Page 32 of Greek Island Fling to Forever

‘What about me? No one can accuse me of being partisan.’ Ben looked around, as if daring any of the taverna’s patrons to do anything of the kind. ‘I’d be happy to go along with you. I may not be able to practise, but as a doctor I do know what I’m seeing and I’m happy to tell anyone who asks.’

It would be the ideal solution. Although there was the small matter of last night... ‘You’re not exactly an impartial witness, though, are you?’

He heaved a sigh. ‘We’re friends, Arianna. We’ve spent time together, and that’s no one’s business but our own. I’m a doctor, and it’s perfectly reasonable that I should take an interest in your practice, and be willing to help out in an unofficial capacity if I can.’

It was. Arianna shifted in her seat, feeling a little guilty all the same. ‘I suppose... If you don’t mind.’

‘Of course not. I’ll ask Lizzie to keep an eye on Jonas...’

‘Dad...’ Jonas lost interest in the food on his plate suddenly, and looked up at his father. ‘Auntie Lizzie just wants to sit on the beach and read her book.’

‘You don’t like the beach?’

‘I like Arianna’s beach. And fishing...’ Jonas shot his father an imploring look, and Arianna saw the side of Ben’s jaw tighten. For a man as tender-hearted as he was, Jonas’s pleading looks had to be difficult to bear. Especially when he was being torn in two directions.

‘I’ve got a better idea.’ She nudged his elbow. ‘Are you happy for me to organise something with Andreas?’ Both Ben and Jonas had spent time out fishing with Andreas this afternoon, and Ben would have had the chance to get to know him and see how good he was with children.

‘Yes, of course.’ Ben didn’t hesitate.

Andreas and Eleni were sitting at a table in the far corner of the taverna, and when Arianna explained what was needed they agreed immediately. They hadn’t started eating yet, and they brought their drinks over to where Ben and Jonas were sitting. Ben fetched a chair for Eleni and Arianna shifted up a bit so that they could sit down.

‘Hey, Jonas.’ Andreas grinned at the boy and Jonas’s eyes lit up immediately when he saw his new friend.

‘Andreas has a few hours off work tomorrow. We thought we might go out fishing,’ Eleni added.

‘Can I come?’

Eleni smiled at Ben. ‘We’d like you to come, but you’ll have to ask your dad whether it’s all right.’

‘Dad, please...’

Arianna supposed that Ben might have pretended to think about it, but he was already trying not to laugh. ‘Of course you can go, Jonas. Thank you both.’

Andreas smirked. ‘Thank you for getting me out of going to the hotel tomorrow with Arianna. I’d far rather be fishing.’

The five of them ate together, and then Andreas and Eleni bade them goodnight, telling Jonas that he was to be ready at three for their fishing expedition. She strolled to her car with Ben, resisting the temptation to slip her hand into the crook of his arm. The time she had left to ask the question that had been nagging at her all evening was dwindling now.

She wanted the sense of security that only Ben could give her. She knew he wouldn’t say no if she asked, but somehow she couldn’t quite find the words. Jonas was dozing in the back of the car by the time they reached the hotel, and this was Arianna’s last chance. She got out of the driver’s seat, catching Ben’s gaze.

His eyes always took her breath away. Bright in the sunlight, and now the deepest shade of blue possible in the darkness. ‘Would you...um...?’

‘Yes. I would.’

‘You don’t know what I’m about to ask yet,’ Arianna reproved him.

‘Whatever it is, it’s a yes.’ His fingers found the side of her jaw, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

‘I could...wait for you. Until you’ve put Jonas to bed and he’s asleep.’ Arianna would wait in the car. Sitting in the suite with Lizzie and James seemed awkward, and she didn’t want to share what she had with Ben right now.

‘Go home. I’ll walk across.’

‘But...’

He leaned in, brushing a kiss against her cheek. ‘Go home. I’ll be there.’

* * *

Arianna had changed into a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt, and curled up on the wide settle on the ve

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