Page 9 of Marriage Masquerade

Though she longed for coffee, Gemma dutifully drank herbal tea instead. She could no longer consider only her own wants and needs. She had to ensure she properly took care of the baby. Preparing a couple of slices of toast, she loaded on the strawberry jam and sat down.

Drawing a pad from the counter, she sketched a chart and listed the pros and cons of Nikos' unexpected proposal.

But concentration continued to prove impossible. All she could think of was his dark gaze. The shimmering feeling of anticipation that seeped into her every cell when he turned those dark eyes on her.

She attempted to picture him sitting opposite her at the breakfast table.

Impossible.

She closed her eyes and tried to envision herself in the social whirl. He attended opening nights and special showings at the museum and art galleries. His cadre of friends included the heads of many major companies and some English aristocracy. What would she talk about to people like that? She was terrible at small talk. Business discussions, okay, or even girlish confidences she could handle—but nothing suitable for the circles Nikos moved in.

Shaking her head, she finished her meager breakfast and wandered into the living room. Her roommate was away this weekend. Susan was trying so hard to be supportive, but she really hadn’t come up with a sound plan to convince Gemma to stay. What would she say to Nikos' bizarre proposal?

She’d still be moving from the apartment. Her heart skipped a beat when she wondered what his home looked like. Then a kaleidoscope of images flashed through her mind’s eye, ending up with him drawing her into his arms and kissing her.

Oh my goodness, she thought,what will I do if he kisses me?

Which he probably would at the wedding ceremony, at least. Wasn’t that part of the ritual?

Flushing, Gemma wondered why she fixated on a kiss. There were a million other things to think about.

She checked the clock. It wasn’t even eight. Pacing the small room, she tried to make sense of her tumbled thoughts. She couldn’t. Maybe she’d go talk to the man. Get everything straight, understand exactly what their marriage would entail. Then maybe she could make the right decision.

That decided she wasted no time. If he wasn’t at the office yet, she knew he’d be there before long. But when she signed in, she saw Nikos' name boldly written two lines above. He was already here.

Swallowing her trepidation, she turned to the elevators. Only on the ride up did she realize she was wearing jeans that had seen better days, scuffed running shoes, and a top that had been designed more for comfort than style.

“Just shows I’m not thinking straight,” she murmured in the empty car.

When it opened on her floor, she hesitated. Maybe she should return home and think this through a bit more.

And change her clothes.

She ignored that thought, then stepped out and quickly made her way to her office. If she went home, she might lose her courage. Dropping her purse on her desk, she didn’t pause but continued to Nikos' door. It stood ajar. No need to shut it for privacy when he was the only one here.

“Nikos?” she said.

He looked up, laid his pen down and let his gaze travel from her face, slowly down her body and back up again. Gemma almost squirmed when he seemed to linger on her breasts and the snug fit of her top. She definitely should have changed.

“I didn’t expect to see you today. Come in.”

He rose politely.

For a moment Gemma hesitated. His proposal still echoed. For once she didn’t see him as her boss—but as the man she might marry. He’d be her husband.

Stepping into his office, Gemma felt decidedly under dressed compared with his dark slacks and dress shirt. Granted, he didn’t wear a tie, had his collar buttons undone, and rolled up his sleeves, but still, didn’t the man ever relax and dress casually?

She cleared her throat nervously and tried to smile, then gave up. Crossing swiftly to the visitor’s chair, she dropped into it and stared at him.

“I’ve given your suggestion some thought,” she began, wishing she could clear the sense of desperation that gripped her.

He nodded and sat, his eyes focused on her. “And?”

“I would like some more information. I think we need to discuss this further.”

“Information such as?”

“How you expect such an alliance to work,” she blurted out.