Page 16 of Marriage Masquerade

Using the word “discussion” by him reminded her of their earlier “discussion.” For a moment she became sidetracked. But she quickly recovered.

“I need to get something to wear,” she said, stalling.

He looked at the royal-blue silk blouse she wore with a mid-calf-length black skirt.

“What you have on is lovely.”

“Nikos, I am not getting married in black.”

“Ah, I see there are subtle nuances to this marriage business.”

She eyed him suspiciously. Was he mocking her? His bland expression gave nothing away. He’d been married before. He knew what was involved.

She wouldn’t wear white, not four months pregnant. But a nice cream-colored suit would work. If she could find one.

“In America, brides do not get married wearing black,” she said.

“Nor do they in my country.”

Gemma hesitated. “I know very little about Greece. Is it lovely?”

He laughed softly, his teeth startling white against his tanned face.

“It’s quite lovely, Gemma. My family’s home is on the edge of the Ionian Sea. The tangy scent of salt water mingles with the fragrance of jasmine when we’re in the garden. It’s wonderful to walk along the shore in the moonlight. Away from the sea, the land becomes more arid. Yet it holds its own beauty. It’s hot during the day, but cools off at night.”

Excitement filled Gemma as she listened to Nikos describe his home. His voice took on a lyrical quality as he painted word pictures. She wistfully wished she could see it, experience it. It sounded romantic and mystical. Very unlike Ohio, and totally unlike New York.

“We must leave by four to accomplish everything. Tonight, you can tell me about your parents and your childhood. You have never mentioned them before. Are they happy memories?” Nikos said in a brusque tone.

“Before this, we had a working relationship. I don’t mix work with personal.”

“Indeed, you’re a very private person, Gemma. I look forward to learning more about you in the weeks to come.”

“I could say the same thing, Nikos. I imagine I’ll be pretty easy to know, but I’m not so sure about you.”

Nikos studied her thoughtfully for a moment, then turned to enter his office. Gemma was quite unlike Katrina. His personal assistant seemed almost fragile in comparison. His first wife had been wild and beautiful, demanding and restless. She’d delighted in spending his money, buying clothes and furnishings and jewels like a child let loose in a candy shop.

He hadn’t minded indulging her at first. It was only when he saw her true nature that he grew resentful of her love for his money. When he’d discovered she didn’t care for him as much as for his assets, and one of his business rivals, he’d started divorce proceedings.

He’d known Gemma for five years—yet knew nothing beyond what she allowed. But he detected no wild extravagances in her life.

He wondered what the full story was with the man who’d fathered her baby. What was the private Gemma like? Had she been devastated when the truth became known? For a moment he wondered if she’d have continued the relationship had there not been a baby.

No, not once she’d discovered the man was married. She was nothing like Katrina.

In more ways than one.

He thought about the jeans and the snug-fitting top she’d worn on Saturday. His first wife would not have been caught dead in such an outfit. Smiling slightly, Nikos knew he couldn’t wait to see Gemma wear it again.

Crossing to his wide window, he gazed out over the busy city street without seeing a thing. He’d wanted to kiss her that morning. The softness of her lips beguiled him, the warmth and suspected sweetness of her mouth tantalized. As did the feelings that still gripped him.

He’d proposed this union to satisfy the INS. Now it looked as if he might get more from it than he expected.

Would Gemma have kissed him back?

Would she in the future?

How far did they dare take this marriage and be able to break apart in a few months?

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