Page 5 of A Grecian Getaway

“Honestly, I could stay right here all night and be just fine. I’ve met my significant other for the trip. Air conditioning and I are currently in a serious relationship. It was a whirlwind romance but worth it. You can’t deny love at first sight.”

“You’re a weirdo! And you’re coming with us.” Claire tossed a pillow towards Caroline.

“Actually, I’m excited to check out the nightlife on the island. If the rest of the Greek men here are as hot as Giannis, I’m going to be one happy girl.” Caroline sat up and unzipped her bags. “Let’s unpack and relax a bit, before we get you looking hot for your date tonight. Maybe one of us will get lucky.” Caroline stuck out her tongue at Noelle.

“It’s not a date! We’re all going out tonight together, and I have no intention of getting lucky.” She used air quotes when she said “lucky” and then ducked into the bathroom to unpack a few items.

Caroline called out to her, “I’m pretty sure he would have preferred to just ask you. Did you see the way he was looking at you? If his eyes could have undressed you, you would have been stark naked. But hey, we’ll hang with you guys a bit and then give you some space so you can have a little one-on-one time.” She clicked her mouth.

Noelle peeked out of the bathroom and rolled her eyes. “There will be no nakedness.”

“How about just a little nakedness? A little nakedness never hurt anyone!” Caroline teased. “You know I’m just teasing you. I don’t want you getting naked. But I want you to let loose and have some fun!”

Claire shook her head and laughed as she took off her shoes. “Noelle, one of these days you are going to meet a man, forget your insecurities and get swept off your feet. I just know it.”

“I hope you’re right. But in the meantime, let’s concentrate on keeping our clothes on.” Noelle threw a towel at Caroline and turned back into the bathroom.

“Where’s the fun in that?” Noelle heard Caroline call out to her.I wish I was more outgoing, like Caroline and Claire. They’re so comfortable in their ownskin. I’ll never be like Caroline, so beautiful and the life of the party. And Claire is so sweet and adorable. Neither of them struggles when talking to men. I guess I hope my mom and Claire are right about meeting a man. When I meet the right person, will it all be natural and fall into place? It happens in movies and books. It can happen in real life too, right?

***

When 10:00 pm rolled around, the girls were ready to go. Noelle wore another one of the pretty sundresses her great aunt bought for her in Athens. The outfit was a little more revealing than she was used to. “I don’t know about this dress.” She tugged at the material around the bodice as she looked in the mirror and cringed.

“Stop. You look beautiful!” Claire waved her off.

“You do, Noelle. You need to show off your gorgeous figure!” Caroline encouraged her. “You aren’t wearing anything too over the top. Trust me, girl, there will be way more revealing outfits than what you’re wearing.”

True. A lot of the women here wore sexy clothing like this dress, so hopefully it wouldn’t bring too much attention to herself. The white dress was snug around the bodice and low cut enough to show way more cleavage than she liked. The white material contrasted with her olive skin. Her aunts had bought her a handful of dresses and skirts, explaining they would be much more comfortable in the heat of Greece. Noelle had mostly brought shorts, t-shirts, and tanks, her usual attire. But most of the women she saw wore dresses.

“You both look amazing, too!” Noelle said to her friends. Caroline was tall and had these long, gorgeous legs. If only she had some of Caroline’s height. She and Claire were both very short. Caroline had chosen a short salmon colored dress that really showed off her legs, and her long blonde hair draped over her shoulders. Claire wore a sky-blue dress that made her blue eyes pop. Her silky-smooth auburn hair fell to her shoulders in pretty waves.

Noelle opened the door at Giannis’s knock. He looked Noelle up and down and had the same grin he’d had when they first met. Was that good or bad?

“Poli ormifo koritsis,” Giannis said.

I think he said beautiful girls.Noelle smiled and offered her best thank you in Greek. “Efharisto.”

“Ready to go?” Giannis smiled back, and he held out his arm, ushering her out the door.

Caroline and Claire followed them outside, and they all headed out on the town.

Chapter 4

DUELS IN THE DARK ~Noelle~

The night sky was dark, but plenty of lamps lit the streets as they got closer to the nightlife. They ended up at a local club. The place was crowded, and they struggled to hear each other over the music being played, but dancing was fun.

Claire pulled Noelle to the side and spoke into her ear. “He’s totally into you, Noelle.”

“Really?” Noelle asked, “you think?”

Claire nodded. “What do you think? Do you like him?”

Noelle blew out her lips. “I don’t even know him.”

“Anyone want a drink? I’m hot and thirsty.” Caroline pointed toward the bar.

“Sure, sounds good,” said Noelle.Anything to get away from this line of questioning. How could I like him? I just met him. Should I feel something? Because I don’t. Not a thing. He seems like a nice enough guy. I don’t know. Ugh.

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