Page 7 of Marriage Masquerade

Though wary of his suggestion, the idea was growing stronger in appeal. She wouldn’t be an unwed mother. Wouldn’t have to worry about gossip and feeling shame and moving clear across the country when she really loved New York. She wouldn’t have to leave Nikos or her job.

His features tightened slightly. He narrowed his eyes.

“I wish to remain in America. To leave for even a few months would be inconvenient. The idea has further appeal—I attend many functions during the year, and it’s awkward to go alone all the time. And if I wish to reciprocate, I need a hostess. So you see, it’d benefit me in other areas to have a wife.”

She stared at him. Realization gradually seeped in. Here was another man barreling through life at her expense, just as James had. Nikos wanted a marriage in name only, not because he cared for her, but for his convenience.

But what aboutherconvenience?

He tilted his head, watching her.

“What’s your answer?”

“I have a choice?” she asked.

She should stick with her original plan.

Only…the thought of relocating was overwhelming. It’d be far easier to stay where she was, have adequate help while she needed it, keep the job she loved.

“You may decline,” Nikos said, his expression giving nothing away.

The coolness in his tone let her know he wouldn’t be pleased if she refused.

Another thought flashed through her mind—if she didn’t marry him, he’d likely turn to someone else. Which would leave Gemma no choice but to move.

Or you could stay.

Why not accept, she thought frantically. James had proved how fickle love could be. She didn’t plan to fall in love again, ever. She’d make her career the most important thing in her life—after her baby.

Would marrying Nikos help in that regard? Probably. So why not a temporary marriage of convenience?

“What about my baby? Would you truly be willing to let people think it’s yours? What about when we divorce?”

She surprised herself with how calm she sounded. Maybe he couldn’t hear the pounding of her heart, the blood thundering through her veins, almost drowning out her own voice.

“The baby is yours. While we are married, I will let people think it's mine. When we separate, I’ll provide for the child. I believe that's more than fair.”

She nodded. He must really want to remain in the States to give so much to another man’s child.

What was she thinking? They had nothing in common. He was a wealthy Greek shipping magnate. She was the daughter of a small-town banker. Was he crazy?

Or was she to even consider saying yes?

Just then, she felt a fluttering deep inside. The baby was moving again. She wasn’t alone anymore. She had her child. And needed to do the best she could for that child.

“This arrangement will suit us both,” he went on. “I think Americans have a peculiar romantic view of love and living happily ever after. Arranged marriages often prove extremely successful. I believe this choice is better than your plan. You’re what—twenty-seven?”

“Twenty-eight.”

Her birthday was three months ago, and he never acknowledged it, she thought wryly. Would anything change with a marriage license between them?

“Why uproot yourself on the chance of finding a good job on the West Coast when you have a good one here? Stay here where you can continue living the life you’ve made for yourself.”

“Would I keep my job when we annul the marriage?”

“We work well together. I see no reason to change that.”

He crossed to his desk and riffled through his appointment calendar.