Page 70 of The Boss

“Dance lessons?” I asked.

“Natural ability.”

“Is there anything you can’t do?”

Dimitrios’ brow furrowed. “I’ve yet to find it.”

“Accomplished and so sure of yourself. In my world, that’s called total arrogance.”

“I’ll happily accept that.”

He could make me laugh like no other man. I remembered that as well. The music was sensual, one song turning into another. I didn’t think the man ever blinked, but his wry smile told me in no uncertain terms what he had planned for later.

I wondered if I would always be thrown by my extreme attraction for him or if lust would slip away, leaving an ugly reality in its wake.

For now, I enjoyed the moment, finally leaning my head on his chest. I felt safe in his arms, something I never thought I’d feel again. His scent was intoxicating, the feeling of lightheadedness pleasant and fulfilling.

All throughout the moments of closeness, my heart was beating rapidly. It was as if I was finally accepting that I belonged to him.

“I have a surprise for you after dinner,” he said moments later.

“Oh, yeah? I’m not much for surprises at this point.” I lifted my head, realizing he was lowering his.

When our lips brushed together, I had the sense pictures were being taken.

“You’ll like this one,” he promised.

“Are you certain?”

“Yes. Do you trust me?”

As I attempted to find an answer, I realized for some strange reason I did. “Yes.”

CHAPTER 18

Dimitrios

“First a plane, now a boat,” Willow said as she stood by the railing peering out into the ocean.

“There is no better way to study the stars than on a boat in the Ionian Sea.” I wrapped my arm around her, enjoying the gentle movements. With the wind calm, the ocean appeared like a plate of glass shimmering from the giant orb in the sky.

“Did I ever tell you I get seasick?”

“You told me you were never going to lie to me. I happen to know you’re a champion swimmer and when you were on my dad’s boat years ago, you jumped off the bow ten times if not more. If I remember correctly, a sudden storm appeared. You were the one keeping your mother from tossing her lunch.”

“First of all, that was when it was anchored to the ocean floor. Second, it was a huge and very stable yacht. This is little more than a dinghy.”

“A dinghy. At thirty-five feet. Yes, just a tiny boat incapable of handling the calm waters. If you’d prefer, we’ll go to my yacht.” The winds had died down, the water as calm as I’d seen it. I was glad I’d made the decision to contact my favorite ship’s captain, another old friend of my father’s.

Suddenly, she seemed frightened, one hand firmly gripping the cold steel and the other her wineglass. “Maybe I’m not as adventurous as I used to be. When I was younger, I thought I could conquer the world.”

“I beg to differ regarding your adventurous spirit. I heard you went skydiving last year. And from what I know about you now, I have no doubt you will conquer the world.”

Huffing, she turned to face me. “You were checking up on me.”

“Your uncle enjoyed telling me about all those explorations you engaged in.” I frowned as soon as I mentioned it. He’d also liked talking about Shane as well. I’d barely paid attention, realizing he’d needed to act like his brother’s children were partially his own.

“He always wanted kids,” she said.

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