Page 14 of A Grecian Getaway

“It’s no one. She can wait,” growled Demetri.

Sure it is. Probably one of many women looking for a booty call. Whatever.Noelle slouched in her chair. She wasn’t ready to have sex with him, but a part of her wondered if he could be someone special. All the feelings she was experiencing were new, and she was confused. But for him to tell her straight out it was over before it started… It was probably a good thing they lived in two different countries, and she was only here for a short time.In a matter of days, the man has made me question things I’ve never questioned and feel things I’venever felt. Lord knows what would happen if we had more time together. I don’t need to risk doing something I would most likely regret.

She reached for her water just as Demetri reached to fill her glass. Their hands touched, and she felt a jolt of electricity.But darn it, this man affects me. Doesn’t he feel it too? Am I completely imagining this attraction?

She wished so hard he would grab her and kiss her right there in that moment. Consequences be darned. Then again, this situation wouldn’t go where she wanted it to go, especially after he’d been so blunt about his lifestyle. She needed to go back to the hotel. She couldn’t lose her mind falling for someone like Demetri, especially so quickly.This is ridiculous. How can I feel so drawn to someone so quickly? He’s right. I’m naïve. That’s all this is. And probably lust too. So stupid. I need to get out of here before I lose my mind completely.

She always told herself she was saving herself for love, but the feelings she was experiencing were certainly messing with her. Maybe it wouldn't be that big of a deal? He was clearly okay with one-night stands; he just didn’t want a relationship. No. No. No. It’s time to go! Greece is clearly affecting my sanity. Or this man is! Either way, I need to go. This isn’t me.This back and forth is nuts.If someone read my mind right now, they’d think I was absolutely certifiable.To many people, having sex wasn’t a big deal. But for so long she had believed and wanted otherwise. Why did she doubt herself now, after all these years, and barely knowing this man?

Decision made, she stood up. “I should head back to the hotel or my friends are going to worry about me. You know, the whole Giannis situation.” She waved her hand in the air. “It’s quite possible Caroline is watching us from a distance, on alert and ready to pounce if you make a wrong move.” Noelle clawed at the air.Oh my gosh, I’m losing it.“Uh, thank you for dinner. It was nice getting to know you better.” Noelle saluted him. “So, I’m just going to head out.” She pointed to the door.Walk you weirdo. Just walk!

Chapter 11

IT’S RAINING MAN ~Demetri~

When Noelle stood up and announced she was ready to leave, Demetri’s body stiffened.I know it is for the best, but I am not ready to leave her.He found her refreshing and absolutely irresistible. When she saluted him, he held back a laugh and resisted the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss the discomfort right out of her. He didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable or unwanted. In fact, the opposite was true. He wanted her very much. If he kept this up, they might end up in bed, the attraction between the two of them too strong to deny. He didn’t want her to give up something that meant a lot to her when he couldn’t let it lead anywhere. I do not worry about any of these kinds of things when I am with other women. I do whatever they want, as long as they know how I am and what I am capable of. Yes, she is a grown woman and can make her own decisions, but she is young and naïve. I am not worried about falling in love with Noelle. I never fall in love. That has nothing to do with this.This is all for her own good.“I will walk you to your hotel since it is late.” It was already after two in the morning, and there was no way he would let her walk alone at this time of night, even if it was just a short distance.

Noelle nodded. “Thank you, but you don’t have to.”

“I insist. It is late. Let me pay the bill and we can go. You should let your friends know you are returning.” Demetri waved the waiter over to their table and paid the bill while Noelle sent a text. Then they walked, the silence surrounding them.

The evening had turned a little cooler since the sun went down, and a light rain fell from the night sky. Noelle shivered a little and Demetri placed his hand on her lower back, moving it in a gentle circling motion to keep her warm. As soon as their bodies touched, the connection was palpable.Touching you is not a good idea, and yet I cannot stop.He looked down at her as she walked beside him. The water kissed her body, highlighting her beautiful curves under the moonlight. Once again, Demetri was doing everything in his power to stop himself from taking her in his arms and consuming those luscious lips of hers. Had it been any other woman, he would have done that by now. He would have done a lot more by now. Every now and again, Noelle stole small glances at him. He saw the hunger in her eyes, and he hated he couldn’t act on their attraction.

They came up to her hotel, and she turned and thanked him for walking her back. Her breath hitched. Demetri's shirt clung to his body as she moved her hands up his strong arms. Standing on her tiptoes, Noelle pulled him down to her and placed a soft, chaste kiss on his mouth. “Thank you.”

Their connection was magnetic, the force more than he could handle. All control gone, Demetri reached his arms around her and pulled her close, their bodies flush against one another. He moved his lips up to hers, and she felt like velvet. She opened, welcoming his tongue into her wonderland. They tenderly explored one another as the outside world around them disappeared.

Demetri tilted her head back and deepened the kiss, their tongues colliding in a feverish need. He clung to her as if their separation might literally rob him of his last breath. Her breasts pressed up against his body, and he felt her beaded arousal against his chest. He longed to touch every part of her, explore every inch of Noelle right there in the middle of the street.

Noelle pulled away, and Demetri immediately felt a hollow ache. Faint laughter filled his ears. They broke apart and Claire and Caroline rounded the corner, giggling. The girls walked over to greet them.

“Back so soon?” Caroline winked at Noelle.

With gorgeous, swollen lips, Noelle introduced him to her friends. “Caroline, Claire, this is Demetri. Demetri, Claire and Caroline.”

“It is very nice to meet you both. I hope you are enjoying your time on the island.” Demetri nodded to the girls and kissed their cheeks with the traditional Greek greeting.

“Oh, we are! Thanks. It’s a beautiful place,” Claire replied.

“Yes, so many tall, dark, and beautiful views,” Caroline nudged Noelle.

“We were just walking back from our dinner.” Noelle motioned behind her.

“Ok, we’ll see you in the room. Nice to meet you, Demetri.” Claire grabbed Caroline’s arm and pulled her towards the hotel.

Caroline turned around and smiled as they walked. “Nice to meet you! Night!”

“Your friends are very nice,” Demetri said as the girls walked to their room.

“They’re the best,” Noelle smiled.

The interruption was exactly what Demetri needed. Though he longed to pick up from where they’d left off, he should have never kissed her.I want to do a hell of a lot more than just kiss her.He reached his hand towards her cheek to move a piece of hair that had fallen by her face. Little curls had formed around her face. Everything about her was adorable and sexy. She somehow pulled off both. But it was time to go. He’d let things go too far as it was.Nothing can happen between us. This was a mistake. Nothing has changed.

“Thank you for having dinner with me, Noelle. I am sure I will see you again around the island.” Demetri kissed each of her cheeks. “Kali nichta, koukla,” Demetri said and stepped back from her to create some needed space between them. The look of disappointment on her face echoed how he was feeling.But keeping my distance is for the best.

“Kali nichta,” she said goodnight in Greek and turned around, walking towards her room.

Once Noelle made it safely to her door, Demetri walked back to the restaurant for his car and then headed to his houseboat.I don’t know what came over me. I seem to lose all control with this woman.The more he thought abouteverything, the more determined he was to avoid her from that moment on. He had to walk away from her for both of their sakes. He knew that to be true. But could he?

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