Читать книгу The Tycoon's Son - Cindy Kirk, Cindy Kirk - Страница 11

TRISH STARED at the three wild ponies on the hillside and breathed in the fresh mountain air. The brilliance of the blue sky wrapped itself around her and the sun warmed her face. She’d scheduled the side trip to Kefalonia so she could better understand why Elias Stamos insisted this excursion be offered to his passengers.

It made sense now.

As far as Trish was concerned, the history and beauty of Kefalonia was something everyone should experience. The plight of the horses was something everyone should know, and no one told their story better than Theo Catomeris.

She turned from the wild ponies and slanted a sideways glance at the handsome Greek. She wasn’t sure which of them had been more surprised when she and her friend, Sally Edwards, had shown up at the dock for the three-thirty tour.

Right now his attention was focused on a salesman from Cincinnati. But during the boat ride from Corfu to Kefalonia, and even on the trip in the van to Mount Ainos, she’d caught him slanting quick glances at her. Trish could only hope her presence would prompt him to reconsider her offer.

Mentally crossing her fingers, she turned back to the horses, watching in amazement as one—a spunky roan—negotiated a steep patch of rocky hillside with surprising ease.

“Incredible,” Trish breathed.

“I know,” Sally said. “If he didn’t have that bald spot in the back, he’d be perfect.”

Bald spot? Although the ponies weren’t close, Trish had a good view of the roan and, from where she stood, his hair appeared intact.

“What bald spot?” Trish asked.

“Shh.” Sally grabbed her arm, and when she spoke, her voice was a whisper. “He’ll hear you.”

Trish rolled her eyes. Okay, so maybe she spelled words she didn’t want the dogs in her home to hear, but the pony was so far away she could have shouted without worrying about the animal being offended.

“The horse is not going to hear me,” Trish said. “And even if he did, I hardly think he’s going to care.”

“Horse?” Sally’s perfectly tweezed brows pulled together. “I’m talking about Jerry.”

Aha. Finally Trish understood. Jerry Arthur was the salesman Sally had been flirting with since they’d met on the boat ride from Corfu. Recently divorced, Jerry was in the Greek Isles on business. He was also the one currently monopolizing Theo.

Trish cast a surreptitious glance in their direction. “You’re right,” Trish said to Sally. “The guy does have a bald spot.”

“I’m not criticizing, mind you. I think it makes him look distinguished.” Sally’s lips curved up in a satisfied smile. “Did I tell you he promised to look me up the next time he’s in Omaha?”

“That’s great, Sal.” Trish tried to put some enthusiasm in her voice. While she wanted to believe the man would call, she had the feeling this was the last her friend would see of the guy. It had been her experience that men often promised things then didn’t deliver.

Sally and Trish had been best friends growing up in Nebraska. They’d kept in touch even after Trish had left for college in Florida. Though still single, Sally had never given up on her dream of having a husband and children.

Two years ago, at age thirty-five, Sally had decided to make her dream a reality. She’d lost eighty pounds, bought some new, stylish clothes and lightened her mousy-brown hair to blond. While she would never be model-thin, her weight loss had given her a newfound confidence with men and she’d jumped into the dating scene with an enthusiasm Trish envied.

“I’m glad you made me go on this excursion,” Sally said, her blue eyes sparkling. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”

“I can’t imagine missing this, either.” Though Trish didn’t endorse his tactics, she now understood why Elias Stamos wanted this excursion available to his passengers.

Trish had barely finished speaking when Theo’s voice rang out over the crowd.

“If you all move closer, I’ll tell you about efforts currently underway to save these fine animals.” His deep voice sent a shiver up Trish’s spine. Though he’d made it clear when they’d left the taverna that their business was concluded, Trish couldn’t help but hope the door was still open.

She began to move forward, and when she turned to say something to Sally, Trish found herself alone. Sally now stood next to Jerry, her arm looped casually through his.

Trish sighed and let the group of people push her forward until she stood directly in front of Theo. His lips were moving ever so slightly, and it took Trish a second to realize he was counting, making sure all twenty-five people in the tour group were present.

She waited with anticipation for his gaze to settle on her. But when he got to her, he skipped over her.

The action told her more than words that the door was still shut.

Theo took a step back and gestured with an out-swept arm toward the side of the mountain and valley below.

“This mountain where we now stand is Mount Ainos. Below you can see the village of Arginia. And if you look over there, you can see three of the wild horses of the island.” Though his voice never faltered, Trish could see the emotion in his eyes when he looked at the horses. “These animals belong to a mountain breed of Greek horse descended from the Pindos breed. The Pindos is a descendent from the old Thessalonean breed which is now extinct.”

Though a few in the crowd moved away, most were as mesmerized as Trish by the passion in Theo’s voice as he painted a vivid picture of the horses’ struggle to survive.

“While they have faced tremendously adverse conditions in the past, these horses now face even greater challenges. They share this area with many other animals. Years ago, there was enough food and water for all. Now, due to the felling of many trees as well as destructive fires, the horse’s ability to find enough food and water is threatened.”

“What can we do to help?” the distinguished-looking older gentleman next to Trish called out.

“Thank you for asking,” Theo said. “We’ve established a foundation to save these horses. The immediate goal is the provision of self-filling watering facilities and shelter, along with a balanced diet in the winter months.”

Theo didn’t stop there. He went on to talk about more extensive long-range possibilities before mentioning to the group that when they stopped at the Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi on the way down, they would have an opportunity to make a donation, if they so desired.

After giving them a few minutes to take pictures, Theo announced it was time to head back to the van. As they started down the mountain path, Trish fell into step beside Theo.

“We’re going to have to stop meeting like this,” she said, keeping her tone deliberately light.

This time Theo couldn’t ignore her. “I didn’t know you were coming on this tour.”

Trish struggled to keep up with his fast clip. Normally she loved hiking, but she’d tripped on a hidden rock on their way up the mountain and her ankle was still sore from the almost fall.

Theo must have noticed her difficulty because he slowed his pace and even reached out a helping hand when she stumbled.

“I guess we’re even then,” she said.

“How’s that?” he asked.

“I didn’t know you were going to be leading this tour.”

He shot her a skeptical glance.

“I didn’t,” Trish said. “When I booked the tour, someone named Basil was listed as the guide.”

“Basil went home sick,” Theo admitted. “I’m filling in for him.”

“You do a nice job,” Trish said. “When you were talking about the hardships the horses face…”

Her voice caught. She wondered if the bay or the gray or the black roan would die this winter. Trish took a moment to compose herself. Ever since she’d been a child she’d loved animals. While her encounters with horses had been few, these proud, well-spirited ponies had found their way into her heart.

She thought of the money Elias Stamos would give, and how it could make the difference in these horses surviving the winter…or not.

While Theo hadn’t been overly friendly, he hadn’t been hostile, either. Maybe now that he’d had time to think, he’d be willing to take the money and give these horses a chance at a better life. She simply had to try again…

“I was wondering if you’d thought more about my offer,” Trish said.

A tiny muscle jumped in his jaw. “No,” he said. “I haven’t.”

It might not have been the most encouraging answer she could have gotten but it gave Trish something to build upon.

“I know,” she said. “There hasn’t been much time. It seemed like I’d barely left the taverna to meet Sal when it was time for the tour to start.”

“Sal?” He stopped and turned to face her.

He stood so close Trish could see the sheen of sweat on his brow and she realized his eyes looked more gold than brown in the light. Her heart did a little flip-flop in her chest.

“Sal?” he repeated.

“My friend.” Trish gestured with her head toward the back of the group. “The blonde.”

“The woman with Larry,” Theo said, his eyes dark and inscrutable.

“Jerry,” Trish said, automatically.

Theo’s gaze remained fixed on hers. “Is he a friend of yours, too?”

Trish frowned. Why were they talking about a salesman from Cincinnati when they had more important things to discuss…like Theo accepting the money so the wild horses could survive.

“Sally and I just met him this afternoon,” Trish said impatiently.

“I didn’t know you were in Corfu with a friend.”

“That’s not important.” Trish wished he’d quit talking and listen to what she had to say.

He started walking again and the road came into view. Time was running out. Dear God, they were almost to the van.

“Theo.” She grabbed his arm. “Please. There’s something I have to say to you.”

He hesitated only a second before stepping off to the side and letting the rest of the group follow the trail to the van.

“You want to apologize.” It was more a statement of fact than a question.

“Apologize?” Trish shook her head, suddenly confused. “No, I want you to reconsider my offer.”

“Offer?” A hardness edged the word.

“The bonus if you sign the agreement.” Trish spoke quickly, sensing a wall was on its way up. When she’d walked away from Theo earlier, she’d told herself she’d done her best. She’d asked. He’d said no. But this was no longer just about her. This was about the ponies. “Think of all the good you could do for these animals with that kind of money.”

He opened his mouth then closed it. Trish felt a surge of hope.

“New watering stations,” she said in her most persuasive tone. “Grain and other feed to last them through the winter.” She leaned close. “Enough money to ensure that no horse will have to die this year.”

A moment of longing crossed his face before his lips firmed. “If I agree to work with Elias Stamos.”

“If you agree to resume doing excursions for Liberty Line,” Trish clarified.

He waved a dismissive hand. “Same thing.”

A puzzle piece clicked into place. “It’s him. He’s the reason you won’t sign. You have something against Elias Stamos.”

She asked only out of curiosity. He’d made it clear he wasn’t going to do the excursions. While that didn’t bode well for her agency’s bottom line, Trish had survived tough times before and she would again.

“I gave you my answer.” Theo’s words were accusatory. “But instead of respecting that decision, you come on this excursion and interrupt my business for the sole purpose of getting me to change my mind.”

The idea was so ridiculous Trish couldn’t help but laugh. “You make it sound as if I’m stalking you.”

She expected him to laugh, too. Or at least crack a smile. But her words were met with a chilling silence. This conversation was going from bad to worse.

“Mr. Catomeris?” An older woman tapped Theo’s shoulder. “Will there be restrooms at our next stop?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Theo answered politely.

The woman looked at Trish. “Miss, your friend said to tell you she’s saving you a seat in the back of the van.”

“Thank you.” Trish smiled, then heaved a sigh of relief when the woman scurried off.

“I should get back to the group,” Theo said, but surprisingly he made no move to leave.

Trish shared his reluctance, knowing this was probably the last time they would be alone. Once she boarded the ship tonight, she would sail off to the next port and he would remain in Corfu.

“Goodbye, Mrs. Melrose,” he said finally.

“Goodbye…Theo.” Trish reached into her pocket and pulled out the business card she’d forgotten to give him earlier. “If you change your mind or just want to talk about the offer some more, I hope you’ll give me a call.”

Theo hesitated for only a moment before his fingers curved around the card she held out. “I won’t change my mind.”

“I understand you feel that way now,” Trish said. “But sometimes things change. Just remember I really want your business. I think we’d make a great team.”

“You don’t give up, do you?”

“The contract is important to me,” she said. “Now that I’ve seen them, helping these horses is important to me, too.”

“We need to get to the van,” he said. “So you can get back to the ship on time.”

Okay, so he hadn’t said he’d do it. But given time she knew she could persuade him. Unfortunately time was the one thing she didn’t have.