Anna pulled back and turned to Popi. “And who do we have here?”
She knew because Apollo had called ahead to make sure the house was spiffed up and a room had been set up for Popi and the baby. But he knew that Anna was fishing for an introduction.
“Popi, I’d like you to meet Anna. She is the housekeeper, but in truth she’s the one that keeps this house functioning. Without her, the place would fall apart.”
Anna’s cheeks took on a pink hue, but she didn’t say anything.
“It’s so nice to meet you.” Popi smiled.
“If you need anything at all,” Anna said, “just let me know.” And then she stepped closer. “May I see him?”
Popi pulled the blanket away from the baby’s face to give Anna a good look at him. “Would you like to hold him?”
Anna’s eyes widened and her face filled with excitement. “I would.”
Apollo watched as the two women interacted with ease. He breathed a little easier. This would definitely help with his ultimate plan—getting Popi to agree to stay here with him and the baby.
* * *
One day passed into the next in what felt like a five-star hotel.
Every need was met but this place lacked that relaxing, comforting feel of home.
The Drakos estate certainly wasn’t where Popi had planned to end up after leaving the hospital, but with the island undergoing renovations and her parents stricken by the flu, Apollo’s offer had seemed like the only logical offer.
They’d agreed to use the name their siblings had chosen for the baby, Sebastian. As it was quite a mouthful, they’d nicknamed the baby Seb. It suited him.
The mansion, on the other hand, took a lot to get used to it. The place was enormous. It was possible for them to both be home and not even run into each other. The home was older but it had been updated over the years with all the modern amenities without losing its classic charms.
Popi felt like she was living in a museum. Everything in this enormous foyer was some priceless work of art. This place was definitely more museum than home. No wonder her sister and brother-in-law had never considered living here, preferring a smaller house near the sea. And it in some way explained why Apollo never came home. This place, though stunning with its marble floors and soaring columns, was cold. It was the complete opposite of her own cozy, colorful and warm childhood home. And nothing like her bungalow on Infinity Island. In fact, her entire place could fit within the walls of the foyer alone.
Was the lack of hominess within the mansion the reason Apollo had made himself scarce since they’d brought the baby home a week ago? Or was he avoiding her? Did he regret extending an invitation to her while her parents were dealing with a string of illnesses?
Well, she was done being ignored. If Apollo wouldn’t come to her, she would go to him. And that meant a trip to the gardens. It appeared to be his passion and, in all fairness, the gardens were more weeds than flowers or foliage. If someone didn’t tend to them immediately, the weeds would win.
With the baby fed, changed and down for a nap, Popi left the nanny Apollo had insisted on hiring in charge and went to seek out her host. She made her way down the sweeping steps off the grand patio at the back of the home. She could see how this area had been stunning at one time, but time and the elements had done a number on just about everything.
Popi followed the stone path until she heard the sounds of work being done. To her surprise, Apollo wasn’t out here alone. At least he’d had sense to call in a work crew, because an enormous garden like this would take him years to restore on his own.
After being pointed in the right direction, Popi came across Apollo adding dirt around the base of what she surmised to be a small fruit tree. And then as her gaze took in his shirtless appearance, her mouth grew dry. He looked good—too good.
His skin was deeply tanned. His corded muscles flexed as he moved a shovel of dirt from the wheelbarrow. No man had a right to look that good. She should just tiptoe backward and slip away. Because without his shirt on, she had a hard time stringing two thoughts together, much less trying to speak.
Apollo glanced up as though he sensed her presence. “Is something wrong? Is it the baby?”