Page 59 of A Grecian Getaway

“If that is what you want, I will leave for a little while.” Demetri kissed her head and left to get some coffee.

Not long after, Eli stepped into her room carrying a pretty bouquet and smiled. “You look good, Noelle.”

Noelle wrung her hands. She adored Eli and didn’t know how to explain everything without hurting him. “Thank you. I feel pretty good. Much better today.”

“I wanted to tell you how sorry I am that I kissed you—”

“Eli, you have nothing to be sorry about! I’m the one who should be sorry. I really didn’t mean to lead you on. I was so confused and you are such an awesome guy!”

“You didn’t lead me on. You told me from the beginning how you felt. Honestly, I felt like we were just friends, too. But I thought I would try one last kiss to see if there was a spark. You know what I mean? After I kissed you, I realized we were just friends. And then you fainted… so yeah.” Eli laughed.

Noelle covered her mouth. “Oh, Eli, I hope you know I didn’t faint because of the kiss!”

“Yeah, I know. But you have to admit, it’s kind of a funny coincidence. It will be a good story. I kissed a girl, and it was so lame, she passed out from boredom.” Eli chuckled and handed Noelle some flowers. “Here.”

Noelle’s shoulders relaxed, and she chuckled. Eli’s humorous response meant he was fine with everything. “Eli, you’re the sweetest. Thank you! And if you tell that story, please don’t tell them it was me!”

They visited a little longer, and eventually everyone ventured in and out of Noelle’s room to check on her. The talk with Eli went well, and she was very thankful. Noelle, exhausted from her anemia and all that had happened the last week, yawned. She was definitely feeling a lot better. She could tell Demetri was worn out from his travels and the lack of sleep in the hospital waiting room. He dozed off in a chair several times. She enjoyed watching him sleep and did so until she drifted off herself.

Chapter 41

HOME SWEET HOME ~Demetri~

Early the next morning, Demetri awoke to the sound of a knock on the door. A nurse came in to let Noelle know she was being discharged from the hospital later that day. Demetri let out an enormous sigh of relief.She is going to be fine. I will make sure of it.The nurse went over the discharge orders with Noelle and Demetri so they would know how to take care of her when she got home. Noelle’s parents, Niko, Claire, and Caroline came up to the hospital shortly after the nurse told them the good news. Despite everything that had happened, Demetri was comfortable with Noelle’s family and friends. They all visited throughout the day and made him feel welcome, for the most part. He was a little wary of Noelle’s brother and Caroline, but so far, they seemed to accept his presence. The doctor had sent in the paperwork a little while ago, so they were just waiting for transport.

“She will be in good hands,” Demetri assured her parents. “I promise to take excellent care of my little lamb.”

“Of course. We appreciate your kindness.” Noelle’s father hugged her.

“We just want you to be happy and safe. We can stay as long as you want,” her mother added.

“Now that we know what is wrong, and know what to do, I’ll be fine. You guys can fly home and try not to worry,” said Noelle.

“If you are sure. Maria, why don’t we fly home tomorrow? I have a meeting at church the following day that I would like to go to if we aren’t needed here.”

“If Noelle is sure she’s okay. Let’s see how she feels today before we book the flight,” Noelle’s mother replied.

“Mom, really, I’m fine!” Noelle pleaded. “Go home and let dad go to his meeting. I’m sure the board will fall apart if dad isn’t there.”

“They might.” Noelle’s dad chuckled.

Her parents left to pack up their things at the hotel and told them they would pick up some dinner for them to all eat together that night. Claire, Niko, and Caroline headed out to grab a few groceries for Noelle for the week.

Transport arrived to wheel Noelle to the car. When she got out of bed, Demetri noticed her ankle. Wrapped around it was the sand dollar anklet he had given her. He smiled and helped her into the wheelchair. They walked to the elevators and made their way down to the parking garage.

Demetri reached down and grasped the chain. “You are wearing the jewelry I gave you.”

Noelle smiled. “I haven’t taken it off since you gave it to me. I couldn’t bring myself to remove it. It means so much to me.”

Demetri’s heart raced. He didn’t deserve the woman next to him. She was filled with so much love.Even after I broke your heart, you still kept the gift I gave you. I want to love you, Noelle, love you like you deserve. But I also want to protect you and myself from the heartache that is bound to come with love. We will be safer if we keep the relationship simple, nothing too serious. It’s the only way.He had a car rental and left to get it while Noelle and the transport person waited.I am going to have to make sure she understands what I can and cannot be for her.

When Demetri pulled up for Noelle, he walked over and tried to pick her up and carry her to the car.

“What are you doing? I’m fine, really. I can walk myself, silly.”

“It is true. There is no dock for you to launch yourself into the sea here.” He chuckled. “You are a stubborn one. But will you let me take extra good care ofyou while you heal? I want nothing happening to you.” He supported her as she walked and sat in the seat. Demetri reached over to click on her seatbelt. He breathed her in and smiled at her.Peaches. I have missed this woman so much.

“I am sorry it took me so long to come to you,” Demetri whispered to her.You deserve more.

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