Page 18 of Marriage Masquerade

The cab ride to City Hall took longer than expected. Or had it only seemed endless? Gemma wasn’t sure.

In contrast to the ride, getting the marriage license seemed to take only seconds. And they were soon back in another cab and headed for Nikos' apartment.

Gemma was curious to see it. She wondered if there’d be room for any of her furniture. Would it blend in with his? Did he have very modern pieces and art she’d never understand?

He certainly was unlikely to have Early American furnishings, which she loved. Maybe she’d put her things in storage for a few months. Or maybe leave them where they were. She could continue to pay her portion of the rent and move back in with Susan after the marriage ended.

When the cab stopped before the tall stone building, Gemma realized the building sat directly across from Central Park. Did his apartment overlook the park? How nice to be so close to green space.

Gemma’s spirits rose.

“Remember, Gemma, you may change things as you see fit. This will be your home,” Nikos said as they ascended in the quiet elevator. The lobby had been small, but elegantly appointed.

Nikos had introduced her to the doorman, telling him of their planned wedding and Gemma’s forthcoming move into the building.

Gemma felt as if she had stepped into a dream.

The soft chime of the elevator and the doors sliding open brought her back to reality. Nikos used a key and opened the door to his apartment, standing aside for her to enter.

Stepping inside, Gemma paused for a moment to take in the surroundings. They had stepped into a small foyer, with a long hall branching off to the left and right. Moving farther into the apartment, she entered the spacious living room. The wall opposite seemed to be made entirely of glass and overlooked the park.

For a moment she felt as if the room opened out and became a part of the outdoors. There were no curtains cutting into the view, no shades to block the light. Just a wide expanse of glass to admit the beauty of the park.

“Nikos, this is amazing.”

The room itself reminded her of how she thought billionaires lived.

Thick Persian carpets covered the floor. Her heels sank into them. Without thinking, Gemma slipped out of her shoes and felt the lush carpets beneath her feet.

The furnishings defied categorizing. Traditional sofas faced the wall, with wing chairs flanking offering places to sit and enjoy the view. The room felt spacious, open, and comfortable.

Her expectation of sophistication evaporated. And she loved it.

“I’m pleased you like it, Gemma,” Nikos said quietly, studying her as she absorbed the beauty of her surroundings.

She turned to discover he was standing beside her, his head inclined as he looked into her eyes.

“If you wish to change anything, you may,” he said.

“I don’t think I’d want to. It’s totally unexpected, but fantastic.”

Her toes curled into the carpet as she tried to think of something else to say. To think up a reason to step away from the spell that held her captive. Nikos stood so close she could reach out and touch him without moving but a few inches. His dark eyes seemed to look right down into her soul.

Shyly, she smiled.

“It reminds me of an English country home.”

He nodded, and she felt her heart skip another beat.

Warmth filled her at his look. She felt almost light-headed.

The back of his fingers caressed her cheek, his fingers stopping beneath her chin, tilting her head to better gaze into her eyes.

“Good. Katrina had the room entirely filled with modern furniture and dozens of knickknacks. It was too much. I find simplicity soothing, and beauty in the handiwork of God from the park.”

“At night, what do you see?”

“We are high enough to be assured privacy. The sparkling lights from the buildings in the distance are enchanting. You’ll love it at night, as well. Ah, Hal.”

---