Andreas sat down at his desk and called her cell phone. When he heard her say hello, she sounded as breathless as he felt.
“Zoe?”
“Andreas—I wasn’t sure you would bother to return my call. In fact I—I can’t believe you did.” Her voice faltered.
Excitement swept through him. “Why didn’t you call my cell?”
“I was afraid you might not answer it if you knew it was me on the other end. I hoped you’d at least pick up if you were at your office.”
He shook his head at her logic. “Where are you?”
“In Patras at my same apartment.”
Patras? His pulse raced off the charts. “I thought you were in Italy, or had flown on to California.”
“I did attend the wedding, but then I flew back here this morning...because I owe you an apology.”
Maybe he was dreaming. “What do you mean?”
“The way I left Greece so abruptly, I was afraid I might have offended you. Ever since we met, you’ve been nothing but kind to me. When I look back on the time we managed to spend together in spite of our busy schedules, you were always the one giving me rides, taking care of me, paying for our food.”
“It was my pleasure from the very beginning. You know that.”
“But it was very rude and inconsiderate of me to announce that I was leaving without hearing what you had to say. I just want you to know that no researcher from America who’d never been to Greece until now could have been so blessed as to have you of all people for a guide, translator and friend.”
Her touching words caused his throat to swell. “We met at a dark time for me. The last few weeks with you have been my salvation.” She could have no idea.
“And mine. Magda Collier was ecstatic over the research I sent to the script writers, and you had something to do with that.”
“I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“To show my gratitude for all you did for me, could I take you to dinner this evening if you’re free? My treat? Magda paid me well so my funds have been replenished.”
His eyes closed tightly. He’d already made arrangements to eat dinner with his grandparents at their villa and give his grandfather another business update. But this night with Zoe was too important. Andreas would drop by to see them and explain before going home to get ready.
“I’d be honored.”
“I thought we’d go to Naut-oiko. When I visited the University of Patras, the dean told me it’s the best seafood restaurant around.”
There was a lot that went on inside her he still had to find out.
“The dean was right. What makes it even more perfect is that it’s right on the sea. We can take a stroll along the beach after. What time shall I come by for you?” His watch said four fifteen.
“Would seven work for you?”
Andreas wasn’t sure he could wait that long to see her again. “I’ll be out in front.”
“I’ll look for you.”
He hung up a new man who didn’t have time to look over contracts today. With his adrenaline surging, he left the office for his car, telling Lukas he’d work on them early in the morning instead.
* * *
Zoe changed her mind three times before deciding on a floral print of pink, purple and coral on a white dress with a round neck and cap sleeves. If they were going to walk along the shore in the ninety-degree heat, the fluttery material was summery and light. She’d never worn it with Andreas. Everywhere they went, people recognized him. Tonight at dinner she wanted to look her best.
She hadn’t known what kind of greeting she’d get when he’d returned her call. The minute she’d heard his deep enticing voice, she’d started talking way too fast and hadn’t given him a second to breathe. Zoe almost fainted when he said he’d be honored to go to dinner with her.
While she washed and dried her hair, she thought about her conversation with Abby. What if she hadn’t come back to see Andreas? Thank goodness she’d taken her friend’s advice and had been able to tell him how much his friendship had meant to her. Running away from him the other day without allowing him to talk to her had been incredibly childish.