The Deception (2 page)

Nicole nodded. “Sounds great. Not too late though. I want to get an early start back to Boston on Sunday.”

Nick frowned. “I don’t like you driving all that way by yourself. I wish you’d taken the train.”

Nicole laughed and put her hand on her father’s arm.

“I’ll be fine Dad. I’m a big girl.”

“Still my little girl.”

He looked at Theo.

“I can’t tomorrow. I’m going out with Stewart.”

Nick’s eyes narrowed. “On your last night home?” He looked upset.

“Yes. Why?”

Nick looked across the table at Eleni. She pursed her lips.

“I wasn’t going to say anything, but you’ve seen an awful lot of him.” He cleared his throat. “I like Stewart, but he is ten years older than you.”

Her face grew hot. Was anyone ever good enough for them? “I thought you’d approve since you like him so much. And I don’t care how old he is.”

Nick sighed.

Eleni stood up to clear the table. She looked at Theodora.

“Sweetie, we’re just concerned because you still have two years of college left. We don’t want you getting serious at this stage in your life.”

Theo’s eyes widened. “Are you kidding me? Aren’t you the one who pined away for Dad from the time you were sixteen?”

Eleni smiled and shook her head. “Things were different then.” She put her hand on Theo’s cheek. “We just want the best for you sweetheart.”

Theodora turned to her father. She had to make him understand.

“Dad, please don’t worry. I’m going to finish school. But I can’t schedule my feelings. I didn’t plan this, it just happened. Have some faith in my judgment.”

Nick gave her an indulgent look.

“It’s my job to worry. We’ll miss you at dinner tomorrow.” He wagged his finger. “Don’t be out late.”

Later that day she told Stewart about the conversation.

“My father’s worried about our age difference.” She rushed on. “He likes you and everything, he’s always been a little over protective, that’s all.”

There was silence on the phone. Stewart finally spoke. “I understand. I’d probably feel the same way about my daughter. But I don’t want you to have to run interference for me and I have too much respect for your father to disregard his feelings. I’ll talk to him.”

She wasn’t sure. “What will you say?”

“The truth. That I’m falling in love with you.”

Had he really just said that?

“Theo?”

“I didn’t know you felt that way. I thought it was only me.”

“It’s not the way I had planned on telling you. Let me talk to him. I want everything open and above board.”

She was so lucky. She had found someone with as much integrity as her father.

_______________

Stewart hung up and walked over to Nick’s office. Nick’s assistant looked up.

“Good morning Stewart. Can I help you?”

“Could you clear a few minutes on his schedule for me today?”

She looked down the appointment book and shook her head.

“He’s pretty tight, especially since he’s coming in late.”

Stewart flashed her a charming smile. “I just need ten minutes.”

She nodded. “Okay. Come by at two-thirty. ”

At two-thirty she led Stewart into Nick’s office.

“What can I do for you Stewart?”

“Sir, I stopped by to see if we could have a drink after work.”

“This is about you and Theodora.”

Stewart nodded. “Yes sir. I didn’t think it was appropriate to discuss personal matters here.”

Nick motioned for Stewart to sit. “Nonsense.” He picked up the phone. “Shelly, hold my calls.” He looked at Stewart. “Go on.”

Stewart swallowed. “First I wanted to tell you how much I respect and admire your daughter.” No reaction from Nick. “I would never do anything to displease or disrespect you. Theodora has mentioned to me that you are concerned about our age difference.”

Nick sighed. “It’s nothing personal Stewart. As a matter of fact, I think a lot of you. But Theo’s only 21. She’s got two more years of school. You’ve got a world of experience over her.”

Stewart nodded. “I realize that. I hope you know I would never take advantage of her. She is young but she’s very mature. I had planned on taking this very slowly.”

Nick put his hand out. “Stewart. You came to me and I respect you for that. But I’m going to be honest. If you’re still free when Theo’s finished school then you have my blessing to pursue a relationship. But for now, I’d prefer it if you would lighten things up.”

Stewart allowed a full minute to pass before he spoke. Let his good intentions and worthiness sink in. He cleared his throat again.

“I understand. Do you mind if I talk to her in person? Still take her out to dinner tomorrow night?”

Nick nodded. “Of course.” He shook his head. “Stewart, let me be clear. I don’t want to hurt Theodora, but I feel she’s really out of her depth here. I’m not asking you to stop seeing her completely, but I’m concerned about how much time you’ve been spending together.”

Stewart stood up and held his hand out to Nick. “You’re just being a good father,” he fawned. “My feelings for her won’t change, and I won’t do anything to jeopardize our future. I’ll wait for her. I want to do things right. She’s worth waiting for.”

He left Nick sitting there with a confused look on his face. He had a lot to do before tomorrow night.

_______________

Theo was torn. Tonight was her last night with Stewart before heading back to school. She was tired of being treated with kid gloves. She wanted to spend time alone with him, feel his hands on her. She knew he was attracted to her, could see the passion in his eyes when he kissed her goodnight. She may be inexperienced but that didn’t mean she wanted to be treated like a nun.

They arrived at the Prime Rib, one of Baltimore’s best restaurants, and Stewart looked surprised when the owner greeted her by name and gave her a hug.

“I didn’t realize you knew him.”

She smiled. She felt sophisticated and important.

“He’s a family friend.”

Stewart ordered a bottle of wine and made a show of swirling, sniffing, and sipping before giving his seal of approval. The waiter poured a glass for her and discreetly withdrew.

Stewart raised his glass. “Cheers.”

She was disappointed in the generic toast but lifted her glass to his. She took a small swallow and pretended she liked the bitter taste.

He put his glass down and looked at her for a long moment, saying nothing.

“What is it?” she asked.

“I spoke with your father.”

She leaned forward in her seat. She felt her face flush.

“And?”

“He’s concerned about your studies and your concentration.”

Her heart began to hammer in her chest.

“That’s ridiculous. I’m perfectly able to…”

Stewart put a hand up “Stop. Listen Theo. I respect your father too much to dismiss his concerns. I’ve think I’ve been very clear about my feelings for you. This is more to me than a passing fancy. I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot.”

“My father has no right to interfere in my life.” She wouldn’t allow him to take Stewart from her.

Stewart covered her hand with his.

“My sweet Theo. He’s not. He didn’t ask me to stop seeing you. I approached him and he admitted that he had concerns. I think he was as surprised as you are when I offered to back off.”

“Stewart, no.” Her eyes filled. “But I love you.”

“I love you too. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wait for you”

“This is crazy. Why should you have to wait? Why can’t we continue to see each other? I don’t want to wait for two more years.” She struggled to keep her voice down.

“Just a small step back. Family is important to me. I want to do things right. We can still talk and see each other, just not all time.” He leaned in towards her. “I’m playing for keeps here.”

She was upset, barely tasting her meal, and filled with nervous energy. She thought about what he said about playing for keeps. Did he really mean it or was he tired of her already? Maybe he saw her as a silly schoolgirl, and this was his way of letting her off easy without jeopardizing his position at her father’s company. But no, he must have feelings for her. Why did her father have to treat her like such a child? She would talk to him – make him change Stewart’s mind. A resolve settled over her, and she began to feel better.

Stewart helped her with her coat and they left the restaurant.

“Would you like to take a stroll around the Harbor before I take you home? If you don’t think you’d be too cold or too late?”

She’d do anything to prolong the evening.

“I’d love it.”

The valet brought Stewart’s BMW around and they left the underground garage. Minutes later they were on Pratt Street, and Stewart pulled the car into an empty spot.

“Everything looks so beautiful with the Christmas lights.” She tried to sound cheerful.

He put his arm around her, and they walked along the sidewalk in silence.

She felt a rush of air and before she realized what was happening, a man was pulling at her purse, knocking her off balance.

“Hey,” she yelled. He knocked her to the ground and stood over her, a shiny object gleaming above her.

“Get the hell away from her.” Stewart barreled into the man, knocking him into the fence behind him. Theo stood up and fumbled for her cell phone. With shaking hands she managed to dial ‘911’. She screamed for help, and another couple ran up.

She watched in horror as Stewart and the man struggled on the ground, fighting for possession of the knife. She gasped as it sliced through Stewart’s arm, and a gush of blood rose up like a fountain. Stewart punched the man and wrested the knife from him. Sirens wailed in the distance and at the sound, the attacker jumped up and ran away.

Stewart rose from the ground, favoring his injured arm.

“Are you okay? I can’t believe what just happened. Your arm!”

He nodded. “It’s not that bad, just a little cut. What about you, are you alright?”

Theodora wiped the tears from her face. “I’m fine. I thought you were going to be killed.” She threw her arms around him.

She rode with him in the ambulance on the way to the emergency room where the police met them to take their statements. Theo called her parents while she waited for the doctors to finish with Stewart. Twenty minutes later she looked up to see Nick rushing toward her, his face ashen.

“What happened? Are you hurt?”

Eleni was behind him, worry stamped on her face.

Theo stood up and fell into her father’s arms.

“Dad. I’m fine. Someone tried to mug me, and Stewart saved me.” The tears came again and she was momentarily unable to speak.

“It was horrible. He was hovering over me with a knife. If Stewart hadn’t jumped in, I don’t know what would have happened.”

They sat back down and Nick kept his arm tight around her as they waited for Stewart. An hour later, he emerged with a bandaged arm and a pinched look .

Theodora ran to him.

“How are you?”

“They sewed me up and gave me a boat-load of antibiotics. I’ll be better in no time.”

Nick came over and patted Stewart on the shoulder.

“Son, I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you. You took care of my little girl.” His eyes filled. “Have you called your parents?”

Stewart shook his head. “They’re out of town. They always go to the islands after Christmas.”

“Then you’re coming home with us.”

Stewart shook his head. “No, I couldn’t possibly impose on you.”

“Nonsense,” Nick insisted. “You will spend the night with us tonight. You’re in no condition to be on your own.”

“Thank you sir. I appreciate it.”

Nick looked at Eleni. “Why don’t you drive Theo, and I’ll take Stewart’s car. He’s in no shape to drive.”

They walked out together and after Nick had seen to it that Eleni and Theo were on their way, he opened the passenger door for Stewart.

Nick slid behind the wheel and adjusted the seat.

“Stewart. I want to apologize. I had no business telling you to stay away from Theo. It’s clear to me now that she couldn’t be in better hands.” He looked at Stewart. “All I ask is that you wait until she finishes school before doing anything rash.”

Stewart cleared his throat. “I don’t know what to say Mr. Parsenis. Thank you for your faith in me. I won’t let you down.”

Nick nodded. “I’m sure you won’t. Now let’s get home so you can get some rest.”

_______________

The ringing phone woke Stewart. He glanced at the screen and looked around to make sure no one was within earshot.

“Yeah?”

“When do I get the rest?”

Stewart cursed. “You stupid moron, you’ll get your money. I should deduct the cost of the hospital visit from it. I told you to make it look real, not cut my damn arm off.”

The voice on the other end mumbled an apology.

“Lose this number. The cash will be waiting for you when you get home tonight. If I hear from you again, you won’t live to regret it. Am I clear?”

Stewart ended the call and his head fell back on the soft pillow.

“Stewart?” There was a light knock on the door.

“Yes?” He made his voice sound raspy.

Theodora came in carrying a tray.

“I made you breakfast. Can you eat something?”

He smiled and reached out a hand to her.

“You’re too good to me.”

She sat on the edge of the bed and brushed a lock of hair from his forehead.

“I’m so grateful you’re okay. I don’t want to live without you.” She whispered.

Stewart leaned in to kiss her full lips. It wasn’t going to be easy to keep his hands off her for the next two years. But he was a patient man. “Don’t worry my darling. I’m here to stay.”

About the Author

Lynne Constantine is the co-author of
Circle Dance
. She lives in the New York area with her family. She is passionate about education, reading, health, and wellness. She enjoys traveling, spending time on the beach, and taking walks with her family and their adorable golden retriever.

To learn more about Lynne and her writing, visit her website:

www.lynneconstantine.com

Others in the
Circle Dance
prequel series: