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I can’t hold back a laugh, unashamed that I’m silently enjoying his so-called misery. He’s teased me often enough that it only serves him right to turn the tables. Not to mention his blatant desire boosts my ego.
We get downstairs shortly before the influx of guests. When the doorbell rings a few minutes later, Jayson whispers in my ear. “We would have had time, agape mou.”
I smile wickedly. “Perhaps ten minutes would be enough for you, but I need more.”
His lips twitch with suppressed amusement. “You are going to pay for that comment. You’ll have so much time, you’ll beg me to stop.”
I shake my head. “Never,” I tell him with complete seriousness.
A group of giggling teenagers interrupt us, and we end up separated as we mingle, acting more as chaperones than party guests…at least until some of the older guests begin to arrive.
I spend the next hour circulating among the guests, making sure everyone has what they need. It’s strange to see some of Sophie’s friends drinking as heavily as some older guests, but alcohol isn’t the taboo in Greece that it is in America. At least Sophie is nursing the same glass of champagne she took at the beginning of the party. Her handsome Greek boyfriend, Loukas, is doing the same. Probably because they know I’ll flip out if they don’t.
Shortly after, a slight disruption draws my attention to another part of the room. My stomach clenches when I recognize Maia Papadas at the center of a small group. A group that includes Jayson. My husband. Maia leans toward Jayson, tossing her hair back as she laughs at something he says. Her hand settles on his forearm, but he makes no move to brush it off.
Resolutely, I turn away from the sight, determined to ignore Maia’s behavior. I’ll have to trust Jayson if we’re going to have a real marriage. He doesn’t seem to be in love with Maia any longer, so really, I have nothing to fear. I’ve almost convinced myself of that fact as I greet more guests and make sure the catering staff is keeping the food in steady supply. It’s a party much like any other, despite Maia’s unwelcome presence.
When the caterer comes up to let me know that the birthday cake is ready, I crane my head, looking for Sophie. I approach the other girl, who is deep in conversation with Loukas, clearing her throat loudly so they know I’m coming. “The cake is ready.”
Sophie smiles. “So am I.” She looks around. “Where is Theo Jayson?”
“I’ll find him,” I answer. Turning from Sophie to scan the room, I don’t see him. My eyes seem to have an unerring ability to zero in on him wherever he is, but I still don’t see him. With a small sigh of impatience, I go in search of Jayson.
His study and our bedroom are both empty, along with the rooms near the party. I pass near a small salon and the sound of Maia’s voice makes me pause. I peek inside cautiously. The salon leads to one of the gardens, and Maia is out on the patio, with the French doors still open. Standing near her is Jayson.
I gasp softly when Maia presses herself closer to Jayson, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Erastís, you must forgive me. I was young and foolish. It scared me how much I loved you, so I ran away.”
“Right into Kyrios Milanou’s arms,” says Jayson sardonically.
Maia clutches his lapels, looking up at him with a pleading expression. It’s clearly contrived, but does Jayson realize that? “I married Stavros to please my father. He wanted it.” Her voice drops down, forcing me to ease closer to hear. “You must know I had no love for him. When he took me in his arms,” she shakes her head no, “I hated to have that old man touching me.” She trails a hand down Jayson’s chest, stopping dangerously close to his belt. “I only got through it by imagining it was your hands on me and you making love to me.”
“Perhaps you imagined it was my fortune when you spent his money?” Jayson shakes his head. “No, it couldn’t be, because you broke off our engagement when my father threatened to disown me if I didn’t follow his plans for my life.”
“That wasn’t the reason — ”
“Save it,” says Jayson harshly, finally pushing her away. “I honestly don’t care any longer, Maia. I’m not in love with you and haven’t been for a long time.”
“You could be again, with a little persuasion.” There’s a hint of petulance in her expression, despite her seductive drawl.
“I’m married,” says Jayson coldly. A smile spreads across my face, and I press a hand to my chest to still my racing heart. Perhaps I shouldn’t take such joy in his rejection of his old lover, but I’m not going to feel guilty, either. Maia is skulking about, trying to seduce her husband. No shit, I’m not going to feel badly for her.
Maia’s laugh is icy and stark. “You must be kidding. That girl is completely hopeless. It’s obviously a sham marriage. I know your big heart and your even biggermorals, Jayson. You probably married her to take care of her, after her father died in your brother’s service.”
I flinch at what sounds like a coldly accurate assessment of the situation.
“You know nothing of our relationship.” Jayson looks pointedly at his watch. “It must be nearly time for the cake.”
Taking that as my cue, I stride into the room, deliberately clicking her heels against the marble floor with more force than necessary. Pasting on a fake smile, I approach them. “There you are. The caterer is about to wheel out the cake.” I walk straight to Jayson and put my arm around his waist. “She’ll be heartbroken if you aren’t there. She’d miss you almost as much as I have the last few hours.” With a sexy smile, I lift my head in his direction. Jayson instantly responds to the cue, bending his head to capture my mouth.
It started as a way to demonstrate the marriage wasn’t fake — at least not anymore — but the kiss quickly escalates. Jayson gathers me into his arms and kisses me deeply. Vaguely, I hear Maia say something in Greek. While I don’t understand the words, the tone reveals her rage. When neither of us broke apart, Maia says something else that sounds crude and spins on her heel. Her shoes tap across the marble in as she strides from the room.
Even with her gone, I can’t tear myself from Jayson’s embrace. In the back of my mind, I know time is precious, but I can’t remember why we shouldn’t be doing this now.
Fortunately, Jayson is more clearheaded. He withdraws his mouth, lifting his head with a sigh that sounds regretful. “Cake now, agape mou, and you later.” He struggles to step away. “While I’m sure both will be sweet, I’d rather have your taste in my mouth.”
* * *
Smothering a yawn, I’m finding it difficult to keep my eyes open as the party finally winds down, and most of the remaining guests are Sophie’s friends. Casting a longing glance at the doorway, I’m wishing I could excuse myself and go to bed. I’ve spent so many nights with Jayson, and I have to admit, we’re not getting much sleep.
