“You’re sure?”
She nodded. “I am.”
She hadn’t been to a party since...since Lukos was alive. A pang of guilt and a dose of pain washed over her. This would be another first for her since he’d passed.
“Now, I’d better go look over the reports for my grandfather. I have a feeling this evening’s activities will include a Q&A with him.” Roberto started to walk away.
“Good luck.”
He glanced back. “Thanks.”
Now was her time to run and do some research and reading before she had to get ready for the party, but instead she remained seated. Roberto had her so confused that she didn’t know if she was coming or going.
* * *
That evening there were no wardrobe malfunctions.
Roberto was disappointed, as the last time had led to such delicious consequences. He told himself it was for the best that they didn’t kiss again. It was better for everyone if they remained friends without benefits.
He’d have preferred an excuse to avoid a big, loud family affair. These things always made him uncomfortable.
When Stasia finished speaking with his cousin Gaia, he leaned in close. “Are you ready to call it a night?”
She turned a puzzled look in his direction. “Since we arrived that’s the second time you’ve asked me that question—what’s wrong?”
He shrugged. How was he supposed to explain how awkward he felt around his relatives?
“I have work to do.” It was the truth. He always had work to do. And there was a report he needed to review about a prospective piece of property.
“It’s more than that. You’ve been unusually quiet this evening. Do you regret bringing me?”
“No. Not at all.” He glanced around to make sure no one could overhear him. “You’re the only thing that’s made this evening bearable.”
“What?” Her gaze filled with confusion. “But this is your family. And they’re all happy you’re here.”
“But I don’t fit in.”
“That’s so sad.” Sympathy reflected in her eyes.
That was the last thing he wanted. He shouldn’t have said anything. “Forget I said that.”
“I can’t. Talk to me.”
He never told anyone as much as he’d told Stasia. There was something about her that made confiding in her so easy. And she wanted to hear what he had to say, unlike some of the women he’d dated who only cared about listening to themselves talk.
Stasia continued to stare at him expectantly.
He cleared his throat. “You probably noticed that my parents aren’t here.” When she nodded, he continued. “They dumped me on my grandparents when I was young. I used to wonder what was wrong with me that they didn’t want me. I was the only one in my large extended family who didn’t have an active mother and father. I always felt different, estranged from everyone else. So I spent my youth studying and reading. And when I got older, it was easier to always be working instead of attending family functions.”
“I’m sorry.” She reached out and squeezed his hand. Her touch was warm and gentle. It sent a wave of awareness through him.
“Don’t be.” He shook his head. “I’m used to it after all these years.” But it was the reason he held back a part of himself in every relationship.
“Your parents, they’re still alive?”
He nodded. “They rarely show up for these sorts of events.”
“Gaia is really happy you’re here. So are your grandparents.” She nudged him. “Maybe you could smile and act like you’re having a good time.”
Guilt assailed him. He avoided a lot of the family functions. Maybe in the future he would make more of an effort to attend the gatherings. After all, his grandparents weren’t getting any younger, and to his surprise, his grandfather was mellowing a bit.
Not wanting to talk any more about his family, Roberto turned to Stasia. “Would you like to dance?”
Surprise lit up her eyes. “I would.”
“I have to warn you that I don’t dance often.”
“I bet you’re better than you think.”
He shook his head. He knew his limitations. Why exactly did he suggest dancing? It was obviously a moment of desperation.
To his relief, the music switched to a much slower, romantic ballad. He was a little better at this pace. And then Stasia stepped in front of him. She was so close. His heart beat faster. He wrapped his arm around her slender waist and automatically drew her closer. His heart pounded his ribs. His other hand reached for her much smaller hand, enjoying the feel of her smooth skin touching his.
Her jasmine scent wrapped around him. All the bad memories, stress and guilt disappeared as if in a puff of magic. The only thing on his mind now was Stasia and how much he enjoyed holding her as they moved around the floor. He’d never get enough of this.
All too soon the music stopped as the band took a break. Disappointment assailed him as he released her. His family and friends joined them at a large round table in the middle of the room. The birthday girl was at the center of the crowd. She looked ten years younger than her eighty years. And his grandmother continued to smile as she’d done all evening.
People pulled up chairs until they were sitting two and three chairs deep. He and Stasia were at the front, across the table from his grandparents. Moods were light and festive as champagne flooded.
“You two looked so amazing out on the dance floor,” his cousin said.
“I don’t know about me,” Roberto said. “I have two left feet.”
“You do not,” Stasia piped in. “You are quite talented.”
“All I know,” Gaia said, “is that you two look so much in love. Maybe you’ll be the next ones to get married.”
Stasia reached under the table and squeezed his hand. He knew she was nervous and he couldn’t blame her. His cousin could get carried away at times. But with his grandmother watching them like a hawk, he didn’t say a word.
As the party wound down and they made their way to their cabins, they were hand in hand. It just seemed like the thing a couple would do. And he found that he liked the physical connection—being tied to someone else. Even though it was a fake relationship, he liked that they were in it together. It was a confidence that was shared just between the two of them. It was a link he’d never shared with anyone, as he usually kept people at arm’s length.
And as hard as he tried to tell himself it was just a blossoming friendship, unlike the cordial relationship they’d entertained in recent years, this was so much different. She was warmer, funnier and livelier than he’d originally thought. In the beginning, she was reserved with people until she got to know them. Like with his grandmother, Stasia had held herself back. But something told him that if she spent much time with his outgoing grandmother it would all change. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it.
Because the more Stasia became comfortable with him and his family, the more comfortable he’d get with keeping her around for the long term. And he didn’t do long terms. He refused to end up like his parents, who were involved in a relationship, which was supposedly based on love, but they could barely stand to be in the same room with each other for more than five minutes.
But then there were his grandparents. They seemed to have overcome their problems. He couldn’t help but wonder if it was because they came from a generation that believed you toughed out the rough times no matter how bad or how miserable. That didn’t sound like something he wanted to try.
It was best for him to remain a bachelor, answering to no one and not having to worry about disappointing anyone.
DAY SIX
Split, Croatia
SHE JUST COULDN’T FOCUS.
Stasia sat in her cabin, having to reread the same paragraph three times. Each time she would get distracted with thoughts of Roberto. What was he doing now? Was he
regretting their arrangement?
For as much work as she’d accomplished, she might as well have gone ashore. She had to admit, she’d been tempted. After all, there was Diocletian’s Palace, with its cathedral and bell tower to explore. But if she kept running off exploring, she’d never devise her five-year plan.
She turned her attention back to the self-help book about finding what truly made a person happy. Because she was frustrated with herself—with her life. It wasn’t that she didn’t have enough to do to keep herself busy during the day. She had friends to lunch with. She liked to cook—though cooking for one was a challenge. She was also learning to knit. She’d started with socks—funny-shaped socks. And she had a sister-in-law and niece that she could visit. All in all, she had enough to keep her from growing bored, including enough money that she could travel the world. But she felt driven to do something important with her life—something to make a difference.
And then there was Xander to take into consideration. She knew he wanted her to be happy. She didn’t think he’d want her to go into business with him out of some sort of sense of loyalty and obligation. Besides, she was fairly certain her brother was just drawing her into the business because he was worried about her and not because he actually wanted her help.
She glanced down at the book in her lap and had absolutely no idea where she’d left off. With a frustrated sigh, she closed the book and placed it on the table next to her chair. So much for reading.
Stasia got to her feet. Maybe some fresh air would do her good. She headed for the door and walked until she reached the sun-drenched deck where there was a light breeze. This trip was not going as she’d planned. She thought she’d have her goals listed out by now. Potential employers all sorted into a list from her favorite to her least favorite. A résumé put together. A five-year plan detailed and ready to go as she exited the ship.
And all she’d done so far was get drawn into a fake relationship with Roberto, of all people. If Xander was here now, he’d have a fit. She couldn’t help but smile at the image of her brother flipping out over a relationship that wasn’t even real.
Xander didn’t like when things didn’t go his way. In fact, he didn’t take it well at all. Just like when his now wife had turned up pregnant. That hadn’t been in his plans and it had turned his whole life upside down overnight.
Maybe that was what she needed. Not a surprise pregnancy. Definitely not. But something to turn her life upside down. Maybe then she’d be able to see the path she was supposed to take in life. Why did she feel like the answer was just out of her reach?
“What’s the matter?” asked a male voice.
The familiar voice drew her from her thoughts. She stopped walking and found Roberto sitting at a nearby table with his laptop open. How was it that on such a large ship they kept running into each other?
If she believed in signs, she would think this was one. But of course, neither of them was interested in starting anything. She wasn’t even convinced that Roberto was thrilled with the idea of her being his fake girlfriend.
“Hey,” she said, trying to sound happy. “What are you up to?”
“Working on that project for my grandfather.”
“I won’t keep you.” She started to walk away.
“Don’t go.”
She turned back to him. “I don’t want to disturb you.”
“You won’t be. I’m stuck. So maybe a distraction will do me some good.”
He wasn’t the only one spinning his wheels. Since she couldn’t concentrate on her planning, maybe she could help him. She wasn’t sure what she could do, but she was willing to be a sounding board while he talked through his thought processes. Perhaps that would give him some new ideas.
She moved to the seat across from his. “What are you working on?”
“Spreadsheets. Itemized income and expense statements.”
That didn’t sound very interesting, but there was obviously something of importance in those numbers or his grandfather wouldn’t have him going over them. “And does anything jump out at you?”
“No. That’s the problem.” He leaned back in the chair. “I thought something was wrong and that’s why I was asked to look at them. But nothing seems to be out of place.” He sighed. “My grandfather didn’t tell me what he suspected because he didn’t want to influence my findings. Is it possible I’m on a fool’s errand?”
“Your grandfather doesn’t seem like the type to waste another person’s time with looking for a problem that doesn’t exist. And if he wanted you to know how well the company was doing, I’m sure he would have come straight out and told you.”
Roberto raked his fingers through his dark hair, giving it a tousled look. “Then I don’t get it. On the surface, the numbers all add up.”
“Then maybe you have to look beneath the surface.”
He stopped and looked at her for a moment. “You make a good point. I started with the consolidated report. I figured it would give a full overview of the business. But there are some other files. They have the backup information. The very detailed information. But it would take days for me to comb through. And I don’t have that much time before the end of the cruise.”
“You seem to like what you’re doing. Do you miss working at your family’s business?”
He shrugged, not answering the question one way or the other. “I should get back to work.”
Since she wasn’t having much success with her five-year plan, why not help Roberto? She could see how important this was to him.
“I could help you,” she said, not sure he would take her up on the offer.
He arched a dark eyebrow. “You don’t want to waste your vacation combing over reports.”
“But I want to help you. And between the two of us, maybe we can find whatever it is your grandfather thinks is important.” She paused. Maybe he was just trying to turn her down gently. “Unless, of course, those are secret files.”
He shook his head. “I mean yes, they are confidential. But I trust you. I just hate having you do something so boring.”
“You aren’t making me do anything. Remember, this was my idea.”
“Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you on this trip.”
His words filled her chest with warmth. Maybe he did want her around...just as much as she wanted to be around him.
“Wait here. We might as well work outside on this gorgeous day. I’ll just run and get my laptop.” She stood. “I’ll be right back.”
She had no idea what they’d be looking for on those spreadsheets. But she liked being able to help Roberto. It felt good to be needed. Everyone needed to be needed sometimes. And it’d been a long time since she was needed.
* * *
A few hours later, the answer was still elusive.
He knew what the problem was... Stasia.
Roberto was good at business. He was avid with spreadsheets. And he was great at numbers. But for the life of him, he couldn’t come up with the reason his grandfather had him going over these reports. There was something lurking in the figures. He was certain of it.
But every time he stared at the numbers for more than a minute or two, his mind strayed to the dark-haired beauty who for the duration of this cruise was his fake girlfriend. And the biggest problem he was having was that he was enjoying their time together. He was curious to see what it’d be like if they were truly dating.
He halted his thoughts. Was that what he really wanted? Because Stasia was nothing like the other women who had passed through his life. Those women had known up front not to expect anything long-term from him. They knew he didn’t do commitments—aside from the business kind. And he never ever uttered the L word.
He remembered how his parents would banter around the word love as he was growing up. They loved his art projects from school. They loved his grades. They loved
how well he did on the polo team. They loved him. And then they were gone. As soon as the school holiday was over, they jumped on their respective flights and headed who knew where. If that was love, he wanted no parts of it.
It was like his parents used the word to make up for being absent in his life. They seemed to think if they said it enough times it would make up for everything. It didn’t. It never would.
And so the love word had become meaningless to him.
“Hey, did you find anything?” Stasia’s voice drew him from his thoughts. When he shook his head, she said, “I’ve found something but I don’t know if it’ll mean anything to you. It’s probably nothing.”
Considering he still had no clue what his grandfather suspected was wrong, he was willing to look at just about anything. He got up and moved to her side of the table. “Let me see.”
“It’s this.” She pointed to a number on the screen. “I can’t tell if it’s just a transposed number.”
She had two screens open at once. One was the consolidated file and the other was the backup information. The consolidated file was supposed to draw from the detailed files, but perhaps his grandfather didn’t have the links automated. It seemed a bit odd to him because everything at Roberto’s office was monitored with oversight controls.
He checked the next number. It tied to the original file. As did the next one. Maybe it was, after all, just a typo.
“Can you make a notation of the number, where you found it and the information from the source document?”
“So it’s something?” There was a hopeful note in her voice.
“It’s definitely wrong. But the numbers surrounding it appear to be correct. So I’m not sure yet. But it’s worth noting.”
“Would your grandfather really pick up on a nine-dollar difference?”
He didn’t think so. That would be something for the accountants to hash out. But he didn’t think they’d escalate nine dollars to his grandfather’s attention. There had to be more.
“I think we’re still missing something.” A big something.
Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring Page 7