Page 26 of Her Greek Protector
“Yes, Damien. Momma’s here. I miss you, baby.”
“Momma?” Damien reached for the phone and handed it to Aimee.
She took it and nodded. “Momma’s coming home tomorrow. Can you tell her about our trip to the beach? We built a sand castle. Remember?”
“Falled down.” Damien stuck his thumb in his mouth.
“Your sand castle fell down?” Gemma asked.
“The sand wasn’t wet enough,” Aimee explained. “When momma gets home we’ll have to go back and try again.”
“Dadda?” Damien asked.
“He’s coming home tomorrow too. He misses you,” Gemma told him.
“Damien, my boy, are you being good for Aimee?” Leo asked.
“Dadda swim?”
Leo’s laughing voice came across the phone. “When I get home, you and I will certainly go swimming. Aimee, is everything going okay there?”
“Yes. Your parents are thrilled that Alexi is back.”
“I’m sure they are. I spoke to him a little bit ago, but how is he really?”
Aimee bit her lip. Would it be tattling if she mentioned Alexi’s headaches? “I guess he’s fine. I didn’t know him before so I’m not really the one to say. You’ll be home tomorrow and will be able to judge for yourself.”
She couldn’t forget that Leo had been the cause of Alexi’s most recent headache. Suggesting that he wasn’t going to return Alexi’s stock back to him hadn’t sat well with her.He could at least wait to see his brother in person before dropping a bombshell like that.
Gemma’s voice came back on the line. “Damien, you be a good boy for Aimee and momma will see you tomorrow before bed. Okay? We’ll read a story together.”
“Book.” Damien scrambled to get off Aimee’s lap. He loved books. Aimee had discovered it was the fastest way to get him to settle down.
“And he’s off searching for a book right now.” Aimee chuckled. “A very single-minded young man you have there.”
“Thank you so much for watching him, Aimee. I promise, when I get back we’re going to sit down and figure out your next move…”
“Yeah, well, I might have already done that,” Aimee told her hesitantly.
“Really? Tell me more,” Gemma urged.
“I think I want to do photography.”
“That would be perfect for you! You love taking pictures and they always turn out so well. What do you need to get started? New equipment? Lights? You have to tell me. Leo and I already discussed this and we’re going to help you get started on your next career path.”
Aimee’s head spun. “What is it with everyone wanting to take over my life?!”
“Wait! What are you talking about?” Gemma asked. “I’m taking the phone off speakerphone and going into the next room...” It was a moment before she spoke again. “I’m not trying to take over your life, I just want to help you.”
“You want to help me buy equipment. Alexi wants to pay for my schooling. I suppose next you’ll be telling me I don’t have to worry about a place to live.”
There was a poignant pause. Gemma spoke softly. “You do have a place to live. The estate has plenty of space and I love having you there. So does Damien. And what’s this about Alexi paying for your school?”
“According to him, it’s for services rendered.” Aimee told her sarcastically.
“What?” Gemma asked. “Services rendered? That sounds kind of like…”
“I didn’t sleep with him.”Yet.If he wasn’t so much like the other wealthy guys I’ve known, I might consider a one-night stand. He’s hot and there’s obvious attraction and chemistry between us. He seems to have a great personality as well but only when he wants something. The rest of the time, he bosses me around like he owns me! No, I need to stay away from Alexi. He’s nothing but bad news.