For days, they’d been inseparable, and now she was nowhere to be seen. And it was because of him. She was avoiding him. He’d overstepped with one too many kisses.
He should have respected her space, but he’d thought she’d wanted him too. And when their lips had met, he was certain she’d wanted him just as much as he wanted her.
He wanted to call her, but his phone was dead. He’d checked the ship’s courtesy shop, but they didn’t have a replacement battery. He’d have to wait until they got back to Athens to have access to his phone.
Having grown tired of pacing in his cabin, he’d moved to the sunny deck. Maybe a bit of fresh air would help him relax. As he took a seat at a vacant table, he heard a familiar voice.
“Good morning.” His grandmother placed a hand on his shoulder before passing by him and taking a seat across from him.
“Good morning, Yaya.” He slipped his dead phone back in his pocket. “I thought you’d be off on another tour.”
His grandmother sighed. “I’d love to, but my body, it’s not as young as it used to be. It needs a day of rest.”
Roberto nodded in understanding.
“I thought you’d be with Stasia.”
“I, uh, haven’t seen her since you went off exploring yesterday.”
A concerned look came over his grandmother’s face. “How strange.”
“Wait. Why do you look so worried?”
“Because she left the tour early yesterday. She said she had a headache, but I suspected she missed you.” His grandmother’s gaze searched his. “So she didn’t come back here to see you?”
He shook his head.
“That’s very odd.”
Concern coursed through him. If she hadn’t come back here to see him then perhaps she truly did have a headache. And then guilt assailed him. All this time he’d been sitting around worrying about himself and how the engagement had changed things between them. What if something was wrong and she’d tried to call him? With his phone dead, her call would have gone straight to voice mail.
He got to his feet. “Excuse me.”
“Go. Go.” His grandmother waved him off. “I hope everything is all right.”
He was already in motion before his grandmother finished speaking. He couldn’t imagine Stasia needing him and not being able to reach him. As he strode down the passageway, he realized there was a cabin phone. She could have used it to get ahold of him. Unless she was too sick.
Not having the patience to wait for the elevator, he opted to take the steps. He moved swiftly, dodging around the slow-moving vacationers. He had to get to Stasia. He had to be certain she was all right.
When he finally stopped in front of her door, he knocked rapidly. “Stasia? Stasia?” When the door didn’t open right away, he knocked again. “Stasia, open up.”
The door flung open and there stood Stasia. Her face was devoid of makeup and her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail. She was still wearing what he assumed were her pajamas—a black cami that hinted at her cleavage and matching satin shorts that showed off her long legs. She looked so good, so very good.
“Roberto, what’s wrong? Why did you almost pound the door off its hinges?”
With great effort, he lifted his gaze to her face. On second glance, he realized she was a bit pale and her eyes were dulled. Something was definitely amiss.
“Yaya said you weren’t feeling well. I wanted to check on you.”
Her gaze narrowed and she didn’t open the door enough to let him in. “Would you have noticed if your grandmother hadn’t said something?”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means this arrangement is over. Let that woman you were enjoying a leisurely lunch with yesterday, after you blew me off, be your fake girlfriend. I quit.” She attempted to close the door.
He stuck his foot in the way, stopping the door. “Stasia, what are you talking about?”
She let go of the door and walked farther into the room. He followed her.
“Stasia, I don’t understand.”
She turned to him, anger flashing in her eyes. “Don’t try to deny it. I left the tour early because I felt bad that you were back here on the ship working hard while I was out having a good time. And imagine my surprise when I find my fake fiancé having a romantic lunch with some beautiful woman.”
“You saw that?”
She nodded. “Did you think you were being so sneaky?”
He’d had absolutely no idea that she’d been there. “If you had walked over to the table, I would have introduced you.”
Stasia shook her head. “I don’t need to be introduced to your lovers.”
That was what she thought? That he was involved with Petra? He studied Stasia’s beautiful face and the way her big brown eyes reflected her anger and pain. Was it possible their kiss at the wedding had meant something to her? Was she jealous?
“Her name is Petra. And she’s not my lover.”
Stasia’s mouth opened but nothing came out. She pressed her lips together into a firm line as though she was making sense of what he was saying. Emotions flickered through her eyes as reality started to take hold.
Stasia pressed her hands to her hips and lifted her chin until they were eye to eye. “Are you saying you aren’t interested in her?”
Roberto couldn’t help but laugh. “I think of Petra like a little sister.”
“Sister?”
He nodded in affirmation. “She grew up on the estate next to my grandparents’. When we were kids, she played with me and my friends.”
“You...you were childhood friends?”
He smiled and nodded.
“You aren’t romantically involved?”
He shook his head. “The idea never even crossed my mind. I don’t think of Petra that way and she doesn’t see me that way. My grandmother invited her on the cruise, thinking there was a chance for something more. She was wrong.”
“So if Petra isn’t interested in you, why did she agree to come on the cruise?”
“She was in need of a vacation and she is good friends with Gaia. So, basically, she was here for the wedding.”
Stasia’s eyes widened with hope. “Not you?”
“Not me.” He stepped closer to her and caressed her cheek. “The only woman I have eyes for on this cruise is you.”
“Really?”
“Really.” And he didn’t stop to think of the right or the wrong of it; he just acted.
He reached out to her, placing his hands on her slender waist and drawing her to him. And she willingly moved closer to him. He lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers.
For so long, he’d been fighting his feelings for her. But after seeing that she cared enough about him to get so worked up—so jealous—he’d been moved. He’d never had another woman in his life stir him the way Stasia did.
His mouth moved over hers. With the heated emotions, it didn’t leave room for a soft and gentle kiss. Instead their lips moved hungrily over each other. Her hands moved to his shoulders before moving to the back of his neck. He’d never get enough of her touch.
Roberto reached behind him and pushed the door shut. He was going to show Stasia that there was no other woman in his life. All he could think about—dream about—was her.
As the kiss deepened, he scooped Stasia up in his arms. He carried her to the bed and laid her down. He leaned down, continuing to kiss her.
But before this went any further, he had to be entirely sure it was what she wanted too. It took every bit of willpower he could muster to pull away from her sweet, sweet kisses.
Stasia’s eyes fluttered open. Confusion reflected in her eyes. “What’s the matter?”
“Stasia, are you sure this is what you want?”
Her gaze met his. In its depths desire flickered. “I want yo
u. All of you.”
And then she drew him to her, smothering his words with a kiss. A kiss that was sweeter than anything he’d ever imagined. How did he get so lucky to have Stasia in his life?
DAY TWELVE
Crotone, Italy
THE NEXT MORNING, before Stasia opened her eyes, she reached out for Roberto. Her hand landed on an empty spot in the bed. Her eyes fluttered open. Her gaze searched the cabin.
He was gone.
She closed her eyes, trying to keep her emotions under control. Why did she think it would be different? She knew about his love ’em and leave ’em reputation. Why did she allow herself to believe that he was different than people thought?
She opened her eyes and reached for the blankets. With a big yank, she pulled them up to her chin. That was when a slip of paper fluttered in the air. What in the world?
It landed on the other pillow—the pillow where not so long ago Roberto had been. She picked it up.
Good morning, beautiful! Had some things to take care of before we head off on our next adventure. See you soon. Roberto.
The note should have made her smile. It didn’t. The knowledge that their night together had meant more to Roberto than an itch he needed to scratch or a casual fling scared her.
It wasn’t the reaction she’d been expecting. The truth was that she’d had no idea how she would react to their lovemaking. She hadn’t let her mind jump that far ahead.
He was the first man she’d been involved with since Lukos. For so long, she’d sworn there wouldn’t be another man. And now there was Roberto.
She should feel guilty for moving on, shouldn’t she? But she didn’t.
After all, Roberto wasn’t a stranger to her. She’d known him for quite a long time, and while on the cruise, they’d grown close as friends. Still, what had happened went beyond friendship—far beyond it.
Last night, their relationship had been irrevocably changed. Their fake relationship was now a real one. Her stomach shivered with nerves. Where was this leading? Where did she want it to lead?
She didn’t have the answer to those questions. The only thing she knew was that her life had just become even more complicated.
* * *
History abounded around them.
But all Roberto could think about was the woman standing next to him.
They’d just toured the sixteenth-century Castle of Charles V. And, if asked, Roberto couldn’t tell anyone what they’d seen. His attention was distracted by Stasia’s quietness.
He knew their night together had been a huge step for her. He’d been so worried that in the aftermath she’d pull away from him—so worried that he hadn’t taken time until now to realize how significant the moment had been for him.
For so long, he’d kept everyone at a distance, but that was impossible to do with Stasia. There was no wall, no barrier that she couldn’t scale. She saw through him—straight through to his damaged heart.
He didn’t know what to do about it. Stasia had already been hurt so deeply when she lost her husband. Roberto didn’t want to do anything to cause her more pain. Or was it too late?
Not liking the direction of his thoughts, he started to talk about his project for his grandfather. It seemed like a safe enough topic.
But after a while, he noticed Stasia’s distinct lack of input. “Enough about me,” Roberto said. “You’ve been quiet. Is everything all right?” He stopped and turned to her. “Are we all right?”
She sent him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “We’re fine.”
He nodded in understanding. It was going to take them both some time to make sense of what was happening between them. He took her hand in his and they began to walk.
“We’ve talked a lot about me and my stuff—it’s time we focus on your future.”
“I don’t think so.”
“You’ve helped me so much. Now I want to return the favor.” He really did want to help her. “If you just need someone to bounce ideas off, I’m your guy. If you need me to make a phone call and pull some strings, I’m there for you. If you need—”
“Okay. Stop.” Stasia smiled. “I appreciate your support. I really do. But this is something I have to figure out on my own.”
“I can’t imagine that a little help will hurt.”
She glanced over at him as they continued to walk around Crotone with no particular destination in mind. “Maybe a little.”
“Okay. What can I do?”
She paused as though thinking over her answer. “What career do you think I should pursue?”
The fact she wanted his input touched him. Sure, people wanted his opinion when it came to business—to making a deal. But this was different. This was so much more personal. And that was something he’d been avoiding...until now.
“I can’t tell you what to do.” When she went to say something, he stopped her. “But I can ask you a question. In your past, when were you happiest?”
They continued walking in silence as though she were giving the question some deep thought. After a while, she said, “That’s not an easy question to answer. I did retail when I was a kid.”
“Really?” The word slipped out before he could stop it.
She turned to him and frowned. “What? You think I’ve always been spoiled?”
He opened his mouth but realized this was a trap. Knowing no matter what he said he would be in trouble, he closed his mouth without saying a word.
“Well,” she said, “the truth is my grandfather believed in teaching my brother and me what it’s like to fend for ourselves.”
“Okay, then. Is retail work something that appeals to you? You could open your own boutique.”
She tilted her head to the side as though recalling those memories. And then she shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“What else is there?”
“I worked in the library in college. And as much as I love to read, well, that isn’t for me.”
“Keep going.”
She sighed. “There isn’t anything after that, I’m afraid. Because Lukos and I got married straight out of college. And then he got sick and that took up our lives. Except...”
Roberto stopped walking and turned to her. There was something in her voice. She’d had a thought and something told him that it was important. “What is it?”
She shook her head. “It’s nothing.”
“It’s definitely something. Tell me.”
She sighed. “I was just thinking about when Lukos was in the hospital.”
“Oh.” He’d totally misread her. He didn’t mean to lead the conversation in this direction. What had made him think he knew her so well?
“No, it’s not that. Lukos didn’t want me hanging over him while he was getting his treatments, so I had time on my hands. One thing led to another and eventually I ended up volunteering my time.” She smiled. “I met some of the most amazing people. They had every reason to be gloomy and yet they cheered me up. Can you believe that?”
“It sounds like they touched you.”
“They did. They really did.”
“The way your face lit up talking about them says a lot.”
“But I didn’t do anything special. I took a cart around the oncology ward. I handed out books, snacks, games, anything to take the patients’ minds off their problems for a moment.”
“And how did that make you feel?”
She shrugged. “I loved seeing people smile and knowing I had something to do with it. More than anything, they just wanted someone to listen to them.”
“Then you have your answer.”
“What answer?”
He took her hands in his own. “You are the most giving, caring person I know. When you speak of your volunteer work, your whole face lights up. I think that’s what you should do—help people.�
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“You think I should go back to pushing the cart around the ward?”
He shrugged. “You could do that. Or you could head up your own foundation that would help people.”
Her mouth gaped and then she shook her head. “I couldn’t do that.”
“Why not? You understand people. You’re good with numbers. And if you need donors—and you will need donors—I’ll be the first in line. Your brother will be the second in line.”
Her gaze searched his. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Of course I am. This world needs people like you—people who are willing to help others in need. I couldn’t think of anything more rewarding—”
“Or painful. I’ve already lost a husband.”
He grew quiet. He’d seen how she got excited over the memory and he’d let himself get caught up. In that moment, he’d forgotten what she’d been through. He knew that losing her husband had been devastating for her. What was he thinking to suggest that she deal with those memories on a daily basis?
“Forget I said anything.” He started walking again and she fell in step next to him.
She didn’t say anything, but he sensed her thoughts were on that traumatic period of her life. Here he’d been trying to get her to let go of the past and focus on the future. And now he’d undone everything.
* * *
The day had gone by way too fast.
And now the sun was starting its slow descent toward the horizon.
Stasia and Roberto made their way back onto the ship. They weren’t the only ones returning from a day excursion. All around them people were laughing, talking and just enjoying the day. She couldn’t blame them; it was wonderful. So was the company.
“Wasn’t that beautiful?” Stasia said with a smile on her face.
“Yes, you are quite beautiful.” Roberto tightened his arm over her shoulders, drawing her close.
“Today was amazing.”
“Last night wasn’t too shabby either.”
Stasia couldn’t believe this side of Roberto existed. Today he was sweet, thoughtful and fun. As they’d toured the ruins around Crotone, he’d been a different man. From him suggesting they pose in front of the Castle of Charles V for a photo, to taking his time to view sacred parchments, books and icons at the museum. Today there was no rushing around. The fact he was genuinely interested in the same things thrilled her.
Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring Page 13
