The Tycoon's Pregnant Mistress (The Anetakis Tycoons #1)(43)

She made a face. “You’re seriously no fun. I’m supposed to go shopping. For a wedding dress no less. I can’t very well do that if I’m in bed.”

Stavros looked to be fighting a smile as he closed the door. A moment later, the privacy glass slid down and Stavros turned to look at her. “If Mr. Anetakis asks, I’ll simply say we had a quiet day on the town.”

“I knew there was a reason I liked you,” she said cheekily, her good spirits restored.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Chrysander met them at the car and promptly dismissed Stavros, saying he would have his driver take him and Marley home when they were through shopping.

Over lunch, Chrysander asked how her morning had gone, and she explained about all the places Stavros had taken her. But when she asked him about his morning, he grew silent and vague.

Not wanting to cast a pall over the day, she swiftly changed the topic to their shopping.

“Exactly how fancy is this reception we’re attending?” she asked as she savored another bite of the rich pasta.

He quirked one eyebrow. “That depends on your definition of fancy.”

“Oh, then I can wear my blue jeans and maternity top,” she said sweetly.

He laughed. “While I certainly would not object to you wearing your blue jeans, I do not want others seeing you in something that cups your bottom so lovingly.”

“Am I supposed to dress up then?” she asked with a sigh.

“Don’t concern yourself with it, pedhaki mou. I will choose the perfect dress for you.”

“I won’t wear high heels,” she said resolutely. “There is no way I’m waddling around on toothpicks.”

“Of course not,” he said in a tone that suggested she was crazy for even mentioning it. “I’m certain it’s not advisable for a pregnant woman to put herself through such torture. What if you fell?”

“Maybe I could go barefooted,” she said mischievously.

He laughed. “And maybe I should stick to a plan of keeping you at home solidly under lock and key.”

She swallowed the last bite of her pasta and reluctantly pushed the plate away. “That was so wonderful, and I ate far too much.”

“You need to gain some weight. You are too slight as it is. It is good that you ate well.”

“And if I eat any more, I won’t fit into whatever dress you plan on buying me.” She glanced down at her rounded belly. “Do they make ultra-chic wear for pregnant women?”

Chrysander gave her a patient look. “Trust me, Marley. We will find you something suitable.”

“Just how do you know so darn much about buying dresses anyway?” she grumbled as he took her out to his waiting car.

“Surely you don’t expect me to answer that?” he said with barely suppressed amusement.

She shot him a withering look and settled into the car.

As it turned out, he did indeed have a skill for choosing the perfect dress. He nailed it with the second one she tried on. White silk in a very simple design. It had spaghetti straps with a conservative bodice, and the material hugged her belly, drawing attention to the soft mound.

“It makes me look…well, very pregnant,” she said as she turned to allow Chrysander to look.

“You look absolutely exquisite,” he murmured. “I think every pregnant woman should like to look as you do right now.”

The appreciation in his eyes sold her on the dress. She had no desire to look any further. It was carefully wrapped and set aside along with the low-heeled shoes that she had chosen.

“Tell me, agape mou, do you want a traditional wedding dress?”

She pursed her lips then shook her head. “No, I’d prefer something simpler, I think.”

The saleslady set several really gorgeous selections in front of them, and Marley watched Chrysander closely for his reaction.

She fell in love with a peach-colored gown that scraped the floor and fell in soft waves from her waist. It accentuated her pregnancy in such a way that she truly felt beautiful and feminine. It was clear by the look on his face that Chrysander agreed.

To her surprise, instead of returning to the car, he walked her next door to a jeweler and proceeded to choose a stunning set of diamond earrings and a matching necklace to go with her wedding dress. Already speechless, she was reduced to a mere croak when he next selected a sapphire necklace and earrings that he suggested she wear with the white silk dress to the reception.

“They will look beautiful with your eyes, agape mou,” he murmured next to her ear. “And later, I’d love nothing more than to see you in these jewels and nothing else.”

Her face exploded in heat, and she looked around to make sure no one could see her furious blushing.

“You spoil me, Chrysander,” she said as they left the jewelry store.

“It is my right to spoil my woman,” he said with a shrug.

“I find I quite like it,” she said with a smile.

“That is good, because it would be a shame for you not to enjoy something I intend to be doing a lot of.”

Impulsively, she scooted against him in the seat and kissed him full on the lips. A staggered breath escaped him as his hands went out to grip her arms. Her cheek slid down his until she nuzzled against his neck and she hugged him tightly.

“Thank you for today. I had so much fun.”