then opened the box. Inside were diamond-and-blue-sapphire earrings. For a moment, she didn’t say a word and his body tensed. He’d messed up. She didn’t like them.
“If you don’t like them, I can exchange them.”
“They’re gorgeous.” Stasia looked at them in awe. “And way too extravagant.”
Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring Page 8
