Читать книгу The Greek's Nine-Month Surprise - Jennifer Faye - Страница 12
ОглавлениеTHIS PLAN JUST had to work.
Niko stepped inside Cristo’s luxury suite. Not so long ago they’d met here to discuss business, but this time his agenda was a bit more personal. Over the months, he and Cristo had become not only family, but also close friends. It was interesting to both of them how much they had in common—powerful families with unrealistic expectations.
Niko joined Cristo on his private balcony overlooking the beach littered with sunbathers soaking up the sunshine while others enjoyed the warm water of the resort’s private cove. They all looked so relaxed and happy. Right now, Niko couldn’t remember what it was like to be either of those two things.
His gut knotted up. If he made the wrong decision, he knew it would impact not only his life but Sofia’s and their unborn baby’s. The decision to make Sofia his bride didn’t have to be made overnight. If he cut his trip short, Sofia would still be at the Blue Tide when he returned.
Cristo cleared his throat. “Sorry about the delay. Some staffing issues were just brought to my attention.”
“You really take a hands-on approach with this place, don’t you?”
Cristo poured them each a cup of coffee. “Yes. This resort is special to me. It was my idea. I’ve seen it through the planning, building and opening. And now that Kyra and I married here, it’s our home.”
“Even more so than New York?”
“My home is wherever my wife is, and right now, she’s enjoying her time here.” Cristo sipped his coffee. “So tell me what’s on your mind.”
Niko wasn’t sure how much of what he was thinking he should vocalize. “I wanted to ask you about Sofia.”
A knowing smile came across Cristo’s face. “I saw the way you two hit it off at the wedding. Kyra wanted to do some matchmaking, but I told her not to get involved. It’s better when things work out on their own. So you and Sofia, are you getting serious?”
Now how exactly did he answer that? The pregnancy was serious. The rest of it had yet to be determined. “We might be.”
“And that’s why you’re here? You want to know if there’s any reason you shouldn’t get involved?”
Niko inclined his head. “Something like that.”
Cristo took another sip of his coffee. “I don’t know if I’m the person you should consult.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I know nothing about romance and relationships.”
“But how can that be? You’re happily married.”
“And that’s due to my amazing wife. She’s the one who believed in us and helped me to get past some rough spots. If it wasn’t for her, I’d still be miserable and alone.”
That last comment really caught Niko’s attention. “You were miserable when you were single?”
Cristo shrugged his shoulders. “I just didn’t want to admit it to myself. I thought I knew what would make me happy. And I was completely wrong. Lucky for me, Kyra opened my eyes. Your cousin is very smart, but if you tell her I said any of this, I’ll totally deny it.”
A smile pulled at Niko’s lips. “Don’t worry. I don’t think I have to tell my cousin a thing. Anyone can see the happiness radiating from you two.”
“It’s easy when you have the right person in your life. Do you think Sofia is the right person for you?”
The smile slipped from Niko’s face. “I think so.”
“Why do you look so worried?”
“I’m not sure Sofia feels the same way.”
“Ah, I understand. Women are tough to read.”
Niko cleared his throat. “Speaking of Sofia, have you known her long?”
“Depends on how you look at it. I’ve known her as long as I’ve known Kyra. And that was long enough for me to realize I wasn’t going to let Kyra get away. From what I’ve witnessed, Sofia is loyal and trustworthy.”
“Thanks for the insight.”
“But if you’re curious about Sofia, why aren’t you talking to her?”
Cristo was right. He just wanted to make sure there wasn’t something he was missing about Sofia before he enacted his plan. “It’s just that... Oh, never mind. I need to focus on my trip so we can finalize our deal. I’ll worry about this stuff later.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“Not long.” While away, he intended to give his idea of marriage to Sofia some serious thought. “A few weeks.”
“That fast?”
“You sound surprised.” To him, being away from the Stravos Trust during this pivotal transition seemed like an eternity.
“I don’t know. I just thought you might want to take some downtime after everything that has happened.”
He was referring to the death of Niko’s grandfather. “I did take a little time off, but I found the work helps. It’s therapeutic for me.”
Cristo nodded in understanding. “Maybe the trip will be good for you, too.”
“Honestly, I’m not thrilled about this trip. It couldn’t have come at a worse time.”
“Then why not delay it?”
“Trust me—the thought has crossed my mind more than once. But the sale of the hotel chain can’t be delayed. I have plans for the money, and I’m sure you’re anxious to get on with the merger of the two hotel chains.”
“When are you leaving?”
“Tomorrow.”
“And what about Sofia? You don’t want to miss this opportunity. You might never get it back.”
Cristo’s warning made Niko hesitate. Had he somehow found out about Sofia’s plans to return to New York? She’d said she hadn’t turned her resignation in yet, but after their discussion perhaps she’d changed her mind. “Is there a particular reason you say that?”
Cristo rubbed his clean-shaven jaw. “I really shouldn’t say anything—”
“This is important. If it’s about Sofia, I really need to know.”
Cristo’s brows rose. “Fine. The phone call I was on when you arrived was from my manager. Sofia has tendered her resignation at the Blue Tide Resort. She’s transferring back to the New York hotel.”
“How soon?”
“Immediately.”
“Immediately?” This was news.
“I haven’t spoken to her myself, but from what I can gather, she’s planning to hop on the next plane to New York. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
“Let’s just say I might have some idea about what’s going on.” When Cristo sent him an I knew it look, Niko continued, “The thing is I, um, need her help. Would it be possible to give her some time off?”
“What sort of time are we talking? A day? Or two?”
“At least a few weeks.”
Cristo’s eyes widened. “I see. Well, I think we could make that work. But is Sofia willing to go along with whatever you have in mind?”
“I don’t know, but I’m about to find out.”
“Are you sure—”
“I am.” Niko jumped to his feet. “Thanks. I have to go.”
He didn’t have a specific plan in mind to delay her departure, but he’d think of something. He didn’t have a choice. He couldn’t let Sofia disappear before they settled things. He was good at coming up with spontaneous plans. He had to come up with something good, something irresistible.
* * *
With a sigh, Sofia settled on the couch in her efficiency apartment. It had been a long, stressful day, and all she wanted now was to stay put, eat some leftover pizza and watch a romantic comedy. It might cheer her up. Then again, an adventure movie might be better.
Her meeting with Niko hadn’t gone terribly wrong, but it hadn’t been good, either. Was it so far-fetched that she’d secretly envisioned his happy acceptance of the news? Instead, Niko looked as though he’d been diagnosed with a month to live.
Sofia glanced down at the uneaten slice of pepperoni pizza in her hand. Her stomach lurched. She slipped the food back on the plate. Maybe she’d finish it later—much later. After her stomach stopped feeling as if it was on the high seas. She hadn’t experienced morning sickness until this week. Perhaps it was her nerves. Whatever it was, she wanted it to go away.
When her phone chimed, she welcomed the distraction. She snatched it from the coffee table, expecting to find a text from Kyra. Sofia had messaged her best friend earlier, telling her they needed to talk ASAP.
She’d been best friends with Kyra since junior high. Sofia thought they complemented each other well. She liked to take risks while Kyra liked to toe the line. Between the two of them, they’d kept out of trouble—or at least were never caught, as Kyra had reminded her over the years. But still, having a baby with a man that Kyra was just getting to know as family might put a strain on their friendship. Sofia hoped she was worried for nothing, but she’d learned the hard way that things don’t always work out the way you imagine.
When she glanced at her phone, she saw the message wasn’t from Kyra, after all. It was Niko. Her heart pounded, and her palms grew clammy. She immediately clicked on the text, anxious to find out what he wanted.
NikoStravosIII: Can we meet?
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): When?
NikoStravosIII: Now.
She glanced down at her gray sweat shorts and faded pink T-shirt. She definitely wasn’t in any condition to run out the door and meet up with a billionaire. She wondered if he ever had a hair out of place or dressed in anything but designer clothes. She highly doubted it.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): Now isn’t a good time.
NikoStravosIII: It has to be tonight.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): I don’t know.
NikoStravosIII: We must talk before you leave tomorrow.
He knew? At least it saved her from having to tell him. And as much as she hated to admit it, he was right. They had to finish their discussion, and perhaps it’d be easier in person. But he wouldn’t change her mind—she was going home. She’d just heard about an opening at the hotel in New York, and she’d jumped on it. It would make it possible for her to make a future for her and the baby near her family.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): Can you give me a little time?
NikoStravosIII: Hurry.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): I will.
Sofia leaped up from the couch. After tossing her leftover pizza back in the fridge, she hurried to her small bedroom. A glance in the mirror told her that she would benefit from jumping in the shower and starting all over again, but she knew Niko wouldn’t have the patience to wait that long. So she’d have to do her best to quickly paste herself back together.
At last she settled for a short summer dress that had a sleeveless denim blouse that tied at the waist and a white flowered skirt. It looked good on her without letting on that she’d tried too hard. After all, this wasn’t a date or anything.
She texted Niko when she was ready. He wanted to meet on the beach. It was evening now, and the resort’s guests would be having dinner. For the most part, they’d have the beach to themselves.
She rushed out the door, all the while wondering what he’d decided. As she rode down the elevator by herself, she pressed a protective hand to her abdomen and whispered, “Don’t worry, little one. Everything will be all right.” If only she could convince herself of that. “Your daddy will see that I’m doing what’s best for all concerned.”
Sofia made her way from the small employee complex on the outskirts of the resort to the hotel. It wasn’t until then that she realized Niko hadn’t been explicit in his instructions. The beach was huge. But she didn’t have to wonder for long as he waved to her.
She joined him on the overlook that gave a stunning view of the private cove. The setting sun splashed streaks of pink and purple over the darkening water. But it wasn’t the horizon that made the breath catch in Sofia’s throat.
Her gaze settled on Niko. His wavy hair was finger-combed back off his face. Talk about hitting the jackpot in the gene department. If their baby took after him, it’d be adorable.
Niko was wearing dark slacks and a blue dress shirt. Didn’t the man ever go casual? She was starting to wonder if his wardrobe contained anything but designer suits. Although tonight he’d dispensed with his jacket and tie. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, and the top buttons were undone, giving a hint of the few dark curls on his chest. Her fingers longed to reach out to him as she had on that unforgettable night.
Her gaze rose, meeting his. A frown pulled at his lips as he glanced down at himself. “Is there something wrong with my clothes?”
Realizing that she’d been caught staring, she shook her head. “Um...no.”
“Are you sure? Did I spill something on myself?”
She shook her head again. “I was just wondering if you ever wear anything but suits.”
“Really? That’s what you were thinking?” When she nodded, he added, “And what’s wrong with a suit?”
She waved her hand around at the beach. “You do realize this is a resort. People come here to relax and unwind. You look like you’re ready to close a billion-dollar deal.”
“Ah, but in my case I came to the Blue Tide Resort to do exactly that.” He smiled, sending her stomach dipping. “Well, not the billion-dollar part, but it’s a substantial deal. Therefore, my attire is quite appropriate.”
“Are you always so uptight? Do you ever kick back? Relax?”
“Of course.”
She didn’t believe him. “I think you focus on business 24/7.”
“Did you ever consider I might find it relaxing?”
“And the suits?”
“To quote my grandfather, a man must dress properly to do business. But if you hadn’t noticed, I did dispense with my jacket and tie.”
She shook her head in disbelief. Inside, her stomach shivered with nervous tension. Critiquing his attire wasn’t why he’d invited her here, but she welcomed the diversion. “How about some jean shorts and a T-shirt? Or in your case, perhaps dress shorts and a polo shirt?”
He glanced away. “I’m more comfortable like this.”
“Do you even own any casual clothes?”
“Of course.” He responded much too quickly, making her wonder whether he really did own anything she would classify as casual. “But I just returned from a meeting.”
Was it really his clothes that bothered her? Or was it the thought that if she dressed him down, then his attitude might not be so serious? She wasn’t quite sure. “Did you pack any of these casual clothes?”
“As a matter of fact, I did.”
“Good. I’ll wait here while you go change.”
“Change? Why would I do that?”
“So we can go for a walk on the beach.”
His hesitant gaze moved to the deserted beach and then back at her. “Wouldn’t you be more comfortable talking here? We could order dinner and eat on the terrace.”
He wanted to talk and eat? Her stomach lurched. There was no way. Walking and talking was much more appealing. “I’m not hungry.” She didn’t even want to smell food at this point. “I’d really like to walk.”
He looked at her closely. “Are you feeling all right?”
She nodded.
“You’re sure? You look a little pale.”
She frowned. “Well, thank you. That’s always what a woman wants to hear.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant... Oh, never mind. Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
She nodded, but still he hesitated. “I’ll wait. I promise.”
His eyes said that he didn’t trust her. At all. “Good. We have important issues to discuss.”
She couldn’t tell by the tone of his voice if she was going to like what he had to say or not. At this point, she wasn’t even sure what she wanted him to say. The push and pull of her conflicting emotions made her temples start to throb.
It will all work out. It will all work out.
She turned back to the view of the cove. All the while, she kept repeating those five words like some sort of mantra. It helped calm her nerves. Or so she wanted to believe.
She took in the colorful sky and the gentle lapping of the water. This was the kind of setting for a romantic movie where the hero and heroine walk off into the sunset. She inwardly groaned. That would never be her and Niko.
About to admit her mistake, she spun around to tell Niko that she’d changed her mind, but he was already gone. Whatever she did this evening, she had to keep her wits about her. Nothing good would come of repeating that toe-curling kiss. Nothing at all.
Still, her mind dwelled on that moment at his bungalow when he’d held her in his arms. Her heart picked up its pace. She’d never been kissed with such passion. No one had ever made her feel as if she was the only woman in the world for him—
No! No! No! she scolded herself. It didn’t help when she recalled how delicious it was having his lips pressed to hers. She had to resist the temptation. She had to.
Somehow...
