Page 30 of A Grecian Getaway

“Thank you. You’re always prepared.” Noelle took the Band-Aids.

“I’ve known you long enough to know to bring first aid gear when out and about,” Claire giggled.

“Gee, thanks.” Noelle smiled at her friend.

“Go on ahead without us. We will catch up with you once we get Noelle cleaned up,” Demetri said, waving the others on.

“Okay, if you’re sure. We’ll go on and get some pictures and meet up with you soon.” Claire grabbed her phone and snapped a picture of Noelle.

“Hey, what was that for?” Noelle asked Claire.

“Memories!” Claire replied as they walked away with Yannis.

Demetri reached into his backpack and pulled out a water bottle. “Here, let me.” He placed his hand on her upper leg to steady it and used the other hand to pour water over her knee where she was bleeding.

She giggled. “Sorry, I’m very ticklish on my legs.”

He smiled and gave her thigh a squeeze as he filed away the little piece of information. When he finished with her knee, he grasped one of her wrists, rubbing his thumb along her skin, and poured water into her palms. “You are not ticklish on your wrists then?” he asked, grinning.

“No,” she shook her head.

“So where else are you ticklish? I am very curious now.”

“Who in their right mind tells someone else where they are ticklish?”

He leaned in close to her lips and looked directly into her eyes. “Do you prefer I test everywhere on your body to see what makes you laugh?”

Remaining close, with their lips almost touching, she whispered breathlessly. “If you do, then… I get to do the same to you. It’s only fair.”

Demetri reached over his head and pulled his shirt off over his body. He gently dabbed her skin dry and then secured the Band-Aids across her scrapes.

Her wide-eyed gaze roamed over his chest and arms. She swallowed hard and then stood up and started walking away in a hurry. “We, um, better get moving. They’ll think I’m really hurt.”

Pulling his shirt back on, he jogged up to Noelle and asked, “Did you enjoy the party last night?”

“I had a lovely time. I especially enjoyed the hot tub.”

He grinned, “I thought it would be satisfying to you. I am very good at satisfying people.”

Noelle stopped walking. “I... I’m sure you are. Do you like to satisfy many people?” she crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.

Demetri leaned in close to her. “Not a lot of people, Noelle. I only offer my assistance to very... special... friends.”

“Oh, I see. Okay, that’s good.” Noelle started walking again, and Demetri followed.

“Hey guys, glad you could join us,” Caroline said when they caught up with them. “This has been… really great, but I’m starving. Can we grab some lunch?”

“Yes, there is a nice restaurant close to here. We will take you to eat. I wouldn’t want you falling down from hunger,” Yannis joked.

When they reached the restaurant, the waiter showed them their fish selection before they were seated. The men looked through the fresh fish and chose what they wanted prepared. The group visited and enjoyed a delicious, freshly cooked meal by the sea.

Yannis leaned over and grabbed a piece of bread from the basket. “So, kouklas, what have you enjoyed most in Greece so far?”

Claire held her wine glass. “I loved seeing the Parthenon in Athens. It was unbelievable, really. The architecture and ruins are so amazing.”

“It is hard for me to pick a favorite thing. I loved seeing my family, of course. And the sights and the culture are wonderful. I really just love everything about Greece so much.” Demetri couldn’t help but notice how Noelle’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. He found her irresistibly adorable.

“How about you, Caroline?” Yannis tilted his head to her.

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