Illicit Night with the Greek

“You’re right, I won’t,” she said as her shoulders sagged with defeat. “That is the only reason I’m agreeing to this. I’ll have the housekeeper make up a bed for you and you can have the library as your office.”

“That’s generous of you,” he said softly as he watched her with suspicion. He thought he would have to fight tooth and nail for Jodie to make room for him.

“Only because I know it will be temporary,” she said as she walked out of the room. “You’ll leave and return to your old life once you realize that I’m not marrying you.”

* * *

She had to give Stergios credit, Jodie thought as she swept into her penthouse apartment three weeks later. The man was determined to prove her wrong. He had invaded her home, her life and her every waking moment.

She tensed as his hands caressed her bare arms as he removed her coat. Stergios was a charming companion at the breakfast table and a supportive father-to-be at the doctor’s office. He was the perfect escort to social events. She flicked her gaze at him, noting how sophisticated and sexy he appeared in his dark suit and tie.

He wasn’t leaving, Jodie realized. At first she thought it was simply a battle of wills but now that she had put all the pieces together, she knew he was setting down roots here.

It didn’t make sense, she decided as she marched away, her black cocktail dress swishing against her knees. He had other commitments. He couldn’t stay in New York.

“You are in a bad mood,” Stergios drawled as he followed her into the living room. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not moody,” she said through clenched teeth. “I’m pregnant.”

“Is it because Henry spent most of the time talking to me?” he teased. Her pulse gave a kick at his dazzling smile. “It’s only because he wants another chance to beat me in squash.”

“Who would have thought the two of you would have become fast friends?” she muttered. Stergios had made a point of meeting her closest friends during the past few weeks. They adored him and had loudly advised her to marry him before he got away.

Stergios shrugged. “Once I knew Henry wasn’t a romantic rival, I could see that he’s a good man who I could trust around you.”

Jodie felt her nostrils flare as she tamped down her annoyance. “I told you that he was an old friend.”

“Ne, you did.” He slowly turned and was suddenly in front of her. “However, what you didn’t tell me was that he was the first boy who was caught in your room at boarding school.”

“Oh, he told you that.” She felt her cheeks burn under Stergios’s possessive gaze. “Nothing happened between Henry and me. We’re just friends and we looked out for each other. No big deal.”

“He still looks out for you.” Stergios paused thoughtfully before he continued. “Which is why I asked him to watch over you while I’m gone.”

She flinched and she felt the blood drain from her face. “Gone?”

“I have to go to Athens for a few days.” His tone was careful as he cupped her shoulders with his big, warm hands. “I want you to come with me but you’ve made it clear that you won’t leave New York.”

Jodie didn’t want him to go. What if he chose not to come back? She was suddenly tempted to go on the trip with him but bit her lip before she revealed that to Stergios. “Why are you returning to Greece?”

His fingers flexed. She sensed that he wanted to gather her in his arms but he didn’t move. “That’s something I want to talk about with you. I’m prepared to step away from my position in the Antoniou Group.”

Shock pulsed through her and she jerked out of his hold. “What? Why?”

He slid his hands in his pockets and watched her through hooded eyes. “It’s the only way I can stay here with you.”

“No, no, no.” She raised her hands to stop him from that dangerous train of thought. “You can’t do that. I won’t let you.”

“I can’t abandon all of my responsibilities. I will stay on with the Antoniou Group as an advisor.”

He wasn’t listening to her. Jodie grabbed his arm. “Don’t do it. You’ll regret it.”

He covered her hand with his. “Oxi, I won’t.” His voice was soft but confident.

“Maybe you won’t regret it for a month or even a year, but you will one day.” Her fingers dug into his sleeve. “You are giving up everything you’ve worked your entire life for. I can’t let you do that.”

Stergios’s eyes darkened. “I know what I want, Jodie. It’s you.”