His Pregnancy Ultimatum

‘Establish a convivial friendship with the man.’

‘Are you mad?’

Alice shook her head. ‘It wouldn’t be wise to make an enemy of him.’

The mere thought of him in that role sent a chill shiver feathering the length of her spine, and she placed a protective hand to her waist.

A silent groan of despair rose and died in her throat. How could she have been so foolish as to think she was in control, and able to call the shots?

As to Nikolos Karedes backing down…forget it.

Friends. How could they be friends?

She didn’t want to think about it. In fact, she refused to consider anything about the man for the rest of the afternoon.

Mia checked her watch. ‘We should go do some shopping before we collect Matt from school.’

‘A bid to divert the subject of conversation?’

‘Got it in one.’

Alice lifted both hands in a gesture of defeat. ‘Okay, time to butt out.’

‘No,’ Mia contradicted gently. ‘I love you dearly, and value your opinion, your advice.’

‘But…?’

‘I’d prefer not to spend time second-guessing Nikolos Karedes’ next move.’

‘So let’s go enjoy the rest of the day, huh?’

Mia’s cellphone pealed within minutes of leaving the café, and she took the call.

‘Mia? It’s Cris.’ His voice held amusement. ‘Last night. You and Nikolos. What was that?’

If only you knew! ‘You could have rescued me.’

‘Darling, you were doing just fine on your own.’

‘You think?’

‘Sweetie, if I was hetero I could almost be jealous of how fast he moved in for the kill. So he drove you home, and…?’

‘There was no and…’

‘Of course not. But—’

‘I left and took a cab.’

His soft chuckle almost undid her. ‘No woman walks out on Nikolos Karedes.’

‘This one did.’

‘Wish I’d been there.’

‘Any fallout from last night?’

‘Oh, you could say that.’ His humour was infectious. ‘Yiayia lectured me on the age difference, my studies, the family honour. Sofia added her concerns, and brother Nikolos subjected me to one of his discerning looks over breakfast. Incidentally,’ he added following a fractional pause. ‘Nikolos has your phone number.’

‘You gave it to him?’ she demanded incredulously.

‘You mind?’

Yes, she did. Very much.

‘Oh, hell.’ Cris swore quietly. ‘Want me to go into damage control?’

There was little point. ‘No.’ She drew in a deep breath, then released it slowly. ‘I’m out shopping with Alice.’

‘Enjoy. We’ll talk soon.’

‘Cris?’ Alice queried as Mia cut the call.

‘Uh-huh.’

‘I think,’ Alice offered cheerfully, ‘we need to do some serious retail therapy.’

‘It’s that or chocolate,’ Mia hinted darkly, and led the way into the next trendy boutique.

It was after four when they arrived home, and it took little prompting for Matt to tend to his homework before dinner.

Mia deposited an assortment of bright carrier bags in her room, then changed into cargo pants and a tee shirt before joining Alice in the kitchen.

They were about to begin preparations for a steak salad when the doorbell rang.

Alice dried her hands, and smoothed a hand over her hair. ‘I’ll get it.’

A few minutes later she returned carrying a large bouquet of pale roses in cream, peach and apricot. ‘For you.’

Mia felt the nerves in her stomach tighten. Who would send her flowers? It couldn’t be… She plucked the card, and read the slashing signature.

Nikolos.

No message, just his name.

‘Should I guess?’ Alice prompted, and Mia shook her head as she extended the card.

‘Kind of makes a statement, don’t you think?’