Page 11 of A Grecian Getaway

“Thank you. I remember, when you were yelling at me, you said you are 22. Did you go to a university?” He flashed her an ornery smile.

“Yes. My friends and I just graduated. This trip was a graduation gift from our families. My older brother, Niko, even chipped in. I’m looking for a job and I’ve sent out resumes. I’m a graphic designer, but you probably already knew that since you’re so good at readingpeople.”

“Ha ha. You are hilarious. I am good at figuring out people’s personalities, not their jobs or how many siblings they have. I am not a psychic, but I am sure you will do well searching for a job. You say you have an older brother? I have an older sister. Is your brother as bossy as my sister?”

“Yes, very! He’s a lawyer. Actually, we get along pretty well, even though we’re eight years apart. Plus, my parents would have killed him if he hurt me.” Noelle pretended she was slicing her throat.

“I get along with Sophia as well, but she does like to boss me around. She lives on one of the other nearby islands with her family. Now that she has her own children to boss around, she doesn’t bother me as much.”

“I will admit Niko and my parents spoiled me, so even though he is bossy, he protected me. Being the youngest by so many years and a girl, it happened. I won’t deny it. Niko would never let me deny it. Did your parents spoil you?”

“Our parents died in a car accident when I was young, so I don’t really remember. Sophia always felt like she had to take care of me since she was older, so I got a little spoiled by her.”

“I’m so sorry to hear about your parents. I am sure that was very hard.” Noelle reached out and caressed his arm.

“Thank you.” He placed his hand on top of hers and she shivered. It felt like a hundred million degrees outside, but this man’s touch made her feel... all the things.

“It was a very long time ago.” Demetri looked away and Noelle got the feeling he didn’t want to talk about his parents.

Demetri was polite and so sweet when he spoke to her. His grumpy demeanor the night they met wasn’t the only part of his personality after all. “Right now, I’m living back home with my parents in a small town called Lakeside. It’s in Illinois. My brother lives in another town, but it isn’t too far from us. Of course, I don’t know where I’ll end up finding a job. I’ve sent resumes all over but mostly to warmer climates. I really hate winter! The weather here is amazing!” Noelle glanced around the beach and flinched when she saw a naked man.

“Are you uncomfortable seeing naked people?”

“Oh, well, I mean, where we live, we don’t have nude beaches. So it’s new to me,” she replied, flustered.

“The body is a very beautiful and natural thing. Don’t you agree?” There was his ornery grin again.

“Yes, it is.”I bet yours especially!“Umm, do you ever go nude at the beach?” Noelle clapped her hands over her mouth. The words had flowed out like lava before she’d thought to stop herself.Good grief.Why? Why do I open my mouth?

“Do you wish I was naked now?” he asked. He was looking directly into her eyes, and she couldn’t look away.

“What? Oh, no! That’s not why I asked. I mean… I was just curious if it was common for everyone in Greece.” Her eyes went wide, yet she couldn’t break eye contact. There was some sort of magnetic pull between them.

“It is very common. But not everyone does it. If you decide you want to try it, it would be quite normal.”

“Hahaha, nope. No. Noooo.” She let out a nervous laugh and shook her head.

“I rarely go nude at the public beaches. On my houseboat, in my hot tub, yes.”He placed his hand on the small of Noelle’s back.“Come, I will walk you back to your friends. I must be going soon.”

The light touch of his fingers made her legs wobble as if they were made of jelly.Walking in the sand is hard enough, but this just might be impossible. How would I react if he held my hand or even kissed me? Oh my gosh, that would be so nice.She pushed the dreamy thought out of her mind. “Thank you for the lovely walk.” She smiled as they made their way towards the girls. “It’s nice to have gotten to know you better.” Noelle really didn’t want their time together to end.

“Would you like to have dinner with me this evening? There is a very nice restaurant down the street and around the corner from your hotel. I can meet you there.”

“Yes, I would like that very much.” She grinned ear to ear and on the inside, she did a little happy dance.I’m going to have dinner with the Greek god! For the love of all that’s holy, do NOT jump up and down in frontof this man!

After they finalized their plans, she flounced off happily towards her friends, trying hard to keep her cool. As she walked up to Claire and Caroline, their mouths hung open.

“Who the hell was that fine specimen?” Caroline sat up and crossed her arms. Thankfully, she’d put her top back on.

“Please tell me that was Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome because surely there can’t be another one,” Claire said as she stood.

“Is he far away?” Noelle waited for their nods. “OMG! Yes, that was Demetri. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome,” answered Noelle.

“Well done,” Caroline nodded as she gave two thumbs up.

“Please also tell us you’re going to see him again. The way he looked at you,” Claire fanned herself and let out a sigh.

“Yes, that’s the best part! Tonight we are going to dinner!” Noelle clasped her hands together and silently screamed “ahhhh.” Her nerves were tingling and she couldn’t help the smile that stretched across her face.I can’t wait!

---