Page 44 of Marriage Masquerade

“That’s a quick visit.”

“You would prefer longer?”

“No, that’s fine. I met Allessandros. I look forward to meeting his wife.”

“They're both eager to get to know you.”

Gemma looked up at the tone in his voice. “In what way?”

“Just vetting a new wife,” Nikos said.

“Maybe I don’t want to be vetted. You told them this is temporary, right?” she asked.

He looked at her.

“Slipped my mind.”

“Your mind’s like a steel trap. Why didn’t you tell them?”

“They don’t need to know.”

“What happens when we separate?”

Nikos shrugged.

“Time enough to deal with that when it comes. Hal had the furniture you wanted moved here yesterday. The pieces are in the spare bedroom at the end of the hall. Have you seen them?” he asked, changing the subject.

“He told me this morning the pieces are all in one room.”

“So today we’ll place them where you wish.”

Mocking him gently, she inclined her head the way he did.

“As you wish.”

The glint in his eye told her he noticed and chose not to comment.

The day turned out to be fun for Gemma.

Neither Nikos nor Hal would allow her to lift anything. Once Hal got over his astonishment that Nikos planned to take part in the actual moving of the furniture, he grew more at ease in their presence, though never crossing the bounds of propriety.

Gemma carefully studied each room and had each piece placed where she thought it would enhance the existing arrangement. With various pieces of her furniture throughout the apartment, she felt more at home.

Two odd chairs remained. Studying them with a critical eye, she knew they'd have to go.

“Sorry you moved these, Hal. They are too tacky to stay.”

“Tacky?”

“Ugly, unsuitable.” She sighed and sat on one. “And uncomfortable. I don’t know why I had them moved.”

Hal glided away as the doorbell rang. Gemma looked at Nikos.

“Are you expecting company? I look a mess.”

“I’m not expecting anyone.”

He moved to the archway and listened.

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