Page 23 of A Grecian Getaway

“As do yours,” she answered back.

“Then we have a problem. I guess it would be best to separate after this evening. We have different wants and needs.”

Demetri tensed when she bit her lip. She sat up taller and looked him square in the eyes. “I’ll be just fine. Don’t worry about me. If things change, I know how you feel. I can handle you.”

He liked the strong side of Noelle too much. “You sound very sure of yourself. I like that.” He tipped his wineglass to her.This is a bad idea, but one I am not willing to let go of just yet.

The waiter interrupted their discussion and took their orders. When he stepped away, Noelle said, “Well, that’s settled. Let’s talk about something else. Tell me more about your family. I love hearing the funny stories about your niece and nephew.”

Not long after they placed their orders and were getting to know one another, their meals were served. The chef stopped by their table once they started eating.

“Noelle, this is Alekos. He asked if you liked your meal?” Demetri motioned to the beautiful plate of food in front of Noelle.

“Everything is so delicious. This fish… it’s mouthwatering! Thank you very much!” she said as she laid her fork onto her plate.

The man spoke English to Noelle and nodded and smiled at her. “Very good.”

Demetri and the gentleman spoke in Greek for another minute and then the chef said goodbye and went back to the kitchen.

Demetri shared a couple of stories about his adventures at sea and more funny stories about his niece and nephew. Noelle talked a little about her childhood and all the fun she had with Caroline and Claire growing up together. They talked over dinner and dessert and another glass of wine, but nothing more was mentioned about the course of their relationship.

The drive home was relaxing. When he pulled up to the hotel, Demetri sighed, attempting to hide his disappointment that the night was ending. He leaned in to kiss her cheeks.

Pulling away before he could kiss her, Noelle held up her hand, motioning for a high five. “Thank you for a lovely evening, friend. I’m sure we’ll see each other soon!”

A grin crept across his face, and then she turned and left. His eyes followed her as she made her way to her room.Friends. This is going to be a lot harder than she thinks. Will it be enough for me? I already know the answer. The question is, will it be enough for her?

Chapter 18

PILLOW TALK ~Noelle~

“You’re back!” squealed Claire when Noelle opened the door. She ran up to her, “Are you okay? How did it go?”

“Claire! Let the woman get in the door before you bombard her with questions.” Caroline rolled over on the bed and set her phone on the side table. “I assume, since you didn’t text us, he behaved himself. Or do I need to go whoop his ass?”

“I’m fine. No butt whooping necessary. He was a complete gentleman. In fact, we agreed to be friends and hang out. No romance. No big deal.”

“Are you okay with that? I mean, you really like him. I don’t understand. Why no romance?” Claire asked.

“Yes… I’m fine with it, I think. He isn’t up for anything serious, and I am only here for a short time, so why go there? Right?” Noelle sat down on the bed and took off her shoes.

“Probably a good choice then. You don’t want to get in too deep if you know it won’t go anywhere.” Claire patted her shoulder.

“Yeah. Exactly.”Because when I have sex, it has to be for love. Right?“Caroline, why are you soquiet?”

Caroline sat up in bed. “Noelle, do you think you can hang out with him and not develop stronger feelings for him? And not do something you’ll regret? Because I have never seen you react like this about a man before.”

“Honestly, no. I’m not sure. But I would rather have a friendship with him than have nothing at all. I don’t know what else to say. I have never felt this comfortable and happy with a man before. The fact that I also feel other sensations will just have to be ignored.” Noelle got up and walked to the bathroom to wash her face. She needed a break from the conversation.I finally meet a man I feel strongly for and am comfortable with, and nothing can come out of it.

***

The sunlight streamed into the quiet room, and Noelle stirred. Claire was sitting up in bed next to her, reading a romance novel. Noelle reached over and grabbed her phone and found a text from Demetri waiting.

Demetri: I would like to invite you and your friends to a party on my houseboat. I am inviting many of my friends and wanted to include you, my new American friend.

Noelle glanced over to the other bed where Caroline was sleeping. “Hey, sleepyhead. Are you awake?” Noelle threw a pillow at Caroline.

Caroline grabbed the pillow and covered her head. “Are you trying to get yourself murdered in Greece?”

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