Athena’s features seemed to soften somewhat. “I apologize for my suspicious nature, but I have worked alongside Tarek for many years and I know him better than most. He has an affinity for attractive women such as you.”
Kira wagered Athena’s and Tarek’s relationship went beyond the boardroom and into the bedroom. “How long have you been with him?”
“Eight years,” she said proudly. “We have traveled the globe together, and since I am a Cypriot, I encouraged him to build this resort. Because he values and trusts my judgment, he agreed the venture would be a good investment.”
Clearly Ms. Clerides had quite a bit of clout, and a very close relationship with her boss. Kira found that troubling on several levels that she would take out and analyze later. “Interesting. I’m sure you’ll both be very successful in this and all your future endeavors. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?”
Athena paused as if mulling over her response. “Yes. When did you meet Tarek?”
That Kira hadn’t expected. “A little over three months ago. Why?”
Athena strolled around the table, her arms folded beneath her breasts. “That does explain his recent behavior.”
“I don’t understand.”
She paused and leveled her gaze on Kira. “I suspected he had found another woman who had captured his interest. I do believe that woman is you.”
Denial seemed the best course in this case. “I’m sure you’re mistaken.”
“I can assure you I am not.” Athena hesitated a moment, as if again carefully considering her words. “I began to notice a change in him on his return trips from Bajul over the past few months. He seemed distant and distracted, when he has always been very attentive to me.”
The truth about their relationship had now been officially confirmed, as far as Kira was concerned. “Excuse my intrusiveness, but I assume you and Tarek are lovers.”
Athena appeared somewhat chagrined. “We were lovers until three months ago. He told me that our relationship had run its course and he was freeing me to pursue other options.”
Unmistakable hurt filtered out in Athena’s tone, leaving Kira in a quandary over what to say next. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out since you obviously care about him.”
Athena lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “Tarek is not the type of man who embraces a serious relationship. However, he is magnetic and very seductive, which affords him the ability to make a woman discard her convictions, along with her clothes. I caution you to keep that in mind.”
Too late for that. “As I’ve said, Tarek and I are only friends.”
“The heightened color on your face says otherwise.”
Kira hated that her annoying blush gave away her feelings like a digital billboard. “Necessary or not, I will certainly take your caution to heart.”
“And that will better enable you to protect your heart.” She hesitated before adding, “Have you asked him about the phone calls?”
“Phone calls?”
“The one he makes every afternoon at the same time.”
She hadn’t been around him long enough to notice. “No, I haven’t.”
“Then pay attention and you will soon see it is part of his routine, and a mystery.”
“Are you inferring he’s speaking with a woman?”
“I suspected he is, but he has never been forthcoming. In all the years I’ve been with him, the identity of the party on the other end of the line remains a mystery. Perhaps you will be the one to solve it.”
She had a few qualms about that. Tarek Azzmar might forever be an enigma. And if only she’d received Athena’s counsel before that night six weeks ago. If Tarek rejected their baby, she would be heartbroken. “I suppose you should point me in the direction of Tarek now.”
“You will most likely find him in the courtyard.”
* * *
“That was certainly awkward, Tarek.” And so was seeing him dressed in white painter’s pants, sans shirt, displaying smooth warm skin on his remarkably strong back. He continued to carefully lay gray stone into the beginnings of a feature wall near the unfilled swimming pool, apparently too engrossed to respond to her comment.
Please don’t turn around, she thought as he continued to go about his task, while she continued to shamelessly study his amazing physique. Much to her dismay, he failed to heed her silent request and faced her, showing to full advantage his ruffled hair, unshaven jaw, the slight shading on his newsworthy chest, the flat plane of his abdomen. Her gaze immediately came to rest on his navel, which was exposed by the low-slung waistband on the pants, before returning to his face. Of course, she immediately focused on his mouth.