Jennifer Faye - The Greek's Nine-Month Surprise

Cristo rubbed his clean-shaven jaw. “I really shouldn’t say anything—”

“This is important. If it’s about Sofia, I really need to know.”

Cristo’s brows rose. “Fine. The phone call I was on when you arrived was from my manager. Sofia has tendered her resignation at the Blue Tide Resort. She’s transferring back to the New York hotel.”

“How soon?”

“Immediately.”

“Immediately?” This was news.

“I haven’t spoken to her myself, but from what I can gather, she’s planning to hop on the next plane to New York. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

“Let’s just say I might have some idea about what’s going on.” When Cristo sent him an I knew it look, Niko continued, “The thing is I, um, need her help. Would it be possible to give her some time off?”

“What sort of time are we talking? A day? Or two?”

“At least a few weeks.”

Cristo’s eyes widened. “I see. Well, I think we could make that work. But is Sofia willing to go along with whatever you have in mind?”

“I don’t know, but I’m about to find out.”

“Are you sure—”

“I am.” Niko jumped to his feet. “Thanks. I have to go.”

He didn’t have a specific plan in mind to delay her departure, but he’d think of something. He didn’t have a choice. He couldn’t let Sofia disappear before they settled things. He was good at coming up with spontaneous plans. He had to come up with something good, something irresistible.

* * *

With a sigh, Sofia settled on the couch in her efficiency apartment. It had been a long, stressful day, and all she wanted now was to stay put, eat some leftover pizza and watch a romantic comedy. It might cheer her up. Then again, an adventure movie might be better.

Her meeting with Niko hadn’t gone terribly wrong, but it hadn’t been good, either. Was it so far-fetched that she’d secretly envisioned his happy acceptance of the news? Instead, Niko looked as though he’d been diagnosed with a month to live.

Sofia glanced down at the uneaten slice of pepperoni pizza in her hand. Her stomach lurched. She slipped the food back on the plate. Maybe she’d finish it later—much later. After her stomach stopped feeling as if it was on the high seas. She hadn’t experienced morning sickness until this week. Perhaps it was her nerves. Whatever it was, she wanted it to go away.

When her phone chimed, she welcomed the distraction. She snatched it from the coffee table, expecting to find a text from Kyra. Sofia had messaged her best friend earlier, telling her they needed to talk ASAP.

She’d been best friends with Kyra since junior high. Sofia thought they complemented each other well. She liked to take risks while Kyra liked to toe the line. Between the two of them, they’d kept out of trouble—or at least were never caught, as Kyra had reminded her over the years. But still, having a baby with a man that Kyra was just getting to know as family might put a strain on their friendship. Sofia hoped she was worried for nothing, but she’d learned the hard way that things don’t always work out the way you imagine.

When she glanced at her phone, she saw the message wasn’t from Kyra, after all. It was Niko. Her heart pounded, and her palms grew clammy. She immediately clicked on the text, anxious to find out what he wanted.

NikoStravosIII: Can we meet?

MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): When?

NikoStravosIII: Now.

She glanced down at her gray sweat shorts and faded pink T-shirt. She definitely wasn’t in any condition to run out the door and meet up with a billionaire. She wondered if he ever had a hair out of place or dressed in anything but designer clothes. She highly doubted it.

MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): Now isn’t a good time.

NikoStravosIII: It has to be tonight.

MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): I don’t know.

NikoStravosIII: We must talk before you leave tomorrow.

He knew? At least it saved her from having to tell him. And as much as she hated to admit it, he was right. They had to finish their discussion, and perhaps it’d be easier in person. But he wouldn’t change her mind—she was going home. She’d just heard about an opening at the hotel in New York, and she’d jumped on it. It would make it possible for her to make a future for her and the baby near her family.

MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): Can you give me a little time?

NikoStravosIII: Hurry.

MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): I will.

Sofia leaped up from the couch. After tossing her leftover pizza back in the fridge, she hurried to her small bedroom. A glance in the mirror told her that she would benefit from jumping in the shower and starting all over again, but she knew Niko wouldn’t have the patience to wait that long. So she’d have to do her best to quickly paste herself back together.

At last she settled for a short summer dress that had a sleeveless denim blouse that tied at the waist and a white flowered skirt. It looked good on her without letting on that she’d tried too hard. After all, this wasn’t a date or anything.

She texted Niko when she was ready. He wanted to meet on the beach. It was evening now, and the resort’s guests would be having dinner. For the most part, they’d have the beach to themselves.

She rushed out the door, all the while wondering what he’d decided. As she rode down the elevator by herself, she pressed a protective hand to her abdomen and whispered, “Don’t worry, little one. Everything will be all right.” If only she could convince herself of that. “Your daddy will see that I’m doing what’s best for all concerned.”

Sofia made her way from the small employee complex on the outskirts of the resort to the hotel. It wasn’t until then that she realized Niko hadn’t been explicit in his instructions. The beach was huge. But she didn’t have to wonder for long as he waved to her.

She joined him on the overlook that gave a stunning view of the private cove. The setting sun splashed streaks of pink and purple over the darkening water. But it wasn’t the horizon that made the breath catch in Sofia’s throat.

Her gaze settled on Niko. His wavy hair was finger-combed back off his face. Talk about hitting the jackpot in the gene department. If their baby took after him, it’d be adorable.

Niko was wearing dark slacks and a blue dress shirt. Didn’t the man ever go casual? She was starting to wonder if his wardrobe contained anything but designer suits. Although tonight he’d dispensed with his jacket and tie. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, and the top buttons were undone, giving a hint of the few dark curls on his chest. Her fingers longed to reach out to him as she had on that unforgettable night.

Her gaze rose, meeting his. A frown pulled at his lips as he glanced down at himself. “Is there something wrong with my clothes?”

Realizing that she’d been caught staring, she shook her head. “Um...no.”

“Are you sure? Did I spill something on myself?”

She shook her head again. “I was just wondering if you ever wear anything but suits.”

“Really? That’s what you were thinking?” When she nodded, he added, “And what’s wrong with a suit?”

She waved her hand around at the beach. “You do realize this is a resort. People come here to relax and unwind. You look like you’re ready to close a billion-dollar deal.”

“Ah, but in my case I came to the Blue Tide Resort to do exactly that.” He smiled, sending her stomach dipping. “Well, not the billion-dollar part, but it’s a substantial deal. Therefore, my attire is quite appropriate.”

“Are you always so uptight? Do you ever kick back? Relax?”

“Of course.”

She didn’t believe him. “I think you focus on business 24/7.”