The Tycoon's Son (10 page)
“He
considers
himself an expert.” Ariana’s tone made it clear she didn’t agree with that assessment. “But he’s not always correct. Yesterday, after his lecture, I pulled him aside and gently pointed out a few errors he’d made.”
considers
himself an expert.” Ariana’s tone made it clear she didn’t agree with that assessment. “But he’s not always correct. Yesterday, after his lecture, I pulled him aside and gently pointed out a few errors he’d made.”
“How’d he take that?” Trish asked.
“Not well.” Ariana broke off a piece of Danish and popped it in her mouth. She chewed thoughtfully for a moment. “I probably shouldn’t have corrected him, but gosh, the man is so arrogant.”
“And a little creepy,” Trish added. When she’d seen him looking at those girls on the deck, she’d thought about reporting his behavior to someone. But really, what could she say? That the priest had a decidedly unholy gleam in his eye?
Besides, Trish had more important things on her mind than a rogue priest…
While the ship’s journey from Corfu to the Italian coast had been a smooth one, Trish’s dreams had been anything but placid. Thoughts of Theo had invaded her normally G-rated dreams and she’d awakened feeling tense.
That’s why she’d hopped out of bed at the crack of dawn, pulled on her workout clothes and headed to the gym. After five hard miles on the treadmill, Trish had felt confident she’d sweated every last errant thought of Theo Catomeris from her system.
“You know who else is creepy?” Trish asked.
“Who?” Ariana leaned forward and rested her elbows on the table.
Trish cast a quick glance at the nearby tables before speaking. “Giorgio Tzekas, the first officer. Do you know which one he is?”
“Our paths have crossed,” Ariana said with a wry smile, lifting a cup of coffee to her lips.
“That man thinks he’s God’s gift to women.” Trish remembered the dance they’d shared and the too-tight way he’d held her.
Ariana leaned back. “He’s not even that good-looking.”
Not like Theo
, Trish thought.
, Trish thought.
“Certainly not as cute as he thinks he is,” Trish said.
Ariana started to laugh then quickly sobered. “Speak of the devil.”
Trish glanced up just in time to see Giorgio stop beside the table.
“What a pleasant surprise,” he said with a slight smile. “Two of my favorite la-dies.”
Ariana kicked Trish beneath the table and it took all of Trish’s self-control not to laugh.
“You didn’t call me last night,” Giorgio said in a reproachful tone, his gaze focused on Ariana.
“I never said I would,” Ariana replied.
“Apology accepted.” Giorgio trailed a finger up Ariana’s arm before the librarian jerked it away. “I have the day off. I thought we could explore Naples together.”
Trish turned to gaze out the window in an attempt to distance herself from the private conversation.
Her thoughts drifted to Theo. Today she’d apologize and clear the air. Actually, she should have done it before now. It was important he understood that she hadn’t known of his relationship with Elias Stamos when she’d first approached him.
“I thought he’d never leave.” Ariana heaved an exasperated sigh.
Trish watched Giorgio stride off, his back stiffened in a hard straight line.
“I was trying not to listen.” Trish decided that sounded better than admitting she’d been daydreaming. “What bee got in his booty?”
Ariana laughed at one of Cassidy’s favorite expressions. “I made it clear I wasn’t going to spend the day with him,” Ariana said. “Even if I wanted towhich I don’tI have too many”
She clamped her mouth shut as if she’d already said too much.
As far as Trish was concerned, no explanation was necessary. She couldn’t see anyone wanting to waste a bright, sunny day hanging out with Giorgio.
“What are you most interested in seeing?” Trish followed Ariana’s example and pushed her chair back and rose to her feet. She understood exactly what Ariana meant. There was so much to see in Naples, even if you went nonstop all day you couldn’t cover it all.
“The National Archaeological Museum.” Ariana didn’t quite meet Trish’s gaze. “But I’ve also got some errands to run. Some specific things I’m looking for…”
Trish wasn’t surprised Ariana mentioned the museum. Several of the comments Ariana had made indicated she had an interest in archaeology. “I hope you enjoy the museum,” Trish said. “And I hope you find what you’re looking for…”
For a second, Ariana’s expression grew troubled. “I hope I do, too. Except you know what they say…”
Trish lifted a brow.
“Be careful what you wish for,” Ariana said, “because you might just get it.”
CHAPTER NINE
“I
CAN SEE WHY
you like it here.” Theo took a sip of beer as her marveled at the brilliant blue of the Bay of Naples. He spoke in Italian, knowing his Italian was better than Bruno’s Greek. “This is a great hotel with a fabulous view.”
CAN SEE WHY
you like it here.” Theo took a sip of beer as her marveled at the brilliant blue of the Bay of Naples. He spoke in Italian, knowing his Italian was better than Bruno’s Greek. “This is a great hotel with a fabulous view.”
Bruno Tucci leaned back in his chair and smiled as if Theo had complimented his firstborn. “From the moment Sophia and I first saw this place, we knew it was destined to be our home.”
Bruno had been Theo’s friend during his college years. Back then they’d been as close as brothers and shared many adventures. But once Bruno met Sophia his senior year, the partying and staying out late with friends had come to an abrupt halt. After graduating from the University of Athens, Bruno had returned to Italy, bought a hotel, married Sophia and had a couple of kids. Two years ago his wife had died in a car accident. Theo hadn’t been back to Italy since the funeral.
The luxury hotel that Bruno owned and managed was on the side of Posillipo Hill overlooking the city of Naples. Though Theo had made plans with Trish, when he’d heard her friend wanted to sleep in, they arranged to meet later at the hotel. Theo had arrived early and spent the morning getting reacquainted with his goddaughtersfive-year-old Anna and seven-year-old Isabella.
Before Bruno’s girls headed over to a neighbor’s house to play for the day, they’d each given their father a huge hug and a kiss.
Theo had watched in silence, thinking of Trish. It must have been hard for her to leave her daughter behind.
After the girls had gone, Theo and Bruno rehashed old times.
“Sophia always loved the view from here,” Bruno said, mentioning his beloved wife.
Ten years ago, Theo had been the best man at Bruno’s wedding. Once his friend had met spunky and beautiful Sophia, he’d never looked at another woman.
“Think you’ll marry again?” Theo asked.
“Definitely,” Bruno said, without even stopping to think. “I liked being married. Unfortunately the children and hotel keep me so busy, there’s little time to date. How about you?”
“Business is good,” Theo said. “I’m juggling some figures now to see if I can afford another boat. And, of course, my foundation for the horses of Kefalonia keeps me busy.”
“I was talking about marriage,” Bruno said. “You love children and you’re good with them. Surely you want a wife and family of your own…”
Theo took a sip of beer and kept his tone casual. “I’m forty years old, my friend. I’m past all that.”
Bruno snorted. “We’re in the prime of our lives.”
Theo laughed at Bruno’s indignant tone. “Maybe so.”
Bruno took a sip of wine. “You just haven’t met the one yet.”
“The one?”
“The one who sets your blood on fire,” Bruno said. “The one who nourishes your soul. The one you cannot live without.”
“It appears,” Theo said with a smile, “that you have turned into a poet.”
“Theo,” Bruno chided, “all I’m asking is that you be open if such a person should stumble into your life.”
“I’ll be open,” Theo hedged, more to forestall more badgering than out of any real agreement. “After all, I’m an open-minded man. Didn’t I agree to meet my half sisters?”
“I’m proud of you for that.” Bruno leaned forward, his handsome face serious. “Katherine and Helena are your family. It’s good you get to know them. Tommy and Menka aren’t getting any younger. Once your grandparents are gone, you’ll be all alone.”
It was a sobering thought and Theo would be lying if he said it had never crossed his mind. “You’re forgetting about my mother.”
A look of distaste crossed Bruno’s face. “How is Tasia?”
Bruno’s tone made it clear there was no love lost between him and the woman who’d given birth to Theo. Ever since Anastasia had tried to seduce Bruno his freshman year in college, Bruno had wanted nothing to do with the woman.
For all his worldly ways and Italian charm, Bruno had very traditional values. Sleeping with his best friend’s motherno matter how beautiful the womanwasn’t something he’d ever contemplate.
“I don’t speak with her much,” Theo said. “Although I’ll probably call her tonight. She knew I was meeting Katherine and Helena, so she’ll be expecting an update.”
“What are you going to tell her?” Bruno asked, signaling the waiter to bring another round of drinks.
Theo grinned. “As little as possible.”
Bruno clapped him on the shoulder. “Smart man.”
High-pitched voices and laughter sounded from the entryway. Bruno lifted a questioning brow.
“Looks like the Americans have arrived,” Theo said. Thankfully when Theo had told Bruno he’d asked two women he’d met on the ship to join them, Bruno had been all for it.
“My God, she is absolutely stunning,” Bruno said, looking at Trish.
Theo’s fingers tightened around his glass of beer. His friend was right…she
was
stunning. Even in a simple sleeveless dress with her hair pulled back from her face, she had a beauty that took his breath away.
was
stunning. Even in a simple sleeveless dress with her hair pulled back from her face, she had a beauty that took his breath away.
“I never knew you liked redheads,” Theo said, hating the jealousy rising in him.
“Redhead?” Bruno threw back his head and laughed as if Theo had said something uproariously funny. “I’m talking about the blonde.”
Theo didn’t know whether to be insulted on Trish’s behalf or relieved that his handsome friend wasn’t going to make a move on her.
“The blonde’s name is Sally,” Theo said.
“Perfect.” Bruno pushed back his chair and stood, reverting to English. “Ladies, welcome.”
The blond woman responded immediately. Her red lips parted and her baby-blue eyes widened.
Theo had never paid much attention to Sally. A little taller and slightly heavier than Trish, the woman had curves in all the right places and an exceedingly pretty face. He could see why she’d caught Bruno’s eye.
The funny thing was, her beauty left Theo cold. But then, he’d always been partial to redheads.
Since when
, a tiny little voice in his head jeered. Theo ignored it. Granted, he hadn’t run across many redheads, but he found the hair color strikingly different.
, a tiny little voice in his head jeered. Theo ignored it. Granted, he hadn’t run across many redheads, but he found the hair color strikingly different.
Theo rose to his feet and reminded himself that he’d only invited Trish so that she could enjoy the day without feeling guilty. And if he was happy to see her it was only because he couldn’t wait to see how she would try to interject the business into the day’s pleasure.
“Y
OU NEVER TOLD ME
Theo’s friend was gorgeous.” Sally spoke out of the corner of her mouth, keeping her smile firmly in place.
OU NEVER TOLD ME
Theo’s friend was gorgeous.” Sally spoke out of the corner of her mouth, keeping her smile firmly in place.
“I had no idea what he looked like,” Trish said. Though Bruno was definitely attractive, he couldn’t begin to compare to Theo.
Trish shoved the realization aside. The last thing she wanted was to think of Theo in
that
way. Today was about business, interspersed with a little sightseeing. Nothing more.
that
way. Today was about business, interspersed with a little sightseeing. Nothing more.
With that thought firmly fixed in her mind, Trish crossed the room to where Theo and Bruno stood. But when she stepped out onto the patio, the view of Naples forced every other thought from her head. Even the slight haze hovering over the city couldn’t detract from the breathtaking picture.
“This would be a great excursion stop,” Trish said. “A place for some light refreshments, a perfect photo-op.”
“Trish arranges tour excursions for cruise ships,” Theo said, making quick work of the introductions.
Though Bruno kept slanting glances in Sally’s direction, he focused his attention on Trish. “I would be much interested in having your excursions stop here.”
Trish slipped open her purse and pulled out a card. Although her primary focus was getting Theo to sign, she wasn’t about to pass up another business opportunity. “I’ll be back in the States next week. Give me a call and we’ll see what we can work out.”
Bruno took the card and glanced at it before putting it in his pocket. “
Grazie
, Signora Melrose.”
Grazie
, Signora Melrose.”
“I love your hotel.” Sally placed her hand on Bruno’s arm, drawing his attention back to her.
“Please have a seat.” Bruno pulled out a chair for Sally with a flourish.
It would be so easy to fall in love in this country, Trish thought with a sigh. The men oozed charm and the beautiful scenery only added to the romantic ambience.
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