Page 70 of Marriage Masquerade

Her heart sank. Just when she thought they were drawing closer, he seemed to pull away.

He crossed the room and tilted her chin up with a finger, gazing down into her eyes. Gemma caught her breath, longing to gaze into his eyes for the rest of her life.

“We'll go shopping tomorrow. Today, we'll take it easy. My father and mother will love you once they get to know you. We'll visit with them after we walk to the sea. You'll love them, I believe, when you get to know them. Tonight we’ll all dine on the veranda and enjoy being at my family's home.”

She nodded, already growing nervous. She was no good at small talk. What would she find to discuss during dinner?

Two days later, Gemma was frustrated.

She leaned against the railing of their balcony and glared at the sea. Nothing was going as she had thought it would.

Who'd have expected Nikos to be tied up so much with business? Didn’t his father trust him? They’d been behind closed doors for hours every day. And tonight there was a reception. An event to welcome their son and his new bride.

She and Maria had little in common. They were cordial at meals, and the older woman had taken her into town one day to shop for the swimsuit Gemma wanted.

Instead of swimming with her husband, she took the path to the beach by herself and tried to enjoy the solitary splendor of the pristine white beach while he was tied up with business.

Tonight she'd meet the neighbors and family friends and smile and try to display how she adored her husband while making sure he never suspected she truly adored him.

She slapped her hand on the railing in frustration. Any thought she had of their learning more about each other had fled. Nikos was more distant than ever. Waiting until she was asleep before coming to bed, he was gone before she awoke in the morning. And they were never alone. What was going on? She understood his wanting to spend time with his parents. But she was feeling totally neglected.

Had being at his home changed his mind? Was he now regretting his hasty marriage to another foreigner? Did he wish to end their agreement and seek true companionship among the women he knew in Greece?

Restless, she pushed away from the railing and headed down the stairs to the garden. Garden was a misnomer. Estate would be more like it, she thought as she reached the area. It was huge, easily covering over ten acres. Winding her way along the sandy pathway, she touched the shrubbery lining the walkway. It grew tall enough to be used in a maze. Alcoves were set every dozen feet, with stone benches and small gurgling fountains. Sitting on one for a moment, she tried to let the soothing sound of the water calm her nerves.

No use. She jumped up and continued walking toward the beach. There was an ornamental gate—for show, not security. It only latched, not locked. She lifted the lever and stepped onto the pristine sand. Not a soul had used the beach when she'd been here since she arrived. It was private to the family, and none of them seemed as enamored with it as she was.

Feeling free for a moment, she ran lightly across the sand until her sandals became drenched with the lapping water. Warm and soft, it seemed to caress her feet. Splashing as she walked, she headed away from the house. She wished Nikos had joined her, but he was once again tied up with his father.

And if she could be at ease with his mother, maybe she wouldn’t feel so much like an odd man out. But Maria Petropoulos spoke English hesitantly. And slowly.

Honored she’d even make the effort, Gemma still felt it was a chore, and she hated to put the woman through it. They had little in common. Nikos' mother had no interest in business. And Gemma knew little about taking care of a house as large as theirs.

After two days, Gemma knew the various people who lived in the large house and had even met several neighbors who had stopped by. Most spoke a little English. She felt awkward that she had not tried to learn Greek.

“Gemma.”

She turned and her heart skipped, then raced.

Nikos wore loose white trousers. The shirt billowed in the light breeze that danced across the water. She waited, watching him approach, her heart in her throat. He was so gorgeous it was all she could do to keep herself from dashing down the beach and throwing herself into his arms, demanding that he love her as much as she loved him.

“Free for a while?” she asked as he drew near. She knew her place in the scheme of things. Nikos wasn’t looking for love.

He was barefoot, and just the sight of his bare feet set her nerves tingling.

“Free until it’s time to get ready for the reception.” He looked across the sea. “We could go sailing one day if you wish.”

“I would. That would be great. But it’s also fun to walk along the beach. I haven’t seen any shells.”

“The beach is raked every few days. Until there is another storm, I doubt you’ll find any.”

Imagine, they raked the sand. No wonder the wide expanse was so pristine.

“I thought you might be with my mother,” he said as they began walking in the direction Gemma had been heading.

“It seems hard for her to speak English.”

Had she heard a note of censure? Or just gentle inquiry?

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