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He’d turned to find her disappearing through the doorway and then she slipped out of sight. The question would have to wait for later. He just hoped it would be the answer she was searching for as far as her future. He knew she didn’t have to work. Her family and husband had made sure that she would be well cared for, but he understood the need to have a goal in life, a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
But he didn’t want to rush things. He was not a man to be rushed into things. His normal way was to let it simmer at the back of his mind as he weighed the pros and cons of such a decision.
Though part of him was certain they’d make a good match, the other more cautious part of him said to rush things was an opportunity to make a mistake. And a mistake might lead to Stasia getting hurt. And that could not happen, not on his watch.
Perhaps it was best to give it some more thought. Maybe once this project was complete, he would know for sure just how well they worked together.
He decided to work a bit longer on the reports. Who knew what he’d find, but his curiosity was piqued now. Thanks to Stasia.
* * *
“Roberto.” It was his grandmother’s voice. He turned to find her headed toward him. She wore a serious expression. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
He thought of mentioning that she could have called his cell phone, but he refrained. “Now that you’ve found me, what can I do for you?”
“I’d like you to walk with me back to my cabin.”
He turned back to his computer. He thought of telling her he was busy working on the project for his grandfather—
“Whatever you’re doing can wait,” she said in a firm tone. “This can’t.”
That got his full attention. He gathered his things and walked with her. She made idle chitchat about the cruise and the upcoming wedding. All the while, he wondered what was really on his grandmother’s mind.
If it had something to do with Stasia, he would have to stand up to his grandmother and put a halt to her meddling—easier said than done. His grandmother was fiercely strong and he loved her dearly. But it was saying something when he was more worried about a meeting with his grandmother than he was with fourteen lawyers and a shrewd billionaire.
He paused outside her cabin door and took a deep breath. He sensed his grandmother had something serious on her mind. And that was never a good thing.
“Come in,” she said. “Don’t loiter in the hallway.”
He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Her suite was the most luxurious and spacious on the ship. She moved to sit at the head of the dining room table where a teapot and service were awaiting her.
She held a cup of what he presumed was her favorite tea. “Would you like some?”
He shook his head. Anxious to get this over with, he asked, “What did you want to discuss?”
She poured him a cup of tea anyway and then waved for him to have a seat next to her. “We need to talk.”
He took a seat. Normally, he wasn’t a fan of tea, but right about now, he welcomed the fact that he had something to do with his hands. He stirred in some sugar and waited quietly for his grandmother to have her say.
She leaned back in her chair. “You know I’m not easily fooled.” His gaze met hers but he remained quiet and she continued. “I know you were not happy that I invited some young women on the cruise to attend the wedding—and for you to meet.”
“You shouldn’t have done that, Yaya.” It was time to make some things clear with his grandmother. “When or if I decide to settle down, I am quite capable of finding my own wife.”
Her knowing smile broadened. “Are you ready to admit that you’re not really involved with Ms. Marinakos?”
“Why do you presume it’s all a pretense?” The truth was he did feel something for Stasia. However, he was reluctant to examine those feelings too closely.
“Because you told me very bluntly that you were a confirmed bachelor. Why should I believe you are suddenly involved with this young woman?”
“It isn’t sudden. I’ve known Stasia for a while now. She’s Xander’s younger sister. And she’s been involved with the business.”
