Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring

by Jennifer Faye

  When she attempted to hand them back, he frowned at her. “Weren’t you taught that it’s not polite to return birthday gifts?”

  “Then what am I supposed to do with them?”

  “That’s a silly question. Put them on.”

  Her mouth gaped slightly. And then to his surprise, she took off her earrings and put on his gift. Talk about dazzling—the woman, not the earrings. No wonder his thoughts and vision kept straying back to her succulent lips.

  He forced his gaze back to her earlobes. “The earrings are almost as pretty as the birthday girl.”

  She flushed and glanced away. “Thank you.”

  “You are quite welcome.”

  The afternoon they spent meandering through the Rialto Market, where a kindly older woman offered to take their photo.

  Roberto tried to bow out. Having his photo taken wasn’t his thing. But when Stasia pleaded with him, sticking out her bottom lip, he turned to putty in her hands. He moved to her side.

  The woman held up Stasia’s phone. “Closer together.”

  He hesitated. Stasia inched toward him, still leaving a little space between them.

  The woman lowered the camera and frowned. “Closer.”

  He stifled a groan. This woman had no idea how hard she was making this for him. Stasia moved until their shoulders brushed together.

  The woman still didn’t take the photo. “Bacio! Bacio!”

  Suddenly someone stepped up next to the woman and joined the woman in chanting bacio. They wanted them to kiss. Other people in the market added their voices.

  Roberto grew uncomfortably warm. He resisted the urge to undo a button on his shirt. What had gotten into these people? Didn’t they have anything better to do than to torture him?

  Stasia leaned close, making his heart race. She said in his ear, “I think she’s planning to hold my camera hostage until we, um, you know...”

  “Kiss?” His voice rose a couple of octaves.

  Color filled Stasia’s cheeks. “Yes, that.”

  Somehow her discomfort with this whole scenario eased his own uneasiness. “Do you really need your phone?”

  She gave him an are you serious? look. “Yes.”

  His gaze moved to the woman holding the phone. She arched an expectant brow at him. “It looks like we really don’t have any other choice. If we don’t kiss, we’ll have to get you a new phone.”

  “What?” Stasia blinked a couple of times as though processing his answer. It obviously wasn’t what she’d been expecting. “But, no, we can’t. I have all my photos on there. And my contacts. My life is on that phone.”

  “What you’re saying is that it’s important? So important you’d do almost anything to get it back?”

  She frowned. “I can’t leave here without it.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Just do it.”

  “Kiss you?”

  “Yes.”

  It certainly wasn’t the response he’d been hoping for. Not taking time to consider all the reasons this was a bad decision, he dipped his head and claimed her soft, pliable lips. The chanting stopped and a silence fell over the crowd. He’d only meant it to be a brief kiss, but once he felt her mouth pressing to his, thoughts of pulling away escaped him.

  As Stasia’s lips opened to him, he was utterly and totally caught up in the moment. The fact they had an audience also slipped from his thoughts. He could only think about the woman who was now in his arms. She was definitely not as immune to his kisses as she had let on.

  He drew her closer. His mouth moved over hers, slowly at first, as he didn’t want to scare her away. Because there were so many ways this kiss was wrong. And yet nothing had ever felt so right. It was as though Stasia had been made to be right there in his arms.

  Her hands slid from his shoulders and wrapped around his neck. A deep moan of longing and excitement swelled in his throat. Could she hear him? Did she know how much he wanted her?

  And then the sound of applause broke through his hazy thoughts. Bit by bit, reality came back to him, from being in the market to the woman taking their photo to the growing audience. Audience? He pulled back.

  Stasia’s eyes blinked open. She looked at him with confusion reflected in her eyes. Apparently, he wasn’t the only one to be caught up in the moment. He refused to contemplate what that should mean to him.

  The older woman stepped up to them with a big smile on her face. She went to hand Stasia the phone, but Stasia didn’t reach out to take it.

  “You didn’t take the photo yet,” Stasia said.

  “Oh, but I did. In fact, I took more than one.” The woman placed the phone in Stasia’s hand. “You two are going to have an amazing future together.”

  “But we’re not together,” Stasia said too late.

  The woman had disappeared into the crowd. In unison Roberto and Stasia stared at her phone. There was a photo of them kissing. Not just kissing but getting utterly lost in the moment. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear they looked like they were lovers—like they were head over heels in love. But of course that wasn’t the case.

  The crowd dispersed and Stasia slipped her phone in her purse. Neither said a word about the photo. And Roberto fought the urge to ask her to send him a copy of the photo. It shouldn’t mean anything to him, but for some reason it did. It was best he didn’t have a copy. Otherwise, the only thing he’d get done would be staring at the photo.

  “How about some gelato?” Roberto gestured to a gelato shop. He needed something to cool him down after that rousing kiss.

  “I don’t know. We just had that delicious lunch.”

  “But it’s your birthday. You’re allowed to indulge.”

  Buzz. Buzz.

  “Do you need to get that?” Stasia asked.

  “It can wait.”

  Surprise reflected in her eyes. “But you didn’t even check to see who the message is from.”

  “It can wait. But celebrating your birthday can’t wait.”

  She smiled brightly as she continued to stare at him.

  Starting to feel self-conscious, he ran a hand over his mouth. Perhaps her lip gloss had rubbed off on him. “What? Do I have something on my face?”

  She shook her head. “Maybe there’s hope for you.”

  “Hope?”

  “To learn that there’s more to life than work.”

  As they entered the small shop, he couldn’t stop thinking about his conversation with Stasia. He grew uncomfortable with her peeling back his layers and figuring out how he ticked.

  Wanting to change the subject, he said, “It’s your turn to order.”

  She ordered limone and let Roberto have a taste of the lemon indulgence. In turn, he shared some of his gianduja, with its creamy chocolate and hazelnut flavors.

  As they ate, Roberto couldn’t help thinking how Stasia’s presence in his life made everything feel so different. Until this point, he’d traveled all over the world but he’d never slowed down long enough to savor the gelato. But with Stasia next to him, he wanted to slow down and take in everything about this marvelous day.

  When they’d finished, Roberto removed another small box from his other pocket and placed it in her hand.

  Her eyes grew wide. “Roberto, this is too much.”

  “No, it isn’t. I don’t have anyone in my life to do these things for. Please indulge me.”

  She opened the box and gasped. “It’s gorgeous.” Her gaze met his. “You do know that you’re spoiling me.”

  “What can I say? I like to make you smile.”

  When she went to put on the necklace, she had a problem with the catch. His instinct was to help her, but he hesitated. Getting close to her so soon wasn’t a good idea. But when her frustrated gaze met his, he moved into action.

  She swept he
r hair out of the way and tilted her head to the side. The nape of her slender neck was right there just begging him to press a kiss to it. His jaw tightened as an inner war waged within him.

  None too soon, he’d latched the matching diamond-and-blue-sapphire necklace. He quickly stepped back as though sprung from a trap. It fit her perfectly, stopping just above her cleavage. The gems caught the sunlight and sparkled.

  “Thank you, again. This is a birthday I’ll never forget.”

  “And it’s not over yet.”

  He’d visited Venice before but he’d never appreciated its beauty. But today, seeing it through Stasia’s eyes, it was like he was seeing it for the very first time.

  * * *

  This was such a different side of him.

  A more down-to-earth version of him.

  Stasia smiled as they continued their exploration by visiting the Accademia Gallery, taking in the great masterpieces. She kept glancing at Roberto to make sure he was having a good time. She never would have guessed he’d be content in an art museum. She knew he was doing it for her and she appreciated it more than she could say.

  Lukos never had the patience for this stuff. He was an active guy, from running marathons to playing European football at the park. He always had to be on the go, and strolling through a museum wouldn’t qualify.

  But Roberto was different. He was interested in what appealed to her. Or at least he’d give the activity a chance.

  “This was an unforgettable birthday.” She smiled at him. “And it’s thanks to you. If it wasn’t for you, I’d probably be hidden away in my cabin for most of the cruise. Thanks for being such a great friend.”

  His gaze delved into her, making her heart beat faster. “I’d like to think we’re a little more than friends.”

  “Does fake girlfriend count?” She was trying to lighten the mood; after the thoughts of Lukos, she needed some levity to alleviate some of the weight on her heart.

  “I’ve never had a fake relationship, so that makes you special.”

  “And I’ve never had a fake boyfriend.”

  “Earlier you mentioned that you wanted to discuss something—what was it?”

  “You know how I’ve been working on my life plan?” When he nodded, she continued. “I see how passionate you are about your work and that’s what I want for myself. I want to wake up in the morning with a purpose—one that gets me motivated and ready to hit the day with all of my energy and passion.”

  “And you’re sure that isn’t real estate?”

  She shook her head. “It’s just not me.”

  “So, what is you?”

  “That’s the thing—I don’t know. I mean, I thought I did at one time. I loved being a wife, and with Lukos’s job taking him to many places across the globe, I always had a new adventure. And then we started talking about having a family, but then that dream crumbled. And now I have to find a new dream. A dream that’s all mine and not dependent on someone else. Does that make any sense?”

  “It does. Do you have any idea what it is you want to do?”

  She shook her head. “That’s what I thought I would sort out on this trip.”

  He stopped next to a magnificent marble statue. “And then I interrupted you with all of my family drama. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I’ve had a really good time with you and getting to know your family.”

  “But it doesn’t help you find a career.”

  “No, it doesn’t. But I still have the rest of the cruise to come up with something.”

  “And how’s the search going?” There was avid interest reflected in his eyes.

  She shrugged. “I know a number of things that I don’t want to do.”

  “Such as?”

  “Singing. I can’t carry a tune. And I’m not artistic, at all. Though I do love visiting the galleries and admiring other people’s work. But I’m lucky if I can draw a decent stick figure.”

  “Are you considering something in the business world?”

  “I don’t know.”

  The more time she spent with him, the more she found she wanted to spend with him. She told herself that she was just lonely. Since Lukos died, her life had become quiet and routine. The only laughter in her life was when she was with Xander’s family and her adorable niece.

  * * *

  Now wasn’t the time.

  Roberto decided to refrain from asking Stasia to work with him. He didn’t want to pressure her into a job that didn’t suit her. He was certain she would eventually find her way.

  As amazed as Stasia had been by the artwork, Roberto was just as amazed by her. There was definitely a deep, abiding strength within her.

  She turned a curious look in his direction. Their gazes met and his heart thumped harder. Did she know what he’d been thinking?

  Of course not. She wasn’t a mind reader, even if she did have a way of reading him quite well.

  “You’re not even looking at the painting,” she said.

  “I’m not?”

  She smiled. “No. You’re not.”

  “Sorry. I got distracted.”

  Her cheeks pinkened. “Maybe we should get going. What’s next on this tour?”

  “Something I think you’ll like a lot.” He held out his arm to her. “Right this way, signorina.”

  She smiled up at him as she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. And just that small gesture felt so right—as though they had been doing it forever.

  There was one more thing burning a hole in his pocket—the diamond ring.

  His grandmother expected Stasia to wear the ring, but that would take this charade to a whole new level—

  “What has you so quiet?” Stasia’s voice drew him from his musings.

  “Um, nothing.” Nothing he wanted to discuss with her.

  Before they could continue the conversation, they’d arrived at the gondola. Roberto turned to her. “Your ride awaits you.”

  Stasia’s face beamed and his heart thumped hard and fast. What was it about this woman that just a smile could make his body react?

  Once she sat down on the cushioned seat, he took his place next to her. The ring box dug into his thigh, reminding him that he needed to do something with it. Not now. Definitely not in this romantic setting.

  He shifted on the seat, allowing space between them. The gondola was ornately decorated with gold trim and small statues of seahorses. There were red ropes along the sides and fluffy, colorful pillows on the seats. Stasia was quiet as she took it all in.

  He hadn’t told her but this was his first gondola ride too. In the past when he’d visited this beautiful city, he hadn’t felt the urge to ride the gondola. For some reason, it just felt too romantic to ride alone and he didn’t have anyone he wanted to ask to accompany him—until now.

  Off they went down the canal, gliding over the peaceful water. They took in the striking architecture of the surrounding buildings. They crossed under footbridges and past other gondolas.

  His hand moved to the ring box still in his pocket. It dampened his mood. It was like an albatross around his neck. Stasia turned to him with the brightest smile on her face. He moved his hand and returned her smile.

  “Are you enjoying the ride?” he asked.

  “I am. This is amazing—the whole day has been amazing.” She gazed deep into his eyes. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “Making this amazing day.”

  It had been amazing for him too.

  “Roberto...” Her voice was soft as it floated through the air.

  Or perhaps it just seemed that way because the loud pounding of his heart drowned out most of what was going on around them. Right now, all he could concentrate on was Stasia.

  He reached out to her, tracing his hand over her cheek. “You are the most bea
utiful woman in the world.”

  Her lips parted but no words came out.

  He lowered his head and claimed those sweet lips. He knew he’d never tire of her kisses. In fact, he was quite certain he would remember this moment for the rest of his life. He didn’t care if he got old and forgetful. This would be one of those memories that he would cling to—Stasia in his arms, pressing her lips to his.

  As she leaned into him and opened her mouth to him, her arms slipped up over his shoulders, wrapping around his neck. She tasted sweet like the prosecco and gelato they’d indulged in earlier. This was in fact the sweetest, most stirring kiss he’d ever experienced.

  A cheer from observers stirred him from the kiss. It was with great reluctance that he pulled back ever so slightly. Stasia smiled up at him—a smile that made her eyes sparkle.

  He would never visit Venice again without thinking of Stasia. This was their city.

  * * *

  That was so much better than working.

  Wait. Had that thought really crossed his mind? Roberto smiled. He never expected anyone could convince him that sightseeing could be more interesting than business.

  Hours later, they walked along the deck. Neither seemed anxious to go to their cabin and put an end to the day. He moved his hand and it brushed over the ring in his pocket. He needed to do something with it. What would Stasia say when she saw it?

  Stasia stopped walking and turned to him. “I should head to my cabin, but I want to thank you again for making this the very best birthday.” Her gaze caught and held his. “I know you’d rather have been working, but you didn’t complain once or rush us at all. That was very kind of you. I’ll never forget it.”

  He continued to stare into her beautiful eyes as his heart raced and his fingers tingled to reach out to her. “There was no other place I wanted to be—”

  “Hey, guys.” Gaia rushed up to them with a giant smile on her face. “Did you have a nice day?”

  Roberto sensed his cousin was up to something, but he couldn’t put his finger on what exactly she had on her mind.

  “It was absolutely a beautiful day,” Stasia said before briefly mentioning some of the places they’d visited.