His black gaze swept over Stella with that old intimacy. When he helped her to be seated, she felt his hands caress her shoulders lightly, as if he couldn’t help himself. It took her back to another time when they hadn’t been able to keep their hands off each other.
“You picked up a lot of sun today,” he whispered against her ear. “Your beauty radiates like a torch. Every man out here envies me.”
She tried not to react, but inside she was a quivering mass of emotions. Theo always did have that effect on her. Right now she was in danger of forgetting the chasm of pain separating them.
Once he was seated he said, “Since I knew you couldn’t be gone long from the villa, I took the liberty of ordering for us.”
Stella could hardly breathe for the way he was devouring her with his eyes. “You’re very sure of me, aren’t you.”
His gaze narrowed on her features. “I’m sure of what we felt for each other before we were tragically prevented from getting married. Nothing since that time has changed for me. I’m operating on the belief that deep down you still have feelings for me.”
She looked away while the waiter served them baked shrimp with garlic and onions. Theo remembered. It was one of their favorite dishes, accompanied by bread and a glass of house wine.
After their server had gone, she began to eat, realizing she was hungry. “This is delicious.”
“Like the shrimp we used to eat at the Blue Lagoon during our walks on Salamis.”
She reached quickly for the wine, wishing he wouldn’t remind her. “We don’t have much time. Why don’t you tell me what’s so important you had to see me tonight.”
He broke his bread apart. “I asked you here to let you know I want a relationship with you, not just Ari.”
The world reeled for a moment.
Theo had always been frank and direct. In that regard he hadn’t changed, but life had changed the situation. She had to keep her head. “If you’ll take a look around, Theo, there are any number of females who’d like to accommodate you given half a chance.”
A sly smile broke one corner of his compelling mouth. “What females? I only see Stella Athas, the girl who ruined all other women for me.”
“Theo…” her voice throbbed.
“You did, you know.” He cocked his head. “I saw a lot of women in New York and found every single one wanting. I’d hoped to meet someone who would make me forget you, but it never happened. Believe me, if it had, I would have married her and stayed in the States.”
His words sent a shiver through her body. After seeing him again, after knowing what he already meant to Ari, the thought of him married to anyone else brought a fierce new pain to her heart.
“How many men have you known since me?” His deep voice had taken on a territorial quality.
“That’s none of your business.”
“How many, Stella? They must be legion.”
She stared at him through veiled eyes. “If you’re asking what I think you’re asking, the answer is none.”
“But not for want of trying?” He lifted the last of the wine to his lips.
“I’ve been too busy raising Ari.”
His jet-black gaze seemed to gleam in the flickering light. “You’ve done a superb job.”
“Thank you.” She couldn’t handle this conversation any longer. After putting her napkin down, she got up from the table. He didn’t make a move to stop her. “I have to buy a few items in town before I return to the villa. If I’m gone any longer, the family will wonder why.”
“We can’t have that, can we,” he drawled.
Theo knew she was worried about her family’s reaction to him being in her life again. It made her unable to sustain his glance. “I’ll have the boys waiting at four.”
“Come with us tomorrow.”
“No,” she blurted. She was in too deep already. Any more time spent in his company would confuse her even more. “Ari’s looking forward to being alone with you. Good night, Theo.”
After a few purchases she headed back to Stasio’s. On her way, she needed to figure out an excuse why she and the boys would be gone from the villa tomorrow. She couldn’t say they’d be going on a drive around the island again.
By afternoon of the next day Stella had finally come up with a plan. She told the family they’d decided to take a long hike in the mountains. Afterward they’d get a big dinner at one of the restaurants in Batsi and see a film, thus the reason they’d be home late.
At four, when she drove into the paddleboat parking area with the boys, Theo was waiting for them in thigh-molding jeans and a creamy cotton crew neck sweater. He looked so striking her pulse ticked right off the charts.
He put his hands on the door frame next to her. She felt his gaze wander over her, missing nothing. The smell of the soap he used had a familiar tang, causing her to tremble. “We’ll be back at ten. Will you plan to join us for a light dinner afterward?”
“I don’t think so.” She looked at Ari who was still sitting next to her. “This is your night with your father.”
“But I want you to come, Mom.” He leaned closer and gave her a kiss on the cheek. On that note he got out of the car with Dax.
“You may be too tired to eat a meal that late. Why don’t we see what happens.”
“I’ll take that as a yes” came Theo’s low, smooth rejoinder before he put an arm around Ari’s shoulders.
Stella didn’t know her son, who laughed freely before the three of them hurried toward the waiting helicopter. She stared after them. Was that Theo’s first physical gesture of affection toward their son? If so, Ari appeared to welcome it.
The two of them seemed to be bonding before her very eyes. If things continued like this, then she had to face the truth. Theo planned to be Ari’s father in every sense of the word, something Ari obviously wanted. That meant Stella needed to grow another skin to survive.
Last night he’d told her he wanted them to have a relationship, but she was terrified. Right now the lines were blurred because she had an undeniable fatal attraction to him. Stella feared that given more time, she’d be right back where she’d started—madly in love with Theo.
On a groan, she walked toward the little town of Batsi where she would while away the hours until their return. She heard the helicopter pass overhead. The sound caused her to quicken her pace so she wouldn’t think about the excitement she was missing by not being with them.
CHAPTER FOUR
THAT night Theo took the hostess aside and slipped her a tip. “Can you put us in front where the boys can watch the dancing up close?” He’d picked a taverna in Batsi that was tourist friendly regardless of ages.
“If you and your wife will follow me, I’ll seat you.”
“Thank you.”
Stella had to have heard what the other woman said, but she pretended not to notice. Ushering the boys forward they moved through the crowded terrace to a table overlooking the bay. How many years had he dreamed of being with Stella like this, knowing he could take care of her and his own….
Several couples were already on the dance floor moving to the live band. He was aching to get her out there. Once he got the boys started on some snacks, he planned to steal her away where they could keep an eye on them while he held her as close as decency allowed.
Once a waiter came for their orders and the boys had told Stella about their outing, he asked to be excused before grasping her hand.
“Dance with me?”
“Do it, Mommy. I’ve never seen you dance before.”
“She’s an expert,” Theo murmured. Without waiting for a yes or a no, he drew her out of the chair onto the floor.
Her body was stiff. “I haven’t danced in years.”
“Neither have I. The last time was at a church dance with you. Do you remember it was in the basement? Everyone was afraid with all the adults watching. I stepped on your foot.”
“No, you didn’t. I was the one who stepped on yours several times. I was s
o embarrassed I wanted to die.”
He caught her close, pressing his cheek against the hotness of hers. “All I remember was that I was in heaven because Stella Athas, the most desirable girl in the world, had agreed to dance with me. I was the envy of all my friends who laid bets you wouldn’t let me get near enough to touch you.”
“Was I that impossible?”
“I thought that at first, but soon discovered you were just painfully shy. You presented a challenge I couldn’t resist. My biggest fear was that once you found out I was a Pantheras, you would run from me and go to a different church where I couldn’t find you.”
“When I was a teenager, the last thing I thought about was money.”
“I know that now, but everyone whispered you were an Athas who couldn’t see the urchins at your feet.”
She pulled back, staring at him through wounded eyes. “How awful that people felt that way.”
“Not everyone, Stella.” Obeying an insatiable need, he brushed his mouth against hers before winding his fingers into the back of her hair. She was so beautiful. She could have no idea how much he’d missed feeling her next to him.
Her eyes closed tightly. “Please keep your distance. We’re on a dance floor with the children watching.”
Theo couldn’t help smiling. “Everyone else is dancing close.” He was fast losing control.
“We’re not everyone.”
“No, we’re not, thank heaven. There’s only one Stella.” He kissed her hair at the temple. “There are things we have to talk about. Expect a call from me before you go to bed tonight.” Theo swung her toward their table and held the chair for her to sit down.
“How’s the food, guys?”
“Good,” Ari said. “The waiter brought us more drinks.”
Dax nodded. “He said we could have as many as we wanted.”
Feeling euphoric, he eyed his son. “Have you ever danced with your mother before?” He shook his dark head. “Now’s your chance.”
“I don’t know how.”
“I do. My mom taught me.” Dax got up and went over to Stella.
She smiled. “I’m honored.” Without hesitation she took him for a whirl around the floor.
Theo grinned at Ari. “You see? There’s nothing to it.”
He could tell his son was girding up his courage. A minute later they came back to the table. To Theo’s delight, Ari got up and took his turn with Stella. Nothing like a little healthy competition.
Good for him. He had a shy side like his mother. With a little confidence, he was going to grow up to be an outstanding man. Whatever he chose to do, be it astronomy or otherwise, he had the intelligence and perseverance to succeed. Theo wanted to be his father on a twenty-four-hour basis. The way to do that depended on getting through to Stella.
As if she knew what he was thinking, the minute she came back with Ari, she checked her watch. “It’s really late. I’m afraid we have to be going.”
Theo put some bills on the table and helped Stella to her feet. The four of them left the restaurant and walked out into the warm Greek night. He accompanied them to the car, knowing better than to hug her too tight.
This time he high-fived his son first. “I had one of the best times of my life today.”
“Me, too.”
“You can call me anytime. When you’re back in Athens, check with your mother and we’ll make more plans.”
Ari’s head whipped around to Stella. “Can’t we decide now?”
She looked tormented. “We’ll talk about this later.”
“Your mother’s right. It’s been a long day.” He tousled both boys’ hair, then flicked her a glance. “Drive home safely. Your car holds precious cargo.”
Their eyes held for an instant before a look of determination to leave altered her features and she started the car. Ari looked back while they drove away and waved.
He raised his hand. Keep it up, Ari. Keep it up.
No sooner did the three of them walk into the villa than Stella heard a voice that always made her uneasy call to her. It was terrible to feel that way about her own brother, but there’d been too much history in the past to pretend his presence didn’t affect her.
“Well, well.” He scrutinized the three of them. “Who would have imagined you keeping such late hours.”
“Hi, Uncle Nikos.”
She paused in the entrance hall to give him a kiss on the cheek. He looked lean and dashing in his swim trunks. Her brother was the personification of the Olympic silver medallist who’d won one of the few medals for Greece in the downhill and giant slalom. He was an icon in his own right.
“Hello, Nikos. It’s good to see you. Where’s Renate?”
“Upstairs unpacking.” His glance alighted on Dax. “Who’s this?”
“My friend, Dax.”
“Haven’t seen you around here before.”
“Ari invited me.”
Knowing Ari felt uncomfortable, Stella put a hand on their shoulders. “Hurry on upstairs and get ready for bed. Don’t forget to brush your teeth. I’ll be up in a few minutes to say good night.”
She gave them each a kiss before sending them off. Without the boys around, it was easier to deal with Nikos. “Is Stasio still up?”
“They’re out on the patio. Are you joining us?”
“Not tonight. To be honest, I’m exhausted. Tell Renate I’ll see her in the morning.”
“How come you let Ari bring someone? This is our family time.”
Stella bristled. “I can’t believe you just said that. He’s not going to be here the whole time, but even if he were, what difference does it make to you? You’ll come and go as the mood suits you. As for the girls, they’re two and four, hardly company for a six year-old all the time.”
He looked taken back. She couldn’t remember the last time that had happened.
“Since when did you become so prickly? I hardly know you like this.”
“I didn’t pick this fight, Nikos. You did by being offensive, not only to me but the boys.” Theo had shown more loving kindness to Dax than Nikos had ever shown to Ari.
“Stella?” he called her back, his dark eyes angry. “What’s gotten into you?”
“I’m still the same person. I’ve just decided to speak my mind the way you do. Sometimes it’s not pleasant is it? Good night.”
She walked up the stairs without looking back. It had felt good to be honest with him. However, there was no deluding herself. For as long as he stayed on Andros with his Austrian skier wife, also an Olympian, Nikos would make her and Ari pay the price.
That was still on her mind when she reached her room and discovered her son waiting on the top of her bed in his pajamas. Somehow it didn’t surprise her.
“Hey, honey…why the long face after such a wonderful outing?”
“Mom? Do we have to stay here for our whole vacation?”
Thank you, Nikos!
“It’s what we’d planned.”
“But I want to be with my daddy. He has all these fun things we can do at his house.”
She’d thought this was about Nikos, but it clearly wasn’t. Stella took a steadying breath. “Haven’t you been enjoying it here?”
He averted his eyes. “Yes.”
“But?”
“I like being with him. He’s awesome. Dax says so, too.”
“I noticed. Is it like being with Uncle Stasio?” He was Ari’s hero.
“Kind of, but he’s my papa,” he said quietly.
His papa…
“I wish we could go home tomorrow.”
Knowing he already felt this strongly about his father, she had no doubt this was going to be a permanent situation from now on. But she needed to know a lot more about Theo’s agenda. He wouldn’t always have this much free time to spend with Ari. Her greatest desire was to protect their son from being hurt.
The fear of history repeating itself was uppermost in her mind, especially when things were moving so fast. Their lives were changi
ng in ways she hadn’t thought possible a week ago. Certainly Ari’s world had undergone a total transformation.
“Tell you what. Your father will be calling me in a little while and we’ll talk. I’ll let you know what we decide in the morning.”
His crestfallen look spoke volumes. He wanted answers now, but she couldn’t give him one. “Okay.” He slid off the bed and darted out of her room.
Her mind on Theo, she went into the bathroom to brush her teeth. If he’d flown straight to Paloukia, then he was probably home by now. She decided to get ready for bed first. Maybe by then he would phone her.
Ten minutes later she slid under the covers, still waiting for his call. Deciding to take the initiative, she reached in her purse for his letter and dialed his cell phone number. He picked up on the second ring.
“Ari?” The tender excitement in his voice was a revelation in and of itself.
“No. It’s Stella. Is it a bad time for you to talk?”
“It’s a perfect time. I just walked into the house and was about to call you.”
She’d thought she could do this, but now she wasn’t so sure. Too nervous to lie there, she got out of bed and began pacing.
“This is about Ari.”
“I presumed as much, but I live in hope the day will come when you and I can have a conversation about the future. Our future.”
Her breath caught. “We don’t have time to talk about that right now.”
“Why not? Did Ari get sick on all those hors d’oeuvres they ate while we were dancing?”
“No.” She wished it were that simple. “Since he’s been with you, he’s a different boy.”
“So am I. That’s what happens when a father and son get together.”
“That’s my concern.” She crushed the phone in her hand. “For how long?”
“Forever.”
Her body started to shake. “Lots of relationships start out on a forever basis, but deteriorate with time.”
The Greek's Long-Lost Son Page 6
