LITMIR.BIZ

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to hear about the reason why your marriage failed you to the point that you no longer believe in it.”

      Slowly they retraced their footsteps. “In a couple of sentences, I can tell you why it didn’t work. He was the live wire at his law firm trying to make it to the top. Furthermore, he didn’t feel he had the time to be a family man. He was too consumed by his work.”

      “What vital ingredient have you left out?”

      When Fran almost stumbled, he knew he’d hit a nerve. “I’m afraid we both fell out of love. It happens all the time to millions of people.”

      “But not to someone like you. If he didn’t have an affair, then what’s the real reason it failed?”

      “I’d rather not discuss it.”

      “Since you pretty well laid me out to the bare bones a little while ago, how about some honesty from you in return?”

      “I suppose that would only be fair.” She tossed her head back, causing the dark blond mass of gleaming hair to resettle on her shoulders. “You could say that when he didn’t live up to the bargain we’d made before we married, there was nothing to hold us together any longer.”

      “Then he lied to you.”

      “I wouldn’t say it was a lie…More of a human failing. When faced with the reality of what he’d committed to while we were dating, he couldn’t go through with it. I didn’t blame him for it, but my disappointment was so profound, my heart shut down.”

      “I’m sorry. How long were you married?”

      “Three years.”

      And no children.

      He wanted to know more. “Was he your first love?”

      “No. Over the years I met and dated several men I thought might be the one. I’m sure the same experiences have happened to you.”

      “It’s true I’ve enjoyed my share of women and still do. All of them have traits I admire.”

      “But so far none of them has delivered the whole package. At least that’s what the tabloids infer,” she added in a playful tone. “It was the same for me until Rob came along. He had everything that appealed to me and I didn’t hesitate when he asked me to marry him.”

      Nik’s dark brows lifted. “And once you’d each said I do, the one essential element to make your marriage work wasn’t there after all, and it drove you apart.”

      “Precisely.”

      She was good at maintaining her cool, but every so often when their arms or legs brushed while they were walking, he could feel her trembling because she was holding back critical information. Her friend Kellie could enlighten him, but he knew deep down that wasn’t the route to go. He’d find Leandros.

      As if thinking about him conjured him up, they discovered him taking a swim. Like Nik, he’d been born on an island in the Aegean and found the water the ideal place to wind down at the end of the day. But Nik had to admit surprise his wife hadn’t joined him.

      “Hey, Leandros—” Fran called to him. “Where’s Kellie?”

      When he saw them, Leandros swam to shore. After picking up a towel he walked toward them while he dried himself off. “She had a headache and went to bed.”

      “After the horror of the last few days, I’m not surprised,” she said in a quiet tone. “I’m ready to turn in myself.” She glanced at Nik. “Thank you for your hospitality and the privilege of taking care of Demi one more night. I’ll see you and your family in the morning before the funeral. Goodnight.”

      She gave Leandros a hug before she started for the steps leading up to the patio. Once at the top, she waved to them before disappearing inside the villa.

      “Would you mind leveling with me about something?”

      Leandros’s gaze switched to Nik. “Not at all.”

      “I asked Fran if she’d be willing to stay on for another week to help while our family tries to find the right nanny. Because she looked after Demi from the moment she found her, I thought she might be willing. But when I asked her this evening, she indicated she’s planning to travel with your wife and can’t change her plans.”

      A grimace broke out on his face. “My wife’s mind is made up.”

      There was a lot Leandros wasn’t saying, but it was none of Nik’s business until his friend chose to tell him.

      “Then that relieves my fear. I thought maybe she’d said no to me as an excuse because of something I may have said or done to offend her. In my attempt to compliment her for the way she took care of Demi by asking her to stay on for a while longer, I may have accomplished the opposite result.

      “As you saw earlier, my little niece clings to her and is unhappy with anyone else. When I told Fran she’d be well paid for her sacrifice, I think she took it as the final insult, which was the last thing I meant to do.”

      Leandros shook his head. “Not Fran. She stayed with your niece at the hospital because she wanted to. I’m sure she would have agreed to help you if Kellie weren’t so insistent on their taking this trip.”

      “Where are they going?”

      “On a driving trip to see other parts of Greece and do some hiking.”

      “I see.”

      “Fran’s first marriage didn’t work and Kellie has worried about her ever since. Just between us, my wife is determined to find Fran a husband.”

      That was an interesting piece of news. “Does she have someone particular in mind?”

      “I doubt it. I think she’s hoping they’ll meet some unattached American over here on holiday with the right credentials who will sweep Fran off her feet. In the meantime, rest assured Fran’s decision has nothing to do with you or the baby. I happen to know she’s as crazy about kids as Kellie is.”

      Finally Nik had his answer though he already had proof how much she loved children by her attachment to Demi.

      He patted Leandros’s shoulder. “Thanks for the talk. You’ve relieved my mind in more ways than you know. See you in the morning. If I haven’t told you yet, my family and I are honored that you’ll be here for us.”

      “It’s the least I can do for a good friend,” Leandros’s voice grated. “I plan to attend the services for the other family this weekend.”

      But Leandros’s wife wouldn’t be with him. Something was wrong and it gave him an idea.

      “Leandros? Before you go to bed, there’s something else I’d like to talk to you about it if you don’t mind. I’ve been trying to think of a way to reward Fran for all she’s done and would like to run it by you.”

      “Go ahead. I’m not ready for bed yet.”

       CHAPTER FIVE

      THE ANGELIS FAMILY lived on a private part of the island overlooking a brilliant blue sea. Fran found the dazzling white villa with the main patio as the focal point for the family to congregate, an architectural wonder. She could see why the Cyclades was the desired vacation spot in Greece, especially this portion of the renowned Kalo Livadi Beach where she’d walked with Nik last night.

      Their conversation had created a tension that had still gripped her after she’d gone to bed, making her sleep fitful. She’d never been so outspoken in her life with anyone, but fear of being in pain again had driven her to say those things to him.

      While some of the staff came out to get things ready for the meal to be served when the family got back, Fran’s gaze lit on the beautiful child whom she’d put in the high

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