Page 104 of One Night Together

CHAPTER 42

LEO

Cassandra peered out the window, her eyes wide with excitement. “We’re almost there.” She pointed to a worn, wooden sign withMeraki painted on it.

“It’s pretty bleak around here,” Melina said, her tone heavy with skepticism. It was no understatement; it was hilly, rocky, and without a soul in sight.

“Just wait a little longer. It’s incredible.” Cassandra tapped the driver on the shoulder. “There’s the road. Take a sharp left here and keep going. You can’t miss it.”

“What does Meraki mean?” Leo asked.

“It’s a modern Greek word,” Melina answered. “It means working with creativity and passion. I’ve heard it used with artists, but not history professors.”

“It’s the perfect word for Beatrice to use,” Cassandra said. “She had a true passion for her work.”

As Cassandra and Melina discussed the nuances of translation, he kept an eye on Nikos, who stared out the window with rapt attention. What could he possibly be interested in here? The terrain was rough and would be challenging to excavate.

As the car continued to climb, he could see over the rise of the hill, and he caught his breath. The view shifted as the ground leveled and the tires crunched over a gravel road. The single-story stone farmhouse was now visible up ahead. It was a modest home built for someone who valued privacy over luxury.Compared to the blue sea spread out below and the surrounding hills, the house dwarfed in size.How had this property stayed under the radar? The professor must have owned it for decades and refused any offer to sell it.

The car parked close to the house, and Cassandra was the first one out. “C’mon,” she urged. He followed her as she dashed to the house and used an old key to open the door. Nikos took photos while Melina stayed close by his side.

It was breezy up here as Leo gazed out toward the sea. This was an ancient island, filled with myths and legends. No wonder Cassandra was so captivated by it. There was nothing here to remind someone of the modern world. A small village in the distance would probably be the closest source for food and supplies.

“Leo,” Cassandra called, holding the door open.

He took another look around and walked to her.

“What do you think so far?”

“It’s amazing.”

She took his hand. “Come inside. I want to show you something.”

He followed her into the living room, noting the large fireplace and oversized leather chairs and couch, and through to the rustic kitchen. Boxes were stacked here and there against the bare walls.

“The caretakers, Aris and Irini, have been packing some of Beatrice’s things for her family.” She stopped to look around. “It’s strange not to see her prints and paintings on the walls anymore,” she said, her voice laced with sadness.

Cassandra opened a pair of French doors that led onto a spacious flagstone patio covered by a pergola threaded with vine leaves. “Beatrice considered planning a garden, but lost interest when her health declined. It’s too bad; it would’ve been beautiful.”

The view here was even more spectacular. It was as if an artist used this patio and the vine-covered pergola to frame the seascape and the surrounding hills. It was perfect.

“Well?” Cassandra asked, holding onto his arm. “What do you think?”

He turned to her, taking in her wide eyes filled with trust and expectancy. This was a special moment for her, sharing her favorite place in the world with him. “I’ve never been anywhere like this. You’re radiant, Deusa.” He kissed her cheek. “Thank you for inviting me here.”

She said in a hushed voice, “As soon as my parents leave, we’re going to bed.”

He grinned. “I don’t think we’ll make it as far as the bed.”

Her cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink. “Let me show you the rest of the house.”

He turned to follow and noticed a weathered table and chairs occupied the center space on the patio. He recalled something Cassandra had told him the night they had dinner at the Trident Hotel. He pointed to the table. “This is where you had your most memorable dinner, isn’t it?”

“It is. Wait until you see it at sunset. It’s even more beautiful.”

The farmhouse had three bedrooms. The professor had made a few improvements, such as a generous-sized office and an updated bathroom. During the tour, he did a quick check of the plumbing and electrical; there were no issues. It was a well-built home.

“How old is the house?” he asked while checking out the windows.

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