Page 92 of Love on the Rocks
“What that she might be out, and you might be taking over? No bloody way.”
“Putain,” he muttered and kicked at a rock.
“It’s not a done deal yet, man. You still have to prove yourself. You said you’d prefer the Mediterranean to theAlps, so here’s your chance. We’ll get the photographer fromTastemakersout here next week if it works out.”
Now, my blood was boiling. This was the infamous colleague who’d burned her twice already? I was ready to punch them all in their smug faces. But I held my temper and led them toward the town square where Callie was waiting. Panic flashed over her beautiful features when she saw me, and then she narrowed her eyes in an accusing glare.
“There she is! The chef of the moment.” Greystone breezed past me and slipped his arms around her, kissing her cheek. My pulse pounded in my ears. I wanted to pull him off her and grind his face into the ground.
“Roman?” She blanched when she saw the other chef. “What are you doing here?”
He shrugged. I could tell there was no love lost between them. “Just making sure you’ve still got it, chef.”
“Apparently not as much as you. Congratulations on your feature inTastemakers.” She had her game face on, complete with dark red lipstick and hair slicked into a smooth, high ponytail. She was ready for battle.
The Greeks were presented. In addition to the Poseidon Shipping heiress, one was from a famous arts foundation in Athens, the other was apparently a well-known hotelier. When she finally came near me, she whispered, “What are you up to? Spying again?”
I grabbed her arm. I had to warn her about what I’d overheard. “I need to talk to you.”
“I don’t have time for that right now,” she snarled. Greystone sidled up to her, sliding his arm around her waist and giving her a kiss on her cheek. She stiffened, and I had to once again resist the urge to beat the everlasting shit out of him.
“Your Greek must’ve improved if you’re cozying up to the locals.” He laughed and she elbowed him, stepping away, but not far enough for my taste.
“He speaks English, Gaz. This is Nikos Laskaris.” She crossed her arms as he took me in and then slapped a hand on my shoulder.
“The prankster himself. We all had a good laugh at the trick you pulled on Calista. Not her so much, but then she’s always taken herself so seriously.” He tried to pull her to him again.
“Bullshit,” she said.
“Well, I’m glad to see you’refriendsnow.” He winked. “The resort will be a good thing for this place, you know.”
“I doubt it,” I mumbled, but he was already turning away and so was Callie.
I clutched at her arm again. “I need to tell you something. About what I overheard . . .”
She shook me off. “You know what? I don’t care. I mean, obviously something’s up. I’m not blind. But I don’t need your help. I don’t trust you anymore.”
Her words cut through me like a knife. She was right. I didn’t deserve her trust. I dropped her arm and let her walk away.
Chapter 37
Angelos stared at Mia’s back as she darted away. Good, it was for the best. He had allowed himself to think he could be someone else this week, that there was some goodness in him. But it had been a lie. He was darkness, she was light. His bright star.
No, not his. After this week he would remain true to his promise. He would let her go and his shadow would never again darken her path.
- One Week with the Greek
CALLIE
Ishould have known Nikos would be up to his old tricks. Hadn’t he told me that he wouldn’t give up his fight until the last possible minute?
The concern in his eyes had been real though. Something was up, that much was obvious since Roman was here. But I couldn’t worry about that now. I just had to make damn sure that my food was perfect and my presentation was on point.
I’d found a private boat charter on Rhodes who had agreed to come to Lyra for the day to take us around. So, after coffee at my place, we cruised toward the future construction site. As we passed each rocky cove, I pointed out the main points of interest to my guests. But when we reached Orpheus’s Cove, my mindwent back to that night on the boat with Nikos when we’d made love under the stars. I couldn’t stand the idea of them looking at it. It was so personal now. Truthfully, I was beginning to think they didn’t deserve to discover any of the island’s secrets. They wouldn’t appreciate them.
“How’s the wine here, Calista?,” asked Seth as he squinted up at the vineyards.
“Wonderful. I have some for you to try tonight.” I tried to smile.
