Page 11 of Loving the Greek Billionaire

“That’s really not necessary.”

“You’re right. You need a new phone instead.” He tapped away on his phone, requesting that Stavros have a new phone for Rose when they landed in Meteora.

Rose’s expression turned pinched. “I can get a new phone if I need one.”

“Mr. P usually supplies his new staff with a phone upon arrival.” He didn’t add that the phone was given partly out of courtesy but also so that Stavros could track them.

“Then why didn’t I get one when I arrived?” She stabbed a piece of her ravioli filled with feta cheese foam, and swirled it in the green bell pepper cream and mint tomato sauce.

A little wave of guilt swept through Leo about giving her the honest answer. But if he was going to lie to her about who he was, then he’d better be honest about everything else. Hopefully it would lessen the blow when his true identity was revealed.

“Because the decision of whether you were staying was left up to me.”

“Oh, I see.” She turned off the phone, slid it into her lap, and twisted it in her hands. “I guess that means you’ve decided I can stay.”

“I have.” He tapped an index finger on the table, instead of reaching across the tablecloth for her hand. “Please don’t look insulted.”

She released the phone to stroke the waves of her hair.

Leo wondered if the gesture was a habit or a show of nerves. Either way, he wondered if her hair was as soft as it was shiny. His fingers itched to find out. Those thoughts weren’t helpful. He clasped his hands in his lap.

“I’m not insulted,” she said in an unconvincing tone. “I thought since I was offered the job and flown here that it was mine.”

“Would you entrust your children to anyone, no matter how well vetted, without meeting her in person first?”

Her hands stilled. “No. But Mr. P had you do the personal assessment.”

“True, but his trust in my judgment is absolute.”

“Never a doubt?” She raised a brow and dug into her ravioli once more.

“No.” Leo took her resuming the meal as a sign that the uncomfortable moment had passed. How many uncomfortable moments would they share?

“You must have quite a history for his trust to be complete. Were you in the military together?”

“How did you know I was in the military?”

She smiled and dipped her head. “Your posture and something in the way you move signals time spent in service, perhaps even combat.”

“The military does leave its mark,” he acknowledged.

With their plates empty, he asked, “Would you care for dessert?”

“I haven’t had any experience with Greek desserts yet. Are they good?”

He chuckled. “Yes.” With a nod of his head, Leo invited the waiter to bring the dessert cart to tempt them.

Leo watched Rose wage an internal war over which item to pick. Her eyes flickered between two dishes.

She rested against her chair. “I can’t decide. I think I’ll pass.”

Leo shook his head. “Indecision isn’t a reason to pass, only a signal that more information is required.” He addressed the waiter. “Please bringLe MacaoandLe Fraîcheur citron.”

The waiter whisked away with the cart and menus.

Rose traced the edge of her drinking glass and turned appraising eyes on him. “How did you know what I wanted?”

“I watched you.” He took a sip of his drink.

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