Page 56 of Slightly Married
“Half an hour,” I replied, reluctantly placing her on her feet and checking my watch. “He’ll need to complete the obligatory interviews first.”
“We’ll be back soon,” she promised, smoothing her dress.
“Wait for us here when you return. My brothers and I will go down to congratulate Santo and bring him back with us.”
We made our way down to the winner’s enclosure, navigating through the press of bodies. Camera flashes created a strobe-like effect as we approached the celebration surrounding Santo’s team.
Reporters and crew members swarmed around him, but I noted Santo scanning the crowd.
I reached him shortly after Dimitrios had embraced him, exchanging words I couldn’t hear over the noise. When Santo turned to me, I pulled him into an embrace.
“Masterful driving,” I stated. “Your control through Eau Rouge was perfect.”
He acknowledged me with a nod, but his attention remained elsewhere. Aristides approached with a handshake and a subdued. “Good job.”
As Aristides pulled him aside, I watched Santo’s expression transform from triumph to anger. I knew immediately Aristides had informed him about the incident with Tia.
“Where is he now?” Santo demanded.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” I cautioned, recognizing the dangerous glint in his eyes.
“When have I ever heeded that advice?” Santo replied.
His attention suddenly shifted, his gaze locking onto something across the crowded room. I followed his line of sight to find Katalina standing with her entourage, then Tia, as she navigated through the crowd.
Santo moved with purpose, cutting through the crowd with single-minded determination. The guests parted before him.
I moved forward to intercept Kayla, who was following Tia. With a light touch to her elbow, I pulled her to me. She allowed me to guide her away.
“We’ll be returning to Athens when we leave here tonight,” I informed her while brushing my thumb across her bare skin.
“Must we? I’ve enjoyed our time at Corfu.” She pouted as her fingers trailed down my chest, making me want to find the nearest hotel.
“Me too,” I admitted, appreciating how the afternoon sun brought golden highlights to her braids. “Those weeks were...everything to me.”
Her eyes softened at my admission. “To me too.”
“There are some business matters I need to handle,” I explained, watching her expression closely. “The quarterly board meeting is scheduled for Monday, and I need to prepare the financial projections.”
“The glamorous life of a CFO never stops, does it?”
“Unfortunately, not,” I agreed. “But I was thinking...”
“Yes?” she prompted when I hesitated.
“Perhaps you might join me for dinner with some potential investors in a few weeks. They’re interested in our expansion into America, and having you there would be valuable.” I paused, then added, “And I’d enjoy your company.”
Her smile brightened. “Mr. Christakis, are you saying you actually want me around for business matters now?” She tilted her head playfully. “I recall a time when you dumped me on your mother’s doorstep and disappeared.”
“You’ve proven yourself quite capable,” I acknowledged, thinking of how she’d gotten me to trust her word regarding her relationship with Yiogos. “Besides, they’ll be distracted by your beauty, making negotiations easier.”
She laughed, the sound warming something inside me. “So I’m just a tactical advantage?”
“Among other things,” I replied, allowing a small smile.
“Fine, we can return to Athens. But on one condition.”
“Which is?”
