The Greek's Long-Lost Son Read Online Free PDF Page B

from her cheeks before entering the gate that led up the drive to Stasio’s villa.
    Apparently she’d arrived in time to join everyone for a motorboat ride followed by dinner further up the coast. It was probably Stasio’s idea because he knew Ari liked to steer part of the time, with Stasio’s guidance of course. Undoubtedly Dax would get a turn, too. An evening out on the water sounded heavenly to her.
    Stasio helped her into the boat with a hug. Her handsome brother looked so happy, she knew her secret was safe for the moment.
     
    Theo flew to Andros on Monday at noon. He’d brought a backpack filled with treats and a few other essential items. Not sure what Ari would like to do, Theo had opted to wear casual trousers with a navy T-shirt and hiking boots. Today he would let Ari make all the decisions.
    After grabbing a sandwich and a drink at a nearby taverna with Boris, he strolled over to the concession area to watch for Stella’s car. It hardly seemed possible this day had come. He’d been dreaming of it for too long. This morning he’d awakened wired, unable to concentrate on his work.
    The beach had filled up with tourists. He would have preferred not to be around a lot of people, but he had to follow Stella’s lead if he wanted to gain a modicum of trust. While he tried to imagine his son’s thoughts, his heart picked up speed as he spied Stella’s car.
    Riding with her were two boys of the same age sharing the passenger seat. One dark, the other blond, they pulled into the parking area. Stella had sprung asurprise on him. If she felt there was strength in numbers, that was all right with him. He’d deal with it.
    Adjusting his pack to his shoulders, he approached the car. “Hello, Ari,” he said, smiling at his son, who had on khaki shorts and a soccer jersey. He was on the lean side with black-brown hair; the kind of handsome child every man dreamed of fathering. The sight of him and his mother caused Theo’s breath to catch in his throat.
    He studied his son. The only thing that was going to guarantee any success at all was the purity of Ari’s spirit and Theo’s unqualified love for the child who was part him, part Stella. If their boy had inherited her sweetness, her loving nature, then maybe Theo had a prayer of getting through to him. But he knew it would have to be on Ari’s timetable.
    “Hi,” he responded without enthusiasm, refusing to look at him.
    “Who’s your friend?”
    “Dax.”
    “Hi, Dax. I’m glad you came. I want to get to know Ari’s friends. I think there’s a character on the Star Trek television series with your name? He has special powers.”
    Dax blinked. “I already know that. How did you know?”
    “I love science fiction. Especially UFO stories.”
    “Me, too. My dad thinks they’re stupid though.”
    “Well, I don’t.”
    “Rachel knows some real ones,” Ari said, drawn into their conversation in spite of himself.
    “Who’s Rachel?”
    “My aunt. Her daddy was a pilot in the air force.”
    Theo’s eyes took in Dax, who wore jeans and a tank top. Stella had put on trousers and a white blouse thather figure did wonders for. Considering everyone’s attire to be appropriate, he made a decision.
    “Your mother told me we would only have two hours today, Ari, but I think it’s long enough to go for a hike. What do you say we all go?”
    “That sounds cool,” Dax responded enthusiastically.
    Ari stared at Theo in surprise.
    “You mean Mom, too?”
    “She and I spent all our time outdoors. We must have walked all over Salamis Island. There’s no one I’d rather trudge up a mountain with. In fact, I’d like to see if she can still keep up with me.”
    Theo moved around the other side of the car and opened the door for Stella, who looked at a total loss for words.
    “I…I didn’t plan to come with you.” Her voice faltered.
    “Please, Mom?” Apparently this idea pleased their son. With his mother along, he wouldn’t be so afraid. Theo