Page 23 of Marriage Masquerade

“Anyway,” Gemma continued, “if he asks, tell him I’ve gone to get my wedding dress.”

After stopping at a nearby deli for lunch, Gemma then caught a cab to one of Manhattan’s trendiest boutiques. She’d heard of the place for years and never considered entering it, much less buying something from it.

However, if her only wedding wasn’t a time to splurge, Gemma didn’t know what would be.

The boutique was spacious and quiet, despite the many women shopping. A smartly tailored young woman came up to her only seconds after she entered. Within an hour, Gemma had the perfect silk suit and darling veiled hat. Matching accessories took only a little longer, and by late afternoon she was on her way home. Extremely pleased with her selection, she hoped Nikos would appreciate how nice she looked.

Susan was still at work, so Gemma had the apartment to herself. Changing into jeans, she began to sort and pack some things she’d take to Nikos' apartment. Marking those items she wanted, she wondered if Susan would want the things she didn’t care to move.

The phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Are you all right?”

Nikos' strong voice came across clearly.

“Sure. Why?”

“Elise said you left before lunch.”

“And did she tell you why?”

He paused a moment. “No.”

“Did you give her a chance to?”

“I looked for you and when I didn’t see you, I asked her. She said you’d left for the day. Then I tried your cell. There was no answer.”

“I went shopping.”

The silence stretched out for several seconds.

“Shopping?”

“For a wedding dress. Remember, according to your very complete plan, Tuesday was the day to shop for a wedding dress.”

“Ah yes, because black wouldn’t suit.”

“Right.”

“So, did you get one?”

“Yes, and it’s definitely not black.”

“White?”

“Sort of off-white. And a little hat with a veil.”

Did he care at all, or was she babbling to cover the nervousness that crept up? Sitting beside the phone, Gemma took a deep breath. This was just Nikos, her boss for five years.

And the man who had kissed her last night. A kiss like none other.

“So you will be the epitome of a traditional bride.”

“Maybe not the epitome, but fairly traditional. Is that a problem?”

“Not at all. I look forward to seeing you in the morning. Shall I pick you up at noon?”

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