Page 13 of A Grecian Getaway

“Yes. Claire and Caroline, the girls I’m here in Greece with, are my best friends, more like sisters, really. They grew up on the same street as me, Willow Street. How about you?”

“Very nice. My closest friend is Yannis. He and I work together, but we have known each other since we were children. I am close with my sister Sophia and her family. I am glad they don’t live far.”

“If I end up moving, I think that will be the hardest part, leaving everyone. Claire and Caroline just moved into an apartment together in a town not too far from all of our parents. Caroline is going to start grad school and Claire is a teacher. We’ve been best friends since we were little, but we’re all very different. Caroline is crazy and wild. We never know what will come out of her mouth. And Claire is super sweet and a romantic at heart. They’re both awesome!”

Demetri just smiled and listened as she spoke about her friends. She was close to them and admired them both. The more he and Noelle talked, the more she relaxed, and her shy demeanor melted away.

“Sophia, my sister, is married to Stavros. They have two adorable children, Marios and Elena.” He took a drink of wine and hoped the subject of his parents didn’t come up again. He was happy to talk about his sister and her family, but talking about his loss was another story.

“I wonder who bosses who in your case. I have a hard time believing you get bossed around by anyone.” Noelle grinned and pointed to Demetri.

“I said she tries to boss me around. She is unsuccessful,” he winked.

They continued to talk, and the evening went on and on, filled with lots of laughter and conversation.

“Last week, when I was visiting them, Marios and Elena were playing with…oh… the dough.” He motioned his hands like he was making a ball in his hands. “You know, um, the dough that is soft and you make things.” He shook his head.

“Oh, play-doh?” Noelle asked.

“Yes, yes, I think that is what it was. Marios mixed all the colors and put it under my chair. He told his mother I made kaka on the floor, and then laughed and laughed. He thought he was so funny. You know kaka? Poop?”

Noelle giggled.

“I am sorry. I should not be talking about this at dinner.” Demetri motioned around the table.

“It’s fine! I have a brother and a Caroline. Like I said, I never know what crazy things she’s going to say. And yes, I know what kaka means. Marios sounds like a little stinker. Or maybe you are the stinker?” she teased.

Demetri shared more stories about his niece and nephew. They were fun kids, and he loved them, and he loved watching Noelle laugh.

Over dinner and wine, the short-lived uncomfortable silence from the start of dinner was nowhere to be found. Instead, laughter and lust loomed around them. There was no denying it. The sexual tension was strong. A light touch here. Lingering glances at each other’s lips more often as the minutes passed. It was as if a thick fog of longing surrounded them, suffocating their space. Her body language gave her away, just as his did for him. He saw the desire in her eyes. She may be inexperienced, but he sensed she felt what he felt.

“I am sorry your first experience with a man in Greece was so bad. Not all men here are like Giannis.”

“It isn’t your fault at all. There are jerks everywhere. I don’t think all men here are like him. I don’t think you’re like him.” She smiled.

“I do not take advantage of innocent women. In that way, we are not alike. But in other ways, we are similar.” He wouldn’t go into all of that now, but he wanted to know if he was right about his assumption. He was enjoying his time with her too much. The night needed to end before he went any farther. He needed clarity. “Are you a virgin, koukla?” He wanted to hear the answerfrom her beautiful lips so he could move on and forget her. If sheis as innocent, inexperienced, and naïve as I believe, I don’t want to be the one to ruin that for her. She will want more than I can offer. What am I thinking? I need to stay away from her no matter her answer; even though that is the last thing I want to do. Falling harder for her is a risk I’m not willing to take.

Chapter 10

VIRGIN CONVERSATION ~Noelle~

Noelle’s fork froze midair.He just asked me if I was a virgin. I heard that, right?Weird how Demetri had casually asked something of this nature, as if he was asking how many siblings she had or what her favorite food was.I’m not embarrassed because I’m a virgin. I’ve always thought I’d save myself for the person I’m going to marry. But to ask on a first date, out of nowhere? Why?

The subject normally made her uncomfortable. Generally speaking, it was too personal, and she was a shy person. With Demetri, however, the thought of talking to him about it didn’t bother her. She felt safe, though a little surprised. I just wish I knew his reasons for asking. I’ve never, ever felt this way with someone before. Sure, I’ve gone on dates with other men, but I’ve never had a comfort level with them like I do with Demetri.She’d never had the urges she was having either. Sure, she and her friends had talked about sex. Claire and Caroline both had experience and had shared some details with her, but Noelle didn’t have any of her own major experiences by choice.

“Yes, I’m a virgin. I haven’t really had a serious relationship. I’ve always felt, for me, sex was very special.” She looked down at her lap for a moment but met his eyes again. “It probably sounds silly to you, but I’ve wanted to wait for love. Why do you ask?”

“I am not afraidto ask the questions I want answers to. It tells me more about you and what you want. I’m sure you will find the right person. But, I don’t have serious relationships. And that is how Giannis and I are alike. The only way.” Demetri looked away from her.

Noelle’s heart stopped for a second.Did he just say he wants nothing to do with me because I’m looking for love and he isn’t?Her stomach twisted, and she tried her best to keep a straight face and say something, but she was at a loss.I don’t know how to react. Everything was going so well until he found out I still have my vCard and hope to fall in love someday. I mean, I didn’t tell him I wanted to marry him. Sheesh!“I didn’t say you were the right person,” she said, breaking the silence.

“Yes, of course. I... just didn’t want you to get the wrong idea about me.”

“Well, no worries. You’ve certainly made yourself crystal clear, although I think you might have been getting ahead of yourself.” The disdain in her voice was probably evident, but she didn’t care.How dare he assume I’m hunting for a husband on a first date?I’m on vacation in Greece and we just met, for crying out loud. Sure, I feel a connection with him. Sure, I feel different with him than anyone I’ve ever met. But he doesn’t know that! Am I that obvious?

When his cell phone lit up, Noelle glanced at his screen and saw the name Athena. Demetri ignored the text. Then another one popped up from the same name, followed by a phone call Demetri sent straight to voicemail. Whoever this Athena was, she was persistent.

“Someone sure wants to reach you. It’s okay if you need to take the call. It could be important.” Noelle nodded to his phone.

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