Page 41 of Her Greek Protector
Chapter 12
Later that evening…
Aimee watched Vasil tap his glass. He stood at the head of the large formal dining room table. Conversation halted, and every face in the room turned toward him. Tressa was dressed very elegantly and beamed with pride as she observed her family.
Leo sat with one arm lying across the back of his wife’s chair and his other holding her hand. He looked at her with so much adoration. Aimee felt any lingering remnants of doubt about Leo and Gemma’s relationship slip away. He might have been a jerk when he first arrived in the States, but Gemma’s influence had mellowed him.
And Gemma. Gemma was beauty personified tonight. At Leo’s insistence, she’d spent the day resting while various family members and household staff had taken turns amusing Damien.
Kassi and Aimee had been gone for most of the afternoon. Although Kassi smiled and joked with her adopted family, Aimee sensed there was something on her mind. She’d hoped to quiz her about it, but the busy docks weren’t exactly the place for a heart to heart.
And Alexi... Aimee resolutely kept her eyes away from him, but every time he moved, she was aware of it. He sat next to her, his sheer proximity electrifying. His movements had so much power, that even when he leaned back in his chair, she felt an urge to do the same. Sitting next to him was torture.
Aimee stiffened as she felt Alexi’s breath on her neck. He’d leaned in close to whisper. “Did you get some good pictures today?”
Aimee gave him a sideways look. “Yes. I need to talk to you later.”
Alexi’s mouth turned up. “I was thinking the same thing.”
Aimee blushed and then shook her head. “No, I just want to talk. We shouldn’t…that shouldn’t happen again.”
Alexi touched the back of her hand lying in her lap, keeping his action hidden from the others in the room. “Is that why you’ve been avoiding me? You didn’t enjoy yourself the other night?”
Aimee glanced around the table, making sure no one else could hear their conversation. “No, I just don’t think…”
“What are you two whispering about over there?” Gemma asked with a twinkle in her eyes.
Alexi sat back in his own seat and Aimee forced a laugh. “Nothing important. Have you heard from Tyler yet?”
Gemma smiled. “He called right before we came downstairs. He’s thrilled about the baby. He’s also decided that he wants to continue his graduate work over here so he can study Greek at the same time. This term ends in a few weeks and then he’s going to pack up his stuff, do the same with mine, and move to Greece.”
Great. I’m going to be even more alone!Aimee tried to smile, seeing how happy Gemma was knowing her brother would be close at hand once again.I’m a bad friend. Why can’t I be happy for her?Sure, she didn’t always like the way Tyler acted towards his sister, or the fact that he was just like all of the other young men she knew. Ready to take a free ride, no matter how hard others had to work to provide it. To his credit, he had grown up a lot since Gemma had moved to Greece. Aimee credited that solely to Leo.
“Aimee?” A frown formed on Gemma’s face.
Aimee shook herself back to the present conversation. “That’s great news. Tyler is going to love living over here.”Don’t mind me, I’ll just go back to the States, find another dead-end job, and maybe in another year or two I’ll have saved up enough money to come back.
“What’s placing that frown between your eyes?” Alexi leaned close to her once more.
Aimee swallowed. “Nothing. I think maybe I had too much sun today, I’m getting a headache.” She had a strong desire to be away from this family celebration as it didn’t really include her.I’m not a part of the Moustakas family, and I never will be. I’m just visiting. I need to remember that.
“Gemma. Leo. I’m really happy for you both, but I think I’m going to go up and lie down. I’m really not feeling all that well.”
“What? Oh no! Aimee, what can I do? Do you need the doctor to come back?” Gemma asked, concern in her voice.
“No, I don’t need the doctor. I think I’ll just call it an early night.”
“While I wish you would stay and celebrate with us, I also want you to take care of yourself. Are you sure you don’t need the doctor?”
Aimee firmed her resolve. “You don’t need me to celebrate and my head is really starting to pound. I’ll take some medication and see you in the morning.”
She pushed herself to a standing position, avoiding Alexi’s look. “Mr. and Mrs. Moustakas, congratulations on becoming grandparents again. Gemma’s a great mother.”
Tressa smiled at her. “Thank you, my dear. We agree. Can I have someone bring you anything?”
“No, I don’t really have the stomach for food when a headache comes along.”
“Well, if that should change during the night, just use your bedside phone and the kitchen staff will be happy to bring you whatever you’d like.” Tressa gave her a motherly look.