“Do you remember why I call you little lamb?” he asked. “It is not meant to upset you. It is because when I look at you, I see someone sweet and innocent.”
She cocked her head and looked away from him. “I know. But I am not sure what to think of it. I’m not a child.”
Demetri pulled back, placed his finger under her chin, and tilted it up towards him so their eyes could meet. “No, you are definitely not a child.” His eyes wandered the length of her body. “I meant it as a compliment. I find you very hard to resist.”
“Then don’t,” she murmured.
If only it were that simple.He released her chin and pulled her close. She laid her head back down on his chest. Her eyes closed and they swayed to the music. He pulled her in tighter and caressed her back. Noelle’s dress was backless and Demetri liked it very much. Her skin felt like silk beneath his fingertips.
The music changed and Caroline and Claire joined them on the dance floor. After a short time, Yannis made his way over to the group. Demetri introduced the girls to Yannis. “Ti kanis Koretsis,” Yannis began.
“He asked how you are doing,” Noelle explainedto the girls.
“Better now.” Caroline leaned in to Noelle and whispered. “Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome 2.0 is just as gorgeous. Almost as cute as your brother. Almost, but not quite.”
“So, kouklas, are you enjoying Greece and everything it offers?” asked Yannis in English this time.
“Yes. It’s amazing.” Claire smiled.
Caroline nodded in agreement. “Absolutely.”
Yannis looked at Caroline. “Our country is poli oraia, very beautiful, and there are so many ancient ruins and pieces of history to see.”
“We are trying to see... and experience as much as we can while we are here,” Caroline grinned.
They exchanged some more pleasantries and before long, they were all dancing together. Not long after Yannis joined the group, Athena walked over, stood directly in front of Noelle, and whispered into Demetri’s ear. “When you finish playing with the little girls, this woman will be ready for you.” She smiled, kissed his cheeks, turned, and walked away seductively.
Demetri shook his head. “I am sorry. Do you want to go for a walk?” Demetri clasped Noelle’s hand and there was that damn connection he felt to his bones.
“I’d like that,” she answered.
They said goodbyes to their friends and stepped out of the loud club, but not before Demetri tossed the DJ some money, thanking him for the song. Hand in hand they walked, Demetri willing himself to make it a short walk with no more touching.No more touching than holding hands. We can walk for a little while, and then I will take her back to her hotel. She is an American. I am curious about her life. We are just two people getting to know each other a little better. That is all.
Chapter 14
SMALL TALK AND SMILES ~Noelle~
Noelle was on cloud nine. They were still holding hands as they walked under the light of the moon. Even the touch of his hand around hers caused her heart to race. His thumb rubbed her palm as they walked.
“I apologize for the rude woman back at the club. She is someone I… a friend. Though right now, I am very unhappy with her behavior.” Demetri squeezed Noelle’s hand.
“It’s okay. What did you tell the DJ?” Noelle asked, hoping to change the uncomfortable subject. The woman was some part of Demetri’s past, or maybe even present, but she didn’t want to think about it.
“I thanked him for playing a song I requested. Just a little something that made me think of you.” Demetri winked at her.
“How do you mean? Was it about a lamb?” Noelle bumped his shoulder and giggled.
“No, no lamb.” He paused. “I don’t know if I can translate it for you. But it is a beautiful song and you are beautiful.”
They walked in silence for a few minutes before Noelle interrupted. “Demetri, do you go to that club often?”
“Yes, very often. Yannis and I own it. Much to my surprise and joy, Yannis spotted you, and the rest, you know.”
“You own it? Wow, that’s awesome. It’s a really nice club.”
“Tell me more about yourself, Noelle. I would like to learn more about you.” He grinned that beautiful smile she loved so much.
“There isn’t that much to tell, I guess.” She shrugged. “I'm not so good at small talk.”