style="font-size:15px;"> His nephew laughed. Dimitrios felt the dark clouds begin to disperse.
“I’d like to climb the peak with you, Leon.”
“I’d love it,” his nephew responded emotionally.
“Good. Then we’ll plan it after I get back from my honeymoon.”
“Honeymoon?”
“Yes.” Dimitrios realized that nothing less than marriage would satisfy him. “I’m going to take a long one, and I’ll need someone to run things in New York while I’m away.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course. Who else would I ask to fill in for me? Maybe by the time I return home, you’ll know better if you want to finish college and go into business with me, or live the religious life.
“Personally, I’d like my nephew with me. Any sons or daughters I have won’t be able to help me until I’m a much older man.”
“Uncle, you’re going too fast for me.”
That’s the point, Leon. I want to fill your head with enough ideas to confuse you.
“I feel breathless these days.”
“You’re in love with Ms. Hamilton, aren’t you.”
Dimitrios’s eyes closed tightly. “Yes.”
“I knew it the moment you told me to take her to the villa with us.”
“You have all the right instincts, Leon. That’s why you’ll make it in business if that’s what you choose.”
Another long period of quiet followed before his nephew spoke again. “Have you asked her to marry you?”
“As soon as the fair is over.”
“I don’t pretend to know her, but she must be wonderful because I’ve never seen you this happy in my life.”
“She’s a gift, but you’re the only person I’ve told. I’d like to keep it a secret until we’re ready to announce our plans.”
“I won’t say anything, not even to Mother.”
“I’ve always been able to trust you. Thanks again for being willing to stand in for me at the parade. We’ll meet at the villa tomorrow before the family dinner. I want to see you in that costume.”
“She had it made for you.”
“True, but we’re blood, so it’s the same thing.”
“You’re sure you’re going to be all right?” The concern in his voice spoke volumes.
“Alexandra is better than any nurse. She won’t let anything happen to me.”
“That’s good. Just be careful. I love you, Uncle.”
“I love you, too, Leon. More than you know.”
He rang off, then sank back against the pillow.
Seeds had been sown. Only time would tell if they’d fallen on fertile ground.
As for the woman lying within touching distance, her days of being known as Ms. Hamilton were almost over.
If it weren’t for the fair, he’d snatch her away this very night to somewhere they could lose themselves in each other for days and nights on end. It was going to be a long night.
The next morning after breakfast at the lodge dining room and a quick inspection of the impeccable silk exhibits in Soufli, the flight back to Thessalonica in the helicopter provided its own set of thrills for Alex.
Under Dimitrios’s guidance, the pilot flew low over castles and churches dotting the ancient landscape, giving her a history lesson she would always cherish. But when it came in for a landing on top of the Pandakis building, Alex was the one who suddenly felt strange.
Dimitrios got out of his seat, ready to assist her. She undid her seat belt and started to stand up, then weaved in place.
His powerful arms immediately went around her. “What’s wrong?” he demanded anxiously.
“Would you believe I’m the one feeling dizzy?”
“You’re having a bout of vertigo. It sometimes happens when you’re not used to landing above ground. I’ll carry you inside.”
“No, please!” she cried in a hushed tone. Last night she’d tasted a little bit of heaven. But it was morning now, and everything had gone back to reality. “Just let me hold onto your arm and I’ll be fine in a minute.”
“Would you prefer to wait here until it subsides?”
“No— I think maybe that’s what’s wrong. Knowing we’re up so high and—”
“Come on. Let’s get you inside the building.”
She clung to him while he half pulled her along. Part of the time she kept her eyes closed. He helped her down the stairs from the roof to his suite of offices on the top floor.
Being inside helped a lot.
“Better?” he whispered close to her cheek.
“Much.” Just don’t touch me anymore.
“Drink this.”
He’d stopped at the water dispenser and put a cup of it to her lips. It tasted good. She drank the whole thing. As she handed it back, their eyes met. His searching gaze revealed a depth of concern that shook her to the foundations.
“Thank you.” Her voice trembled.
She felt him take a deep breath. “You’re welcome. Your color’s come back. Are you ready to go the rest of the way? It’s only a few steps further.”
“I think I can do it without your help now.”
He ignored her comment and assisted her inside his office where his staff waited to be introduced to her.
“This is probably the most embarrassing moment of my life.”
He ushered her to the couch where she could sit down. “But think what it’s doing for Stavros, who has been under the impression you’re superhuman.”
Alex chuckled in spite of the situation. Within minutes everyone had taken turns greeting her so cordially, she felt right at home. Stavros showed up last of all with a glass of lemonade for her.
He sat down next to her. “I have a confession to make, my dear,” he said in excellent English. “I’ve never liked flying in the damn thing.”
“Now he tells me!” Dimitrios pretended to be upset, but his eyes were smiling. When they did that, he was virtually irresistible to Alex.
She
