“Of course, Mr. Theodorou,” the receptionist said politely, having immediately found the Greek’s name on the list. She eyed Sabrina suspiciously.
With a brisk nod, Theodorou’s bodyguard started pushing his wheelchair inside the massive ballroom. She hoped the tycoon had a table at the back end of the ballroom so she could discreetly escape with an excuse to the ladies’ room and try to find Luca.
No such luck.
Hector Theodorou was seated dead center right in front of the stage. Eight pairs of eyes fixed on her as she sat beside him. She was the only occupant of the table below sixty.
To Sabrina’s relief, there was no time for introductions. She had merely smiled politely at the balding man to her right when the lights in the ballroom dimmed. A disembodied voice welcomed everyone to the relaunch of The Medeia and introduced the hosts for the night, a man and woman who appeared to be in their thirties and were fluent in English and Greek.
A video presentation of the history of the chain of hotels ensued, recounting its start as a small establishment in Athens. Then a world map, with progressive dots showing the location of each successive hotel around the world. A photo of Giorgios Konstantinos in his youth as the founder of the hotel was flashed then another when he was older, posing with his four sons, their distinctive mismatched eyes in full, high-resolution color.
Hector Theodorou turned to her, his expression speculative. “The Konstantinos eyes. There were rumors Giorgios got one eye color from his Greek father and the other from his mother, who was supposedly a witch. I’m sure the wily devil spread the rumors himself to scare his superstitious rivals in Greece.” He chuckled appreciatively.
Sabrina squirmed uncomfortably, feeling naked without her contact lenses. She was saved from replying when the host announced the welcome talk to be given by the Executive Vice President and President for Europe of Konstantinos Worldwide, Mikhalis Konstantinos.
Sabrina stared at the only Konstantinos brother she hadn’t met up close. He was gorgeous, tall and dark-haired like the rest of them. She couldn’t concentrate on his speech though. She was busy surreptitiously scanning the crowd for Luca. Being at the front of the ballroom made it a little difficult though.
Her skin prickled, and Sabrina had the feeling she was being watched. She twisted sideways, glancing to her right. Her gaze collided with Markos Konstantinos. He was wearing tinted glasses, but Sabrina knew he had been observing her. He made no move to acknowledge her. She turned back to the stage. Luca was not beside him.
She wasn’t allowed time to ponder on whether the friends had healed their rift because her attention was drawn to the front of the ballroom.
Luca strode to the podium on the stage, looking elegantly divine in his black coat tail. Sabrina’s womb clenched. He said something that made the hundreds of guests in the ballroom laugh, but it sailed right over her head. He could be talking in Greek or Farsi for all she cared. She lapped up the sight of him like a kitten who had gone without milk for a day.
He too had a video presentation, showcasing the sumptuous interiors Casa Argenti had contributed to the new look of the hotel.
“The design sensibility is current and sophisticated but still derives inspiration from the hotel chain’s Greek roots.” He was speaking directly to his audience.
I’m here, Sabrina thought. Look at me.
The display on the screen featured some lounging chairs by a sunny beach with blue skies. The bright sunlight illuminated the Mediterranean scene and the glare fell on the tables near the stage.
He continued talking, his eyes panning the crowd, trying to engage his audience. He had a half-smile on his beautiful lips then it froze.
Sabrina’s breathing seized as he stared at her for a few seconds, then he averted his gaze and continued with his speech as if he hadn’t seen her.
To her left, Hector Theodorou was shaking his head ruefully. “And I thought this was my chance to be your date.”
Had the old man seen the exchange?
“I came here with Chase Latimer.”
Applause resounded around the ballroom.
Theodorou laughed knowingly. “He is not my competition.” He tipped his head to the stage. “He is.”
Luca had finished his talk. He shot Sabrina an enigmatic look before he walked off the stage.
He’d come to her. Sabrina knew this with certainty. She had to make it easy for him.
Heart pounding, she excused herself to the tycoon, saying she had to go to the ladies’ room.
Theodorou sighed. “Off you go, Miss Connelly. I’m a gracious loser.”
Impulsively, Sabrina kissed him on his papery cheek. “Thank you.”
She ducked her head, wending her way between tables to the nearest exit. She pushed open the doors and had just taken a few steps to the corridor, trying to orient herself, when she heard him.