The By Request Collection. Kate Hardy

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СКАЧАТЬ greatly influenced the approach they took.”

      She had to admit that she was anxious to see the garden. Her mother had a fondness for them. In fact, Zoe thought her mother would approve of Residenza del Rosa. Now, if only Zoe could figure out how to get her mother a room in the exclusive and expensive center. She had a feeling a deep and honest conversation was on the horizon between her and the administrator of the facility. She wasn’t above begging if that’s what it took.

      She followed Demetrius down the hallway to a doorway that led to the courtyard surrounded in the distance by a low wall. They stepped out onto the freshly laid mosaic tiles. They were of earthy red tones offset by a bright blue-and-white pattern.

      The walkway led to a center patio with an old fountain that had been lovingly restored. The tiles there contained seashell outlines. Someone had the foresight to continue the theme by surrounding the edge of the patio with crushed shells.

      Demetrius pointed to the edge of the patio. “There will be benches added so people can come out here to enjoy a bit of the day or to entertain company.”

      “I love it.” Her gaze met his. Her heart picked up its pace. “They’re doing a fabulous job.”

      “I’m so glad you approve. I told the gardener that the courtyard would have to be extra special so it didn’t detract from the interior design.”

      Heat warmed her cheeks over his compliment. She turned away, glancing around as a few men were hard at work digging spots for a variety of plants, from olive trees to medium palms and citrus trees. There was other foliage that Zoe couldn’t name. But she liked it...a lot.

      Zoe’s gaze lingered over the potted plants with brilliant red, lemon yellow and spicy-orange blooms. All were waiting to be transplanted into the rich soil. She could already envision the garden completely finished. It would be wonderful. She would definitely spend some time here if given the opportunity. She hoped the residents would find it just as appealing.

      Demetrius turned to her. “I take it you approve of the decision to refurbish the fountain.”

      She nodded. “You can’t find that sort of detail these days. And the fish and seashell design will go splendidly with what I’m doing with the inside.”

      “I thought you might approve. There’s still quite a bit of work they need to do out here, but it should be completed in time for the big reveal.”

      “Good.” She glanced up. His gaze met hers causing her heart to thump rapidly.

      Ever since she’d learned that he was still her husband, it was as if she was seeing him differently. He was no longer the impulsive guy that she’d initially fallen for. There was so much more to Demetrius than she’d noticed before. And she found herself falling for him all over again.

      He had quite a brilliant head for business. He was a natural at taking control of not only his emotions but also emotional situations. He thought before he acted. This was a man she felt confident would one day be a good leader for their nation.

      He was also good for her—whether she wanted to admit it or not. Though he could make her heart race like no other, he could also put her at ease as though nothing in this world was insurmountable, which was ridiculous considering her mother’s irreversible diagnosis. But somehow, he still made her want to believe in dreams and the power of love.

      She knew she was setting herself up for a fall. Sooner, rather than later, this unconventional marriage would end—for real this time.

      She dreaded that quickly approaching day.

      * * *

      Demetrius escorted Zoe around Residenza del Rosa, paying her more attention than the restoration work being done on the historic mansion. But he couldn’t help it. Zoe kept sending him strange looks. He wanted to stop her and ask what was on her mind. Was she thinking about the fact they were still secretly married?

      He couldn’t tell if that knowledge came to her as good news or bad news. Not that he cared. Well, maybe he was just a bit curious. Okay, a lot curious.

      After inspecting the shell pink paint in the sunroom and the sandy shades in the library, they made their way back to the reception area. He’d asked the foreman to gather the workmen together. He wanted to give them a word of encouragement.

      While waiting for everyone to be assembled, a few of the men approached him to discuss the revitalization project. The men were friendly and thankful for the work. Demetrius promised to do all he could to keep the revitalization project alive.

      When it came time for the talk, Demetrius motioned for Zoe to join him. She stepped forward. As strange as it sounded, it felt natural having her next to him. Dare he admit it, he liked having her back in his life.

      He cleared his throat. “Ms. Sarris and I would like to thank you all for doing such wonderful work. This place looks amazing. I know this isn’t the sort of place people want to end up, but I’m hoping Ms. Sarris’s vision will give the place a fresh and easy air. I know that we don’t have much time until the Christmas ball and the official opening in the New Year, but I personally appreciate all of the extra time and effort you’ve put into this very special project. Give yourselves a round of applause.”

      Demetrius started clapping. Zoe joined him and then one by one the men started clapping and smiling.

      When silence fell back over the room, Demetrius had one more announcement. “I’m so impressed that each of you will be receiving a Christmas bonus if the project is brought in a week early.”

      Another round of clapping. Cheers and whistles went up.

      “Okay, men, let’s get back to it,” the foreman said.

      “Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.” A soft chant started.

      What in the world? Demetrius’s first thought was to glance at Zoe to see if she had any clue what they were talking about, but he didn’t dare look in her direction. He didn’t want anyone to read anything in his expression.

      “Kiss. Kiss.” The chant grew louder and some started to clap. There were smiles all around.

      Demetrius turned a questioning look to the foreman. The man pointed upward. Demetrius tilted his head back, already suspecting what he’d find. Mistletoe.

      Something told him that the workers had a bit of holiday mischief going on as he recalled how they’d pointed out where he should stand to give this talk. He tried to figure out which man had suggested this particular spot. Demetrius was unable to locate him in the crowd.

      And still the chanting continued.

      Not seeing an easy way out of this awkward spot, he turned to Zoe to see if she’d been wise enough to make a hasty exist. This time he wouldn’t blame her for running away. But much to his surprise she was still standing there frozen. Worry, or was it panic, reflected in her eyes. A kiss certainly wasn’t going to help his resolve to keep their relationship on friendly terms.

      Still, he didn’t know how to just walk away without turning this awkward situation into a big deal. He glanced out at the sea of smiling faces. Their jolly moods were good for business. And if he walked out now, he knew there would be a distinct shift in attitude. Too bad he’d thrown out the Christmas bonuses before this mistletoe scene. He’d lost a very effective distraction.

      “Kiss. СКАЧАТЬ