The Tycoon's Son
“I understand there are wild horses on Kefalonia,” Trish said.
Theo jerked back slightly. It was as if she’d read his mind.
“I don’t know if I told you,” Trish said. “But I’m a huge animal lover.”
Theo tilted his head. It confused him when women switched conversation topics midstream. Usually he could follow their logic…but not this time.
“Is that right?” He wrapped his hands around the steaming cup of espresso.
“I’m involved with Paws and Hands Together,” she said. “It’s a shih tzu rescue organization.”
Theo pulled his brows together, trying to place the breed. “Are those the dogs that look like mops?”
Trish laughed. “They’re the ones.”
“What do you do with the organization?” He liked the way her eyes lit up when she talked about the dogs.
“I maintain the Web site,” she said, the tension which had tightened the corners of her mouth easing. “And I take in foster dogs, ones waiting to be adopted. I also do some fund-raising. Finding good homes for these animals takes some serious cash.”
The passion in her voice was contagious and suddenly Theo found himself telling her all about the wild horses of Kefalonia and his plans to save them from extinction.
“I can’t believe that the government isn’t doing more to protect them.” Outrage filled Trish’s voice and her hazel eyes flashed.
Theo had to smile at her vehemence. He felt the same way but had learned anger without action accomplished nothing. “I know what you mean. We continue to lobby for a ruling to protect wild horses on public and National Park lands. But we can’t wait for that to happen. We need to focus on making changes happen ourselves.”
“That can get expensive.”
There was something in her voice that caused him to look up. But all he saw on her face was concern.
“It is,” Theo admitted. “We need to improve the watering facilities and provide shelter, as well as developing nature watch facilities and protection safaris. It all costs money.”
He leaned forward and his love for these abandoned creatures welled up and spilled over into his voice. “The wild horses of Mount Ainos have no one else. If my foundation doesn’t help them, who will? They are on the verge of extinction.”
His grandfather had taken him to Kefalonia for the first time when he’d been but a small boy. They’d hiked the mountain above the village of Arginia and it was there that Theo had gotten his first glimpse of the ponies.
When his grandfather had told him that no one wanted the proud, spirited animals, Theo had felt an instant affinity. Though he knew his grandparents loved him, sometimes he felt as if no one wanted him, either.
Way back then, when he’d been but a child, he’d vowed to help the horses.
Now his childish dream had become a reality.
“Where do most of your donations come from?”
Trish’s voice pulled him back to the present.
“Ironically, from tourists.” Theo gave a little laugh. “When we do our tours…when the visitors watch the horses gallop across the steep, rocky slopes of the mountain, they fall in love. And when they learn of the precarious fate of these beautiful animals, they dig into their wallets.”
The generosity of the Americans, in particular, continued to amaze Theo.
Trish’s finger traced an imaginary figure eight on the tabletop. “It sounds like fewer tours to Kefalonia could mean less money for your foundation.”
There was something in her way-too-casual tone that sent red warning flags popping up in Theo’s head. “What are you trying to say?”
Trish looked straight at him. “By refusing to contract with Liberty, it would seem that you are also cutting off a large source of potential donors to your foundation.”
The statement hung in the air, bold and raw, for several heartbeats. Theo tightened his grip on the cup. “I’m not contracting with Liberty.”
Trish leaned back in her seat and expelled a long breath. “If you look at this rationally—”
“I’ve said all I’m going to say on the matter,” Theo told her, not bothering to hide his irritation. He’d given her his answer. The subject was not up for discussion.
To his amazement, Trish didn’t back down. She leaned forward and rested both elbows on the table. “Hear me out,” she said, raising a hand when he started to speak. “I really want you to sign that contract. It will be good for me, good for you, and—”
“I told you—”
“—and good for your foundation,” she continued without missing a beat. “As a bonus for signing I will donate the following sum of money to your foundation—”
Theo’s jaw dropped open at the amount she named. It was at least a year’s worth of tourist donations. For a second his mind jumped ahead to what they could do with the money. They could start work on some additional self-filling watering facilities, they could—
No. He shut down the wishful daydreams playing in his head. Even if he was interested in signing—which he wasn’t—there was something about the offer that didn’t ring true.
“What do you say?” she asked, her eagerness making her words come out fast. “The way I see it, this deal is a win-win for everyone.”
She looked so pretty sitting there with the sunlight from the window dancing across her hair and a hopeful gleam in her eyes that Theo was hard-pressed not to give her everything she wanted.
“This money you would donate,” Theo said, “where would it come from?”
She paused for a half heartbeat before answering. “From my company.”
The momentary hesitation confirmed Theo’s suspicions. Still he pressed onward, wanting to hear her admit that his father was behind this offer. “It’s a large sum.”
“My business is important to me. Keeping clients such as Liberty happy and satisfied is essential.” There was an earnest look on her face and a ring of truth in her words. Still, Theo wasn’t convinced.
“Stamos gave you the money, didn’t he?” Theo suddenly leaned forward, crowding her, trying not to be distracted by the intoxicatingly sweet scent of her perfume.
She averted her gaze, her hair hiding her eyes from view. “I told you,” she said, “I will be the one writing the check.”
He wasn’t fooled. She still hadn’t answered his question. “But the money will come from him.”
“How many times do I have to tell you.” A hint of desperation crept into Trish’s tone. “I will be—”
“The money is coming from him.” Equally determined, Theo hammered his point.
“Do you really care who it comes from?” Trish gazed at him over the top of her glass of ouzo, a splash of red coloring her cheeks.
Disappointment coursed through Theo’s veins. It was as he’d thought. The redheaded American was in league with the devil. She didn’t care about the horses…or him. All she wanted was to get him to bend to his father’s will. Theo pushed back his chair. “Our business is concluded.”
“You didn’t give me your answer,” Trish protested.
“I’d sooner strike a deal with Satan himself than enter into an agreement with Elias Stamos,” Theo said, keeping his tone low, aware of the curious glances directed their way.
Confusion clouded Trish’s gaze. “But why? I’d say in this instance he’s being more than fair.”
“I don’t like to be manipulated,” Theo said. “And I don’t like lies.”
Her cheeks reddened as if she’d been slapped. She lifted her chin and her eyes blazed, but when she spoke her words were carefully measured and conciliatory. “I’m sorry you feel that way. That’s certainly not the intention of the offer.” She leaned forward, resting her forearms on the table. “I want to help you and the wild horses. At least consider the possibility.”
Theo could see the desperation in her eyes. She obviously had a lot at stake here. But he couldn’t help her, not this time.
His mind had been made up long ago, when he was a little boy. Back then he’d vowed never to have anything to do with the father who hadn’t wanted him.
And that was a promise he intended to keep.
CHAPTER THREE
TRISH STARED at the three wild ponies on the hillside and breathed in the fresh mountain air. The brilliance of the blue sky wrapped itself around her and the sun warmed her face. She’d scheduled the side trip to Kefalonia so she could better understand why Elias Stamos insisted this excursion be offered to his passengers.
It made sense now.
As far as Trish was concerned, the history and beauty of Kefalonia was something everyone should experience. The plight of the horses was something everyone should know, and no one told their story better than Theo Catomeris.
She turned from the wild ponies and slanted a sideways glance at the handsome Greek. She wasn’t sure which of them had been more surprised when she and her friend, Sally Edwards, had shown up at the dock for the three-thirty tour.
Right now his attention was focused on a salesman from Cincinnati. But during the boat ride from Corfu to Kefalonia, and even on the trip in the van to Mount Ainos, she’d caught him slanting quick glances at her. Trish could only hope her presence would prompt him to reconsider her offer.
Mentally crossing her fingers, she turned back to the horses, watching in amazement as one—a spunky roan—negotiated a steep patch of rocky hillside with surprising ease.
“Incredible,” Trish breathed.
“I know,” Sally said. “If he didn’t have that bald spot in the back, he’d be perfect.”
Bald spot? Although the ponies weren’t close, Trish had a good view of the roan and, from where she stood, his hair appeared intact.
“What bald spot?” Trish asked.
“Shh.” Sally grabbed her arm, and when she spoke, her voice was a whisper. “He’ll hear you.”
Trish rolled her eyes. Okay, so maybe she spelled words she didn’t want the dogs in her home to hear, but the pony was so far away she could have shouted without worrying about the animal being offended.
“The horse is not going to hear me,” Trish said. “And even if he did, I hardly think he’s going to care.”
“Horse?” Sally’s perfectly tweezed brows pulled together. “I’m talking about Jerry.”
Aha. Finally Trish understood. Jerry Arthur was the salesman Sally had been flirting with since they’d met on the boat ride from Corfu. Recently divorced, Jerry was in the Greek Isles on business. He was also the one currently monopolizing Theo.
Trish cast a surreptitious glance in their direction. “You’re right,” Trish said to Sally. “The guy does have a bald spot.”
“I’m not criticizing, mind you. I think it makes him look distinguished.” Sally’s lips curved up in a satisfied smile. “Did I tell you he promised to look me up the next time he’s in Omaha?”
“That’s great, Sal.” Trish tried to put some enthusiasm in her voice. While she wanted to believe the man would call, she had the feeling this was the last her friend would see of the guy. It had been her experience that men often promised things then didn’t deliver.
Sally and Trish had been best friends growing up in Nebraska. They’d kept in touch even after Trish had left for college in Florida. Though still single, Sally had never given up on her dream of having a husband and children.
Two years ago, at age thirty-five, Sally had decided to make her dream a reality. She’d lost eighty pounds, bought some new, stylish clothes and lightened her mousy-brown hair to blond. While she would never be model-thin, her weight loss had given her a newfound confidence with men and she’d jumped into the dating scene with an enthusiasm Trish envied.
“I’m glad you made me go on this excursion,” Sally said, her blue eyes sparkling. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”
“I can’t imagine missing this, either.” Though Trish didn’t endorse his tactics, she now understood why Elias Stamos wanted this excursion available to his passengers.
Trish had barely finished speaking when Theo’s voice rang out over the crowd.
“If you all move closer, I’ll tell you about efforts currently underway to save these fine animals.” His deep voice sent a shiver up Trish’s spine. Though he’d made it clear when they’d left the taverna that their business was concluded, Trish couldn’t help but hope the door was still open.
She began to move forward, and when she turned to say something to Sally, Trish found herself alone. Sally now stood next to Jerry, her arm looped casually through his.
Trish sighed and let the group of people push her forward until she stood directly in front of Theo. His lips were moving ever so slightly, and it took Trish a second to realize he was counting, making sure all twenty-five people in the tour group were present.
She waited with anticipation for his gaze to settle on her. But when he got to her, he skipped over her.
The action told her more than words that the door was still shut.
Theo took a step back and gestured with an out-swept arm toward the side of the mountain and valley below.
“This mountain where we now stand is Mount Ainos. Below you can see the village of Arginia. And if you look over there, you can see three of the wild horses of the island.” Though his voice never faltered, Trish could see the emotion in his eyes when he looked at the horses. “These animals belong to a mountain breed of Greek horse descended from the Pindos breed. The Pindos is a descendent from the old Thessalonean breed which is now extinct.”
Though a few in the crowd moved away, most were as mesmerized as Trish by the passion in Theo’s voice as he painted a vivid picture of the horses’ struggle to survive.
“While they have faced tremendously adverse conditions in the past, these horses now face even greater challenges. They share this area with many other animals. Years ago, there was enough food and water for all. Now, due to the felling of many trees as well as destructive fires, the horse’s ability to find enough food and water is threatened.”
“What can we do to help?” the distinguished-looking older gentleman next to Trish called out.
“Thank you for asking,” Theo said. “We’ve established a foundation to save these horses. The immediate goal is the provision of self-filling watering facilities and shelter, along with a balanced diet in the winter months.”
Theo didn’t stop there. He went on to talk about more extensive long-range possibilities before mentioning to the group that when they stopped at the Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi on the way down, they would have an opportunity to make a donation, if they so desired.
After giving them a few minutes to take pictures, Theo announced it was time to head back to the van. As they started down the mountain path, Trish fell into step beside Theo.
“We’re going to have to stop meeting like this,” she said, keeping her tone deliberately light.
This time Theo couldn’t ignore her. “I didn’t know you were coming on this tour.”
Trish struggled to keep up with his fast clip. Normally she loved hiking, but she’d tripped on a hidden rock on their way up the mountain and her ankle was still sore from the almost fall.
Theo must have noticed her difficulty because he slowed his pace and even reached out a helping hand when she stumbled.
“I guess we’re even then,” she said.
“How’s that?” he asked.
“I didn’t know you were going to be leading this tour.”
He shot her a skeptical glance.
“I didn’t,” Trish said. “When I booked the tour, someone named Basil was listed as the guide.”
“Basil went home sick,” Theo admitted. “I’m filling in for him.”
“You do a nice job,” Trish said. “When you were talking about the hardships the horses face…”
Her voice caught. She wondered if the bay or the gray or the black roan would die this winter. Trish took a moment to compose herself. Ever since she’d been a child she’d loved animals. While her encounters with horses had been few, these proud, well-spirited ponies had found their way into her heart.
She thought of the money Elias Stamos would give, and how it could make the difference in these horses surviving the winter…or not.
While Theo hadn’t been overly friendly, he hadn’t been hostile, either. Maybe now that he’d had time to think, he’d be willing to take the money and give these horses a chance at a better life. She simply had to try again…
“I was wondering if you’d thought more about my offer,” Trish said.
A tiny muscle jumped in his jaw. “No,” he said. “I haven’t.”
It might not have been the most encouraging answer she could have gotten but it gave Trish something to build upon.
“I know,” she said. “There hasn’t been much time. It seemed like I’d barely left the taverna to meet Sal when it was time for the tour to start.”
“Sal?” He stopped and turned to face her.
He stood so close Trish could see the sheen of sweat on his brow and she realized his eyes looked more gold than brown in the light. Her heart did a little flip-flop in her chest.
“Sal?” he repeated.
“My friend.” Trish gestured with her head toward the back of the group. “The blonde.”
“The woman with Larry,” Theo said, his eyes dark and inscrutable.
“Jerry,” Trish said, automatically.
Theo’s gaze remained fixed on hers. “Is he a friend of yours, too?”
Trish frowned. Why were they talking about a salesman from Cincinnati when they had more important things to discuss…like Theo accepting the money so the wild horses could survive.
“Sally and I just met him this afternoon,” Trish said impatiently.
“I didn’t know you were in Corfu with a friend.”
“That’s not important.” Trish wished he’d quit talking and listen to what she had to say.
He started walking again and the road came into view. Time was running out. Dear God, they were almost to the van.
“Theo.” She grabbed his arm. “Please. There’s something I have to say to you.”
He hesitated only a second before stepping off to the side and letting the rest of the group follow the trail to the van.
“You want to apologize.” It was more a statement of fact than a question.
“Apologize?” Trish shook her head, suddenly confused. “No, I want you to reconsider my offer.”
“Offer?” A hardness edged the word.
“The bonus if you sign the agreement.” Trish spoke quickly, sensing a wall was on its way up. When she’d walked away from Theo earlier, she’d told herself she’d done her best. She’d asked. He’d said no. But this was no longer just about her. This was about the ponies. “Think of all the good you could do for these animals with that kind of money.”
He opened his mouth then closed it. Trish felt a surge of hope.
“New watering stations,” she said in her most persuasive tone. “Grain and other feed to last them through the winter.” She leaned close. “Enough money to ensure that no horse will have to die this year.”
A moment of longing crossed his face before his lips firmed. “If I agree to work with Elias Stamos.”
“If you agree to resume doing excursions for Liberty Line,” Trish clarified.
He waved a dismissive hand. “Same thing.”
A puzzle piece clicked into place. “It’s him. He’s the reason you won’t sign. You have something against Elias Stamos.”
She asked only out of curiosity. He’d made it clear he wasn’t going to do the excursions. While that didn’t bode well for her agency’s bottom line, Trish had survived tough times before and she would again.
“I gave you my answer.” Theo’s words were accusatory. “But instead of respecting that decision, you come on this excursion and interrupt my business for the sole purpose of getting me to change my mind.”
The idea was so ridiculous Trish couldn’t help but laugh. “You make it sound as if I’m stalking you.”
She expected him to laugh, too. Or at least crack a smile. But her words were met with a chilling silence. This conversation was going from bad to worse.
“Mr. Catomeris?” An older woman tapped Theo’s shoulder. “Will there be restrooms at our next stop?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Theo answered politely.
The woman looked at Trish. “Miss, your friend said to tell you she’s saving you a seat in the back of the van.”
“Thank you.” Trish smiled, then heaved a sigh of relief when the woman scurried off.
“I should get back to the group,” Theo said, but surprisingly he made no move to leave.
Trish shared his reluctance, knowing this was probably the last time they would be alone. Once she boarded the ship tonight, she would sail off to the next port and he would remain in Corfu.
“Goodbye, Mrs. Melrose,” he said finally.
“Goodbye…Theo.” Trish reached into her pocket and pulled out the business card she’d forgotten to give him earlier. “If you change your mind or just want to talk about the offer some more, I hope you’ll give me a call.”
Theo hesitated for only a moment before his fingers curved around the card she held out. “I won’t change my mind.”
“I understand you feel that way now,” Trish said. “But sometimes things change. Just remember I really want your business. I think we’d make a great team.”
“You don’t give up, do you?”
“The contract is important to me,” she said. “Now that I’ve seen them, helping these horses is important to me, too.”
“We need to get to the van,” he said. “So you can get back to the ship on time.”
Okay, so he hadn’t said he’d do it. But given time she knew she could persuade him. Unfortunately time was the one thing she didn’t have.
CHAPTER FOUR
AT SLIGHTLY BEFORE eight o’clock in the evening the harbor area in Corfu Town teemed with tourists. Many of them, exhausted after a day of tours and shopping, stood quietly, waiting to get back on the ship. Theo took his place at the end of the line.
Not in the mood to converse, he popped in some earbuds and let the music drown out the conversations around him. If only he could block out his thoughts as easily. But no matter how he tried, Theo couldn’t get Trish’s face out of his head. All the way down the mountain, every minute of the boat ride back to Corfu, he’d felt her eyes on him.
There was something about the woman that got under his skin. Coming on his tour, for example, had taken a helluva lot of nerve. And then approaching him again with that offer…
He stepped onto the gangway of Alexandra’s Dream, the flagship of Liberty Line. It had been a long day and it was going to be an even longer night. This evening he would meet his half sisters, Katherine and Helena Stamos, for the first time.
Theo’s looked up at the brightly lit ship. His mother thought he was crazy. Of course, she hated everything to do with Elias Stamos, including his children by his now-deceased wife, Alexandra.
The fact that Alexandra had enjoyed the life which Anastasia had thought should have been hers only fueled his mother’s bitterness. She was adamant that Theo have no contact with any of them.
But Theo was curious. Curious what they were like. Over the years he’d seen them on television many times so he didn’t think he’d have any trouble recognizing them. But what was there to talk about? They didn’t move in the same social circles or share the same lifestyle. And why had they even contacted him? A sliver of dread crawled up Theo’s spine.
His mother had been right. Having anything to do with the Stamos family was a mistake. For the briefest of seconds Theo considered leaving. But he’d given his word and, just like a handshake, his word meant something. Besides, he hadn’t gotten to where he was by running from difficult situations.
He paused halfway up the gangway and removed the earbuds, slipping them into his pocket. Sounds of music and laughter spilled over from the upper deck. The ship was supposed to pull out in the morning. This was one of those overnight port stays intended to give the passengers more time to enjoy Corfu Town by night.
He continued up the gangway behind a couple of chattering women. When he reached the top, he hesitated. Katherine had said she’d be there to meet him at eight. But it was already five after and there was no woman waiting. Only two staff members screening the returning passengers and a security guard sitting on a chair stood between him and the entrance to the ship.