Page 59 of Marriage Masquerade

Nikos' voice woke her.

“What?”

He leaned over her, shaking her shoulder gently.

“You fell asleep. Hal's here with the car. Let’s get you home.”

Elise was no longer in the office.

“Okay.”

She experienced a slight feeling of disorientation. She'd planned to wait until she arrived home to fall asleep. It seemed she was more exhausted than she thought.

Nikos put his arm around her waist and walked with her to the door.

“I can manage,” she said.

The last thing she wanted was to take Nikos away from the negotiations.

“I’m sure you can. Indulge me.”

Elise’s sympathetic gaze met hers as they walked through her office.

“I hope you feel better, Gemma.”

“Thanks.”

Gemma felt as if the eyes of every employee were on them as Nikos solicitously matched her steps to the elevator.

“Shouldn’t you be in the conference room?” she asked crankily.

So much fuss embarrassed her.

“I did as you suggested and agreed to the terms. Phil and his staff are finalizing the documents. Once LeBec reviews them to make sure we don’t pull a fast one, as he said, then he’ll present it to their membership. With any luck, we’ll have our agreement signed by all parties as early as next Wednesday. Two days before the current contract expires.”

His response took aback Gemma. He’d agreed to the contract as she’d suggested?

“You surprise me. I thought you wanted to get him to accept all your terms. I thought for sure the negotiations would go on and on.”

The elevator reached the lobby, and Nikos walked her to the double glass doors. She saw Nikos' car double-parked in front.

“I’ll be fine from here,” she said.

“I’m going home with you,” Nikos said as he nodded to Hal and opened the back door.

“What?” Gemma swung around and stared at him. “I’m not sick, Nikos.”

“Neither are you up to your normal, healthy stamina. Permit a husband to indulge himself and take care of his wife.”

His statement almost made her smile.

“Thank you. But I really just want to go home and lie down for a nap. I’ll be fine once I wake up, you’ll see.”

“Then, by all means, let's be on our way.”

Gemma dozed in the car. When they arrived at the apartment, she stumbled when getting out, glad of Nikos' arm, which immediately caught her. Without another word, he swept her up into his arms and strode into the building. The doorman opened the door with alacrity.

“Is madam all right?” he asked solicitously.

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