The Greek's Ready-Made Wife. Jennifer Faye

conclusion. She’ll tell all of her friends. It’ll be a nightmare to straighten out.”

      “No, it won’t. Trust me.” His soft tones eased her rising anxiety.

      “Why should I trust you?”

      “Because I made sure this photo was just for the papers here in Athens. Nothing will be printed in New York.”

      Her gaze narrowed in on him. “Are you absolutely certain?”

      He nodded. “I am. Trust me. I have this planned out. We may not be on the front page, but we did make a big headline in the society section. Hopefully it’ll be enough to garner Stravos’s attention.”

      “Why would you think this man would look at the society section? Isn’t that geared more toward women?”

      “Trust me. Nothing gets past this man, especially when he’s considering doing business with a person. I’m sure he doesn’t stay on top of everything himself, but he has plenty of money to pay people to do the research. But since Stravos is a bit of a hermit living here in Greece on an isolated estate, there’s no need for our engagement to be announced in the American papers.”

      “You’re sure?”

      “I am.”

      The rigid line of her shoulders eased and she dropped down on the arm of a couch. “The next time, you might want to mention that part first.”

      “Would it really be so bad if your mother thought you and I were a couple?”

      Kyra immediately nodded. “You have no idea how bad it would be. Until recently, my mother had made it her life’s mission to marry me off to one of her friends’ sons.”

      “And you’re opposed to getting married?”

      “No.” Her voice took on a resolute tone. “What I’m opposed to is being someone’s arm decoration. I don’t want to be someone they drag out for appearances and then forget about the rest of the time.”

      “I can’t believe a man could forget about you.”

      There was a distinct pause. “It’s not worth talking about.”

      She was one of those women Cristo tried to avoid—the ones who didn’t understand the importance of business. He didn’t want someone dictating to him when he could and couldn’t work. His email constantly needed attention. Almost every bit of correspondence was marked urgent. He didn’t want to have to choose between his work and a significant other. Because in the end, his work would win. Work was what he could count on—it wouldn’t let him down.

      And he didn’t imagine there was a man alive who could ignore Kyra. Himself included. He didn’t think it was humanly possible. Her presence dominated a room with her beauty and elegance. Even he had gotten carried away the prior evening.

      If he was honest with himself, the reason he avoided a serious relationship was because he could never live up to certain expectations. He’d promised himself years ago that he’d never become a father. He’d learned firsthand how precious and fleeting life could be. All it took was one flawed decision, one moment of distraction, and then tragedy strikes.

      The dark memories started to crowd in, but Cristo willed them away. He wasn’t going to get caught up in the past and the weighty guilt—not now.

      Kyra sighed. “My father was a workaholic. He loved us, but I think he loved his work more. My mother would never admit that. For her, he was the love of her life. But I sometimes wonder if she realizes all she missed out on.”

      “So you want someone who is the exact opposite of your father?” Cristo wasn’t quite sure how that would work. What sort of man didn’t get caught up in his work?

      She shrugged. “Let’s just say I’m not interested in getting involved with anyone at this point in my life. But if I were, I’d want to come first. When we’re out to dinner, I’d want his attention focused on me and our conversation, not on his phone.”

      “That sounds fair.” He wondered if she was recalling their dinner the prior evening. His full attention had been on her. He wanted to convince himself that it was because he needed to put on a believable show for the public—a besotted lover and all that it entailed. But the truth was the more Kyra had talked, the more captivated he’d become with her. He swallowed hard, stifling his troubling thoughts. “I’ve left you some information to get you started with the wedding plans. There’s every bridal magazine available, the phone numbers of all the local shopkeepers and a credit card to make whatever purchases are necessary.”

      “You don’t mind if I go for a quick run before I start, do you?”

      He glanced at her formfitting outfit. It looked good on her. Really good. “Make your own schedule. But just so you know, the wedding is in six weeks. You don’t have a lot of time to spare.”

      “Six weeks?” Her brown eyes opened wide. “You sure don’t give a girl much time to plan. It’s a good thing this wedding isn’t really going to take place. I’m not sure I could work out all of the details in time.”

      “But you must. There can’t be any cutting corners. Nothing that gives the slightest hint this wedding is anything other than genuine.”

      “I’ll try my best.” She frowned as she made her way over to the desk to examine the aforementioned items. “How will I know what to spend? Is there a budget?”

      “No budget. Use your best judgment. But remember, this wedding is meant to impress important people. Spare no expense in planning our lavish, yet intimate nuptials.”

      “This is all still pretend, right? You aren’t actually planning to go through with the wedding, are you?”

      “Of course not.”

      She sent him a hesitant look as though trying to figure out if he was on the level or not. “I’ll do my best. I don’t have much experience with wedding planning.”

      “I’m sure you’ll do fine.” He grabbed his briefcase and headed for the door, knowing he had lingered longer than was wise. He paused and glanced over his shoulder. “My cell number is on the desk. If you need me, feel free to call. Otherwise, I’ll see you for dinner.”

      “Not so fast. We aren’t finished.”