Landing at Ft. Lauderdale International four days later, the jet lag about kicked my ass.  I claimed my bag and smiled at the car service waiting to take me home. 

I dozed off and tipped the driver extra for taking my bags all the way into my lobby. 

After a quick shower, I fell naked into my bed before it was even dark outside.  I slept until the next morning. 

It was an unfortunate call from my sister that woke me.  “What do you want?” I asked groggily. 

“Before you go getting attached to Kevin’s brother, you should know the man is a total psycho.” 

Prepared to hang up, I said, “Grow the fuck up…”

“Petra!  He literally knows everything about you.  He’s like, stalked you and shit.  It’s creepy and inappropriate.” 

Rolling to my back, I sighed.  “Kevin telling his loser friends about how I was in bed wasn’t inappropriate?”  She gasped and I did a little fist-bump to the air. 

“Don’t change the subject, Petra.” 

“I’m not.  I’m ending the conversation.”  I hung up and growled at the sun shining through the huge window in my bedroom. 

Her words stuck in the back of my mind.

An hour later, Mom called.  “Don’t listen to your sister.” 

The fact that they were the first words out of her mouth put me on high alert. 

“Alright.  Spill everything you know, Mom.” 

By the time she finished talking, I didn’t know if I was angry, flattered, worried, or confused. 

After the call, I stared at the ceiling above my bed for several minutes.  That was it for sleep.  I was wide awake.

Pulling up my text history with Jack, I sent him one.  “I’m back and rested.  I’d love to take you to lunch.  Are you free?” 

He replied in under a minute.  “Give me two hours to finish developing this batch.  Can I pick you up?” 

Um, no.  “I’ll pick you up.  See you in a bit.” 

I walked naked to my bathroom and took a long shower.  It knocked the last of the cobwebs away.  I briefly considered dressing casual but changed my mind.  I needed to arm myself. 

I took my time with my hair and light but dramatic makeup. 

In my closet, I selected nude lingerie, a deep green wrap dress, and exactly right nude wedges to go with it. 

Dangling emerald earrings and a bracelet completed the look and I opened the box that held antique pieces from my mom and her family.  A princess-cut emerald ring and I was done. 

Pausing in front of the full-length mirror in the corner, I decided I presented a much more put-together image than I did at Ava’s wedding. 

Spritzing a bit of my favorite perfume in all the right places, I picked up one of the few designer bags I owned – a gift from my mother – and walked out the door. 

Jack’s place was only a few miles from mine.  At the gate, the security guard greeted me with a smile. 

“Petra Andreadis.” 

“Yes, ma’am.  I was told to expect you.” 

He opened the gate and I drove through a neighborhood that was a lot more impressive in the daylight. 

Parking in his driveway, I inhaled carefully, quickly checked my makeup in the mirror, and got out of my BMW. 

Approaching his front door, it was thrown open before I could knock.  Jack wore slacks and a dress shirt unbuttoned at the throat and leather loafers. 

He took me in from head to toe.  “Jesus, Petra.  You look wonderful.”  His eyes met mine.  “Good enough to eat.” 

I wasn’t about to lie.  “You look great, too.” 

“Come in.” 

Laughing, I shook my head.  It took everything in me.  “Food first.  I haven’t eaten yet today and I’m getting a headache.” 

Reaching behind him, he picked up keys and locked his door.

“Definitely food first.”  He opened my door and stared at my mouth when I was seated behind the wheel.  “I don’t want to mess up your lipstick.” 

“You won’t.  I use a lip stain so it doesn’t smudge.” 

Leaning in, he cupped the nape of my neck and claimed a kiss that rattled me to my core. 

Focus!  You have questions!

Resting his forehead against mine, he whispered, “You look and smell and taste like heaven.  I missed you.” 

“I missed you, too.”  It was the truth. 

Another kiss and he stepped back to close my door.  He jogged around and slid into the passenger seat.  “What are you in the mood for?  I cleared the rest of the day.” 

My eyes widened.  “You did?” 

“I haven’t seen you in four days and considering I can’t stop thinking about you, I figured it was the smart move.”  He grinned.  “It’s okay if you have to work.  I’ll be useless.” 

I chuckled.  “Useless?  I highly doubt that.” 

Backing out of his driveway, I drove to a restaurant my family owned along Miami Beach.  The seafood was to die for and if things got weird, my huge cousin was the chef.

Once we were seated, he reached across and held my hand.  I felt a little anxious but concealed it. 

“Tell me about your trip.  Did you accomplish everything you needed to?”  I nodded with a smile and he returned it.  “Did you try the steak place?” 

“I took my clients.  I don’t know if they’re literally serving cows that receive daily massages or what but the ribeye melted in my mouth.  I could have cut it with a fork.” 

“I told you!  Vodka?” 

“Too much vodka.  Thank god for the car service.” 

We ordered a bottle of white wine and I spoke with our server.  Rebecca was a sweet young woman who was dating a second cousin of mine. 

“Guess what, Petra?” she whispered excitedly.  “I’m pregnant.” 

I blinked.  “Uh.  That’s…great, Rebecca.” 

She nodded happily.  “We’re getting married in a few weeks.” 

“Wow.  Congratulations.”  I repeated it in Greek.  “How old are you again?” 

“Twenty-one.  Mom thought I’d be married by now, you know.  I was a rebel!”  She laughed and I faked one.  “Michael wants me to be home with the baby so I won’t be here after the wedding.” 

“Of course.”  I faked another smile.  “Let me know if you need anything.  I’m happy to help.” 

“You’re so great, Petra.  Everybody’s big sister.”  She stuck her pen in her trim black apron.  “I think it’s really brave that you decided to build a career instead of going the traditional route.” 

“Agreed.  We can only have one or the other, am I right?”  The young woman nodded and completely missed my sarcasm.  “Give us a few minutes to think about what we want, okay?” 

She bounced away and I stared at the menu trying to get my temper under control.  I expected some comment on my marital status but such an exchange was more than I bargained for. 

Fuck.

I told Jack without looking at him, “Everything here is delicious.  They get fresh deliveries every morning.” 

I felt him looking at me.

Glancing up with a sigh, I said, “It’s fine.  I’m fine.” 

Crossing his arms on the table, he leaned toward me.  “I know you are.  Just because everyone else moves with the herd doesn’t make it right, Petra.  You’re one of the few people who know you can have everything you’re willing to work for.” 

It was the exact right thing to say. 

It reminded me what I needed to talk to him about.  “Thanks.” 

Rebecca returned with our wine and a basket of bread.  I placed an order for a mixture of appetizers so Jack could try several specialties on the menu. 

The moment she was out of hearing, I met his eyes.  “I’d like to ask you something.” 

He didn’t move, he didn’t blink.  He said, “I wondered how long it would take.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Until my brother and your sister compared notes and gave you a call.  I should have known they’d have nothing better to do than talk about us on their honeymoon.”  He sat back, tapping his finger on the table.  “Ask your question.” 

“Did you stalk me before you met me at the wedding?” 

“Yes.”