A Wedding For The Greek Tycoon (Greek Billionaires Book 2) (8 page)

Pieces of last night’s conversation with Zoe had shaken him.

I’m a fake. If you saw me without my hair you’d have a heart attack. Someday I’ll lose it all again, so I’ll enjoy this momentary reprieve while I can.

Chilled by the possibility of the lymphoma recurring, Vasso started the car and drove to her apartment, unaware of the passing scenery.

When Chad heard I’d been told my disease would probably be terminal, he couldn’t handle it. I told him I didn’t want him to have to handle it and begged him to take the job offer in Boston and not look back. He took my advice.

Chad’s pain would have been excruciating to realize he might lose her. But Zoe had to have been in anguish over so many losses.

Vasso’s thoughts flew to his father when he’d been on the verge of death. The sorrow in his eyes that he wouldn’t be able to see his sons grow to maturity—the pain that they’d never known their mother—the hope that they would never forget what a wonderful woman and mother she’d been—

Tears smarted his eyes. Not so much for the pain in his past, but for Zoe who didn’t know what the future would bring. Their light conversations only skimmed the surface of what went on underneath. Her declaration that she never planned to marry was part of the babble to cover up what was going on deep inside of her.

All of a sudden he heard a tap on the window and turned his head. It was Zoe! He hadn’t realized he’d pulled to a stop outside the apartment door. She looked gorgeous in a simple black linen dress with cap sleeves and a crew neck. The sun brought out the gold highlights in her hair.

He leaned across the seat to let her in. She climbed in on those well-shaped legs and brought the smell of strawberries inside. Her lips wore the same color and cried out to be kissed. Her eyes met his. “
Kalimera,
Vasso.”

“It’s a beautiful morning now,
thespinis
. Forgive me for staring. You look fabulous.”

Color rose into her cheeks. “Thank you. After getting caught off guard by the paparazzi
in Athens, I thought I’d better be prepared to be seen in the company of one of Greece’s major financial tycoons.”

Vasso took a deep breath. “I hope that’s not the case today. Have you eaten breakfast?”

“Oh yes. Have you?”

“Just coffee.”

Her brows met in a delicate frown. “That’s all you had last night.”

Zoe managed to notice everything. He liked it. He liked her.
So much in fact he couldn’t think about anything else.
“I’m saving up for lunch,” he said and drove the car back along the tree-lined road to his house where the helicopter was waiting.

“Where are we going?”

“I’ve decided to let it be a surprise. You’ll know when we land at the heliport.”

Before long they’d climbed aboard the helicopter and lifted off. Vasso put on his sunglasses and turned on the mic. When he looked over his shoulder he saw that Zoe had put on sunglasses too. She was beautiful and could easily be a famous celebrity. But he was glad no one knew about her. He liked the idea of keeping his find to himself.

He gave her a geography lesson as they flew northward to Macedonia. She knew more Greek history than most people of his acquaintance. Once they neared the desired destination, the land became more mountainous. He could tell her eyes were riveted on the dark green landscape that opened up to half a dozen magnificent lakes. Further on a sprawling city appeared. The pilot took them down and landed in a special area of the airport. When the rotors stopped whirling Vasso said, “Welcome to Florina, Zoe.”

She looked at him in wonder. “Are you serious?”

“When you told me your parents had wanted to bring you here for your graduation, it gave me the idea.”

“So you don’t really have business here?” she asked in a softer voice.

“I didn’t say that.”

Zoe shook her head and took off her sunglasses. “You do too much for me, Vasso.”

“I’d hoped for a better reaction than a lecture.”

“I didn’t mean to sound like that. Forgive me.”

“Come on. I have a limo waiting to take us sightseeing.” He got out first then helped her down. The urge to crush her warm body in his arms was overwhelming, but he held back.

The limo was parked nearby. He helped her inside, but this time he sat next to her. “I’ve asked the driver to take us on a small tour. When I told him your great-grandparents lived here until the outbreak of the Greek Civil War, he promised to show us some of the historical parts of Florina and narrate for us over the mic.”

She looked out the window. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“I’m excited about it, too. I’ve never spent time in this area and am looking forward to it.”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” came her whisper. When he least expected it, Zoe put a hand over his and squeezed it for second. But as she tried to remove it, he threaded his fingers through hers and held on to it.

“I think I’m almost as excited as you are. The cycle of the Zachos family has come full circle today. Seventy years ago your ancestors left this town to get away from communism. Now their great-granddaughter is back to put down her roots in a free society. That’s no small thing.”

“Oh, Vasso.”

In the next instant she pressed her head against his arm. While the driver began his narration—unaware of what was going on in the rear—Vasso felt her sobs though she didn’t make a sound. Without conscious thought he put his arms around her and hugged her to him, absorbing the heaves of her body. He could only imagine the myriad of emotions welling up inside her.

After a few minutes she lifted her head and faced straight ahead. “I hope the driver can’t see us. Here he’s going out of his way to tell us about the city, and I’m convulsed.”

“He knows this tour has more meaning for you than most tourists so he’ll understand.”

“You always know the right thing to say.”

For the next half hour the driver took them past buildings and landmarks made famous by the prominent filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos.

“Since the last war I don’t imagine the homes my great-grandparents left are even standing,” she confided.

“Probably not.” Vasso asked the driver to drop them off at a point along the Sakoulevas River. “Let’s get out and walk to Ioannou Arti Street so you can get a better view of the twentieth-century buildings along here. There’s an archaeological museum we can visit.”

She climbed out and put her arm through his as they played tourist. It felt so natural with her holding on to him like this. He could wish this day would go on forever.

“This is fabulous, Vasso. I had no idea the city was so beautiful. To think maybe my great-grandparents walked along this very river.”

“Maybe it was along here they fell in love.”

Zoe looked up at him in surprise. “I had no idea you’re such a romantic at heart.”

“Maybe that’s because you bring it out in me.” Obeying an impulse, he lowered his mouth and kissed those lips he’d been dying to taste. It only lasted a moment, but the contact sent a bolt of desire through him. She broke the kiss and looked away before they walked on.

The limo met them at the next street and they got back in. “If you’ve had enough, I’ll tell the driver to run us by a market the Realtor told me was for sale. He tells me there’s a
taverna
nearby where we can try out
burek
. We’ll see if it compares to your mother’s recipe.”

“I’d love that.”

Vasso alerted the driver and soon they pulled up in front of a store selling produce. He got out and helped Zoe down. Together they walked inside the busy market. The city was certainly big enough to support one of their stores. But he was curious to know the figures and approached the owner.

“While I talk to him, take a look around and see if there’s something you want to buy to take back to the apartment.”

She smiled. “Take as long as you need.”

Zoe strolled around, eyeing the fruits and vegetables brought in by local farmers. Vasso noticed the customers eyeing her, even the owner who could hardly concentrate when asked a simple question.

When Vasso had learned what he wanted to know, he went in search of Zoe and found her at the back of the market buying a bag of vegetables.

“Don’t they sell peppers in Loggos?”

Her face lit up. “No. These are sweet Florina red peppers. My mother remembered her mother and grandmother cooking these. They aren’t like any other peppers in the world. I have the recipe. When we get back to Loggos, I’ll cook some for you with feta cheese and we’ll see if they live up to their reputation. The eggplant looks good, too.”

His pulse raced at the thought of going back to Zoe’s apartment. “Then let’s grab a slice of
burek
at the
taverna
two doors down now, and eat a big meal this evening.”

“That sounds perfect.”

She hadn’t said no. Their day out wasn’t going to end the second they flew back to Loggos. That was all he cared about.

After telling the owner he’d be in touch with the Realtor, Vasso carried her bag of precious peppers and eggplant as they walked along the pavement to the outdoor café. He ordered
burek
and Skopsko beer for both of them.

When she’d eaten a bite, he asked for her opinion.

“I’m more curious to know what you think, but you have to tell the truth. If you like it better than mine, it won’t hurt my feelings very much.”

He burst into laughter and ate a mouthful of the pie. Then he ate a few more bites to keep her in suspense. She was waiting for an answer. Those green eyes concentrated solely on him, melting him to the chair. “It’s good. Very good. Yours is better, but I can’t define why it’s different.”

She leaned forward. “You mean it?”

Good heavens, she was beautiful. “I don’t lie,
thespinis.
Let’s drink to it.” They touched glasses, but she only drank a little bit of hers while Vasso drained the whole thing. Food had never tasted so good, but that was because he was with her and was filled with the taste of her. He wanted more and suspected she did too otherwise she wouldn’t be talking about their spending the rest of the day together back on Loggos.

“Excuse me while I freshen up before we leave.”

Two hours later they arrived back at Zoe’s apartment. While she got busy preparing the peppers, Vasso followed her directions for
moussaka.
“I’m glad you’re staying for dinner, Vasso. There’s something important I want to talk to you about.”

Vasso darted her a piercing glance. His heart failed him to think she had an agenda. Was that the reason he’d made it over her doorstep tonight, and not because she couldn’t bear to say good-night to him?

“What is it?”

CHAPTER SEVEN

“I
DIDN
’
T
FINISH
telling you about one of the patients named Nestor. The poor thing doesn’t think he’s going to get better. He’s depressed, but it isn’t just because he’s undergoing chemo. He lives with the fear that because he was homeless when he was brought in, he has no work to go back to even if he does recover.

“I’ve discovered that several of the older patients are afraid they won’t get their jobs back if their disease goes into remission. So I was thinking maybe in my off hours I could set up a service to help those patients find a job.”

“A service?” One dark brow lifted. “Have you discussed this with Yiannis?”

“Oh no. This would be something I’d do on my own. But I wanted to see what you thought about it.”

He put the
moussaka
in the oven. “It’s a very worthy project. Maybe even a tough one, but you’re free to do whatever you want in your spare time. Surely you know that.”

“So you wouldn’t disapprove?”

Vasso frowned. “Why would you even ask that question?”

She carefully peeled the skins off the roasted peppers. “Because the people I approach will ask what I do for a living and your foundation will come up. You’re a modest man. I don’t want to do anything you wouldn’t like.”

He lounged against the counter while she prepared the peppers to cook with olive oil, feta cheese and garlic. “You couldn’t do anything I wouldn’t like.”

Her gaze shot to his. His compelling mouth was only inches away. She could hardly breathe with him this close to her in the tiny kitchen. “You shouldn’t have said that. I’m full of flaws.”

His lazy smile gave her heart a workout. “Shall we compare?”

“You don’t have any!”

“Then I’ll have to break down and reveal a big one.”

“Which is?”

“This!” He brushed her mouth with his lips. “When a beautiful woman is standing this close to me, I can’t resist getting closer.” He kissed her again, more warmly this time.

“Vasso
—
” She blushed.

“I told you I had a flaw.”

She turned from him to put the peppers in the oven. When she stood up, he was right there so she couldn’t move unless he stepped away. “I’d like to spend the day with you tomorrow. We’ll tour the island and go swimming on a beach with fascinating seashells. What do you say?”

He could probably hear her heart pounding. She’d promised herself that after today, she wouldn’t see him again unless it was for professional reasons. Thank heaven she had a legitimate excuse to turn him down.

“Thank you, Vasso. That’s very sweet of you, but I can’t. I’m going to Corfu in the morning with Olympia.”

Those black eyes traveled over her features as if gauging her veracity. “I might have known you’d strike up a friendship with her. She worked in the food services industry before coming to us.”

Zoe nodded. “We have that and more in common.”

He took a deep breath and moved away. “I’m sad for me, but glad for you to be making friends so fast.”

“I found out she bikes with her husband. So they’re going to lend me one of their bikes and we’ll take rides around the island after work and on our free weekends.” She’d added that to let him know her calendar was full.

Another long silence followed, forcing her to keep talking. “Everyone here has been so friendly. I already feel at home here. After moving heaven and earth for me, your job is done. You don’t have to worry about me anymore.”

Still no response. Needing to do something physical, she set the little breakfast table. After making coffee, she invited him to sit down while she served him dinner. When he still didn’t say anything, she rushed to fill the void.

“I’ll never forget the gift you gave me today. Seeing the city of my ancestors meant more to me than you will ever know.”

“It was a memorable day for me, too,” he murmured. “I want to spend more days like this with you, Zoe. I’d love to go biking with you.”

“Between our busy schedules, that could prove difficult.” She put the
moussaka
on the table and stood at his side to serve him a plate of peppers. “Tell me what you think about Florina’s most famous vegetable.”

He took one bite then another and another and just kept nodding.

That was the moment Zoe knew she was in love with him. The kind you never recovered from. To her despair, the thing she hadn’t wanted to happen
had
happened. She adored him, pure and simple. His kisses made her hunger for so much more. His touch turned her inside out with longings she wanted and needed to satisfy.
Oh, Vasso...
What am I going to do about you?

Before Zoe blurted that she loved him, she sat down and ate with him. “Um... These really are good.”

“You’re a fabulous cook, and I’ve never tasted better
moussaka.
”

“You put it together, so you get the credit.”

After Vasso drank his coffee, he flashed her a glance. “The next time we’re together, I’ll cook dinner for you at my house and I won’t take no for an answer.”

Zoe let the comment slide. The way he made her feel was toppling her resistance. As she got up to clear the table her cell rang. She reached for her phone lying on the counter.

“Go ahead and answer it,” he urged her when she didn’t click on.

She shook her head. “It’s Kyria
Themis. I’ll call her back after you leave.”

“Maybe it’s important, so I’ll go.”

Much as she was dying for him to stay, she knew this was for the best. Their friendship needed to remain a friendship, nothing more. The kiss he’d given her today had rocked her world. That’s why the less they saw of each other, the better.

She walked him to the door. “Good night then, Vasso. This day was unforgettable.”

* * *

So are you, Zoe.

Vasso got out of there before he broke every rule and started to make love to her. In his gut he knew she wanted him, too. Desire wasn’t something you could hide. Whether in the limo or the car, the chemistry between them had electrified him.

Though he didn’t doubt she’d already made plans for tomorrow, he sensed she was deliberately trying to keep their relationship platonic. But it wasn’t working. Despite her determination not to go to his house, she’d invited him to the apartment tonight and had cooked dinner for him.

There were signs that she was having trouble being too close to him. He’d noticed the little nerve throbbing at the base of her throat before he’d moved out of her way in the kitchen.

While she’d stood next to him to serve dinner, he’d felt the warmth from her body. It had taken all his willpower not to reach around and pull her onto his lap. She was driving him crazy without trying.

On the drive to his house he made a decision to stay away for a few days and let her miss him. He had no doubts it would be harder on him, but work would help him put things in perspective.

Tomorrow he’d do a tour of the stores where he needed to meet with the new store managers to make certain they were following procedure. That would take him the good part of a week. In the meantime Akis would be free to meet with their food distributors in Athens for the critical monthly orders.

Once he was home he phoned his brother to tell him his plans. Before hanging up he said, “I met with the owner of a produce market in Florina today who wants to sell. The Realtor has named a figure that’s too high. I think I can get the asking price down, but wanted to know your feelings about us putting up a store there.”

“I always trust your judgment, but why Florina? What were you doing there?”

He gripped the phone tighter. “I flew Zoe there for her birthday. Her great-grandparents emigrated from there to America in the mid-forties. Before her parents could take her there for a college graduation present, they died in the fire.”

His brother was quiet for a minute. “
Vasso—”

“I know what you’re going to say.”

“Since you’ve already disregarded my warning to take it slow, I was only going to ask if there’s a boyfriend in the picture.”

“He bailed on her when he found out her disease would probably be terminal.”

“That, on top of all her pain,” his brother murmured in commiseration. “It would have taken a committed man.”

He exhaled sharply. No one knew that better than Vasso. If Chad had loved her enough, he wouldn’t have let her talk him into walking away. He could say the same for Sofia who hadn’t had the patience to wait until things got financially better for him. Today he rejoiced that he and Zoe were still single.

“How is she working out with Yiannis?”

“They’re trading off weekends and he lets her call him Yianni. That’s how well they’ve hit it off. Let me tell you about her latest idea.”

After he’d explained, Akis said, “I must admit a job referral service for the patients is a brilliant idea. When are Raina and I going to meet her?”

“I was hoping next Friday evening before she has to go on duty for the entire weekend.”

“Do you want to bring her to our house?”

“I fear that’s the only way it will work. She isn’t comfortable coming to mine yet.”

“Then you
have
heeded my warning to a certain extent.”

Akis couldn’t be more wrong. “Let’s just say that for now I’m letting her set the pace. But I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.”

“Before you do what?”

“Don’t ask that question yet because I can’t answer it. All I know is I like being with her.”
That was the understatement of all time.
“I’ll talk to you later in the week.
Kalinihta.”
He clicked off and got ready for bed.

Once he slid under the covers, Akis’s probing question wouldn’t leave him alone. Until Vasso knew what Zoe really wanted, he couldn’t plan on anything. She’d been hurt by Chad who hadn’t seen her through her life-changing ordeal. To have a relationship with Zoe meant earning her trust. He’d begin his pursuit of her and keep at it until she had to know what she meant to him.

After a restless night, he flew to his first destination in Edessa and emailed her to let her know what he’d been doing. He did the same thing every night. By the time Friday came, he couldn’t get back to Paxos soon enough. Before he drove to the center, he stopped by the number-one store to check in with the managers and buy some flowers.

“Vasso?” a female voice spoke behind him.

He turned around. “Sofia.”

Her brown eyes searched his before looking at the flowers. “I was hoping to see you in here one of these days. Can we go somewhere private to talk?”

After she’d turned down his marriage proposal, there’d been times in the past when he would have given anything to hear her say that she’d changed her mind and wanted to marry him. How odd that he could look at her now and feel absolutely nothing. Meeting Zoe had finally laid Sofia’s ghost to rest.

“Why not right here? I’m on my way to the center, but I can spare a few minutes. How are you?”

“Not good. I’ve left Drako.”

Somehow that wasn’t a surprise to him, yet it brought him no pleasure. Akis had told him he’d seen her in town a few months ago and she’d asked about Vasso. “I’m sorry for both of you.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “Our marriage never took and you know the reason why. It was because of you. I’ve never stopped loving you, Vasso.”

He shook his head. “I think if you look deep inside, you’ll realize you were young and ambitious. Drako was already doing an impressive fishing business.”

“I was a fool.”

“I’m sorry for both of you.”

“All this time and you’ve never married. I know it was because of me, and I was hop—”

“Sofia,” he cut her off. “I moved on a long time ago.”

“Are those flowers for someone you care about now?”

“They’re for the woman I love,” he answered honestly. Her face blanched. “You have children, and they need you more than ever. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get to the center. I wish you the best.”

He waved goodbye to the owners and hurried out to the car needing to see Zoe. By the time he reached the center he was close to breathless with anticipation. But first he went by Yiannis’s office to let him know he was there. The older man told him she was out on the patio with several of the patients.

“When you have the time, I’ll tell you about all the changes she’s made around here for the better. We’re lucky to have her, Vasso.”

“I agree. Will it be all right with you if I steal her away for an early dinner?”

“Of course.”

“Good.”

Without wasting another second he hurried down the hall to find a container for the flowers, then he headed for the doors leading to the patio. She’d arranged four round umbrella tables to be close together with two patients at each one in their recliner wheelchairs. One man and one woman to a table. All wore some kind of head covering and all were playing cards. Zoe was obviously running the show using a regular chair.

She hadn’t seen him yet. He stood watching in fascination for a few minutes.

All of them had to be in their late forties or were older, except for one man who looked to be in his twenties. He wore a red paisley scarf over his head like a pirate. As Vasso moved closer, he could tell the younger man was fixated on Zoe. Why wouldn’t he be? She was by far the most beautiful and entertaining female Vasso had ever seen. Today she was wearing a soft yellow blouse and skirt.

They were all into the game and the camaraderie between them was apparent. This was Zoe’s doing. He reached for a regular chair and took it over to put down next to her. “Can anyone join in?”

He heard her quiet intake of breath when she glanced up at him with those translucent green eyes. “Kyrie
Giannopoulos—this
is
a surprise. Please. Sit down and I’ll introduce you.”

One by one he learned their names. They were profuse in their thanks for his generosity. “We’re having a round-robin that’s timed,” Zoe explained. “Nestor here is on a winning streak.” She smiled at the younger man.

“Then don’t let me interrupt,” he whispered, tamping down his jealousy. “I’ll just sit here and watch. Maybe later you’ll tell me why the emails you sent back to me were so brief.”