Page 70 of Love on the Rocks
Her mouth dropped open. “You think I would cut my husband’s hand to force you to spend time with the doctor?”
“It’s just a little suspicious that’s all,” I answered. “You’ve read too many romance books. I wouldn’t put it past you.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’ve read as many as I have.”
“Yes, butIknow they’re fantasy.Youthink it can really happen.” I sighed, dropping my head back against the wall.
It seemed like they were in there for an eternity, their voices behind the door growing more and more animated. Then they were . . . laughing?
“Are theybondingin there?” I turned to Liv, agog. Great, just what I needed.
When they finally emerged, they were both smiling like they’d known each other forever. I ground my back teeth, and Olivia jumped up to examine Jake’s bandaged hand.
“It’s just a couple of stitches,” he assured her.
“Does it hurt?”
He shook his head. “No, it’s not a big deal.”
Olivia didn’t look convinced though and searched Nikos’s face for reassurance. “It wasn’t that deep. He shouldn’t get the stitches wet though, so I’m afraid no swimming for the rest of your stay.”
“No swimming forhim,” she corrected. We’d been planning to go to the beach that afternoon. “Thank you so much for seeing him so quickly.”
“It’s no problem. I’m used to little emergencies like this.” His eyes flicked to my ankle before meeting mine.
“Well, I just wish we could thank you. Um—” She hesitated, and I shot her a warning look. “Would you like to come for dinner?”
“Please do,” interjected Jake. “I’ve already put on five kilos since we got here. I need help eating all their food.”
Nikos turned to me, waiting for my invitation, and Olivia elbowed me in the ribs. “Come if you’d like. I was thinking of inviting Yiannis and Teresa as well.”
“Well, if Teresa is coming, I don’t want to miss it,” he said.
“Eight o’clock?” asked Olivia. I was going to murder her.
“Perfect.” He smiled.
“We’ll see you then,” I said trying to keep the defeat from my voice.
As soon as we left, Jake winked at Olivia, and she wrapped her arm around his waist.
“Traitors,” I said, as I brushed past them.
* * *
I was relieved to find out that Yiannis and Teresa were available for the evening. They arrived shortly before eight, and when I told Teresa that Nikos was coming, she tried to reassure me. “Don’t worry, he’ll be on his best behavior with me.”
Somehow, I doubted it. Olivia sure seemed happy about it all. She worked through the afternoon, testing recipes for the next issue of the magazine, and the table was practically overflowing.
Panos was the next to arrive. A man of few words, he greeted Olivia and Jake shyly then sat on the couch with his guitar and immediately started playing. The music reminded me of Nikos and, as it got closer to eight, I felt a nervous tickling in my stomach. Maybe he wouldn’t show. I crossed my fingers but heaved a heavy sigh of defeat when I finally heard his knock on the door.
Nikos stood on the stoop looking better than any man had the right to in a dark button-down shirt rolled up at the sleeves and a pair of dark trousers, neatly pressed. He held up a bottle filled with clear liquid and flashed his teasing smile.
“What is that?” I asked as he handed it to me, pretending to ignore the way his eyes ran over me. I was wearing a dress that showed a lot of cleavage. I hadn’t chosen it to turn him on. At least, it hadn’t been a conscious decision.
“Homemadetsipouro. Some might call it moonshine.”
“So you’re a bootlegger as well?” I stepped aside, letting him in.
