Page 22 of Marriage Masquerade

She didn’t feel at home.

Time would change that. At least she hoped so.

Would it also change how she felt about Nikos?

Exactly how did she feel about this man?

Grateful he was willing to marry her. Intrigued by the personal glimpses she’d seen today. Fascinated by the attraction that seemed to grow every moment she spent with him.

But she wouldn’t forget for an instant that this was a temporary arrangement. No more fairy-tale love stories for her. Once they separated, she’d be free to live her life just as she wished.

For an instant, Gemma wondered if that would be enough.

Chapter Four

Tuesday, Gemma found it hard to concentrate at work. She arrived early to avoid other employees. Try as she might, she couldn’t concentrate on the tasks at hand, instead kept remembering the previous evening with Nikos.

Remembering and anticipating the next time the two of them were alone. Would he kiss her again? Touch her hand, brush back her hair? Looking up, she wished she could see behind closed doors.

When he’d arrived that morning, he’d gone straight to his office after a brusque hello and shut his door. She hadn’t seen or heard from him since.

By noon, Gemma gave in. She couldn’t do her job effectively. Instead, she’d go look for something to wear to her wedding.

Stopping at Elise’s desk, she told her she was taking the rest of the day off.

“Nikos didn’t mention that to me,” Elise replied, checking her calendar.

“Yes, well, he should have. If he asks for me, tell him I’ll see him tomorrow.”

“At the wedding. I’m attending,” the older woman said, her face wreathed in smiles.

“Good, I’ll need all the friends there I can get.”

Oops, that didn’t sound like a blushing bride. Pretense was harder than she suspected.

Elise looked startled. “Why?”

With another look at Nikos' closed door, Gemma sighed, trying to come up with a reason for her comment that would satisfy Elise.

“You know how forceful he can be. It’s hard to hold my own sometimes.”

Like with the wedding arrangements he’d made without a by-your-leave. Eyes narrowed, she glared at his door. Their marriage was for mutual convenience. She was bringing him something he couldn’t get on his own, just as he was helping her out of a very awkward situation.

“I think being swept off my feet by such a handsome man would be thrilling,” Elise said, smiling.

Gemma turned her gaze to the older woman and noted the dreamy expression. Even Elise felt the magnetism. How was she supposed to resist if she was living with the man? Remembering the charade, Gemma forced a smile.

“It is thrilling. He’s wonderful. I think I have pre-wedding jitters.”

“That’s common. Don’t worry about it, they’ll pass. When Joe and I married, I was a nervous wreck for weeks before the event. We had a big church wedding and—”

Elise stopped abruptly. “I guess it was different for us.”

Gemma nodded.

“This will suit us both fine. I don’t have any family. My friend Susan will be my bridesmaid tomorrow. I thought about inviting a few other friends, but decided we can have a reception later and invite everyone.”

Or not, since the marriage probably wouldn’t last long enough to bother with such festivities. But no need to tell Elise that.

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