Buch lesen: «Wedding The Greek Billionaire»

CHAPTER ONE

THE END OF May had brought glorious seventy-degree weather to Greece, but the morning traffic in Patras was as bad as in Athens. Zoe Perkins, who’d been in Greece since January, doing research on the renowned British poet Lord Byron, was on her way to the dock in a taxi. The ferry to Ithaca would be leaving soon and she couldn’t be late.

“Can’t you go any faster?” she called to the driver again. She’d phoned for a taxi from her one bedroom apartment in downtown Patras, thinking she had plenty of time.

“I am hurrying,” he replied in English over his shoulder.

She looked out the window, frustrated it was taking so long. Suddenly she saw a truck turn into their path from the intersection. “Stop! He’s going to hit—”

They collided before she could say us. The impact shot her forward, but the seat belt kept her from going flying. While she tried to get her heart to calm down, she noticed the driver slumped over the steering wheel. Blood dribbled down the side of his face.

“Oh, no! Are you all right?” she cried out, horrified. He didn’t make a sound. It was her fault for urging him to drive faster. The police hadn’t arrived yet and a crowd had surrounded them. The accident had caused a terrible traffic jam.

Galvanized into action, Zoe undid the seat belt, wanting to get out of the car to help the driver. But as she opened the rear door, she was blocked by a man with a rock-hard physique saying something to her in Greek.

“Please let me out.”

“I’m sorry, kyria, but you might need medical attention. Help is coming.” The man’s deep cultured voice spoken in accented English was disturbingly attractive.

“Thank you, but I’m fine. Honestly! The driver is the one who’s hurt. I tried talking to him, but he isn’t saying anything!”

When he lowered his head, she found herself staring at the most striking, olive-skinned Greek male she’d ever seen in her life. Beneath raven-black hair and brows, his eyes, dark as midnight, studied her features as if to verify she’d spoken the truth.

The thirty-plus-looking male was dressed in an elegant tan silk suit and tie. She assumed he had to be on his way to an important meeting.

“Why don’t we let the paramedics decide.” He didn’t move, and spoke in a tone of authority he probably wasn’t even aware of.

“The poor man.”

“He’s already sitting up, kyria, and has likely broken his nose, nothing else.”

“I—I shouldn’t have told him to drive so fast.” Shock was setting in, causing her to chatter. “I was afraid I’d miss the f-ferry for Ithaca.”

“Was someone going to meet you when you arrived?”

“No, it’s just I was on a tight schedule and there won’t be another one until tomorrow. But it doesn’t matter now because the driver is hurt. He needs help.”

“He’ll be fine. Just try to relax.”

At that moment she heard a siren and the paramedics arrived. They appeared to recognize the stranger immediately. He spoke to them briefly, then moved aside so one of them could talk to her in English. The medic checked her vital signs while the taxi driver received help and was transported to the ambulance.

Determining that she seemed to be all right, the medic helped her out of the taxi. All that time, the stranger stayed beside her. Zoe hadn’t realized he was so tall, at least six feet two inches of male virility. Maybe the accident had affected her sight, because to her eyes he looked like a Greek god come to life. Her legs felt like mush.

The medic took her information and said he would summon another taxi for her. Before she could answer him, the stranger said, “I’ll drive her to her destination.”

“Efkaristo, Kyrie Gavras.”

Gavras? She’d passed the entrance of a hotel downtown called Gavras House, Patras, many times. Was he that Gavras? Zoe had also seen the name in the news and everywhere she’d been in western Greece during her time here.

“You and I haven’t been officially introduced, Kyria Perkins.” The mention of her name meant he’d heard the information she’d given to the medic. “My name is Andreas Gavras. If you’ll allow me, I’ll take you where you need to go. My limo is waiting.”

“Thank you, but you don’t owe me anything.”

“My driver was right behind the truck that collided with your taxi. I’m the one who called for assistance and would like to be of help. Wouldn’t you do the same for me if our positions were reversed? Where can I take you?”

Think, Zoe. “Maybe back to my apartment. It’s only a few blocks away.”

He reached inside for her purse and handed it to her.

“Thank you.” She’d forgotten she’d left it on the seat.

“The limo is parked just over there.” He cupped her elbow to steady her as they walked through the stalled cars and he helped her into the back of the elegant black limo. “Do you feel ill?”

“Not sick, just shaken.”

“Of course. What you need is a drink.” He said something in Greek to his driver through a speaker, and the limo began to move. The next thing she knew they’d rounded a corner and pulled up in front of a sidewalk café.

“Stay right here, kyria. I’ll be back.”

In a lithe male movement, he got out of the limo and went inside. Before long he came back out with two drinks in paper cups. “This is lemonade.”

Her hand trembled as she took the cup from him. “Thank you so much,” she said before drinking thirstily. When she’d drained all of it, he took the cup from her and put it in a receptacle. He’d finished his drink, as well.

“I’ve never tasted anything so good.”

“I’m glad it appealed. Feel a little better now?” he asked solicitously.

“Much.” He was the proverbial white knight, but dressed in a stunning modern silk suit, who’d come out of nowhere to save her.

“Forgive me for a minute while I call my office, then we’ll find a pleasant place to have lunch.”

“You’ve been very kind, but you look like you’re on your way to an important meeting. Please don’t let me keep you.”

He slanted her a heart-stopping glance. “I’m glad you’re the reason I can’t make the board meeting I usually sleep through.” She didn’t believe that for a second. “Besides, I have to eat since I didn’t stop for breakfast this morning. Did you?”

“Actually I didn’t. I thought I’d eat on the ferry.”

“Well, I know a place where the food will be much better. Just give me a minute.”

By the time he’d gotten off the phone, she felt her more normal self. Once again the limo joined the mainstream of traffic and drove them out of the city to the coast ten miles away.

“I’m in the mood for fish. How about you?”

“That sounds wonderful.” But she didn’t feel hungry.

“When we get there, shall I order for you?”

“Please. I haven’t mastered your menus yet.”

He spoke to his driver again and they pulled up to one of those seaside places you read about in a brochure for this century’s jet set, exclusive and expensive. The restaurant was full, but a table had been reserved for them. He must have called ahead when he’d bought the lemonade.

Zoe knew she wasn’t dreaming, but it felt like she was in one. He helped her to her seat and sat across from her at the cloth-covered table with flowers. After the waiter took their order, his black eyes studied her features.

“Why were you going to Ithaca?”

“Since January, I’ve been doing research in Greece on the life of George Gordon Noel Byron, the Sixth Baron Byron, known as Lord Byron. I’ve visited many places and been to many sites, but there are still regions I have yet to see and learn about.”

To her surprise, his expression grew more animated. “Why him particularly?”

“He spent some time in and around Ithaca. I want to go there and talk to some of the local historians who will give me their insights about him.”

“What kind of work do you do?”

“I’m studying for my doctorate at UCLA, and I teach classes on the romance writers of the early nineteenth century. Last Christmas a famous female movie director in Hollywood named Magda Collier started making her most important film to date and chose Lord Byron for the subject. She needed new eyes for fresh research to make the script authentic.”

“And you were picked?”

“Two other women from Stanford and San Jose State University, Ginger and Abby, plus myself, were chosen to gather material. Magda’s idea was to show him as a genius whose spiritual side had so much to give the world and emphasize the greatness in him. I applauded her dream and was thrilled to be part of her team.”

“That’s quite an honor.”

“In a way, it is. Before Christmas we met in Los Angeles for a week with the screenwriters and learned from her what she wanted. I’ve been sending information to her for months, as have my friends. But the time is coming when I’ll have to return to the US, so I’m trying to make the most of it.”

“It sounds like you were an expert on him to begin with.”

“I’ve studied his works for years and have learned incredible things about his life while he spent time here in Greece.”

“How long have you been in Patras?”

“About six weeks.”

Their food came and it looked delicious, whetting her appetite. She ended up feasting on a plate of all sorts of fish and rice in a divine cream sauce.

“This is delicious, but I feel guilty that the poor taxi driver is probably at the hospital in pain. If he has a family, they must be so upset this happened.”

“Your compassion is commendable.”

“I’m sure you’d feel the same way. Do you think it was his fault?”

“I’m not sure, but I can find out what hospital he was taken to. Maybe then we might learn details.”

“Would you do that? If I could, I’d like to tell him how sorry I am for what happened. I’ve relied on taxis all through Greece. The drivers have always been wonderful and I’ve been so lucky. It astounds me how well they speak English. If I had to drive a Greek person around, I wouldn’t be able to communicate. It’s shameful that I only know a few words after all these months.”

“Not everyone is as appreciative as you. I’m impressed, kyria, and I’ll see what I can do on our way back to Patras.”

“Thank you.”

“Would you care for dessert?”

“I couldn’t manage one, but please order for yourself if you want to.”

“I’d rather drive you back to Patras while we find out about your taxi driver so you can relax.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. An accident that was out of your hands would unnerve anyone.”

He summoned the waiter and they left the restaurant for the limo. They sat across from each other as they’d done before. On the way into town he got on his cell phone and made a series of calls. Zoe knew that if anyone could pull strings to find out private information, he would be the one.

“I have good news,” he said after hanging up on his last call. “The driver received a cut on his eyebrow that was stitched up. He’s already been released from the hospital.”

“That’s a great relief to me. I’m glad it wasn’t his nose.”

Her knight chuckled. “The driver of the truck wasn’t injured. He was given the citation for not being careful.”

“I can’t thank you enough for finding out that information for me. I’ll sleep much better tonight.”

By this time the limo had pulled up in front of her apartment without needing directions. When the stranger had heard her give the police her information, he’d clearly remembered the address.

“What are your plans now?” he asked.

“Work. I’ll make use of today’s loss of time by transcribing some tapes I’ve made during interviews here. Tomorrow I’ll leave much earlier for the ferry and go to Ithaca.”

“You have to eat dinner. Will you dine with me this evening?”

She tried not to look at him or she’d get lost in those penetrating black eyes. “You’ve done more than enough for me when you’ve already missed your board meeting. I’m very grateful to you for coming to my rescue, but I refuse to take up any more of your time.”

Zoe started to reach for her purse when he said, “Would you mind if I came by in the morning and drove you to the ferry?”

Her eyes flew to his in surprise. “Why would you do that?”

“Because I prevented you from leaving the taxi at the scene of the accident this morning. I made you too late to reach the port in time. It’s the least I can do.”

She shook her head. “I’m already in your debt for the fabulous lunch.”

“I promise I’ll get you there on time.”

The man couldn’t be dissuaded, and he’d been wonderful to her. You know you want to see him again, Zoe. After her divorce, she’d been leery about getting close to a man again, especially one so breathtaking.

“What about your work?”

“It’s always there waiting. I’ll meet you here in front at seven thirty in the morning. How does that sound?”

The accident must have done something to her psyche because a part of her wanted to say yes to this gorgeous man who was little more than a stranger to her. But another part of her feared it wouldn’t be wise. She clutched her purse. Once before in her life she’d made the mistake of being charmed by an attractive man with disastrous results.

“That’s a very generous offer. Thank you for everything, but I really don’t want to put you out.”

“You won’t. If you aren’t here when I come by in the morning, then I’ll accept that’s your answer and you’ll never see me again.”

He opened the door for her so she could get out of the car. Without looking back, she hurried toward her flat located around the side of the building hidden behind a big tree. Much as she wanted to tell him she’d love a ride with him, she didn’t dare.

Andreas watched the dark blond American beauty with the stunning figure run from him before he told the driver to head for the office. He couldn’t remember anything like this happening to him before.

When Andreas had looked inside the damaged taxi earlier, his gaze had fused with a pair of azure-blue eyes so alive and brilliant, he’d been mesmerized.

He’d assumed she was in her early twenties. It totally surprised him when he learned she was a professor of the early nineteenth-century romance writers at UCLA in California, which meant she was older than he’d supposed.

He’d been instantly attracted to her in a way he couldn’t explain. The woman’s concern over the taxi driver had touched him. As for her keen intellect and interest in Lord Byron, he was intrigued. She didn’t know it yet, but the two of them had a lot to talk about. He found himself planning a way to spend more time with her.

After the emotional turmoil he’d been in for so long he didn’t want to think about it, he was utterly shocked that he wanted to pursue this woman. But instinct told him that if she’d been put off by him, she wouldn’t have walked with him to the limo after the accident, or have gone to lunch with him. Still, something else had held her back from accepting a ride from him to the ferry tomorrow.

He thought about the situation until he went to bed. If he was wrong and she didn’t feel any sort of attraction to him, there was only one way to find out.

When morning came, he dressed in sport clothes and parked his car in front of her apartment at seven fifteen. For all he knew, she could have already left or changed her mind and done something else. If there was no sign of her, he’d told her he would let it go. But he knew he wouldn’t like it.

At twenty-five after, a taxi pulled up behind him, letting him know she had no intention of going with him. Instead of leaving before she came out, Andreas wanted her to know he’d kept his word. He got out of his car and lounged against the passenger door to wait.

A few minutes later she walked out dressed in white cargo pants and a blue-and-white-print blouse with three-quarter sleeves. The sun streaks in her neck-length hair shone in the morning light. He couldn’t look anywhere else before straightening. It diverted her attention.

The surprise in her blue eyes above those exquisite high cheekbones was 100 percent genuine. “You!” She hadn’t thought he’d come.

“Good morning, kyria. I told you I would be here. I meant what I said. I’d like to take you to the ferry to make up for yesterday, but the decision is yours.”

She smoothed a strand of hair behind her ear. “The thing is, my taxi is already here.”

That comment told him all he needed to know. “I’ll take care of it.”

He walked around to talk to the driver. “Thanks for coming,” he said in Greek and paid him triple what she would have had to pay him to go to the dock.

The driver was all smiles and pulled out into traffic.

Andreas headed for his car and opened the door for her. She came closer. “Now I feel terrible. My debts to you are adding up.”

It hit him that as long as she wanted to be with him, nothing else mattered. And she did, otherwise she would have said no thank you and climbed in that taxi.

“Let’s not talk about debts and enjoy the drive.” He helped her in the car and took off. “I’m aware that you know nothing about me, but I assure you I’m not in the habit of picking up women who’ve been in an accident or otherwise.”

That brought a smile to her lips. “I’m not in the habit of being picked up by a man on his way to a board meeting.”

“Touché. Now that we have that out of the way, I’d like you to know the truth about me. Two days ago I filed for divorce and have a son, Ari, who’s fifteen months old. He’s my life.” Even if he isn’t my birth son. “But he’s with his mother right now in Athens. They’re living with her parents for the time being.”

She turned to look at him. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been through a divorce and know how painful it is, but there were no children involved. The emptiness has to be unbearable.”

He darted her a glance. She’d already been married...

“Life has a way of throwing us curves we never expected, like your accident yesterday. Right now I’m trying to make sense of everything. Believe it or not, doing something for you is helping.”

She stirred in the seat. “What you’ve told me explains why you didn’t care if you missed your board meeting.”

“You’re right about that. I’m trying to keep it together, but I couldn’t go to work today, or stay at the villa. Thank you for helping me keep my sanity, kyria. You’re just the company I need.”

“I’ve been where you’ve been,” she said compassionately. “If you’d like a job, why don’t you come to Ithaca with me for the day? I could use an interpreter of your caliber.”

“What caliber is that?”

“I asked my landlord about you. He said you’re a very important man.”

“Don’t believe him.”

She chuckled softly. “I knew it when the police officer recognized you and immediately acceded to your wishes.”

The fact that she’d asked him to go to Ithaca with her had lifted his mood. They reached the dock and got in line to board the ferry. The four-hour trip across and back meant they wouldn’t be home until eight or later.

Once they could leave the car, they went to the dining room to eat, then walked out on deck. “It’s hard to believe this view is real,” she murmured. “The green of the Ionian islands bathed by crystal blue waters is out of this world.”

He’d never been around anyone as appreciative of everything as she was. As he’d told her earlier, she was easy to be with. “I couldn’t agree more. Tell me why Ithaca is so important.”

“When Lord Byron left Genoa in July of 1823, he traveled on a ship called the Hercules with Pietro Gamba and William Fletcher among others. They arrived at Cephalonia in August and made an expedition to Ithaca. He was filled with inspiration and did a lot of writing during that period. I want to visit the two museums in Vathy and see what memorabilia is there.”

Being with Zoe made the time pass quickly. Soon they were able to drive onto the island and tour some of the archaeological sites before stopping at the museums.

“Tell me what those words say, Andreas.” It was the first time she’d used his name. He enjoyed translating some of the lines from the marble commemorative stele of Byron for her.

“If this island belonged to me, I would bury all my books here and never go away,” he told her.

“That’s an interesting thing to say. He really was taken with the history of this place.” She recorded Andreas’s words in the notebook she carried in her purse. They worked well together and he regretted it when they had to leave to drive back to the ferry.

Again they ate aboard ship and discussed Ulysses, who was said to have been born on Ithaca or Cephalonia. She was so knowledgeable about literature in general, it was fascinating to be with her.

When they got back to the apartment, he turned to her and told her his plans. “Tomorrow I’m leaving for Athens to be with my son. Temporary visitation has been worked out with the judge. I’m with him for two days, usually over the weekend. Then his mother has him for five and we go back and forth. It’s unequal, but works for now because of my business schedule.”

“You can’t bring him here?”

“I could, but it’s a lot of flying. Do you mind if I call you after I’m back?”

“Not at all, but just so you know, I’m leaving tomorrow to join my friends on holiday in Switzerland.”

The news stunned him. He’d just met her and already she was going away? “How long will you be gone?”

“I’m not sure.” She reached for the door handle. “But I can’t thank you enough for taking me to Ithaca today. It was a real treat, and I know you can’t wait until tomorrow when you see your son. Have a safe trip, Andreas.”

“Wait—let’s exchange phone numbers so we can stay in touch.”

“All right.”

By then she’d already gotten out of the car. It was still light out. “Don’t get in any accidents on your way home,” she teased before disappearing around the big tree.

Andreas sat there for a few minutes, upset that he might not see her again. Before he pulled away, he phoned her.

She sounded breathless when she answered. “Andreas?”

“Hi. Just wanted to make sure I could reach you.”

“You must have driven your mother crazy.”

“Probably,” he quipped. “Enjoy your trip.”

“You, too.”

He hung up and headed for the villa. Though he was counting the hours until he could be with Ari, there was someone else he’d be thinking about this weekend. Since he’d told her he was divorced with a son, she’d relaxed around him, like she might around a friend.

But he would never be able to think of her in the friend sense. She’d grown on him like mad today and belonged in an entirely different category. The thought of not seeing her again disturbed him a great deal.