Chapter 5

5

T hey rented two lounge chairs with a shared umbrella and alternated between getting in the water to cool off, sunning themselves, and putting up the umbrella to stave off the midday sun. They talked and ordered drinks, catching up on a lifetime of stories, funny anecdotes from their jobs and random topics that seemed to make conversation flow easily. By the time the sun had gotten a little lower in the sky, they were sunburned and hungry, but Apollo had one more thing he wanted to do before they left Sounion .

"Where are we going?" she asked as they drove up the winding road that led to the Temple of Poseidon .

"I told you we were going to watch the sunset from up there and that's what we'll do ."

"It's late—is it still open ?"

"It's a quarter of eight and they're open until sundown, which will be in about ten minutes. I may be able to convince them to let us stay a bit longer ."

She just smiled, not really caring about the details. It had been a spectacular day, and though the sexual tension was so thick between them it was hard to think about anything else, at some point in the afternoon she'd decided to let it all go. Her doubts about him, concern about the potential for leaving Greece with a broken heart, and her resistance to her quickly growing hunger for him simply drifted into the ether as she lost herself in his deep, slightly accented voice and those damn captivating green eyes .

They parked and walked up another hill, their hands linked between them. Apollo gave the man at the gate some money and they breezed past him, heading up an incline towards the temple .

Standing in front of the large ancient structure, Paige felt a moment of overwhelming awe. She'd known these buildings existed, but being right in front of one was breathtaking. She remembered reading about it in Homer's ‘The Odyssey,' and then hearing about its history in high school. She'd been fascinated by the idea of a god of the sea, and though Poseidon was only a mythological figure, she could picture some sort of ethereal being haunting these incredible marble columns .

"What are you thinking with such a serious face?" Apollo asked before wrapping his arms around her from behind .

"Wondering what Poseidon looked like, if he ever existed, and what kinds of parties he would have had in a temple like this ."

Apollo smiled at her imagination, captivated by how much his country's history enthralled her. "I'm sure they would have been wild," he chuckled. "Although all those things you hear about the Greeks and Romans being orgy-crazy perverts is mostly untrue. A lot of our ancient artwork depicts plenty of that stuff, but historians are fairly sure it was more fantasy than reality ."

"Personally, I think reality probably falls somewhere in between the evidence left behind and the way the historians and scientists interpret it," she said, leaning against him .

"I agree ."

"So let's pretend the parties were wild!" she laughed .

"Okay." He let her guide them along, as she circled the building, studying the columns, the pediment and even the cracks in certain pieces of marble. "What has you so fascinated?" he asked .

"Lord Byron—the British poet?—supposedly carved his name somewhere. I hoped to get a picture but we can't get close enough ."

Apollo frowned. "I didn't know that." He looked around, wondering if they could sneak past the barriers, but it was strictly prohibited and despite their jokes about going to jail, he knew they could receive a hefty fine if they were caught .

"It's okay." She nudged him, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking. "I have much more exciting plans than spending the night in jail !"

"Yeah?" He looked down at her in amusement. "Like what ?"

"Didn't you say something about biftekia or whatever ?"

He laughed. "Tomorrow. Tonight I was thinking we could order in…relax a little ."

" Okay ."

They settled on a rock, where he positioned her in front of him between his legs, so they could stare out at the most glorious sunset she'd ever seen. His arms closed around her waist and they were quiet, enjoying the intimacy of their togetherness and the magic of the brilliant colors in the sky. It was a kaleidoscope of orange, yellow and red, adding a surreal glow to the building and the entire area around it. Paige leaned back, lost in the real-life fairy tale she was suddenly caught up in. She'd been almost positive that once she saw him again, and spent time with him, she'd realize how silly her fantasies had been. Instead, reality was so much better than what she remembered and she didn't want this to end. The idea of extending her vacation so she could stay with him was ludicrous, but if she could manage it with work, she was going to. She didn't care that she barely knew him; she needed to be with him for this short time like she needed to breathe. This was her adventure. The adventure. Possibly the only one she would ever need .

W hen traces of the sun were almost gone, they headed back to his car and for the first time she realized it was a Porsche. She wanted to tell him how gorgeous it was, but for some reason it seemed irrelevant. The only things on her mind were figuring out how to get an extra week or two of vacation and trying to keep her heart intact while still enjoying every minute she could with him .

"We should stop by your hotel and get your things," he said as they headed back towards Athens .

"I think…" she paused, trying to articulate what she wanted to say. "I think I should stay at my hotel tonight ."

"Why? So you can second-guess yourself and get on the first flight out in the morning?" He cut his eyes to her and she could see he was kidding. Mostly .

"No." She reached out to slide her hand into his. "You have early meetings and you probably need to rest. I'm still a little off with jet lag, and I need to sleep too. It would also give us a little time to digest—not run away!" She laughed at his snort. "We talked about all these emotions and three-year-old feelings…let's get a good night's sleep so we can just mull it all over. We're talking about spending an extended amount of time together pretending to be married ."

"Not pretending," he said evenly. "We are married ."

"You know what I mean—we're not married in the true sense of the word ."

"We're married in the legal and emotional senses of the word," he said. "We just never had the chance to get to know each other, which is what I suggested we do ."

"Tomorrow you're going to walk into your office and be bombarded with questions. Your family is going to call, demanding to know where you were today, and you're going to have to decide what to tell them. I want you to know that if you change your mind—about having me stay, telling them the truth, any of it—I understand. I didn't come here to disrupt your life and it feels like that's what I'm doing ."

"What it feels like," he corrected mildly, "is you trying to backpedal. I want you to stay with me, but I don't want to force you. If you're nervous or uncomfortable, I'll sign the papers and let you go home. This adventure only works if we both want it ."

"I want it," she whispered. "Just not tonight. I need one night to think about everything that happened today so I can see you again tomorrow with a clear head. The first time, we screwed everything up because we were frantic to do it all… So much passion, sex, alcohol—total chaos that had you rushing off to make your flight. Let's not mess it up this time. If I can get some extra vacation, we'll have a couple of weeks to do all that. We don't have to do it all today. And I'm really, really sleepy ."

He smiled, squeezing her hand. "That makes sense, koukla ."

She closed her eyes, reclining against the soft leather, grateful he was still holding her hand and that he'd understood she needed just a little space to gather her thoughts .

He turned on the radio, wondering what was going on in her head and if she really just needed some time to adjust to the idea of them spending a few weeks together. She was a little skittish, but he couldn't blame her. A young woman in a foreign country by herself, suddenly immersed in an experimental relationship with a man she was married to but didn't really know. It was a little overwhelming for him too, and this was his home, where he had backup if anything went wrong. Not that he would need help, but as a woman she probably felt vulnerable and he understood that. He would give her tonight, but part of him worried that she would run and not give him a chance to prove that he cared for her. He didn't believe in love at first sight, but there had been something magical between them the first time their eyes locked. He'd wanted her physically, but there was a mischief in her eyes that attracted him beyond the bedroom. As soon as they'd started talking he'd known she was different. Sweet and a little bit innocent, but with an incredible sense of fun and a desire to explore the world, he'd convinced her to zip-line over Fremont Street, ride an electric bull and…marry him .

Though he hadn't admitted it to her, he hadn't known if what they'd done was legal, but he'd been positive that they'd done it. He'd fallen hard and fast for the hazel-eyed beauty and he'd spent two days wondering how to get her to go home to Greece with him. The panic in her eyes the next morning, though, had given him second thoughts. She'd been terrified, worried about what she would tell her parents, how she would finish school…so many things he hadn't even considered when he'd teased her into going into that chapel with him. Then the marriage certificate had disappeared and he'd begun to wonder if he'd imagined it—or if they'd gone into one of the many make-believe places in Las Vegas that gave people the experiences they wanted: a gondola ride in Venice, a walk through Parisian gardens, and so much more. So he'd gotten on his flight and figured she would call once she found out one way or another. Instead, that call never came and he'd resigned himself to living with his stupidity. He'd thought she was gone forever. Until she walked into his office this morning and turned his life upside down. He'd wanted her three years ago and he wanted her now, but this time he wouldn't let her go without a fight .

She mumbled something under her breath and he turned. "What, honey ?"

"Our song," she murmured. "Turn it up ."

He frowned and turned up the radio to hear "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. As he listened, the memories came rushing back and he felt her squeeze his hand. He hadn't allowed himself to listen to this song in three years; it had been too depressing. He could hear her humming along, even half-asleep, and he smiled, knowing that she still considered it their song. Although she didn't know it, it was dancing to this song at a nightclub that had given him the idea of marrying her. Maybe now it would bring him luck again .

H e woke up early, silencing the alarm on his phone quickly so it didn't wake her. She stirred, though, moving against him like a lazy cat. A smile played on her lips and she nestled closer. "You were supposed to go home," she murmured .

"We both fell asleep," he chuckled. " Sorry ."

"What time is it ?"

"Six. I've got to get home, shower and get ready for my 8:30 meeting. Can I call you in a few hours ?"

She nodded. "I might go for a walk—text me if I'm not here." She handed him her phone, assuming he would know to send himself a text, which he did .

"Go back to sleep, koukla ," he whispered, kissing the side of her face. "I'll pick you up around one ."

"Okay." She flipped onto her stomach and was lightly snoring when he left .

H e got to his office at 8:00 and let out a groan when he saw the lights on and several cars in the lot, including Melina's. This would be fun. Or not. But he had two Italian millionaires meeting with him in half an hour for a multimillion-dollar contract, so he didn't have time for games today. He strode into his office in an expensive Armani suit, a tie, Italian leather shoes and his Rolex watch. He normally didn't play up his looks with expensive clothes, but this contract was too big, and there was too much at stake for him to not bring his A game. Even though his mind was back at that hotel with Paige, he knew he wouldn't be able to do anything else until he closed this deal. It would be huge for both himself and the company, and would give them the boost they needed to reach the next level of success in the shipping world .

" Kalimera !" Tasos called out, letting out a low whistle. "Aren't you a stud today !"

"This is the biggest deal we've ever had to broker," Apollo snapped back, glaring at his friend. "So knock it off and go put on a tie !"

" Baba sent these," Melina said, handing him two thick files from their father. She was dressed in a power suit as well, something that almost never happened, and he gave her a grateful smile, knowing she was prepared to be at his side. Though he knew it was probably killing her, he also sensed that she wouldn't even contemplate asking about Paige until the meeting was over .

" Efharisto ." Thank you .

She followed him into his office. " Baba said to call him as soon as you got in ."

"I will." He glanced up. "Thanks for dressing up ."

She arched a brow at him. "Did you think I wouldn't be here to help? Don't be ridiculous ."

He dialed his father's number and waited for the explosion on the other end. Though he'd texted his sister last night and asked her to tell everyone he'd taken an old friend from college sightseeing, he knew they were all still mad .

"Where have you been?!" the older man roared .

" Baba , stop," he said impatiently. "We don't have time for this today. I needed to clear my head yesterday—walk away from everything so I could be fresh this morning. I took a friend to Sounion for the afternoon, dropped her off at her hotel and was in bed by nine. I needed a break in order to be ready today. I've been working on this deal for three months. Don't insult me by insinuating that I was out partying or shirking my responsibilities ."

There was a brief silence on the other end. "I understand she was a beautiful distraction ."

Apollo chuckled. "Yes. Yes, she was ."

"Later you will tell me. Now, what is the plan ?"

They talked last-minute strategy and after five minutes disconnected. He glanced at the clock. 8:17. He literally had three minutes. Without hesitation, he dialed the hotel and asked for her room number .

" Kalimera! " she laughed, answering the phone. "I'm still in Greece !"

" Kalimera , beautiful." He couldn't help but smile at her accented but discernible attempt at Greek .

"Don't you have a big meeting?" she asked .

"In 12 minutes," he said. "But I wanted to hear your voice ."

"You promised to give me some space last night," she said, her voice only slightly accusing. "And then you stayed ."

"I swear, you got on the bed after we ate and I fell asleep on the chair. I woke up about midnight and I was damned if I was driving home at that point. But I respected your wishes that we not have sex, and I left before you woke up ."

She laughed. "Yeah, yeah. I'm not sure I believe all that, but I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. Good luck today, okay ?"

"Thank you." He glanced at the time. "I have to run, koukla , but I'll text you to let you know how it's going or when it's over ."

"Since we're supposed to go to the Acropolis tonight, I was thinking I'd go to the Acropolis Museum this morning—what do you think ?"

"I've been multiple times," he nodded. "So that's a good idea. It's within walking distance of your hotel ."

"Okay, then have a successful meeting and I can't wait to hear all about it !"

"Thanks, honey. See you later." He disconnected and smiled. Then he picked up the two files on his desk .

T he meeting ran late, the two businessmen asking to see documentation, customs records from different countries, and all kinds of demonstrations about how they did things. At 1:30, Melina ordered lunch and Apollo snuck off to his office to text Paige .

Meeting is still going—I'm sorry. Please do something fun today and don't let me spoil it for you. It can't go more than a couple more hours .

I'm still at the museum—it's amazing and there's so much to see and study. I'm having lunch here at the café. Don't worry about me. Just close your deal and we'll celebrate tonight !

He let out a breath he hadn't been aware he was holding and leaned back against the door of his office, looking out at the water. These guys were breaking his balls just because they could and he sensed he was losing them. He had to do something to turn it around and quickly. He'd taken a gamble once on a sweet girl in Vegas and somehow she'd come back to him; maybe it was time to take more gambles. Doing this by the book didn't seem to be working out and he probably only had one more chance. He took off his jacket and laid it on the back of his chair, loosening his tie at the same time. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing the tattoo of an eagle on his forearm, and stuck his phone in his pocket. If they wanted to play hardball, he could play too .

"Forgive me, Baba ," he murmured under his breath .

He walked back into the conference room and ignored his sister's wide-eyed surprise and the curious glances from the Italians at his change in appearance. He sank into his chair and leaned back, allowing his sister to set out the food that had just arrived. He waved it away when she put a plate in front of him and feigned disinterest as they ate. Melina and the head of sales, Marcos, kept up a steady stream of chatter, answering questions about the beaches and nightlife in Athens, while he remained aloof. He let the tension build until the food had been cleared away and everyone seemed to be waiting for him to say or do something .

"Did you have more questions?" he asked smoothly, looking from one to the other. "We've shown you everything except how big our dicks are—would that help move things along ?"

He could almost feel Melina's startled gasp, but the elder of the two Italians burst out laughing. "Ah, yes, business is often a… What is the American phrase? Pissing contest ?"

"I don't really like those kinds of games," Apollo shrugged. "My company has a solid reputation and dozens of references. I've given you my entire morning and you're still undecided. If there is something I can actually show you, or some part of the contract you'd like to discuss specifically, I'll sit here all day. However, if your intention is simply to wear me down or, as you say, compete in a pissing contest because you can, I have other aspects of my business to run. We'd very much like your business, but we have done and will continue to do quite well without it ."

The two men looked at each other and this time it was the younger man who spoke. "Sometimes we like to see what the men we do business with are made of—beyond the contracts and spreadsheets ."

"And are you convinced that I meet your standards ?"

"We'd like to have dinner tonight and wrap this up in an informal setting ."

"I have plans this evening with an old friend from the U.S.," Apollo said quietly. "She's only here a few days and these plans have been in place for a long time. It would be incredibly rude for me to cancel them ."

"This is excellent—since it's a woman, she can join us and the ladies can perhaps chat while we conclude our business ."

The look in the older man's eye was almost a dare, as if he didn't believe Apollo actually had an American friend in town. So Apollo smiled and inclined his head. "Then I'm sure she wouldn't mind. What time ?"

They finalized plans for the evening and at last the Italians were gone. When Melina started to say something, he held up a hand silencing her. "Not one word until I've had a drink." He strode into his office and sank into his chair, yanking open the bottom drawer of his desk. He pulled out a bottle of aged Kentucky whiskey—a gift one of his fraternity brothers from Yale sent every year at Christmas—and poured two fingers into a tumbler. He tossed it back in one shot, letting it burn its way down his esophagus. Then he opened his eyes and met the curious gazes of Melina, Tasos and Marcos .

"You were brilliant," Melina said softly, surprising him .

He snorted. "Yeah, we'll see how brilliant I am when they take their business to Papaspirou ."

"They're not taking their business to those crooks!" Marcos rolled his eyes .

"It's been a long day already," Apollo waved a hand. "Go on home, Marcos. Tasos, you can leave at three. Melina, you don't need to stay either ."

She chuckled. "Nice try, little brother. I'm not going anywhere until we talk ."

"On that note, I'm going home!" Marcos laughed .

"I've got phones to answer," Tasos mumbled .

When they were alone, Melina strode around behind the desk, pulled out the bottle of whiskey and poured herself a shot. Instead of downing it like he'd done, she perched on the edge of his desk and looked down at him. She took a delicate sip of the whiskey and smiled as it went down, and then held it on her lap as she cocked her head .

"Whatever happened yesterday, you're going to tell me anyway, so why torture both of us ?"

He chuckled, knowing she was probably right. He was close to Melina, more so than Sophia. Whether it was because they were closer in age or because they'd both enjoyed going to school in the U.S. more than Sophia had, he wasn't sure, but he trusted her with almost everything and her support today meant the world to him .

"Who is she?" she pressed .

"If I tell you," he said quietly, not meeting her gaze. "You have to give me your word that you won't tell anyone. Not Mama or Baba , and definitely not Sophia. Your word of honor, Lena ."

She looked startled. "Of course ."

"She's my wife ."