“Andreas—” She sounded vibrant. “How did you survive your first day back?”
“More to the point, what about you? Where are you? How soon can I pick you up? I’m starving.”
“So am I, but I’m actually on my way to dinner with a group of professors here in Prevesa.”
The news came as a blow. His black brows knit together. “That’s three hours away by car. How come you didn’t say anything this morning?”
“I didn’t know until I looked at my emails.”
Andreas needed to calm down. “How did you get there?”
“I rented a car because I knew I’d need to drive around a lot once I got here. I’m really lucky because these people have fresh information for me about Lord Byron. This is like finding gold at the end of the rainbow. I’ll probably be here three or four days.”
The wind went right out of his sails. “That means I won’t be able to see you until I get back again from Athens.”
“I should be in Patras by then—or shortly after. Thanks for calling me. Have fun with Ari.”
That was a given, but as for anything else, he felt like his lifeline had been cut during his space walk and he was cast into the void. “I hope this trip brings big results for you. Talk to you soon.”
He hung up and left the office for his grandparents’ villa. They’d been devastated by the news about his filing for a separation, but understood how Lia’s painful betrayal had brought about the end of their marriage.
Not only that, it had upset his grandfather that he hadn’t been at the board meeting the day of the taxi accident. Andreas needed to reassure them on all counts that everything was all right. But the truth was, he couldn’t bear to go home until he was ready to collapse in bed.
When the time came to fly to Athens, he was more than ready to enjoy his son. Ari was the joy of his life and they had a marvelous two days and nights together. The only way he could stand to leave him this time was hoping that Zoe would be there when he got back to Patras.
After his jet landed and he headed for his villa, he phoned Zoe. It would be the first time they’d spoken since he’d talked to her the day she’d gone to Prevesa. Andreas wasn’t known for his patience, but in her case he didn’t want to crowd her while she was doing her work.
This time she didn’t answer until the fourth ring. “Good morning, Kyrie Gavras.” She’d never called him that before. “Are you back in Patras? How was your visit with Ari?”
“I just flew in and my time with my son was wonderful as usual. I want to know about you.”
“As I told you before, I found a treasure trove here.”
He had trouble swallowing. “So you’re still in Prevesa?”
“Not exactly. One of the literature professors from Turkey invited me to return to Anatalya with him. I’ll be here for two weeks, maybe less, then I’ll be back in Patras. He’s an expert on Lord Byron and has incredible information with a fresh perspective. We’ll be traveling to Bodrum and Ephesus, where there are other scholars he wants me to meet. He’s very excited about the film Magda is making.”
Andreas was listening, but he also imagined the professor was particularly excited about being around anyone as beautiful and vivacious as Zoe.
His eyes closed tightly. “I’m glad you’re finding new information.”
“It’s fantastic.” She sounded happy.
“The best of luck to you, Zoe.”
“Thank you so much. I’ll call you when I know my flight from Anatalya.”
“Why don’t I pick you up at the airport?”
“That would be lovely, but only if it’s convenient for you.”
“I’ll make it convenient.”
She laughed. He’d missed that sound, he’d missed her more than he could believe. “Bye for now.”
* * *
Zoe’s heart almost palpitated out of her chest when she saw Andreas with his black hair and burning black eyes standing at the luggage pickup waiting for her. He’d dressed in one of his elegant silk suits, this time a gray one with a dazzling white shirt and tie. The man was bigger than life and so sinfully handsome, it was shocking to her.