THE NEXT MORNING, before Stasia opened her eyes, she reached out for Roberto. Her hand landed on an empty spot in the bed. Her eyes fluttered open. Her gaze searched the cabin.
He was gone.
She closed her eyes, trying to keep her emotions under control. Why did she think it would be different? She knew about his love ’em and leave ’em reputation. Why did she allow herself to believe that he was different than people thought?
She opened her eyes and reached for the blankets. With a big yank, she pulled them up to her chin. That was when a slip of paper fluttered in the air. What in the world?
It landed on the other pillow—the pillow where not so long ago Roberto had been. She picked it up.
Good morning, beautiful! Had some things to take care of before we head off on our next adventure. See you soon. Roberto.
The note should have made her smile. It didn’t. The knowledge that their night together had meant more to Roberto than an itch he needed to scratch or a casual fling scared her.
It wasn’t the reaction she’d been expecting. The truth was that she’d had no idea how she would react to their lovemaking. She hadn’t let her mind jump that far ahead.
He was the first man she’d been involved with since Lukos. For so long, she’d sworn there wouldn’t be another man. And now there was Roberto.
She should feel guilty for moving on, shouldn’t she? But she didn’t.
After all, Roberto wasn’t a stranger to her. She’d known him for quite a long time, and while on the cruise, they’d grown close as friends. Still, what had happened went beyond friendship—far beyond it.
Last night, their relationship had been irrevocably changed. Their fake relationship was now a real one. Her stomach shivered with nerves. Where was this leading? Where did she want it to lead?
She didn’t have the answer to those questions. The only thing she knew was that her life had just become even more complicated.
History abounded around them.
But all Roberto could think about was the woman standing next to him.
They’d just toured the sixteenth-century Castle of Charles V. And, if asked, Roberto couldn’t tell anyone what they’d seen. His attention was distracted by Stasia’s quietness.
He knew their night together had been a huge step for her. He’d been so worried that in the aftermath she’d pull away from him—so worried that he hadn’t taken time until now to realize how significant the moment had been for him.
For so long, he’d kept everyone at a distance, but that was impossible to do with Stasia. There was no wall, no barrier that she couldn’t scale. She saw through him—straight through to his damaged heart.
He didn’t know what to do about it. Stasia had already been hurt so deeply when she lost her husband. Roberto didn’t want to do anything to cause her more pain. Or was it too late?
Not liking the direction of his thoughts, he started to talk about his project for his grandfather. It seemed like a safe enough topic.
But after a while, he noticed Stasia’s distinct lack of input. “Enough about me,” Roberto said. “You’ve been quiet. Is everything all right?” He stopped and turned to her. “Are we all right?”
She sent him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “We’re fine.”
He nodded in understanding. It was going to take them both some time to make sense of what was happening between them. He took her hand in his and they began to walk.
“We’ve talked a lot about me and my stuff—it’s time we focus on your future.”
“I don’t think so.”
“You’ve helped me so much. Now I want to return the favor.” He really did want to help her. “If you just need someone to bounce ideas off, I’m your guy. If you need me to make a phone call and pull some strings, I’m there for you. If you need—”
“Okay. Stop.” Stasia smiled. “I appreciate your support. I really do. But this is something I have to figure out on my own.”
“I can’t imagine that a little help will hurt.”
She glanced over at him as they continued to walk around Crotone with no particular destination in mind. “Maybe a little.”
“Okay. What can I do?”
She paused as though thinking over her answer. “What career do you think I should pursue?”
The fact she wanted his input touched him. Sure, people wanted his opinion when it came to business—to making a deal. But this was different. This was so much more personal. And that was something he’d been avoiding...until now.
“I can’t tell you what to do.” When she went to say something, he stopped her. “But I can ask you a question. In your past, when were you happiest?”
They continued walking in silence as though she were giving the question some deep thought. After a while, she said, “That’s not an easy question to answer. I did retail when I was a kid.”
“Really?” The word slipped out before he could stop it.
She turned to him and frowned. “What? You think I’ve always been spoiled?”
He opened his mouth but realized this was a trap. Knowing no matter what he said he would be in trouble, he closed his mouth without saying a word.
“Well,” she said, “the truth is my grandfather believed in teaching my brother and me what it’s like to fend for ourselves.”
“Okay, then. Is retail work something that appeals to you? You could open your own boutique.”
She tilted her head to the side as though recalling those memories. And then she shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“What else is there?”
“I worked in the library in college. And as much as I love to read, well, that isn’t for me.”
“Keep going.”
She sighed. “There isn’t anything after that, I’m afraid. Because Lukos and I got married straight out of college. And then he got sick and that took up our lives. Except...”
Roberto stopped walking and turned to her. There was something in her voice. She’d had a thought and something told him that it was important. “What is it?”
She shook her head. “It’s nothing.”
“It’s definitely something. Tell me.”
She sighed. “I was just thinking about when Lukos was in the hospital.”
“Oh.” He’d totally misread her. He didn’t mean to lead the conversation in this direction. What had made him think he knew her so well?
“No, it’s not that. Lukos didn’t want me hanging over him while he was getting his treatments, so I had time on my hands. One thing led to another and eventually I ended up volunteering my time.” She smiled. “I met some of the most amazing people. They had every reason to be gloomy and yet they cheered me up. Can you believe that?”
“It sounds like they touched you.”
“They did. They really did.”
“The way your face lit up talking about them says a lot.”
“But I didn’t do anything special. I took a cart around the oncology ward. I handed out books, snacks, games, anything to take the patients’ minds off their problems for a moment.”
“And how did that make you feel?”
She shrugged. “I loved seeing people smile and knowing I had something to do with it. More than anything, they just wanted someone to listen to them.”
“Then you have your answer.”
“What answer?”
He took her hands in his own. “You are the most giving, caring person I know. When you speak of your volunteer work, your whole face lights up. I think that’s what you should do—help people.”
“You think I should go back to pushing the cart around the ward?”
He shrugged. “You could do that. Or you could head up your own foundation that would help people.”
Her mouth gaped and then she shook her head. “I couldn’t do that.”
“Why not? You understand people. You’re good with numbers. And if you need donors—and you will need donors—I’ll be the first in line. Your brother will be the second in line.”
Her gaze searched his. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Of course I am. This world needs people like you—people who are willing to help others in need. I couldn’t think of anything more rewarding—”
“Or painful. I’ve already lost a husband.”
He grew quiet. He’d seen how she got excited over the memory and he’d let himself get caught up. In that moment, he’d forgotten what she’d been through. He knew that losing her husband had been devastating for her. What was he thinking to suggest that she deal with those memories on a daily basis?
“Forget I said anything.” He started walking again and she fell in step next to him.
She didn’t say anything, but he sensed her thoughts were on that traumatic period of her life. Here he’d been trying to get her to let go of the past and focus on the future. And now he’d undone everything.
The day had gone by way too fast.
And now the sun was starting its slow descent toward the horizon.
Stasia and Roberto made their way back onto the ship. They weren’t the only ones returning from a day excursion. All around them people were laughing, talking and just enjoying the day. She couldn’t blame them; it was wonderful. So was the company.
“Wasn’t that beautiful?” Stasia said with a smile on her face.
“Yes, you are quite beautiful.” Roberto tightened his arm over her shoulders, drawing her close.
“Today was amazing.”
“Last night wasn’t too shabby either.”
Stasia couldn’t believe this side of Roberto existed. Today he was sweet, thoughtful and fun. As they’d toured the ruins around Crotone, he’d been a different man. From him suggesting they pose in front of the Castle of Charles V for a photo, to taking his time to view sacred parchments, books and icons at the museum. Today there was no rushing around. The fact he was genuinely interested in the same things thrilled her.
Roberto had reminded her that she hadn’t died with Lukos, even though it had felt like it at the time. Roberto had let her enjoy herself without the guilt of still being alive while Lukos wasn’t. Roberto didn’t rush her. He didn’t expect things of her. He just accepted her as is.
Stasia moved off to the side of the deck, out of the way of the returning tourists, and turned to Roberto. He’d been so different since they’d cleared the air last night. She hadn’t known it was possible to be so jealous. And it had all been for naught. Thankfully.
“You know, if you’re not careful, I’m going to fall for all of your compliments.”
Roberto’s eyes reflected his playful mood. “You deserve to be complimented every single day and night.”
She shook her head and lowered her gaze, feeling uncomfortable with his blatant flattery. “No, I don’t.”
Roberto placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted until their gazes met. “I mean it, Stasia. You are very special.”
And then his head lowered, capturing her lips with his. Her heart pounded with excitement. She leaned into his embrace. It would be so easy to believe this was the beginning of something—something special.
The echo of voices faded into the background. The fact they were standing in a crowd of people while kissing didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered in that moment was him and her.
“Roberto.”
The stern, disapproving male voice had them jerking apart. Stasia immediately missed the feel of Roberto’s touch. She longed to sidle up next to him—to wrap her arms around his trim waist—to lean into him.
Instead she turned to find his grandfather frowning at them. It appeared his grandfather didn’t believe in public displays of affection. That was too bad because she couldn’t promise she wouldn’t give in to her desire to share a kiss with Roberto in public again.
“I’m surprised to find you out here.” His grandfather’s voice held a note of disapproval. “I’ve been looking for you. I called your cell but it went to voice mail.”
Roberto smoothed his fingers over his mouth. “Hello, Grandfather. My phone died.”
When a strained silence ensued, Stasia spoke up. “We just got back from sightseeing. Did you have a chance to visit Crotone?”
His grandfather’s gaze flickered to her. “I did not.” Just as quickly, the older man’s attention returned to his grandson. “I attempted to catch up with you this morning, but it appears you had other priorities.”
“I just wanted to see the sights with my fiancée.” Roberto reached out and took her hand in his.
His grandfather’s suspicious gaze moved between the two of them. “Are you trying to tell me this relationship is real? It’s not just a ruse to keep your grandmother off your case?”
“What?” Roberto’s gaze moved to her before returning to his grandfather. “Of course this is real. You just saw us kissing.”
It was like the sweetness of the kiss had been wiped away and now the kiss was nothing more than part of their charade. Was that right? Was she just getting caught up in the show they were putting on? Or was there a genuineness to what they’d shared last night?
The frown lines on his grandfather’s face smoothed. The man turned to Stasia, who remained by Roberto’s side. “I’m sorry for interrupting your day. It looks like my grandson makes you very happy. And you do the same for him.”
“He does—make me happy, that is.” Stasia smiled brightly as though to confirm her words. It wasn’t a lie to keep the charade going. It was the truth.
“I’m sorry to intrude—” his grandfather took on a more serious tone as he turned back to Roberto with a direct stare “—but I wanted to discuss those files with you. I assume since you have time for sightseeing that you’ve completed the project.”
Roberto’s body tensed. His grip on Stasia’s hand tightened. His grandfather was calling him out for not spending every moment working and it was her fault. She was the one who’d lured him out for a day of leisurely strolls, delicious food and good times beneath the Italian sun.
The tension coursing between the two men was palpable. Stasia’s mind raced for something—for anything—that would break the rising tempers.
“It’s my fault,” she uttered. Both men turned to her and she knew she had to keep going. “I asked Roberto to go sightseeing today. If you’re angry with anyone, it should be me—”
“It’s not her fault.” Roberto gave her a stern look as though telling her to back off—that this was his fight. “I should have stayed and worked today.”
Not one to be warned off, she said, “But I promised him that I would help him—”
“Help him?” His grandfather’s gray brow arched. “Is that true, Roberto? Do you need help?”
Stasia inwardly groaned. “That isn’t what I meant—”
“Stasia, stop.” Roberto released her hand. “You don’t owe my grandfather any explanations.”
Immediately her lips pressed together in a firm line, holding back all the words she now wanted to say to Roberto. She’d been trying to help him. If he didn’t want her help, she didn’t know what she was doing here.
Roberto straightened his shoulders. “You didn’t say how I was to complete your project. In fact, I don’t even have to work on this thing for you.”
Now she could see why Roberto had opted to work with her brother. Both Roberto and his grandfather had iron wills. Neither wanted to back down.
“Are you saying you’re quitting?” his grandfather asked.
There was a moment of silence as though Roberto was weighing his options. “I plan to work on your reports the rest of the evening. And before you ask again, yes, Stasia is assisting me.”
“Those are confidential reports.”
“And I trust her explicitly.” He turned to her. “Would you mind giving us a minute alone?”
Stasia nodded before walking away. She hoped the two men would make peace with each other. Everyone needed family—whether it was by blood or by choice.
Roberto’s back teeth ground together.
Instead of his grandfather being grateful for the help, he could only criticize the way he’d gone about accomplishing it. Roberto remembered exactly why he’d quit working for his grandfather all those years ago.
Once Stasia was out of earshot, Roberto turned to his grandfather. “Don’t ever do that again.”
“Do what?” And then his grandfather’s eyes widened in understanding. “You really do care about her. Your grandmother said it was real. I should have trusted her instincts. She’s pretty good at spotting these things.”
“Not when it came to my parents,” Roberto muttered under his breath.
“That was different.”
Roberto hadn’t meant for his grandfather to hear him, but now that he had, Roberto had some questions. “How was it different? My parents can hardly stand to be in the room together.”
“What you don’t know is that your grandmother and I vehemently opposed their marriage. But the harder line we took, the more insistent your parents were about marrying.”
Having a very strained relationship with both parents, he would never broach this subject with either of them. “So why don’t they get divorced?”
His grandfather sighed. “That’s a question I’ve asked myself many times. And the only thing I can figure out is that they truly love each other.”
“No.” Roberto shook his head. “I’ve seen them. They don’t touch. They hardly talk to each other.”
“But when you see them, they are with the family. They feel awkward and don’t want any pressure put upon them.”
“And what? They get along when they are off on their own?”
His grandfather smiled and nodded. “Your father told me they’ve found a way to be happy together.”
“But without me.”
His grandfather walked over to him and briefly touched his hand to Roberto’s shoulder. “I am sorry about that. Not all people are meant to be parents. Your grandmother and I, we did the best we could, but we weren’t your mom and dad. And...and I worried that I’d make the same mistakes with you that I made with your father. So I overcompensated by being harder on you. Too hard. I... I’m sorry.”
His grandfather’s explanation and apology were like a balm on his scarred heart. Maybe there was a possibility for a new beginning for them. He could finally allow himself to admit that he missed his family.
As frustrated as Roberto had been with his grandfather, he loved him even more for always being there—even when Roberto didn’t make the choices his grandparents wanted him to make.
“Thank you for being the steady presence in my life.”
His grandfather was quiet for a moment. “Maybe this can be a new start for us.”
Roberto nodded. He liked the thought of being closer to his grandfather—of returning to the family business.
His grandfather gave his shoulder another squeeze. “I should be going. Your grandmother will be looking for me.” His grandfather started to walk away but then paused and turned back. “Don’t plan your future based on your parents’ choices. You are your own man and quite capable of anything you set your heart and mind on.”
And that was it. His grandfather moved toward the interior of the ship, leaving Roberto to grapple with the realization that his parents loved each other in their own way. Maybe he should have seen this—should have suspected this, but he’d been so angry with them most of his life that he was oblivious.
Even though they loved each other, he would never want a life like theirs. And he knew that Stasia wouldn’t want that lonely life either. Not that he was considering truly marrying her or anything.
There were still a few more days of the cruise. And he knew that when the ship made port in Athens this whole fantasy would come to a screeching halt.
He wasn’t ready to deal with that now. He had enough on his mind with his grandfather and his looming deadline.
Together, he and Stasia quietly made their way to his cabin. Once the door closed, Stasia asked, “What in the world happened back there?”
“My grandfather was just being himself.”
“But he was so kind and friendly before.”
“And he was trying to get me to do something for him. Now that I’m doing what he asked, he doesn’t have to play nice.” He didn’t want to discuss what he’d learned about his parents. He was still trying to make sense of it.
Stasia pursed her lips. “Is it possible it was something else?”
“Something like what?”
“Like he’s worried and anxious to find out what you’ve learned.”
Instead of quickly rejecting her speculation, Roberto paused. Did she have a point here? He rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know. I’ve been butting heads with him for so long now that there’s where my thoughts naturally go. But maybe you’re right. I do know that he looks more tired than I’ve ever seen him.”
“Is it possible there’s more to those reports than a few transposed numbers?”
“I know there is. My grandfather wouldn’t send me on a fool’s errand. There is something definitely wrong. I can feel it in my gut. But it might be more serious than I originally suspected.”
“Or maybe you want there to be something there for you to find so you can prove yourself to your grandfather.”
There she went again, seeing more of him than he wanted anyone to see. “I don’t have anything to prove.”
“Says the man working at another company instead of his family business.”
He stepped up to her. He needed to look her in the eyes when he set the record straight. “I work with your brother because he’s my friend and I like what I do. You don’t know me as well as you think.”
Stasia’s eyes grew round as her mouth slightly gaped.
He inwardly groaned. That had come out much gruffer than he’d intended. He didn’t want to hurt Stasia’s feelings. In fact, that was the furthest thing from his mind.
He just needed her to stop pulling back the scabs on his life’s traumas. One by one, she was revealing the real Roberto, and he felt exposed. It was not a situation he was used to finding himself in.
The truth was he never left the family business because he wanted to leave. He’d done it to stop the daily arguments with his grandfather. He’d never said he wouldn’t go back. It just had to be on his terms.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“No. I’m the one who’s sorry. Sometimes I forget myself and I venture into subjects that are none of my business.” She glanced off to the side. “Maybe I should leave.”
He sighed. He was single-handedly ruining this most perfect day. But it wasn’t over yet; there was still a chance to salvage it.
“Don’t go. I know I took my frustration with my grandfather out on you. I shouldn’t have done that.”
Stasia hesitated. “And I pushed you more than I should have.”
“How about we start over?”
“Do you think it’s possible?”
“I could order us some dinner,” he said.
“And I could get started on those reports.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I want to.”
He smiled and nodded. “Thank you.”