Page 85 of The Island Villa

“I thought we agreed on ‘borrowed,’ but yes. This is the place.” He secured the boat and held out his hand to her, but she shook her head.

“I want to swim.”

“Now? I planned to give you the tour, make you a cup of my exceptional Greek coffee and then swim before lunch.”

It was tempting, but not as tempting as the water.

She made the decision instantly.

“Right now.” She shaded her eyes and gazed across the bay. The sea glistened.

She could feel him watching her.

“I thought you weren’t spontaneous?”

“I’m not usually.” She smoothed her hair back and secured it tightly with a band.

“Is this sudden transformation my fault?”

“Maybe.” She smiled. “You’re a corrupting influence.”

“That’s what your dad said that day I took you on the boat. He yelled at me, because you could have drowned.”

“We scared him, but I don’t know why. I’ve always been a strong swimmer.”

“The waters are deep here,” he said. “He was right to be upset with me, although I have no idea how he expected me to control you. You always did whatever you wanted to do.”

“I still remember how the water felt that day.” She turned her head to look at him. “You saved me. This place saved me. I can’t believe you bought a house here.”

“I’ve always thought it was special,” he said. “Not so special in winter of course, when the wind is howling and the storms hit. I’m not romanticizing it.”

“I’ve always enjoyed storms.”

“Come back in December. You’d be welcome.” His gaze connected with hers and for a moment she imagined it, returning here in winter. She imagined him, content in this place he’d made his home.

“I can’t believe this is your life.”

“Why? Because it seems like an odd choice?”

“No. It’s a good choice. A brave choice.” She remembered what he’d said about living life without ever questioning whether there might be something better out there. He’d taken a risk, with no guarantees that it would work out. “I suppose I’m a little envious.”

It made her think about her own life, and her own choices.

Would she have the courage to make a change like this?

The water was translucent and inviting. She felt an almost desperate urge to slide into its clear blue depths.

She tugged at the ties holding her cover up in place and tucked it into her bag.

“Nice swimsuit.” His voice was roughened and she laughed.

“It’s the same one I wore yesterday, but a different color.”

“I thought it was a nice swimsuit then too.” He held out his hand. “I’ll take your bag while you swim to shore. If you’re sure you want to do this.”

“I’m sure.” She handed him her bag and dived straight off the side of the boat. The cool water closed over her heated limbs, sound was muffled, and for a few blissful seconds, she stayed submerged. Then she rose to the surface, cleared the water from her face with her hand and saw Stefanos strolling toward the beach, her bag slung over his shoulder.

She closed her eyes and floated on her back for a moment, feeling the sun on her face and the water play with her hair. It was the most relaxed she had been since she’d stepped off his boat the day before. She could have stayed in the water, floating, but then she remembered that he’d booked a restaurant for lunch, and she rolled onto her front and swam slowly to the shore.

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