Something in his voice must have alerted her he was serious because she lifted her head to look at him. “What is it?”
“After you’ve been so open and honest with me I want you to know the truth about me. Before I was released from the hospital after my climbing accident, the doctor told me I would never be able to give a woman a child.”
A minute must have passed, then, “Oh, Nik—” Tears immediately filled her eyes. “If anyone understands what that news did to you, I do. It explains so much,” she cried.
He kissed her sensuous mouth. “My injuries were such that I had impaired sperm production. In a flash, any dreams I had of generating my own offspring died. Like you, I had time to come to grips with it.
“But there was a bad side effect. I found myself not getting into serious romantic relationships. If I gave myself to a woman who couldn’t handle it, then I feared I wouldn’t be able to handle it. In a sense I was emotionally crippled.”
“I went through the same thing. You’ve been suffering all this time.”
“Though it’s true I hadn’t found the woman I was looking for up to the point of my accident, the situation was changed after I was released to go home.”
“Does anyone else know?”
“Only my doctor, and now you.”
She tried to sit up, but he put his hands on her shoulders. “Let me finish. Out of the refiner’s fire after losing my sister and her husband, you suddenly appeared in my life, loving my niece. Two miracles happened that day. Demi was found alive and there you were.”
“Nik—”
“I don’t want you to leave Greece.”
“I know.”
He jackknifed into a sitting position. “I’m being serious.”
“Nik—I thought we were going to forget our cares and enjoy our vacation? You were the one who told me not to think about when it was over, and just take each day as a special gift.”
“I can’t stop thinking. The idea of you flying back to the States is ruining the trip for me.”
A throaty laugh poured out of her. “You’re impossible, do you know that?”
“But you still think I’m wonderful.”
“Yes. That will never change.”
Keep it up, Fran. “How do you know?”
She sighed. “I just do.”
“You sound very sure.”
“What’s this all about? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were worried about something.”
“I didn’t know I was until you mentioned it.”
“Then let’s talk about it now.”
“Maybe tomorrow.”
“That’s not fair!” she cried. “So what’s going to happen tomorrow?”
“A surprise I can guarantee you’ll love.”
“And then you’ll tell me after?”
“We’ll see.”
“Will this surprise be hard on the knees?”
He chuckled. “You won’t have to lift a finger, let alone a foot.”
“Really?”
“Trust me.”
“We’re going to lie on a beach all day.”
“That’ll come the next day.”
“How about a hint?”
He inched closer to play with her hair. “It has to do with one of your obsessions.”
“I don’t have any.”
“Yes, you do. They come with your spirit of adventure. But now I find I don’t want to talk anymore. It’s my turn to kiss you goodnight.”
“I don’t think I could handle that right now.”
“Good. I like you best when you’re a little off kilter. Give me your mouth, Francesca. With or without your capitulation, I need to taste it again.”
Her back was still to him as he began kissing her neck, working his way around until he was on the other side of her. He tangled his legs with hers, crushing her to him the way he’d been longing to do. Her mouth seduced him, thrilled him beyond belief. After thirty-four years it was happening.
“I don’t think you have any idea what you’re doing to me,” he murmured feverishly, “but I never want you to stop.”
Fran’s body gave a voluptuous shudder. “I don’t want to stop either. I love the way you make me feel, but this is all happening way too fast and we can’t always have what we want.”
“Give me one good reason why.”
“Because I’ll be leaving Greece shortly. I don’t want to be in so much pain I can’t function after I get home. I don’t know about other women, but I’m not able to have a romantic fling and then move on to the next one without giving it a thought.
“You and I met under the most unique of circumstances. I’ll never forget you and I’ll cherish every moment we’ve had together, but this isn’t right. I take full blame for everything. Your Angelis charm worked its magic on me, but now you have to help me be strong.”
Shaken by her words, Nik raised up. “Will you at least agree to see what I’ve planned for tomorrow before we fly back to Athens?”
“Of course.”
Afraid if he kissed her again, he wouldn’t be able to stop, he moved as far away as he could. Without her in his arms, the night was going to be endless.
* * *
The helicopter was waiting for them in Pironia. With Nik’s assistance, Fran climbed on board, having eaten a substantial breakfast at the refuge before their final descent. The sun was already hot, portending one of the sunny days for which Greece was famous this time of year.
She felt the pilot’s gaze on her as she took a seat behind him and strapped herself in. He was attractive and wore a wedding ring. Because of Nik’s remarks last night she was more aware of him, of everything.
Nik handed her the field glasses. “We’re going sightseeing. You’ll want those.” As soon as he’d fastened himself in the copilot’s seat, the rotors whipped the air and they lifted off.
Her stomach lurched. She was okay in the air, but feared she could never get used to the takeoffs and landings. Then she chastised herself for thinking the thought because she’d probably never travel in a helicopter again once she left Athens for home.
Home. Strange how it sounded so remote. Her Grecian adventure with Kellie had turned out to be so much more, she felt as if she’d become a part of the landscape. It seemed as though her world started and ended with him and little Demi. What would life be like when there was no more Nik and that sweet little girl? She couldn’t bear to think about it. Couldn’t wait to see her and hold her again.
When they’d been flying for a while she leaned forward to ask him a question. “Where are we going? Is it still a secret?”
He turned on the speaker. “We’re coming up on a long peninsula on your left. The whole thing is called Mount Athos.”
“You’re kidding! I mean, you’re really taking us there? But women aren’t allowed!”
“True, but since you’re dying to see it, I’ll show it to you from the air.”
“Oh, Nik—this is the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me!”
The two men smiled at her enthusiasm, but she didn’t care.
“The place is a national treasure, but you already know that after reading about it. Still, to see it like this will give you a greater understanding of why it’s called the Holy Mountain. I think it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth.”
“Have you spent time here?”
“When I turned eighteen, my father brought me and my brothers. To me, it was like a
fantasy. The various monasteries dot the landscape. As you will see, some of them are as enormous as castles. My favorite is the Monastery of Saint Docheiariouthe, situated right on the Aegean. The beach is pristine because the monks don’t often swim.”
“I’m envious of your experience.”
“It was something I’ll never forget. We walked everywhere, discovering caves that still house religious hermits. Do you know some of the churches have more gold than many countries keep in their vaults? The beauty of their architecture and the icons are something to behold.”
“Are the monks all Greek?”
“No. They come from every country in the Orthodox world and even some from non-orthodox countries. You’ll notice gardens tended with meticulous care. There’s a spiritual atmosphere to the whole place.”
“Mountains seem to have that essence, even without monasteries. I felt it yesterday on top of Mount Olympus. During your travels, did you ever climb Mount Sinai?”
“Not yet. Maybe one day. I hear it has monasteries, too.”
Her heart ached at the thought of him going there without her.
The pilot dipped down so she could get a bird’s-eye view. For the next twenty minutes she feasted her eyes on the marvels passing beneath them. She knew her oohs and aahs amused the men, but she couldn’t hold back. The sights were incredible. Nik pointed out his favorite monastery.
“I can see why. The setting against the water is indescribably beautiful.” He loved the water.
“If you’ve had enough, we’ll head for Thessalonika.”
“I don’t think you could ever get enough of this place. Thank you so much for this privilege. Thank you for flying us here in perfect safety, Keiko. I’m in awe of your expertise.”
“He’s the best at what he does,” Nik interjected, while the pilot just smiled.
Before long they landed at the airport’s helipad where a dashing black sports car was waiting. Nik walked her over and helped her inside. “I asked my driver to bring my favorite car here so we could drive it back to Athens at our leisure. Keiko will fly our camping gear back.” After stowing their packs, he got behind the wheel.
In the next moment he put a hand on her thigh, squeezing gently. It caused her to gasp. “Since the car is carrying precious cargo, I promise I’ll keep the speed down.”
“How fast can it go?”
“One hundred and ninety-nine miles per hour.” After a pause he said, “If you’d rather I rented a car, I’ll do it. The decision is yours.”
She saw the heightened excitement in his dark eyes and wouldn’t have deprived him of this for the world. Besides, she’d never been in a sports car. With Nik, everything was a first, but he didn’t need things to add to his remarkable persona. The man himself was the most captivating male on the planet and had a stranglehold on her.
“Well now, darlin’,” she drawled with an exaggerated Texas accent. “Why don’t y’all show me what a famous race-car driver you really are?”
An explosion of laughter resounded in the car.
She’d said the magic words. He was in his element, and she’d given him permission to enjoy himself. That was one of the things she loved about him. Nik considered her feelings before he did anything. The fact that he always put her first put him in a special class of human beings.
He wasn’t a show-off in any sense of the word, which was the reason why she wanted to see him discard his cares and have fun. A second later they wound around to the main road. After the coast was clear, they literally flew down the highway. He flashed her a smile that said he didn’t have a worry in the world. It was wonderful to see him this happy after the pain he’d just lived through.
The man seemed to be in heaven, driving with the expertise of any race-car driver she’d ever watched on TV. He infected her with his excitement.
Eventually he had to come to a stop at the intersection for the next town. She turned in his direction. “I’m convinced you could have made it big in the racing world.”
Nik eyed her back. “I was tempted, but some newer thrill came along.”
“You’re like me, always wanting to see what’s around the next corner in case I missed out.”
“That describes us, Fran. Since you mentioned Mount Sinai, how would you like to climb it with me?”
She blinked. “You mean before I fly home?”
“Why not? Neither of us has ever been there. It’ll be a first-time adventure we can experience together.”
Fran shook her head. “I couldn’t take advantage of you or your generosity like that.”
“I think you’re afraid I’ll take advantage of you, so I’ll make you a promise. Earlier you asked if we could just be friends and finish our hike to the top of Mount Olympus. I was too frustrated at the time to reassure you. But if you’ll give me a second chance, I’d like to spend more time with you. We’ll travel there as two friends, nothing more.”
Oh, Nik...
“Being with you has made me forget my troubles for a while. I love this feeling of freedom. You’re easy to talk to, easy to be with when we don’t talk. I’m enjoying your companionship. Can you honestly tell me you don’t feel the same way?”
He already knew the answer to that question. How could she say no to him when she knew in her heart he was being totally sincere with her? Since coming away with him, she’d seen and felt how the years had fallen away from him. She’d been given a glimpse of the younger, responsibility-free Nik who had existed before his mountain-climbing accident. With him she felt carefree, too.
They were good together. Good for each other. They’d confided in each other and she felt she could trust him. After what she’d told him about trust the other night, that was saying a lot.
“Tell you what. You’ve convinced me to live dangerously for a little longer.”
For an answer, the car shot ahead, leaving her dizzy and reeling. It took zipping along for ten minutes before she could speak. “I hate to tell you this, but you’re running high on adrenaline right now.”
“But you don’t mind,” he said with a confidence that seemed part of him.
“No.” I don’t mind. She turned her head to look out the passenger window. Her heart was palpitating so hard in her throat, she couldn’t make a sound.
They drove on to the next village where he turned off the road into the parking lot of a café. After shutting down the motor, he undid his seat belt and turned to her. “I’m going to run inside and get us some food we can eat in the car. Now that we have new plans, I can’t get us back to Athens fast enough. You like lamb?”
“I adore it.” Her response corresponded with the vibrating sound of his cell phone. “Are you going to answer it?”
He checked the caller ID. “It’s from Sandro. That’s odd.”
“Maybe you’d better get it.”
He flashed her another heartstopping smile. “Is that Mrs. Atlas talking now?” he teased.
Her soft laughter filled the car as he pulled the phone from his pocket. It was a text message. In the subject line Sandro had put Emergency. Nik clicked on to read the message.
Demi started a fever during the night and cries incessantly. Mother hasn’t been able to get it down and called the doctor. He told her to bring her to the hospital in Mykonos. We’re here now. We don’t know if she’s come down with a cold, or if she’s still suffering from her trauma. She won’t eat or drink. I promised Mother I’d keep you informed. She wants everyone here.
Nik
pressed Reply.
I’m in my car approximately 160 miles from Mykonos. Should be there within two hours. Have a helicopter standing by at the dock for me. Make sure my driver is there to take care of my car. Keep me posted.
Fran stared at him after he’d pocketed his phone. “Something serious has put those frown lines on your face. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“Your instincts were right. Demi’s back in the hospital.”
“Oh, no—” Tears sprang from her eyes. “Not that little darling—”
“She’s feverish and won’t settle down. I’m afraid Mother’s falling apart. Wait here for me. I’ll be right back with the food. Sandro will keep us informed if she gets worse.”
* * *
Fran watched his long, powerful legs eat up the distance and disappear inside. She feared any plans he’d had to take her to Mount Sinai would have to be put on permanent hold. Neither of them could think with little Demi in the hospital again.
Nik was back before she knew it. “I’m glad we’re in this car. We ought to make it to the port under two hours. The helicopter will ferry us to the hospital.”
She opened the sacks and they helped themselves to food and drink. “Your brothers told me Melina had never had other people tend Demi, so I’m not surprised she’s having trouble. Of course she’s comfortable around your family, but it was her parents she was bonded to. Obviously this transition is going to take more time than I thought.”
“I agree. When we get to the hospital, I’m going to follow through and call a child psychiatrist for consultation. I want another opinion besides the pediatrician’s. And there’s another possibility. Maybe she has internal injuries like I received on my climb of Everest. Landing on her back like that could have damaged a vital organ and she’s in pain.”
“Just remember she was all right when you took her home.”
“Sometimes internal injuries show up later.”
Baby out of the Blue Page 13
