Page 12 of Her Greek Inheritance
“I need to talk to you. I need to explain—”
She rounded on him. “Do you really think anything you say can justify you disappearing for two years?”
Leo nodded. He stepped toward her, noticing that her eyes dilated and her rate of breathing increased. He felt the surge of attraction as well, but mentally shut that part of his body down. For the moment. “Family matters took me back to Greece. I’ve only just now been able to return.”
Gemma shook her head. “I’m not buying it.” The anger wasn’t as prevalent in her voice this time.
A crack in her armor?Leo pressed his advantage.“It’s true. Please say you’ll forgive me? I couldn’t even call because I lost my phone and your number.”
“You could have called. You knew where I worked…” She paused and then flushed bright red. “I never told you where I worked. I did the restoration work at that small gallery in Maryland.”
She looked so lost, Leo almost felt sorry for her. Almost. He came up with what he hoped was a plausible excuse. “I called the gallery, but by then it had changed ownership. No one knew who you were.”
Gemma’s shoulders sagged. “The owner died about a month after you left. Some people from California bought it, but they ended up closing it down six months later. It’s a dry cleaner’s now.”
Leo could see her anger slip away. He gave into the urge to touch her once more. Lifting a hand to her cheek and slipping his fingers into her hair, he dislodged the plastic clip in the process, sending her hair cascading over his hand. “I’m so sorry.”
Gemma closed her eyes briefly. He thought she was going to give into the attraction building between them. But, just like the door she’d slammed in his face, she closed off her emotions and pulled away. “I’m sorry as well. I’ve moved on.”
Damien!Leo knew he needed to make his move now or risk losing this chance. “Look, I overheard you talking to your friend. To Aimee?”
“You were spying on me?” she asked, outraged.
Leo shook his head. “No, but your phone rang just as I was about to announce myself. Anyway, I overheard you telling her you needed money. I know I can’t undo the past, but I can help with that at least. Will you let me?”
Gemma shook her head. “I don’t want your money, Alexi.”
Leo gave her a hard look. “So you’d rather dance half-naked for a bunch of strangers than sleep with me again?”
Gemma gasped. Leo only felt a moment’s regret for using sex and money together. He’d never paid for sex in his life, but he was willing to do so now, if it meant he could have her again and get the stock transfer signed.Anything to avoid having to marry Petrina!
“I never said I was going to dance half-naked, and I’m pretty sure they are mostly naked these days.” Gemma shivered in what he guessed was revulsion at the thought of having to degrade herself in such a way.
Leo stepped close to her once more. “We were good together, don’t deny it.”
“I won’t, but that doesn’t mean I should repeat the experience.”
Leo grinned at her. “Oh, but you want to. You’re already thinking about it, aren’t you? The way I made you feel.”
Gemma shook her head in denial. “Stop it! That was two years ago. I’ve moved on.”
Leo lifted her left hand, “I don’t see a ring.”
“So? A ring doesn’t necessarily mean anything, nor does not wearing one.”
She was speaking defensively. Leo reached out and pulled her against his body. “Whatever you need, I can give it to you. Just imagine… We can rekindle our passion and you won’t have to worry about the twenty thousand dollars.” He kissed the spot just below her ear, noting with satisfaction the quick inhalation of her breath and the shiver than ran down her spine.Gotcha!“Fee-li se me.”
Gemma shook her head, “What’s that mean?”
Leo kissed her cheek. “Kiss me,” he whispered against her ear. “Kiss me and tell me you want this again.”