- -
- 100%
- +
It wasn’t until the waiter had placed the cupcake in front of her that she realized there was a diamond ring sitting atop the large dollop of frosting. The jewel was big. No, it was huge.
Kyra gasped.
The waiter immediately backed away. Cristo moved from his chair and retrieved the ring. What was he up to? Was it a mistake that he was going to correct? Because no one purchased a ring that big for someone who was just their fake fiancée. At least no rational person.
Cristo dropped to his knee next to her chair. Her mouth opened but no words came out. Was he going to propose to her? Right here? In front of everyone?
A noticeable silence fell over the room as one by one people turned and stared at them. The only sound now was the quickening beat of her heart.
Cristo gazed into her eyes. “Kyra, you stumbled into my life, reminding me of all that I’d been missing. You showed me that there’s more to life than business. You make me smile. You make me laugh. I can only hope to make you nearly as happy. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?”
The words were perfect. The sentiment was everything a woman could hope for. She knew this was where she was supposed to say yes, but even though her jaw moved, the words were trapped in her throat. Instead, she nodded and blinked back the involuntary rush of emotions. Someday she hoped the right guy would say those words to her and mean them.
Cristo took her hand in his. She was shaking and there wasn’t a darn thing she could do at that moment to stop it. Perhaps she should have realized he had this planned all along, what with her fancy dress and the stylist. If he wanted a surprised reaction, he got it.
Who’d have thought Cristo had a romantic streak? He’d created the most amazing evening. Something told her she would never forget this night. She couldn’t wait to tell Sofia. She was going to be so upset that she missed it.
Cristo stood and then helped Kyra to her feet. As though under a spell, she leaned into him. There was an intensity in his gaze that had her staring back, unable to turn away. Her pulse raced and her heart tumbled in her chest.
When his gaze dipped to her mouth, the breath caught in her throat. He was going to kiss her. His hands lifted and cupped her face. Their lips were just inches apart.
She should pull back. Turn away. Instead, she stood there anxiously waiting for his touch. Would it be gentle and teasing? Or would it be swift and demanding?
“You complete me.” Those softly spoken words shattered her last bit of reality. She gave in to the fantasy. He was her Prince Charming and for tonight she was his Cinderella.
The pounding in her chest grew stronger. She needed him to kiss her. She needed to see if his lips felt as good against hers as they’d felt on her hand.
“How did I get so lucky?” His voice crooned. Yet his voice was so soft that it would be impossible for anyone to hear—but her.
If he expected her to speak, he’d be waiting a long time. This whole evening had spiraled beyond anything she ever could have imagined. She was truly speechless, and that didn’t happen often.
His head dipped. This was it. He was really going to do it. And she was really going to let him. Her body swayed against his. Her soft curves nestled against his muscular planes.
She lifted on her tiptoes, meeting him halfway. Her eyelids fluttered closed. His smooth lips pressed to hers. At first, neither of them moved. It was as though they were both afraid of where this might lead. But then the chemistry between them swelled, mixed and bubbled up in needy anticipation.
Kyra’s arms slid up over his broad shoulders and wrapped around his neck. Her fingers worked their way through the soft, silky strands of his hair. This wasn’t so bad. In fact, it was...amazing. Her lips moved of their own accord, opening and welcoming him.
He was delicious, tasting sweet like the bottle of bubbly he’d insisted on ordering. She’d thought it’d just been to celebrate their business arrangement. She had no idea it was part of this seductive proposal. This man was as dangerous to her common sense as he was delicious enough to kiss all night long.
When applause and whistles filled the restaurant, it shattered the illusion. Kyra crashed back to earth and reluctantly pulled back. Her gaze met his passion-filled eyes. He wanted her. That part couldn’t be faked. So that kiss had been more than a means to prove to the world that their relationship was real. The kiss had been the heart-pounding, soul-stirring genuine article.
Her shaky fingers moved to her lips. They still tingled. Realizing she was acting like someone who hadn’t been kissed before, she moved her hand. Her gaze landed upon her hand and the jaw-dropping rock Cristo had placed there. The large circular diamond had to be at least four, no make that five, carats. It was surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds. The band was a beautiful rose gold with tiny diamonds adorning the band. She was in love—with the ring, of course.
“Do you like it?” Cristo moved beside her and gazed down at the ring.
“It’s simply stunning. But it’s far too much.”
Cristo leaned over and whispered, “The ring quite suits you even if it can’t compare to your beauty. How about we take our cupcake upstairs?”
CHAPTER FOUR
KYRA’S HEART BEAT out a rapid tap-tap-tap.
Why was Cristo staring at her as though she was the dessert?
He leaned close and spoke softly. “You’re enjoying the evening, aren’t you?”
The wispy feel of his hot breath on her neck sent a wave of goose bumps cascading down her arms. “I...I am. It’s magical.”
“Good. It’s not over yet.”
This evening had been so romantic that she couldn’t help but wonder if he’d almost gotten caught up in the show. Would he kiss her again? Her gaze shifted to his most tempting lips. Did she want him to?
He extended his arm to her and she accepted the gesture. Before they exited the restaurant, she glanced back at the table to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. “What about the cupcake?”
“It’ll be delivered to our suite along with another bottle of champagne.” He turned to the waiter to make the arrangements.
Our suite. It sounded so strange. She wasn’t sure how she felt about being intimately linked with Cristo—even if it was all a show.
On their way to the elevator, people stopped to congratulate them. Kyra smiled and thanked them, but inside she felt like such a fraud. A liar. Once again her life had become full of lies and innuendos, but this time instead of being a casual observer of her mother’s charade, Kyra was the prime star. She didn’t like it...but then again, she glanced at Cristo, there were some wonderful benefits. Not that she was confusing fiction with fact, but there was this tiny moment of what-if that came over her.
Once inside the elevator, it was just the two of them. He pressed the button for the top floor and swiped his keycard. She knew this was the end of her fairy-tale evening. She needed to get control of her meandering thoughts. It’d help if he wasn’t touching her, making her pulse do frantic things. When she tried to withdraw her hand, he placed his other hand over hers.
What in the world?
She turned a questioning glance his way only to find desire reflected in his eyes. Her heart slammed into her chest. Had he forgotten the show was over? They were alone now. But he continued to gaze deep into her eyes, turning her knees to gelatin.
Was it possible he intended to follow up that kiss in the restaurant with another one? Blood pounded in her ears. Was it wrong that she wanted him to do it—to press his mouth to hers? The breath caught in her lungs. She tilted her chin higher. Do it. I dare you.
He turned and faced forward. Wait. What happened? Had she misread him? She inwardly groaned. This arrangement was going to be so much harder than she ever imagined.
The elevator doors slid open. Another couple waited outside. The young woman was wrapped in her lover’s arms. They were kissing and oblivious to everything around them. Caught up in their own world, the elevator doors closed without them noticing. Now, that was love.
It definitely wasn’t what had been going on between her and Cristo. That had been—what—lust? Curiosity? Whatever it was, it wasn’t real. And now it was over.
Cristo grew increasingly quiet as he escorted her to their suite. He opened the door for her—forever the gentleman. It’d be so much easier to keep her distance from him if he’d just act like one of the self-centered, self-important jerks that her mother insisted on setting her up with because they had a little bit of money and prestige. Her mother never understood those things weren’t important to Kyra.
She stopped next to one of the couches and turned back to him. “Thank you for such a wonderful evening.” Before she forgot, she slipped the diamond ring from her finger and held it out to him. “Here. You’d better take this. I don’t want anything to happen to it.”
He shook his head. “No. It’s yours.”
“But I can’t keep it. It’s much too valuable.” And held far too many innuendos of love and forever. Things that didn’t apply to them.
Cristo frowned. “Now, how would it look if my fiancée went around without a ring on her finger?”
“You’re serious? You really want me to wear this? What if something happens to it?”
“Yes, I’m serious. And nothing will happen to it. Besides, I like the way it looks on your hand.” He slipped his phone from his pocket and started to flip through messages. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some business to attend to.”
“Now? But it’s getting late.”
His forehead wrinkled as though he was already deep in thought. “It’s never too late for work.”
And just like that, her carriage turned back into a pumpkin—her prince was more interested in his phone than in her. She felt so foolish for getting caught up in the illusion. Why did she think he’d be any different from the other guys in suits that she’d dated?
“No problem. I’ll just go to my room.”
There was a knock at the door.
Cristo moved to the door and swung it open. “You’re just in time. We were getting thirsty.” He turned to her with a warm smile. “Darling, dessert is here. Why don’t you go get comfortable and I’ll bring it in.”
A server rolled in a cart with a cupcake tree and a bottle of bubbly on ice. The man sent her a big smile as though he knew what she would be up to that evening. Wouldn’t he be surprised to know that she was going to bed alone?
Kyra was more than happy to head toward the bedroom. Her strides were short but quick. The evening’s show had left her emotionally and physically drained. All she wanted to do now was slip into something comfortable and curl up in bed.
“Kyra, you can come back.” Cristo turned to her. “Would you like me to open the wine for you?”
She didn’t want to return to the living room. And she certainly didn’t need any more bubbly. She needed time to sort her thoughts. But on second thought, it was better she went to him rather than having him seek her out.
Reluctantly she strolled back into the living room. “I think I’ll turn in early tonight.”
“It’s probably a good idea. You have a lot to do tomorrow. Good night.” He moved to the study just off the living room and pushed the door closed behind him.
How could he turn the charm off and on so casually?
With a sigh, Kyra headed for her bedroom, which was situated across the hall from his. This hotel suite was quite spacious, resembling a penthouse apartment. She should really snap some pictures to show her mother, but Kyra’s heart just wasn’t in it. Maybe tomorrow.
Her phone chimed with a new message. Still in her fancy dress, she flounced down on the bed with her phone in hand.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): Don’t keep me hanging. How’d the date go???
Kyra stared at the glowing screen, wondering what in the world to tell her friend. That the night was amazing, magical, romantic...or the truth, it was a mistake. Plain and simple. She shouldn’t have agreed to this arrangement. She wasn’t an actress. It was just too hard putting on a show. And worst of all, she was getting caught up in her own performance.
Still, she had to respond to Sofia. Her mind raced while her fingers hovered over the screen.
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): It was nice.
Immediately a message pinged back as though Sofia had been sitting there waiting to hear a detailed report.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): Nice? Was it that bad?
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): It was better than nice.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): That’s more like. Now spill.
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): I wore the most amazing dress. We dined downstairs in the High Tide Restaurant.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): Good start. So why are you messaging me?
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): Why not? You messaged me first.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): And I’m not with a hot guy.
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): Neither am I.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): You mean the evening is over already?
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): He’s working.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): What did you do wrong?
Her? Why did she have to do something wrong? It’s not as if they had gone out tonight with romance in mind. The night ended just the way she expected—though she really had thought at some point over dinner that he was truly into her. The man had given an Oscar-winning performance.
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): I’ve got a headache. I’m calling it a night. Talk tomorrow.
She kicked off her shoes and stretched her toes. It’d been a long time since she’d spent an evening in heels. She thought she’d left this kind of life back in New York.
Something told her that sleep would be a long way off. She had too much on her mind—a man with unforgettable blue eyes and a laugh that warmed her insides. How in the world was she going to stay focused on finding her family when Cristo was pulling her into his arms and passionately kissing her?
* * *
Where was she?
Cristo refilled his coffee mug for the third time that morning and took a long slow sip of the strong brew. He stared across the spacious living room toward the short hallway leading to Kyra’s bedroom. Maybe he should go check on her. He started in that direction when her door swung open. He quickly retreated back to the bar, where he made a point of topping off his coffee.
Kyra leisurely strolled into the living room wearing a neon pink, lime green and black tank top. His gaze drifted down to find a pair of black running shorts that showed off her toned legs. Maybe he should have chosen someone who was less distracting to play the part of his fiancée.
When he realized he was staring, he moved his gaze back to her face. “Good morning.”
“Morning.” She stretched, revealing the flesh of her flat stomach. Cristo swallowed hard. She yawned and then sent him a sheepish look. Her gaze swept over him from head to foot and then back again. “How long have you been awake?”
He glanced at his watch, finding it was a couple of minutes past seven. “A couple of hours.”
Her beautiful eyes widened. “You certainly don’t believe in sleeping in, do you?”
He shook his head. “Not when there’s work to be done. Would you like some coffee?”
“I’d love some.”
He grabbed another mug. “Do you take cream and sugar?”
“Just a couple packs of sweetener.”
“Which color do you prefer? Pink? Blue? Yellow?”
“Yellow.”
He added the sweetener and gave it a swirl. “If you want to make another pot of coffee, you’ll find all of the supplies in the cabinet.” He gestured below the coffeemaker. “Make yourself at home.”
“You won’t be here today?”
He handed over the cup. “I have some meetings in the city that I need to attend. Besides, you’ll be so busy that you’ll never notice my absence.”
“Busy? Doing what?”
“You haven’t changed your mind about our arrangement, have you?” He noticed how she fidgeted with the ring on her finger. He hadn’t been lying last night when he said it looked perfect on her. In fact, if he hadn’t made a hasty exit last night, he would have followed up their kiss with so much more than either of them was ready for at this juncture.
“No. I...I haven’t changed my mind.”
“Good. Because we made the paper.” He grabbed the newspaper from the end of the bar and handed it to her.
“We did. But how?” When she turned to the society page, she gasped.
He had to admit that he’d been a bit shocked when he’d seen the picture of them in a steamy lip-lock. He’d meant for it to look real, but he never imagined it’d be quite so steamy. Had she really melted into his arms so easily—so willingly?
And for a moment, he’d forgotten that it was all pretend. He’d wanted her so much when they’d returned to the suite that it was all he could do to keep his hands to himself. Thank goodness he had the handy excuse of work waiting for him, because a few more minutes around her and his good intentions might have failed him.
“I didn’t realize it’d be in the papers.” Kyra tossed aside the paper. “This wasn’t part of our agreement. This is awful. My mother isn’t going to understand. She...she’s going to think we’re really a couple. That you and I— That we’re actually going to get married. This is a mess. What am I going to tell her? How do I explain this?”
“Calm down. You don’t have to tell her anything—”
“Of course I do. When she sees that photo, she’ll jump to the obvious conclusion. She’ll tell all of her friends. It’ll be a nightmare to straighten out.”
“No, it won’t. Trust me.” His soft tones eased her rising anxiety.
“Why should I trust you?”
“Because I made sure this photo was just for the papers here in Athens. Nothing will be printed in New York.”
Her gaze narrowed in on him. “Are you absolutely certain?”
He nodded. “I am. Trust me. I have this planned out. We may not be on the front page, but we did make a big headline in the society section. Hopefully it’ll be enough to garner Stravos’s attention.”
“Why would you think this man would look at the society section? Isn’t that geared more toward women?”
“Trust me. Nothing gets past this man, especially when he’s considering doing business with a person. I’m sure he doesn’t stay on top of everything himself, but he has plenty of money to pay people to do the research. But since Stravos is a bit of a hermit living here in Greece on an isolated estate, there’s no need for our engagement to be announced in the American papers.”
“You’re sure?”
“I am.”
The rigid line of her shoulders eased and she dropped down on the arm of a couch. “The next time, you might want to mention that part first.”
“Would it really be so bad if your mother thought you and I were a couple?”
Kyra immediately nodded. “You have no idea how bad it would be. Until recently, my mother had made it her life’s mission to marry me off to one of her friends’ sons.”
“And you’re opposed to getting married?”
“No.” Her voice took on a resolute tone. “What I’m opposed to is being someone’s arm decoration. I don’t want to be someone they drag out for appearances and then forget about the rest of the time.”
“I can’t believe a man could forget about you.”
There was a distinct pause. “It’s not worth talking about.”
She was one of those women Cristo tried to avoid—the ones who didn’t understand the importance of business. He didn’t want someone dictating to him when he could and couldn’t work. His email constantly needed attention. Almost every bit of correspondence was marked urgent. He didn’t want to have to choose between his work and a significant other. Because in the end, his work would win. Work was what he could count on—it wouldn’t let him down.
And he didn’t imagine there was a man alive who could ignore Kyra. Himself included. He didn’t think it was humanly possible. Her presence dominated a room with her beauty and elegance. Even he had gotten carried away the prior evening.
If he was honest with himself, the reason he avoided a serious relationship was because he could never live up to certain expectations. He’d promised himself years ago that he’d never become a father. He’d learned firsthand how precious and fleeting life could be. All it took was one flawed decision, one moment of distraction, and then tragedy strikes.
The dark memories started to crowd in, but Cristo willed them away. He wasn’t going to get caught up in the past and the weighty guilt—not now.
Kyra sighed. “My father was a workaholic. He loved us, but I think he loved his work more. My mother would never admit that. For her, he was the love of her life. But I sometimes wonder if she realizes all she missed out on.”
“So you want someone who is the exact opposite of your father?” Cristo wasn’t quite sure how that would work. What sort of man didn’t get caught up in his work?
She shrugged. “Let’s just say I’m not interested in getting involved with anyone at this point in my life. But if I were, I’d want to come first. When we’re out to dinner, I’d want his attention focused on me and our conversation, not on his phone.”
“That sounds fair.” He wondered if she was recalling their dinner the prior evening. His full attention had been on her. He wanted to convince himself that it was because he needed to put on a believable show for the public—a besotted lover and all that it entailed. But the truth was the more Kyra had talked, the more captivated he’d become with her. He swallowed hard, stifling his troubling thoughts. “I’ve left you some information to get you started with the wedding plans. There’s every bridal magazine available, the phone numbers of all the local shopkeepers and a credit card to make whatever purchases are necessary.”
“You don’t mind if I go for a quick run before I start, do you?”
He glanced at her formfitting outfit. It looked good on her. Really good. “Make your own schedule. But just so you know, the wedding is in six weeks. You don’t have a lot of time to spare.”
“Six weeks?” Her brown eyes opened wide. “You sure don’t give a girl much time to plan. It’s a good thing this wedding isn’t really going to take place. I’m not sure I could work out all of the details in time.”
“But you must. There can’t be any cutting corners. Nothing that gives the slightest hint this wedding is anything other than genuine.”
“I’ll try my best.” She frowned as she made her way over to the desk to examine the aforementioned items. “How will I know what to spend? Is there a budget?”
“No budget. Use your best judgment. But remember, this wedding is meant to impress important people. Spare no expense in planning our lavish, yet intimate nuptials.”
“This is all still pretend, right? You aren’t actually planning to go through with the wedding, are you?”
“Of course not.”
She sent him a hesitant look as though trying to figure out if he was on the level or not. “I’ll do my best. I don’t have much experience with wedding planning.”
“I’m sure you’ll do fine.” He grabbed his briefcase and headed for the door, knowing he had lingered longer than was wise. He paused and glanced over his shoulder. “My cell number is on the desk. If you need me, feel free to call. Otherwise, I’ll see you for dinner.”
“Not so fast. We aren’t finished.”
CHAPTER FIVE
CRISTO STOPPED IN his tracks.
What could he have forgotten? He thought he’d accounted for everything.
He turned back to Kyra. “Is there something else you need?”
She nodded. “We had an agreement. You said you would help me search for my extended family.”
And so he had. But the last thing he had time for at this critical juncture was to go climbing through Kyra’s family tree. “Have you tried doing some research online?”
“Yes. But I couldn’t figure out how to narrow my search. I thought a trip to a library or somewhere with records of past residents of the area would be helpful.”