The Greek Boss's Demand by Trish Morey Page B

know before the event.
    She flicked the teabag out into the sink and sat down at the table, trying to get her thoughts under some sort of control.
    She should have insisted on telling him about Jason before they’d made love—only it had been easier not to. She hadn’t taken much convincing. There was little chance he’d have wanted to make love to her after a revelation like that, and at the time that had seemed the most important thing. Amazing how your hormones could replace logic with lust.
    The phone rang and she jumped. Just maybe…
    But it was Tilly, confirming what time she should arrive for the party tomorrow. Alex recited the details, trying not to sound too disappointed, and briefly explained that Sofia’s ‘wedding’ was off. She rang off and checked the time on the wall clock, and clunked her brain out of what-ifs and back into reality.
    Jason was due back after lunch. Since she’d written off yesterday she now only had a few hours to do what she needed to get done for tomorrow’s holiday Monday party. She had to get moving.

CHAPTER NINE
    T HEY were all there. Jason and seven of his school-friends, including Matt and Jack, took turns at slapping the piñata hanging from the clothesline with a broomstick while Alex and Tilly escaped inside to put the final touches to the party food.
    Her parents had already called from Perth, to wish Jason happy birthday and good fortune. Alex wished they could be here, but it wasn’t too long until Christmas, which would be even better.
    The cake was all ready—a huge chocolate mud cake, iced to resemble a soccer ball—with eight candles positioned all around, ready to be lit at the right time. She’d take that outside when they’d finished with afternoon tea.
    Alex smiled to herself as she heated the last of the sausage rolls. Everything was going so well. It was a bright day, Jason was having the time of his life and the kids were all having fun. Just perfect.
    The doorbell rang as she was carrying the last of the food out to the outdoor seating on the rear verandah. She hesitated, sure all the invitees were accounted for.
    â€˜I’ll get it,’ Tilly called. ‘It’s probably just someone collecting money for a good cause. You go on.’
    Alex smiled gratefully and backed out through the screen door, carrying her load in both hands, to be met with squeals and yells of triumph. The final blow had been delivered to the piñata and sweets rained out over them. Eight boys immediately dropped to the ground, scrabbling for the most booty. She couldn’t help but laugh at the sight.
    She heard footsteps coming through the kitchen. ‘Tilly,’ she called, ‘come and see. This is too funny.’
    Tilly stepped through the door. ‘It seems we have another guest.’
    Alex turned, only to see Nick follow Tilly onto the verandah. Blood drained from her face to congeal in her gut. At just one glimpse of him memories of their lovemaking surged back, memories of being close, of how he’d pleasured her, how she’d pleasured him…
    Everything had been so perfect. So why had he left? And why was he back? She tossed up her chin and looked from one to the other. ‘What’s going on?’
    Tilly scowled at her sister. ‘Hey, don’t be like that. Nick just apologised for losing me the best contract I’d ever had. And he’s brought Jason a present—look.’
    Alex dragged her eyes down to the package he held, frowned, and then looked back to his face.
    â€˜What are you doing here?’
    â€˜I came to see you, as it happens, and I remembered what you’d said about your son’s party. I hope you don’t mind, only I don’t have much time before I leave.’
    â€˜Of course she doesn’t mind,’ said Tilly. ‘Lovely of him to think of Jason—don’t you think, Alex?’
    Alex looked at Tilly, who was smiling too