Pretending with the Greek Billionaire(72)

“What a wonderful goal! But, I have to mention it, as these villages are located in Greece, does this mean you’ll be moving there full time to oversee the building?”

A general groan of dismay came from the audience and he laughed like they expected him to. Though the fact that she had glossed right over the plight of these children to focus on where he’d be spending his time infuriated him. “For the most part. I’ll still spend some time here in the States and in London, but the bulk of my time will be in Greece for now.”

“The Constant Heart Foundation. Quite a poignant name,” the host said. “You were engaged not long ago to a social worker…” She checked her notes. “Constance McMurty. That relationship sadly didn’t work out, but going by the nature of this project, and the name you’ve given it, can we assume that there might be some lingering feelings there? Or at least a bit of inspiration?”

Luca’s stomach bottomed out. She went where she wasn’t supposed to. He’d known this was a distinct possibility, unavoidable probably, considering the fact that Constance was his inspiration and he’d named the project after her. Well, he couldn’t get out of answering the question without being horribly rude, and Constance was hopefully watching. So be it. He’d seize the opportunity and tell her everything he’d wanted to tell her.

The host sat forward, salivating for every juicy detail. Luca ignored her and just said what was in his heart.

“More than a bit of inspiration. There would be no foundation without her. She is the best example I know of someone who is selfless and good and kind. She introduced me to the work this organization does, something I’m ashamed to say I knew nothing about, though I should have. My life was focused on partying and fame.”

“Ah, but there’s always a little room for a good party, am I right?” she asked, winking at the audience.

Luca gave her a tight smile. “Within reason. I went a great deal overboard in that regard. Constance changed all that, changed me, made me want to be a better man.”

The host sat there momentarily silenced, whether by his sincerity, something she probably rarely saw, or by the seriousness of his words, he wasn’t sure.

“Sounds like you still care for her.”

Luca took a deep breath. “I’m head over heels in love with her. Have been since the day I met her, and always will be.”

The host clutched her chest. “Oh my. That’s quite a declaration.”

Luca laughed a little and shook his head. “It’s something I should have said when I had the chance, but I was stupid, too focused on the wrong things.”

He turned toward the camera and looked straight into the lens, praying Constance was somewhere watching.

“Constance, I’m sorry for everything. I didn’t arrange for a photographer to be there that night, I swear it. I would never have done something like that. But even still, it was my fault. I wanted to be in the limelight and I made sure I was. I was arrogant to assume I could control it. And I’m sorrier than I’ll ever be able to express for whatever pain your association with me has caused you. I hope you can find it within you to forgive me someday. Whether or not that happens, I want you to know that because of you I’ve changed. For the better, I hope.”

He paused and took a deep breath. “You told me once I had the power to do great things. I hope I can prove you right. I love you, Stanzia. I’ll always love you.”

He paused for a second, his words sinking in. The host clasped her hand to her chest again.

“That’s just…wow,” she said, waving at her eyes like she was about to cry although there wasn’t a tear in sight.

He glanced at her, but he didn’t really see her. He was seeing a woman with dark red hair, flashing blue eyes, and a smile that set his world on fire.

“I love her. Want her. Need her.” He shook his head and stood. “And I’m damn well going to go and get her.”

He removed his mic and walked off the stage. He hoped Constance had been watching because they belonged together. And he wasn’t going to take no for an answer this time.

…

Constance sat back, her heart pounding. “Luca,” she whispered.

He loved her. He loved her! She couldn’t believe it, couldn’t believe what he’d just said. What he’d done. He was building villages. All those homes! And he was coming for her.

“Constance! Constance!” Mrs. Ballas ran in, probably from her own house judging by how hard she was breathing. She pressed her hands to her cheeks. “Did you see?”

Constance nodded, still stunned speechless.