The Greek's Long-Lost Son (8 page)

He frowned. “Bad as it is, I’m more concerned about you at the moment. Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing specific.” She hated lying to him, but she wasn’t ready to talk about Theo yet. “Ari and Dax are restless. At home they have more friends their own age to do things with.”

He studied her through veiled eyes. “You’re not telling the truth, but that’s your privilege. I’ve seen a marked difference in both of you since you arrived. Just remember, I’m here if you need me.”

Her brother had radar. “I’ve always known that and I love you for it. Tell Rachel I’ll call her later today after I’m back at the house. Say goodbye to Nikos and Renate for me, too.”

Stasio came around his desk and gave her a big hug. “I’ll walk you to the car.”

The boys were already strapped in. It was so unusual for Ari not to seek his uncle out first, Stasio had to know something of great significance was going on.

“See you later, Uncle Stasi. Thanks for a great time.”

“I had fun, too. Thanks a lot,” Dax said.

“You come again, anytime you like.” He gave Ari a hug.

Stella started the car and they took off for the port of Gavrion to catch the ferry.

No sooner had they driven onboard and walked to the promenade deck than a steward approached Stella.

“You are Despinis Athas?”

“Yes?”

“Your room is ready for you.”

She blinked. “I didn’t reserve one.” Depending on weather and wind conditions to Rafina, the cruise only took two to three hours.

He gave her a knowing smile. “Someone else did. This way please.”

“Come on, boys. Someone has planned a surprise for us.” The blood hammered in her ears. She could only think of one person.

They followed the steward down to the next deck. He led them around a passageway to a row of cabins and opened the third one for her. Stella gasped when she walked in and saw two dozen long-stemmed red roses in a vase on the nightstand between two double beds.

To one side was a table and chairs. She spied a bowl of fruit, another filled with candy and cookies, and half a dozen cans of various juices.

“Are these for
us?
” Ari cried in delight.

“Who else would they be for?” sounded a deep, familiar male voice.

Stella spun around. “Theo—”

“Papa!” Ari ran to hug him. “We didn’t know you were coming with us!”

Theo’s black eyes found Stella’s. They were so alive she could feel his energy. “Work can wait. I decided I wanted to join in the fun.”

“Goody!” their son cried while Dax beamed and began loading up on candy.

Stella was happier to see him than she’d thought possible. “The flowers are gorgeous.”

He came all the way inside and shut the door before leaning against it with his arms folded. In a tan sport shirt and white shorts, he looked incredible. “Remember the time we took a ferry to Poros? It was so crowded we had to stand the whole way against the railing at the back? I only had one red rose to offer you. In those days I was so poor, I could only afford to give you token presents.”

Stella cherished any little thing he ever did for her. “I still have it,” she half whispered. “It’s pressed in the big dictionary I keep on my bookshelf at home.”

“I’ve seen that,” Ari commented. “I didn’t know Daddy gave it to you.”

Theo’s white smile turned her heart over. “Your mother and I liked to give each other little gifts. I still have the bracelet she once bought me.”

Ari munched on a cookie. “Where is it now?”

“Right here.” Theo lifted his leg. They all stared at the tiny gold chain around his ankle.

“You still wear it?” Stella was in shock.

“I told you that night I would never take it off.”

Her face went hot. Before they’d gone swimming, she’d given it to him and he’d made her put it on him. She remembered him crushing her in his arms, telling her they were now joined forever.

“I want to get one.”

“Me, too!” Dax chimed in.

Stella laughed. “Maybe when you two are older.”

“Speaking of you two…” Theo walked over to the closet and pulled out a couple of junior life preservers. “I want you to put these on and wear them the whole time.” He helped them get them on.

“How come?”

He finished tying them. “Because you never know when something could happen and I want you to be safe.”

She could see Ari wasn’t too happy about it, but she loved Theo for insisting.

“I bet nobody else is wearing one.”

“Maybe not, but I want you to do this for me because I love you so much.”

“I love you, too, Papa. Now you have to put yours on.”

Both Stella and Theo burst into laughter. He pulled two adult jackets from the closet. “What’s good for the goose, eh?” He started toward her with a wicked glint in those fabulous black eyes.

Stella would have put it on herself, but Theo insisted on doing the honors. His touch sent curls of delicious warmth through her body. With his back toward the boys, his eyes ignited as he took his time tying the ends near her throat. She wanted him to kiss her so badly she felt pain to the palms of her hands.

Needing something to do before she acted on her desire, she took the other life jacket and helped him put it on. Had he always been so broad-shouldered and
powerful? When her hand touched his chest, she heard his sharp intake of breath.

“Can we go play shuffleboard?”

“Yes,” Theo answered while she was still fastening his tie. “We’ll come up and join you in a minute.”

“Okay. Let’s go, Dax!” They grabbed some candy and left the cabin.

When the door closed, Theo pulled her closer to him. “Our son just did us a favor. Without this body armor, you wouldn’t be safe from me right now. Let’s try it out, in case I’m wrong.”

Before she knew what had happened, she was engulfed in his arms, unable to move. “I’m going to kiss you whether you want me to or not.”

She thought he would start with her mouth, but he began an exploration of her face, slowly inching his way around until she thought she would die if he didn’t satisfy the craving building inside her.

A moan escaped her throat, her body’s way of begging him to stop torturing her and really kiss her. When it came, she almost fainted from ecstasy.

Somehow, she didn’t really know how, they ended up on the bed in a kiss that seemed to have no beginning or end. She lost complete track of time. It was just the two of them communicating in a wine-dark rapture of need escalating out of control.

Suddenly the door opened. “Hey, Mom? Papa? Aren’t you going to play with us?”

Theo recovered first. He bit her earlobe gently, then rolled off the bed. “I’m coming up now. Your mom will join us in a few minutes. You guys want some drinks?”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

After they left, Stella sat up, but her head was so
woozy from being kissed senseless she had to maneuver carefully so she wouldn’t fall over when she stood up. The life preserver made it difficult.

One look in the mirror over the dresser spoke a thousand words and needed no translation. It took her back to her teenage years. After being with Theo, her lips were always swollen, her face flushed and the hair he loved to play with was in disarray.

She buried her face in one of the roses. Their scent filled the room. Whenever she smelled roses in the future, she would remember this day and treasure it. Once again Theo had worked his magic.

After brushing her hair and putting on fresh lipstick, she phoned Elani and told her they were coming home but were still going to keep Dax if it was okay. With that accomplished, she went up on deck to find the guys.

They all played shuffleboard, then walked around to watch the water traffic. Theo entertained the boys. She mostly listened. Eventually they went back to their cabin for more treats. While the boys stretched out on one of the beds, Theo lay on his side behind Stella who sat on the edge of the bed to talk to them.

He did it on purpose, knowing it would be pure torture for her not to be able to lie down next to him. Ten minutes to port her cell phone rang. She checked the caller ID. It was Rachel. She had to answer and said hello.

“Stella—I had no idea you were going to leave today. Stasi let me sleep in. I just woke up and found out you’d gone. Cassie’s so upset.”

She got up and went outside the cabin so she could talk in private. “I’m sorry, Rachel. It’s just that with school out, Ari and Dax want to do some things with their friends.”

“I understand, but I have to admit I’m disappointed.”

“Forgive us.”

“Of course.”

“We’ll be back again after Dax goes home in a few days.”

“I’m counting on it. Take care.”

“You, too. I want you to get over your morning sickness.”

“It’ll pass. Talk to you later.”

Stella hung up feeling horrible, but she couldn’t change plans now. It was very evident Theo and Ari loved each other and wanted to be together. This was a vital time for them. She couldn’t allow anything else to interfere.

Theo seemed to know instinctively how to handle Ari. Suddenly their son was acting more confident and excited about life. Stella had to admit it was wonderful to think Ari had his own real father in his life like his other friends had theirs. She would never have imagined it, but when she saw them together, it was like they’d never been apart.

At one point she would have to let Stasio and Rachel know. The best time to tell them would be when their vacation was over. He already knew something was going on. When he learned the truth, he’d be thrilled for Ari, even with all the bad history.

A boy needed his father. If Theo wanted to fill that role now, Stella had no desire to prevent it. As long as he made Ari happy, then she’d be happy. She was a fool, of course. It was her middle name, otherwise she wouldn’t be living for later this afternoon when Theo said he’d be coming to the villa.

After she clicked off, she went back in the cabin.

Theo flicked her a penetrating glance. “Everything all right?”

“Yes. It was Rachel. She was still asleep when we left, so she called to say goodbye.”

“We’re docking now,” Theo murmured. “It’s time to walk to the car. Everybody off with their life jackets.” Soon they were all put away in the closet.

Ari looked at his father. “Are you going to come with us?”

“I’d like to, but I have a little work to do at the office. The helicopter will fly me into Athens from here and I’ll come to the villa later.”

“What time?”

“Around four.”

Stella walked over to the flowers. “I want to take these with us.”

Theo reached for the vase. “I’ll empty the water and carry them to the car. Is everybody ready?”

The boys nodded and trooped out first. Stella reached for her purse while Theo brought up the rear. They walked down the passage to the stairs and went below to the next deck. When they reached the car, Theo put the roses in the trunk.

“Looks like you’re all set.” He came around to Stella’s side and squeezed her shoulder. The contact spread fire through every atom of her body. “Drive carefully.”

“See you later, Papa.”

“See you, Mr. Pantheras.”

Stella started the motor and put the car in gear. It was a wrench having to drive away from him. From the sideview mirror she watched him until they’d driven off the ferry.

“Can Dax play at our house when we get home?”

“I’ve already checked with his mother and it’s okay.”

“Hooray.”

Forty-five minutes later they reached the house. “Aiyee,” Iola cried when she saw them enter the kitchen.

Stella was carrying the roses which she took over to the sink. They needed to be put in water again. “We decided to cut our vacation short. Don’t worry. Tell the staff I plan to do the cooking and the cleaning around here. You go on doing exactly what you intended to do. We’ll try to stay out of your way.”

Iola crossed herself. “What’s going on?”

Ari gave her a hug. “My papa’s coming over this afternoon.”

If the housekeeper’s eyes grew any bigger, they’d pop. “Your papa?”

“Yup. He’s awesome! Come on, Dax. Let’s take our stuff upstairs. Do you want me to take up your suitcase, Mom?”

Since when. “Yes. I’d love you to.” Wanting to copy his father was a good thing.

“Okay.”

Once they disappeared, Stella turned to Iola. “I know what you’re thinking. How could I let this happen after that man nearly ruined my life. But this isn’t about me.”

They walked through the villa to the salon where she set the roses on the coffee table. “Ari has spent quite a bit of time with him and wants to be with him all the time. That’s why we’re back in Athens so soon.”

Iola’s hands went to her own cheeks. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“So do I, but you saw Ari just now. There’s a new light in his eyes.”

“We’ll see how long it lasts.”

The housekeeper had been through it all with her. Of
course she was fearful. In time she would see what Stella could see right now.

“It’s still a secret,” she warned her. “No one knows but you and Dax.”

“Not Stasio?” She sounded scandalized.

“Not yet. Rachel’s nausea has him preoccupied.” Though it was true, she knew her brother hadn’t been deceived.

Iola shook her head. “He worries over her the way Ari’s father should have worried over you!”

“That’s in the past, Iola. Ari’s happy. I want him to stay that way.”

Iola crossed herself again.

I
T WAS
a novel experience for Theo to be allowed onto Athas property. The guard at the gate let his limo pass through to the front of the square, three-story villa. Built along neoclassic lines, it gave the impression of a temple. In ways it was like a sanctuary, one he’d been forbidden to enter.

But not today. It meant her brothers still didn’t know what was going on. He would enjoy his entrée into her world until everything hit the fan. Then he would sit back and watch the spectacle.

At quarter after four he alighted from the limo and bounded up the steps, almost breathless to see Stella. After kissing her on the ferry, he was on fire, and nothing would ever put it out because that was the effect she had on him.

He’d barely rung the doorbell when he heard voices and it opened to reveal his son. They smiled at each other. Dax stood behind him. “Hi, Papa…come on in.”

Papa…The most wonderful word he’d ever heard.

“Thanks. Who’s your friend?”

The boys laughed.

“Hi.”

“Hi, yourself, Dax.”

“Mom said to bring you into the salon.”

He squeezed Ari’s shoulder. “Lead the way.”

The elegant interior was what he’d expected of a family of their status, but the only thing that mattered was being with the two people he loved.

“Stella.” She looked so gorgeous, the air caught in his lungs. “I like you in yellow.” Earlier today she’d been in pink.

A flush swept over her as she looked up from a tray of sodas and snacks she’d just put on the table. The sleeveless top with a matching skirt was sensational on her. “Thank you. Why don’t you sit down and we’ll talk. Dax, if you’ll go to the kitchen, Iola has a snack ready for you. Our meeting won’t take long.”

“Okay.”

Once the three of them were alone, she subsided into a chair facing the couch. Theo guided Ari to it and they sat down together. His son made sure he was supplied something to eat and drink.

“Umm. This baklava is excellent. Thank you. I’m always my hungriest about this time every day.”

“Me, too,” Ari agreed with him. “We always eat dinner early, huh, Mom.”

She nodded. “I thought we ought to talk about plans for the rest of the summer.”

“If you don’t mind my going first, this might make it easier for you,” Theo stated.

“Go ahead.”

“As you know,” he said, eyeing both of them, “I’m back in Greece with only one agenda, to spend as much time as possible with you.”

Ari smiled.

“I want to do what every father wants to do—take you to lessons, the dentist, the doctor, meet your teachers for school this coming fall, plan minivacations, play soccer with you and your friends, shop, go to movies, hang out at my house, just be with you.”

“Me, too. Can you stay here and watch
Star Trek
with me tonight?”

“I’d love it. Maybe we could get some takeout for dinner and bring it back while we all watch, but before we plan anything, I want to know what’s on your mother’s mind. Are you working full-time this summer?”

She put down her soda. “Yes, but I still have two weeks of vacation. Once it’s over, I’ve made an arrangement with Keiko. He’ll work from nine to five. I’ll plan to go in at six-thirty every day so I can be home by two-thirty. I’ve planned for Ari to do some reading and math at the next session of summer school in the mornings.”

“But I don’t want to go to school.”

“It’s a good idea, Ari,” Theo backed her up. “You need to keep your mind active. I was thinking we could get ourselves enrolled in a young astronomers program, too.”

“What’s that?” He jumped off the couch too excited to sit still.

“I’m sure some of the colleges have them. You look through a telescope and they teach you about the stars.”

“Could I do that, Mom?”

“Of course.”

“If you would bring me your telephone book, we could call around and see what’s being offered.”

“I’ll get it.”

After he dashed out of the room Theo sat forward. “Stella? Look at me for a minute.” She lifted her head. “I hope you know I’m not trying to usurp your place. I
want to help ease the burden of all you have to do. Look on me as your support system, a permanent one. I’ll do whatever you’d like. If I’m overwhelming you, tell me.”

She got to her feet. “You’re not. It’s what Ari wants. I can’t deny that Ari is a changed boy already. That’s all because of you.”

“Thank you for saying that.”

She held on to the back of the chair. “All his life he’s been surrounded by other children who live with a father and mother. However, I didn’t think he noticed that much or cared, not with Stasio, who has been wonderful to him.”

Only because he and Nikos had stolen Ari from him. The bile rose in Theo’s throat.

“You have no conception of how changed he is. Otherwise he would never have begged to leave Andros where he could have Stasio’s constant attention. He didn’t even say goodbye to his uncle, the man he has always depended on.”

Theo liked hearing it, but when Stasio found out what was going on, there was going to be a showdown. This time Theo was ready for whatever the Athas family had to throw at him.

“His need to be with you supercedes all else,” Stella confessed. “There’s a new confidence about him. That’s because he knows his real father loves him. I have to admit I can’t be sorry about that. In truth I’ve always had to help Ari work on his confidence.”

Puzzled, Theo got to his feet. “What are you talking about?”

She rubbed her hands together, a sure sign of nervousness. “It’s a long story. You need to hear everything so you’ll understand Ari’s psyche. I’ll tell you after he goes to bed tonight.”

He had a feeling that whatever she had to say to him was going to turn his guts inside out all over again. Though he wanted to press her, he could hear the boys coming.

“Here’s the directory, Papa.” Dax came in with him.

“Terrific. Let me make a few calls and we’ll see what’s available.”

Ari eyed him expectantly while he made inquiries. Eventually he hung up and said, “We’re in luck. There’s a star-gazing program that started this week, but we can join in on Friday evening, so I have an idea.

“Why don’t we visit the college in the morning. After we’ve registered for the session, we’ll fly to St. Thomas for the day.”

“Hey,” Dax piped up. “My parents went there a couple of weeks ago. My dad loves golf. He said the resort has the best golf course he ever played on.”

That was nice to hear. “Have either of you ever played?”

Both boys shook their heads.

“How about you, Stella?”

“No.”

“Then we’ll make up a foursome and do nine holes. How does that sound?”

“Cool.” Ari high-fived his friend.

Stella’s mouth lifted at the corners. “Ari? Why don’t you show your father to the family room upstairs to watch your DVD.”

“Okay. Come on, Papa.”

His gaze held hers. “Before we do anything, I’ll go pick up some food for us. You guys can come if you want to help me choose.”

“That’s not necessary, Theo. We have plenty of food here. Ari and Dax can carry it up when you get hungry.”

“Then bring on the starship
Enterprise,
” he said before tearing his eyes from hers.

The five-hour marathon with the boys entertained him no end. Stella slipped in and out with sandwiches and salad, but he was glad when she finally insisted the boys go to bed. Until she explained what she’d meant earlier, he would have no peace.

As soon as she joined him in the salon, he said, “What’s this about Ari not having confidence?”

Once again she sat down opposite him. “Let me give you some background. After what happened at the church, my grief made me ill. There was too much tension in the house. My father was upset that I’d gotten involved with you, and Nikos’s attitude made everything so much worse. Stasio had to leave for New York on business and took me with him.

“I lived in his apartment both before and after I had the baby. He hired a Greek couple to help me when he couldn’t be home. He also made it possible for me to attend college and get my business degree there.”

Nothing she’d just told him added up to what he’d been thinking about Stasio. Had Theo been wrong about him?

“You’re an amazing woman.” He was proud of what she’d accomplished, but he could hardly hold on to his rage over events he’d been helpless to prevent at the time.

She shook her head. “No. Thousands of women do the same thing every day. Once I’d graduated, I told Stasio I wanted to go back to Greece and get a job. Ari was old enough to attend kindergarten and I could work out my schedule with Iola’s help.

“Everything went well except that in returning to Athens, it brought us back into Nikos’s orbit. He never
accepted Ari and it showed. The last couple of years have been hard on our son.

“Though Ari doesn’t understand why, he’s aware of the way Nikos feels and goes to great lengths not to antagonize him for fear of being mocked or ridiculed. As a result, he doesn’t always show a lot of confidence. That’s what I wanted you to understand.” Tears prickled against her eyelids. “For him to finally have his own father who champions him is making all the difference.”

He got to his feet. “None of this should have happened,” he muttered. More and more he was beginning to think the cruelty was all on Nikos’s part. “Though there’s nothing we can do about the past, I swear to you I’ll never let any harm or hurt come to you or Ari again.”

“Theo,” she cried in abject frustration. “If you want me to believe you, you have to confide in me completely about the past. No lies.”

“If you’ll do me one favor first, then I promise to tell you details.”

When she closed her eyes, tears squeezed out. “What favor?” she whispered.

“Tell your brothers I’ve returned to Greece and have been seeing you and Ari.” There was going to be an explosion, one Stella needed to experience to understand.

A stillness surrounded her before she got up from the chair. “I don’t want them to know yet because this is a very precarious time for you and Ari. I’ve been waiting to see how things would go. Naturally, I plan to tell them.”

“But you’re afraid to tell them. I can see it in your eyes. I don’t blame you. We always had to hide our love from your family, but we were young then. Now we’re two mature adults with a six-year-old son. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m here to protect you. Does
Ari know how you and I used to have to sneak around to be together?”

“No. As I told you before, he knows nothing about my turmoil.”

“I’m indebted to you for that. It’s the reason he and I have been able to bond so fast. For that very reason he’ll think it’s strange if you’re not straightforward with your family.”

“You’re right. It’s just that—”

“What?” he broke in. “Are you afraid they’re going to object?”

She bit her lower lip, the one he wanted to kiss. “You hurt me. I was their younger sister.”

“But we were torn from each other in the most cruel way possible. Surely that would make a difference to any sane, rational person.” What she couldn’t know was that he didn’t put Nikos in that category.

“I’m not ready to say anything quite yet. In a couple of weeks Stasio will be back from vacation. Then I’ll tell him.” She shook her head, causing her dark hair to swish. “I have to tell him at the right time.”

Theo realized she was terrified because he would always be a Pantheras in their eyes and she knew her family would never approve. She had every reason to want to put it off.

“Tell them soon, Stella,” he urged, afraid it fell on deaf ears. “We don’t want Ari hurt by this if he doesn’t have to be. I’m leaving now. My limo’s waiting. I’ll be by for you at ten tomorrow.”

He strode out of the house without looking back. She was too much of a temptation for him to be alone with her in the same room any longer.

The next morning Stella ate breakfast with the boys, aware of an excitement building inside her she couldn’t control. After going back and forth, she chose to wear white cargo pants and a sleeveless lime-green top that tied at the shoulders. There was no use pretending she didn’t care what Theo thought. She had her pride and wanted to look beautiful for him.

While she was putting on lipstick, her phone rang. Theo? Her heart thudded as she reached for her cell. It turned out to be Dax’s mom. She’d be by at dinnertime to pick him up.

They chatted for a minute before Stella hung up to brush her hair. She had an idea Dax wasn’t ready to go home yet. He’d been enjoying Theo’s company too much. Ari on the other hand would be thrilled to finally get his daddy to himself.

Twenty minutes later he appeared at the villa. Stella stepped outside and got in the limo next to him. She could feel him studying her. While the boys chattered, she and Theo made desultory conversation. After visiting the campus, they headed for Theo’s office.

Once they rode the elevator to the roof, they got in the helicopter. Boris was already onboard and everyone got acquainted. Soon they were airborne. She smiled at Ari. “Are you excited about your star-gazing class?”

“Yup. It’s going to be awesome.”

Awesome
was a word that covered everything fun or wonderful. The class started at nine o’clock and went three times a week for two more weeks.

“I’m sure it will be fascinating.”

Theo sat in the copilot’s seat looking at home there with
headgear on. “As soon as we land, are you guys ready for golf or do you want to play on the water slide first?”

“I didn’t know it had one of those.” Dax sounded euphoric.

“It’s guaranteed to curl your hair.”

Everyone laughed. Even Stella. She could trust Theo, couldn’t she? Ari did, wholeheartedly. For the rest of the day she was determined to put all doubts behind her and just enjoy the moment.

As soon as she made that decision, her body started to relax, enabling her to entertain feelings she’d been forced to suppress since she’d first seen him at the paddleboat concession.

He had the kind of hard-muscled body that looked good in anything. Today he’d worn a magenta sport shirt and cream-colored trousers that rode low on his hips. Theo was unaware of his masculine charisma. She, on the other hand, had trouble keeping her eyes off him.