THE CHAMELEON Read Online Free Page B

always had been and always would be. He had come to also realize that what he liked was her easy way, and quick acceptance of who he was without any false pretenses. She made him better in small ways. Cassie was a gem and very rare indeed. He could only hope that he would find someone just as accepting of him as she had, but he highly doubted it.
    “Well, look what the cat dragged in.”
    With a roll of his eyes, Stephan laughed. “You both act as if I have missed every Sunday family dinner. I missed one and only one.”
    “One too many, my friend.” Sakis hugged his friend before he handed Stephan his bourbon and walked to the large seating area on the other side of the kitchen. Stephan followed, stopping first to give Maria a kiss and a hug. The housekeeper blushed, tapping him on his cheek. She watched maternally as he settled down in his favorite chair and stretched out his long legs. For the first time all day, Stephan could feel his muscles relax.
    Cassie joined them and sat close to Sakis, curling her feet under her. The slight swelling seemed bigger as the shirt lay on her stomach. Placing her hand gently over the tiny bump, she caught Stephan’s gaze lingering. “Sakis told you then?”
    “He did. Congratulations,” Stephan replied.
    “Bit of a shock at first, but I am happy nonetheless. Rose is going to make an awesome big sister.”
    Stephanous glanced at the young child playing with several dolls on the floor, talking to each one as she tenderly cared for them. “Yes, she will be, Cassie.”
    The small group kept the conversation light as Maria finished the final dinner preparations.
    “Dinner is served, Mr. Carras.”
    Sakis rose, taking Cassie’s hand in his to help her up, before scooping Rose up in his arms and leading them all to the main table. It was stunning with the white candles running along the center, set in rock salt, all lit; the subtle lighting bounced off the delicate china. Maria had outdone herself, cooking many of his and Sakis’s favorite dishes from their homeland. He wondered at the occasion.
    As if reading his thoughts, Sakis exhaled dramatically. “I believe this trip is causing Maria anxiety. I have tried to tell her that she has mastered our palate better than many of our own country and there is no cause for worry. It seems that the only people looking forward to this vacation are Cassie and me.” Sakis stared pointedly at Stephan.
    Stephan didn’t respond right away, choosing to get settled in his seat and help Rose, who insisted on sitting next to him. He suspected that Sakis was eager to know his answer as to what he was going to do and he didn’t want to keep him waiting for a response.
    “All of the preparations on my part are complete in regards to security. Everyone has been briefed, and completely understands the agenda and what their roles are. Thomas will be the leader on the trip, making sure everything remains on schedule but Phil will be at your side constantly. We were able to fit in all of the tourist requests.” Winking at Cassie, he smiled at Sakis. “You might want to add a couple of really good hiking boots, Sakis.”
    Sakis looked pleased at what he heard. “Good. Then it is all settled then.”
    “Almost.” Stephan took a drink before he continued. “I will not be going with you.” Ignoring Cassie’s gasp and the stunned look from Sakis, he felt himself filled with the same lightness that he felt in discussing not going with Alicia. “I thought long and hard about what we talked about and how long it has been since I have had some time off.”
    “You never have had time off.”
    Grimacing, Stephan acknowledged Cassie’s statement. “Which is even worse. I want to take this time to decompress. It has dawned on me that I have been working since I was eight. I do not know what life is like to not have to work. So, I want to take you up on the offer of staying here in the States. If the offer is still open, Sakis.”
    Cassie tried to blink