Page 8 of One Weekend in Greece

There’s a massive shower, a luxurious bathtub that could easily fit three people, two giant sinks, a vanity, cabinets, and I still haven’t located the toilet. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a flat-screen television mounted on the wall to keep him entertained while he does his business. I wonder if he watches porn on it.

“Back to the business at hand, Nicole.”

My cheeks heat as, for a moment, I fear I said that out loud, or somehow he knows where my thoughts have gone. I don’t know why I thought that.

“Oh, so I’m Nicole now? I’m only Miss Wilson when your staff is around?”

“Ah, yes. Miss Owens. She must’ve gotten under your skin. This is the second time you’ve brought her up.”

“I just couldn’t help but notice what a major asshole you are when she’s around. You act as though we haven’t known each other for well over a decade.”

“I’m trying to maintain a professional relationship and keep our personal relationship separate.”

“Is that why I’m standing in your private quarters while you’re half-dressed? Or do you usually conduct business this way?”

“Worried about Miss Owens again?” He takes a step toward me, and I find myself getting cornered between him and the massive marble sink.

I refuse to cower. He smells incredible—woodsy, minty, and clean. His eyes are sparkling with mischief, making him appear younger than his thirty-four years. Dear God, he almost looks playful. Is he teasing me? I know he can’t be flirting.

I place a hand out to halt him, and unintentionally, it lands on his solid chest. There’s a light dusting of hair. He’s solid and incredibly warm. I’m dying to press my face into his neck and wrap myself in his scent and warmth, but I muster up every ounce of self-control I have and stop myself.

“I’m confused. I’m trying to understand what’s happening. You went from ignoring me and sending me to exile as soon as you came home to completely dismissing me, and now I’m cornered in what feels like a very intimate moment. Care to cut to the chase and tell me what’s going on?”

Abruptly, he takes a step back. “You’re right.” He steps to the side and begins wetting his hands in the sink. He’s still too close, but I don’t move. I watch in fascination as his strong hands make work of prepping himself for a shave.

“You’re going to use a straight razor? Like from Sweeney Todd?”

He chuckles. “It gets the closest shave.”

“I figured you were an electric razor type of guy.”

His eyebrows pinch, but he goes on about his business. He lathers the cream onto his chiseled jaw and begins speaking. “Dafni needs you. We both know she adores you. I’m the one who fucked things up.”

“Why?” Before he can answer my question, I interpret him when I see the sharp blade shine in the light. “That thing looks deadly.”

Jakob quirks a brow. “Would you like to do the honor?”

“By killing you or shaving you?”

“I’ll leave the decision to you.”

I hop onto the marble surface so I’ll have a better reach. I’ve only ever done this with my grandfather. “Color me shocked, but are you giving me control, Mr. Petridis? Your life is in my hands. Your safety.”

“I trust you with Dafni, and her life means more to me than mine.”

Well, that just turned my insides to goop. But also, I needed to hear him say he did—does—trust me with her. It hurt when I thought he didn’t think I was responsible enough.

Needing to lighten the mood, I quip, “You do know I like her more than you, right? She’s safe. The verdict is still out on you.”

“If you draw blood, I wouldn’t blame you. How about if you do decide to, keep it to minor damages? Nothing serious enough to require a visit to the emergency room.”

“No promises.”

“Perhaps I could persuade you with an offer.”

I slowly bring the blade to an angle and gently shave a small section. The sound against his stubble is oddly satisfying. The smell of the shaving cream and the feel of the warmth of his body between my legs is intoxicating. I wipe the blade clean, and before I go back to work, I ask, “And what’s your offer? Don’t forget, I was only meant to be here temporarily anyway. The company I want to work for could call me any day to start earlier than this fall.”

“I’m aware,” he says. He’s completely calm as I drag the blade under his chin. “I want you to escort Dafni and me to Greece.”

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