Page 22 of A Grecian Getaway

Caroline patted Noelle’s arm. “Bahahaha! Oh, Noelle, I love you so much.”

“Caroline, don’t tease her,” Claire swatted at Caroline.

Caroline hugged Noelle. “Have fun tonight, Noelle! Let us know if you need a chaperone,” she winked. “We’re just a text away.”

“Noelle, if you need us, call us, okay,” Claire offered.

“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.” Noelle stepped off the boat and they made their way over to Demetri.Am I really fine? My stomach is in knots. What does he want to discuss? Does he want to see me, date me? Or is he here to let me down easily? Again. But why would he want to meet me? He already let me down. What else could he have to say? I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

Chapter 17

HOT AND COLD ~Demetri~

Meeting with Noelle will be good. One last time, I can lay everything out clearly to let her decide what she wants to do. If she walks away, I will be fine, but I am letting her make the choice for herself.If he was being truthful with himself, he couldn’t let her go on his own. Leaving the decision to her was the easy way.

He stepped away from his convertible and walked towards the girls. Noelle looked lovely in a thinly strapped black sundress that flowed from her hips to just above her knee.So beautiful.“Yassas, kouklas,” Demetri said when he met them. He pressed a kiss on either side of Noelle’s cheeks before raking his hand through his hair. She always smelled so good.

Demetri kissed Claire and Caroline’s cheeks as well. “Did you have an enjoyable time on the cruise?”

All three girls answered “yes” at the same time and then laughed.

“It was really nice. We’re sorry it ended.” Caroline gave Demetri a stern look.

“Well, very good. I hope you both have a lovely evening.” He pulled on his shirt collar.Did it get a little hotter out here?

“Thanks.We’re meeting some friends we met one night when we went dancing. Should be a nice get together. You have a nice night as well,” Claire replied.

“Yes. Noelle, if you decide to meet us, just text us.” Caroline waved her phone as they walked towards a taxi.

Demetri cleared his throat. “Your friends… they did not seem pleased I was here…”

“Well, yeah, I suppose they’re a little protective. You have been a tad hot and cold.” Noelle crossed her arms and shrugged her shoulders.

I cannot blame them for not being pleased. They are probably right. I should not be here… but…Demetri motioned to his car. “Um, hot and cold?”I do not feel cold. I am hot. It is very hot. What is she talking about?

“Never mind. It isn’t important.” She followed him.

When they reached the car, he opened the door for Noelle. She slipped into the car and he leaned over and pulled the seat belt around her waist. When his hand swept across her body, her breath hitched. He still affected her as much as she affected him.Good to know.Demetri sighed and smiled at Noelle. “I like your hair… you look very beautiful.”

A sigh escaped from Noelle. “Thank you. You look handsome, too.”

He liked her hair pinned up off of her neck. Demetri could see the sensual curves of her shoulders even more. He leaned in closer and whispered, “Thank you,” as he basked in her peachy scent.

“Um, where are we headed?” she asked.

He smiled and put the car into drive. “One of my favorite restaurants,” he replied and sped off down the road. The sounds of the city filled the air. Demetri organized his thoughts as Noelle looked out the windows. It was hard to concentrate when he was near her. He was thankful he’d worked out what he was going to say before they met. His thoughts had kept him up the previous night.

They drove along the coast and ended up at a little restaurant tucked away on a hill. The view was spectacular and bathed in moonlight.

“I think you will enjoy this place. The chef is a friend. He is very talented. We can order whatever you want.” They walked up to the greeter, and after Demetri spoke to him, the man seated them at a table for two in the patio area overlooking the water. A waiter came by shortly after they were seated and poured them each a glass of wine. Demetri began without hesitation.

“I am sure you are wondering why I asked you to meet me. Noelle, you are innocent, and I am not. I have made it no secret that I do not fall in love. I do not want to hurt you.” Then he hesitated. “Yet I am drawn to you in a way I cannot explain. I would like to continue to see you while you are here in Greece, but you have to understand who I am before we proceed. If we were to keep seeing each other romantically, I want to make sure you know what it means.”

Noelle didn’t reply right away. Demetri placed his hand on hers. “Noelle, I am sure this is a lot to take in. I just want to make sure you know how I feel from the beginning. I do not want to confuse you.”

“Well, let’s just be friends. We can hang out and have fun without the worry of anything getting out of hand. I’d still like to see you before we leave Greece. I think it shouldn’t be a problem if you think you can control yourself around me.” She drew a sip of wine with her luscious lips.

“Little lamb, that is just it. I am not sure I can control myself around you.” He took a sip of his own wine and then said, “Are you sure you will be able to? I see the way you look at me. You cannot hide behind those long lashes. Your eyes give you away.”

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