Page 26 of A Grecian Getaway

“Well, I figured a party like this, near the sea, we may need suits. So, I packed them up for all of us. You know me. I like to be prepared for any situation.” She rummaged through the bag. “I also have towels, sunscreen, and aloe. Though now that I think about it, we probably didn’t need the last two things since it’s night.”

“Oh, Claire, I love you! You’re the best and most organized friend!” Noelle hugged Claire again.

“You look good. Come on, let’s go find Caroline and make sure she isn’t getting herself into any trouble.” Claire opened the door, and they headed back outside to the party.

Noelle and Claire made their way to Caroline and joined her on the dance floor. “Are your girls still on alert, or are they all secured and taken care of, Noelle?” Caroline pointed to Noelle’s breasts.

“Not another word. Not one single word.” Noelle swiped Caroline’s hand away.

Demetri appeared and said his proper hellos to the ladies, and gently pulled the strap of Noelle’s bikini top. “Did you want to swim, Noelle?” he grinned.

She looked at him incredulously. “Maybe. I was thinking a dip in the sea could be refreshing.” He was teasing her, but she wouldnot back down.

“Well then, why don’t we take a dip in the hot tub instead? Hot things can be quite refreshing as well.” Demetri turned to Caroline and Claire. “Did you lovely ladies remember to bring your suits? Of course, bathing suits are optional, but it looks like Noelle has come prepared.”

Noelle has come prepared.Noelle parroted Demetri in a snarky voice in her head. “Sounds like a wonderful idea. If you’ll excuse us, I’ll show them where to find your bathroom. Where is the hot tub?”

He pointed towards the rear of the boat. “It is on the upper deck. Just take those stairs.”

“See you there,” Noelle said as she and the girls excused themselves and headed to the restroom.

The stars were twinkling in the night sky as the girls made their way up to the hot tub. More guests had filtered out and Noelle counted only about 15 or so people left. The large hot tub had dimly lit lights along the perimeter. Demetri was already relaxing inside, along with two other people. The ladies walked over to them and stepped into the inviting water. Noelle took a spot to the right of Demetri, and Claire and Caroline sat next to her. Once Noelle was under the water, she removed her bikini top and lay it on the floor next to the tub. It was a bold move... Caroline gave her a look of shock, and then winked at her, which she ignored. The bubbles hid her body, so no one could really see anything in this lighting. I’ll show him I’m no pushover and not necessarily as innocent as he thinks.Nor was she going to let him win their standoff.I’m Greek and Lebanese after all. The stubbornness runs strong through my veins.

Everyone introduced themselves and chatted a bit. A waiter came and brought glasses of wine.

“Your boat is very nice, Demetri,” Claire said and then took a sip of wine.

“Thank you very much. Noelle, is the hot tub to your liking? It isn’t the sea, but a little more intimate, yes?” Demetri grinned.

“Yes, thank you. I feel very comfortable. The water feels wonderfully warm on my body.” She held eye contact with Demetri, who smiled back at her.

“So, Demetri, Noelle tells us you’re a sea captain. You were one captain on the boat that brought us to the island? You must be very good with your handsto handle such a large vessel. Wouldn’t you think the same, Noelle?” Caroline smiled as she grabbed her glass of wine.

Noelle nodded.

Demetri leaned back and placed his arm on the edge of the hot tub behind Noelle. “Yes, my hands are very talented, as are many other things about me. I can handle most anything with delicacy, precision, and force.”

Noelle’s mouth parted. Caroline smiled and then nudged her and said, “Close your mouth, Noelle.”

“I’m going to hurt you,” Noelle whispered back to Caroline.

Time passed, and they enjoyed their drinks and the conversation. Slowly, the other guests left the tub and Claire and Caroline decided it was their turn to step out as well. Noelle reached over to grab her top so she could put it back on and leave, but Demetri clasped her hand just as she reached for it.

“Will you sit and talk with me a little while longer?” he asked Noelle as he held her hand.

She nodded. “I’ll catch up with you two in a few minutes.” She pointed to Demetri. “I’m just going to chat with him for a little while. I won’t be long.”

“Of course. Chat. Chat… all you want. We won’t be far.” Caroline grabbed her glass of wine and the girls turned and walked away.

Demetri released her hand. “What do you think of my home?”

Noelle looked around the area. “From what I’ve seen, it’s really fantastic.”

“Is that your way of getting me to show you more of it?” he teased.

“No, I haven’t seen all of it, so I can’t comment on the whole boat. That’s all. I promise you, I am not trying to get into your bedroom.” She rolled her eyes and then looked away. The steam from the water billowed around them as she fanned herself. “Whew, so steamy out here.”

Demetri leaned in close to Noelle. “Lots of women have tried to get into my bed, Noelle. But I only allow... special friends.” He caressed her cheek and drew his finger across her lips.

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