Page 46 of A Grecian Getaway

“You’re leaving?” Her eyes sparkled with tears.

Demetri was quiet at first. The pain in her eyes broke his heart. The thought of not seeing her anymore pained him, but he was already hurting her and he didn’t know how to handle it. Only in his dreams could they have the happily ever after that she talked about in her books and movies. No need to prolong the inevitable and cause her more pain when he could not be who she deserved.

“Noelle, I know this is sudden. I am sorry. I wish we could have more time together. But this way you can enjoy the rest of your vacation with Caroline and Claire before you leave Greece. Thank you for letting me be your firsts. You are an amazing woman, and I know you will find a man who deserves your love.”

“I... I don’t understand.” She shook her head, blinking against the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.

“This is for the best.” He reached out and caressed her cheek.

“The best for who? You?” Noelle bit out.

“I cannot give you what you want.” He looked away from her. He couldn’t bear to see the anger and pain in her eyes.

“You can’t or you won’t?” She shook her head. “Never mind. Goodbye, Demetri.” Those were the last words he heard her say. She turned and walked away, no doubt to find her friends.

Demetri drove away from the club with pain in his chest. He knew what was the cause, but he couldn’t have what he desperately wanted. Demetri wanted to stay and hold her. He wanted to be with her. I can’t think clearly around Noelle.When I get some distance away from her, I will forget and move on to the next woman.That was all he needed to do. He sped off towards his boat. I feel terrible for lying to her about going out of town for work, but it is for the best. I have already been so selfish.

When he reached his houseboat, everything inside reminded him of Noelle. They hadn’t been together long, but she’d left her mark in his home, in his head, and in his heart. The sweet scent of Noelle lingered on his sheets.I will sleep on the couch tonight.Her lipstick stained coffee cup sat on the counter of the island where they’d shared breakfast together.I should wash that right away. Or possibly tomorrow.Maybe I will get rid of the hot tub. I rarely use it anymore. Why keep it? It’s a waste of space.The bathroom was clean, but he could still remember holding her hair the first night she spent at his home… the night that led to them being together intimately.

I should just sell the whole fucking boat.He poured himself some ouzo and rested his head on the back of the couch as he drowned himself in his sorrows.I will be fine tomorrow. Today, I will sulk like a heartbroken teenager.As the clear liquid soaked into his body, Demetri fell asleep on the couch dreaming of his little lamb.

Chapter 31

SAD AND SASSY ~Noelle~

Noelle walked away from Demetri, not focused on where she headed.I wanted to tell him how much it meant to me that my firsts were with him, that I wouldn’t change a thing. But, I couldn’t get the words to come out. How did I let myself fall in love with someone so quickly? Is what I’m feeling even love? This was my first real relationship, for crying out loud! If you could even call it that. He was very clear about his feelings.Her heart hurt.

He told me from the start that whatever we did wouldn’t lead anywhere. It was just physical. Because he didn’t have serious relationships. Why? Why didn’t he? He seemed to want more. He seemed to want me. But what do I know? How could I be so stupid and read into his actions? How could I think I would be enough to change his mind? Why would I think sex with me would mean anything more to him than just sex? I’m so naïve. I should’ve known.She was madder at herself than at him.He’d told me. Claire and Caroline had warned me. But I didn’t listen. Instead, I’d followed my stupid, inexperienced heart.

Claire and Caroline were waiting near the entrance to the club. They walked up and met her. They hugged her hard. Tears slowly slid down Noelle’s cheeks as the three of them started for the hotel.

“We’re so sorry,” Claire began.

“Yeah, Noelle,we didn’t mean to,” Caroline interrupted.

Noelle held up her hand. “No. It’s my fault. You tried to tell me.”

Caroline and Claire apologized again, but she interrupted them. “It isn’t your fault. You were trying to protect me. I knew his feelings about love, or lack thereof, but I couldn’t help myself. I’d hoped he’d change his mind. A part of me actually believed he changed his mind. Stupid, naïve, and innocent me. And look where it got me? The most amazing experiences of my life, and now…” She wrapped her arms around her stomach. It was in knots.It hurts like hell. Everything hurts.Noelle felt empty inside. She felt stupid.Love is supposed to be amazing. Why do I feel like I could vomit the entire contents of my body? Because it wasn’t love. It was naivete. And I’m the president of the club.

***

By their last night in Greece, Noelle was ready to go home, find a job, and try to forget Demetri. She had an interview set up for after she returned to the states, so she planned to concentrate on preparing for that when they got back. She wasn’t eating much and was having some headaches. Noelle hoped getting back to reality would set her straight. She’d had enough of the island and wanted to be as far away from there as possible. Noelle spent her evenings sitting on the balcony, staring into the night. She’d tried to map out her future, one that didn’t include Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome, while her friends went out to enjoy their last couple of nights in Greece. Claire and Caroline had tried to get her to join them, but she wasn’t feeling up to it and she refused to let them stay behind with her.

Noelle took a stroll along the beach one last time to look for more shells. It was a beautiful night, and they were leaving the next day. She strolled along the shore near her hotel and let the water tickle her feet as she walked in the sand. The moon was glowing, and the water felt good. She spotted a few couples in warm embraces. Tears welled in her eyes as sadness struck her.How I wish we were sharing these moments. I miss our talks, his laugh, his touch. I miss the way he doesn’t understand when we use slang terms and the way he rants in Greek when he’sfrustrated. The way he talked about his family and how much he loved them. I miss him and how he made me feel when we were together. I don’t think I will ever feel that comfortable with anyone else. How can everything feel so right and so natural and then be wrong? Am I that clueless?

She bent down and collected a few shells, and as she stood up, she swayed back and forth. Clutching her head, Noelle started back to the hotel to wait for the girls.I’m just tired. I probably stood up too quickly.

“Hello darling,” an unpleasant, familiar voice said. Noelle turned around and came face to face with Athena.

“Hello,” Noelle responded.

“Where is Demetri this evening, darling?” Noelle looked away. “Darling, did he leave you? Don’t be sad. That is Demetri. He doesn’t do love. He fucks and moves on. And if you are good enough… you get to continue to enjoy playtime with him. Don’t take it personally. There has only been one who has been a repeat in his life. And that is me. He always comes back to me. He’s probably at my place now, waiting to be properly fucked.”

Noelle’s eyes widened, and she felt sick to her stomach. She was about ready to speak when Claire and Caroline walked up to them.

Without missing a beat, Caroline spoke. “Listen, bitch.” But Noelle held up her hand and looked Athena directly in the eye.

“Daaaarling, if he has kicked you to the curb as many times as you have made it sound, and you keep going back to him, then you are a desperate and pathetic excuse for a human.” Noelle abruptly turned and walked away, with Caroline and Claire in tow.

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