“He spent some time in and around Ithaca. I want to go there and talk to some of the local historians who will give me their insights about him.”
“What kind of work do you do?”
“I’m studying for my doctorate at UCLA, and I teach classes on the romance writers of the early nineteenth century. Last Christmas a famous female movie director in Hollywood named Magda Collier started making her most important film to date and chose Lord Byron for the subject. She needed new eyes for fresh research to make the script authentic.”
“And you were picked?”
“Two other women from Stanford and San Jose State University, Ginger and Abby, plus myself, were chosen to gather material. Magda’s idea was to show him as a genius whose spiritual side had so much to give the world and emphasize the greatness in him. I applauded her dream and was thrilled to be part of her team.”
“That’s quite an honor.”
“In a way, it is. Before Christmas we met in Los Angeles for a week with the screenwriters and learned from her what she wanted. I’ve been sending information to her for months, as have my friends. But the time is coming when I’ll have to return to the US, so I’m trying to make the most of it.”
“It sounds like you were an expert on him to begin with.”
“I’ve studied his works for years and have learned incredible things about his life while he spent time here in Greece.”
“How long have you been in Patras?”
“About six weeks.”
Their food came and it looked delicious, whetting her appetite. She ended up feasting on a plate of all sorts of fish and rice in a divine cream sauce.
“This is delicious, but I feel guilty that the poor taxi driver is probably at the hospital in pain. If he has a family, they must be so upset this happened.”
“Your compassion is commendable.”
“I’m sure you’d feel the same way. Do you think it was his fault?”
“I’m not sure, but I can find out what hospital he was taken to. Maybe then we might learn details.”
“Would you do that? If I could, I’d like to tell him how sorry I am for what happened. I’ve relied on taxis all through Greece. The drivers have always been wonderful and I’ve been so lucky. It astounds me how well they speak English. If I had to drive a Greek person around, I wouldn’t be able to communicate. It’s shameful that I only know a few words after all these months.”
“Not everyone is as appreciative as you. I’m impressed, kyria, and I’ll see what I can do on our way back to Patras.”
“Thank you.”
“Would you care for dessert?”
“I couldn’t manage one, but please order for yourself if you want to.”
“I’d rather drive you back to Patras while we find out about your taxi driver so you can relax.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. An accident that was out of your hands would unnerve anyone.”
He summoned the waiter and they left the restaurant for the limo. They sat across from each other as they’d done before. On the way into town he got on his cell phone and made a series of calls. Zoe knew that if anyone could pull strings to find out private information, he would be the one.
“I have good news,” he said after hanging up on his last call. “The driver received a cut on his eyebrow that was stitched up. He’s already been released from the hospital.”
“That’s a great relief to me. I’m glad it wasn’t his nose.”
Her knight chuckled. “The driver of the truck wasn’t injured. He was given the citation for not being careful.”
“I can’t thank you enough for finding out that information for me. I’ll sleep much better tonight.”
By this time the limo had pulled up in front of her apartment without needing directions. When the stranger had heard her give the police her information, he’d clearly remembered the address.
“What are your plans now?” he asked.
“Work. I’ll make use of today’s loss of time by transcribing some tapes I’ve made during interviews here. Tomorrow I’ll leave much earlier for the ferry and go to Ithaca.”
“You have to eat dinner. Will you dine with me this evening?”
She tried not to look at him or she’d get lost in those penetrating black eyes. “You’ve done more than enough for me when you’ve already missed your board meeting. I’m very grateful to you for coming to my rescue, but I refuse to take up any more of your time.”
Zoe started to reach for her purse when he said, “Would you mind if I came by in the morning and drove you to the ferry?”
Her eyes flew to his in surprise. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I prevented you from leaving the taxi at the scene of the accident this morning. I made you too late to reach the port in time. It’s the least I can do.”
She shook her head. “I’m already in your debt for the fabulous lunch.”
“I promise I’ll get you there on time.”
The man couldn’t be dissuaded, and he’d been wonderful to her. You know you want to see him again, Zoe. After her divorce, she’d been leery about getting close to a man again, especially one so breathtaking.
“What about your work?”
“It’s always there waiting. I’ll meet you here in front at seven thirty in the morning. How does that sound?”
The accident must have done something to her psyche because a part of her wanted to say yes to this gorgeous man who was little more than a stranger to her. But another part of her feared it wouldn’t be wise. She clutched her purse. Once before in her life she’d made the mistake of being charmed by an attractive man with disastrous results.
“That’s a very generous offer. Thank you for everything, but I really don’t want to put you out.”
“You won’t. If you aren’t here when I come by in the morning, then I’ll accept that’s your answer and you’ll never see me again.”
He opened the door for her so she could get out of the car. Without looking back, she hurried toward her flat located around the side of the building hidden behind a big tree. Much as she wanted to tell him she’d love a ride with him, she didn’t dare.
Andreas watched the dark blond American beauty with the stunning figure run from him before he told the driver to head for the office. He couldn’t remember anything like this happening to him before.
When Andreas had looked inside the damaged taxi earlier, his gaze had fused with a pair of azure-blue eyes so alive and brilliant, he’d been mesmerized.
He’d assumed she was in her early twenties. It totally surprised him when he learned she was a professor of the early nineteenth-century romance writers at UCLA in California, which meant she was older than he’d supposed.
He’d been instantly attracted to her in a way he couldn’t explain. The woman’s concern over the taxi driver had touched him. As for her keen intellect and interest in Lord Byron, he was intrigued. She didn’t know it yet, but the two of them had a lot to talk about. He found himself planning a way to spend more time with her.
After the emotional turmoil he’d been in for so long he didn’t want to think about it, he was utterly shocked that he wanted to pursue this woman. But instinct told him that if she’d been put off by him, she wouldn’t have