Page 53 of Modern Romance Collection May 2024 Books 1-4

They walked down a cobbled street towards the water. The houses were white and blue, with colourful flowers blooming from pots and planters. Children were running in and out of houses, squealing with excitement.

Erin couldn’t help smiling at their effervescence. It made her yearn a little for Ashling to have this kind of experience... But the reality was that Erin probably wouldn’t be here to witness it. Ashling would be coming to spend time with her father on her own. Perhaps with half-siblings. Erin couldn’t help but think that Ajax might now be more open to children, marrying again...

She was lost in that train of thought when Ajax, beside her, said, ‘Look up.’

Erin lifted her head and gasped. They were at a small marina, with the sea lapping against the wall just in front of them. Boats bobbed gently on the water. Restaurants were spread out on each side, buzzing with locals and tourists. Candles and fairy-lights added to the atmosphere. Soft music came from the tavernas. Handsome waiters lured prospective diners into their establishments.

Ajax led her to the left-hand side, to a taverna at the very end. The owner welcomed Ajax like an old friend and gave them a table right by the water’s edge.

‘This is...stunning,’ said Erin. ‘I’ve never been anywhere like it.’

‘You haven’t been to Europe before?’

Erin wrinkled her nose. ‘Only the main attractions like London and Paris on school or university tours. I was too busy studying and then working. During my summers I’d work to make money.’

‘Even though your mother was giving you an allowance?’

Erin could appreciate now how she’d shut off a vital part of her youth in a bid to show her independence. Her work ethic.

She looked at Ajax. ‘It’s a bit pathetic and boring, isn’t it?’

He shook his head. ‘I never did the travelling thing either. I’ve just travelled a lot with work. I think I’d prefer to come somewhere like this for the first time at the age of twenty-eight and really appreciate it, rather than see it on a whistlestop tour at eighteen and forget it.’

Erin looked out at the sea. There were fishing boats in the distance with their lights on. The moon was rising. She said, ‘You could never forget this.’

The waiter came, with Greek wine and food. It was rustic and delicious. Fish so fresh Erin could taste the sea.

She sat back when their plates were cleared, refusing dessert. ‘I couldn’t eat another bite. That was...amazing.’

Ajax couldn’t take his eyes off Erin. She eclipsed the view. She wore practically no make-up, but her eyes were huge and her mouth an enticement to kiss her until she was breathless, arching her body into him in a way that blew his mind.

Her skin was turning a very delicate shade of golden. Freckles had appeared on her shoulders and nose. Traces of her Celtic heritage. Her hairwasgetting longer, softening around her face. His gaze drifted down, taking advantage of her looking out to sea. Her arms were slim, but strong. Hands elegant...short nails, no varnish. No frills, no fuss. Straightforward. And yet he sensed hidden things...depths that he didn’t yet know.

Usually at this point with a lover Ajax veered instinctively away from wanting to delve into anything personal. But this woman... She still intrigued him, and he wanted to know more.

He looked back up and saw there was a small smile playing around her mouth. Ridiculously he felt piqued.

‘What’s so amusing?’ he asked.

She looked at him and he felt the impact of that golden and green gaze in his solar plexus. And lower. He shifted in the seat, cursing his lack of control.

She lifted her hand, put her forefinger and thumb about an inch apart, and whispered, ‘I think I’m a little bit drunk.’

Ajax grinned. She’d had a little more wine than usual, and he’d had less as he was driving. She seemed looser...less vigilant. She looked altogether too seductive to resist—and he had no intention of doing so.

He stood up and put out his hand. ‘Come on, let’s go home.’

To his surprise a shadow crossed her face, and she suddenly looked a lot less loose. But then, as if he’d imagined it, she put her hand in his and let him pull her up.

They walked back up to the car and he couldn’t help asking, ‘What was that back there?’

‘What?’

‘Your reaction to what I said...let’s go home.’

There was something there. Ajax could sense it.

But Erin shook her head. ‘Nothing at all.’

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