Adonis in Athens - Page 18

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.

He 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.