I had gone to the crash site and stood at the edge of that cliff, watching as they hauled the wreckage up. The rescue team had been silent, their faces grim.
They knew what I knew. No one could have survived that fall.
If not for Tia Massey, the American tourist who’d pulled him from the wreckage before it careened off the cliff, I would be attending a funeral instead of preparing for this date.
“The doctors cleared you to be back on the track?” I asked, unable to keep the skepticism from my voice.
“Completely,” he asserted. “I’ll be fine, Father.”
I studied my only child. He was the living embodiment of both my youthful spirit and his mother’s determination. Before losing her in childbirth, I had lived for the thrill of risk.
“Be careful,” I said simply, knowing any stronger words would be dismissed.
Chrysanthos rose. “Will you come to my race?”
I hesitated. Each time I watched him on that track, my heart threatened to stop with every turn and acceleration.
“I’ll be there,” I promised. “And when you return, we host the executive dinner.”
His face darkened. “Father, I know. I signed the contract.”
The contract. My leverage to ensure my son finally took his place in the family business. The same agreement that had secured the restoration job for Tia Massey. His path was set now, whether he fully accepted it yet or not.
“Yes, you did, and I expect you to honor it.”
His gaze drifted to my closet and then back to my unbuttoned green shirt. “Who is she?”
“Is there anything else you need?” I asked pointedly.
“You should wear the blue shirt,” he suggested, gesturing to my closet. “And no tie.”
“Since when are you the fashion expert?” I challenged, though I found myself considering his suggestion.
“Since Kayla threatened to burn half my wardrobe and replace it,” he replied with a grin. “Konstantin’s new wife has excellent taste, and she’d tell you the same thing.”
I glanced between the green shirt I wore and the blue one in the closet, then shrugged out of the green and returned to my closet to retrieve the blue.
“Enjoy your evening, Father. Try not to be home before midnight. It would be emasculating.”
“Your concern is noted,” I called after him, unable to suppress a smile as he disappeared through the door.
I finished buttoning the blue shirt and fastened the diamond cufflinks, then checked my watch. It had been years since I’d felt this combination of anticipation and uncertainty.
I grabbed my wallet and headed for the door before I could overthink it further.
3
When I opened the door, Aris’s eyes dropped to the dress and took their time coming back up.
Good.
I’d spent an hour on this look. The tangerine dress hugged every curve and ended high on my thighs with two slits and a plunging neckline. The six-inch Swarovski heels made my legs look longer. Worth it.
“Hi,” I said, keeping my smile casual, even though my heart was racing. “Right on time.”
“You are stunning. Absolutely stunning.”
“You clean up well yourself. I like the haircut. Makes you look less intimidating.” I reached up, letting my fingers brush his temple. “Softer.”
