Page 24 of Marriage Masquerade

“You can’t pick me up. It’s bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony. Susan and I will get a cab and meet you at the judge’s chambers.”

“I’ll send Hal. He can drive you. And you can give him your bags. He’ll bring them back to the apartment so they’ll be waiting for you here when we return. I’ve had Elise book us for lunch at the Waldorf. I’ll make sure she includes Susan.”

“Who else is coming?” Gemma asked, again a bit annoyed he was arranging things without asking her opinion.

Strong-willed and forceful as he might be, she would not let everything go his way.

“Elise, Phil Mannering and Abe Miller.” Although Gemma had never met Abe, she knew he and Nikos had been friends for many years.

“Not your cousin Allessandros?”

The pause was barely discernible.

“I haven’t yet informed my family of our marriage.”

“I see.”

But she didn’t. Was it some big, dark secret? Was he hoping to marry, get his green card and discard his new wife before his family learned of their nuptials?

“I doubt it, but I don’t have time to go into that now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Nikos, what did you want? Why were you trying to get me at the office?”

“I wanted the updated numbers on that new freighter in the Pacific, theAlabaster.”

“Those figures are in the left drawer, about three folders down. Elise can get them for you.”

“I’m not so helpless I can’t get them myself,” he returned dryly.

Nikos hung up the phone. He’d used that as an excuse to call her. When he’d discovered she’d left for the day, he’d immediately wondered if something was wrong. He knew little about pregnant women, only that they could suffer from morning sickness and other problems.

And for a split second, he wondered if she was having regrets about agreeing to their upcoming marriage. Her buying the dress should reassure him. But it didn’t.

He leaned back in his chair and turned to gaze out over Manhattan. It was unlike him to worry about what others did or thought. It had been a long time since he moved beyond that. He considered the solution he’d proposed perfect for them both. He’d keep his personal assistant and give her the help she needed.

And he’d get his visa extended—permanently.

But was there more?

For a moment, he let himself recall the kiss they’d shared last night. Gemma had been sweet, shy and surprised. He felt it all. She could keep an impassive demeanor while working, but her emotions were clear to him last night.

And the pull of attraction surprised him.

He’d dated before and after his brief marriage. Beautiful women, sophisticated, talented, articulate. Some he desired, many he did not. But none touched his sense of protectiveness, like Gemma. None raised questions that could only be answered by getting to know her better.

For having worked with her for five years, he really knew only the most superficial information about his assistant. Soon to be his wife.

He looked forward to discovering more aspects of her as they lived together.

And maybe explore that potent attraction.

Hal picked up Gemma and Susan the next day and delivered them to the courthouse. As they walked into the marble-floored lobby, Gemma felt almost sick. She knew it wasn’t from the pregnancy, but from sheer nerves. She hadn’t slept well. Worry about the advisability of taking this step plagued her.

“Are you okay?” Susan asked.

They had been roommates for the five years Gemma had worked at ALK Shipping and had developed a strong and lasting friendship.

Susan was short, a bit plump, and the best friend Gemma had ever had.

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