Page 27 of A Grecian Getaway

Noelle licked her lips and then cleared her throat and smiled. “Huh. You have so little self-control. And you thought it wouldbe me giving in?”

Demetri slid his body next to hers, their thighs touching. Noelle closed her eyes. He leaned in, placed his hand on her thigh, and squeezed gently. Her breath hitched and her body slightly jolted.

He whispered with his lips barely touching her ear, “Actually, I told you I did not think I could control myself, when in fact, I have shown tremendous self-control. If I had not, you would have more than your bikini top off of you right now. I would sprawl you out on my bed, and you would beg me to do things to you that would make your gorgeous little body burst in desire.”

He stood up, tossed her the bikini top, grabbed a towel, and walked away.

Noelle slid her body lower into the hot tub. She’d lied to him and to herself. She wanted to be in his bed, and every time they were together, she cared for and desired him more. What was she going to do? Should she give in to her wants or stay strong? Her body and her brain were at odds.What does my heart say? That’s the problem. My heart wants him too but not just for a short time. I’m seriously certifiable. What is wrong with me?She sank deeper into the water.

Once she had changed and found the girls, she was ready to go back to the hotel. She’d had enough of this cat-and-mouse game and needed to get out of there to think. They walked over to Demetri, who was talking to the last few guests. Just as they were about to say goodbye, the rude woman Noelle recognized from Demetri’s bar strolled up to them. She reached her arms around Demetri and placed kisses on either side of his face.

“Hello, darling. I am so sorry I am late. I didn’t want to miss your party, but it looks like it is ending. That’s okay, we can continue the party ourselves inside,” she said loud enough, and in English, evidently for those left to hear.

Noelle grabbed Claire and Caroline’s hands and pulled them towards the exit. “Let’s go.”

Demetri reached for Noelle’s hand before she got far. “Just one moment please, ladies. I want to give you a proper goodbye.”

He turned to Athena. “Why are you here?” he bit out.

“I wouldn’t want to miss one of your unforgettable parties, darling,” she wrapped her arms around his waist.

He pulled her arms from his waist and whispered, “I don’t know how you got in. Your name is not on the list for a reason. You need to leave. We are done here.” She smiled and laughed as if he had told her something naughty for only her ears, but Noelle could hear everything.

Athena replied to him, “You will never be done with me. You can’t resist me.” Then she looked at her phone and apologized to everyone, saying she had to leave because of a family emergency. As she was walking out, she called to Demetri, “See you soon, darling.”

Demetri rushed up to Noelle and grabbed her hand once again before she made it off the boat. He gave it a squeeze and looked directly into her eyes. “Thank you for coming tonight. I hope you had a good time.”

Claire and Caroline thanked him, and Noelle just nodded and smiled as they departed.

Thankfully Athena left, but Noelle couldn’t help but wonder what was going on between the two of them.Clearly they’ve slept together. Demetri seems like he wants nothing more to do with her, but Athena is persistent.Maybe Demetri’s reaction was just a show. Will he call her back to his bed after I leave? Since we’re just friends, there’s no reason for him not to. He said he had self-control with me. Why me? Does he think I won’t satisfy him and sex with me will be a waste of his time? Am I not the kind of woman a man loses his self-control with? Why am I even thinking about this?

Ugh. I hate that I care. I hate that I can’t be like other women and just have fun and not worry about sex. I’ve always felt strongly that sex was meant for two people in love. Two people who will spend the rest of their lives together. But now, I’m not sure. I want to have sex with him, but I also want it to lead to something. But something isn’t possible because Demetri said he doesn’t fall in love.

One minute she was ready for sex with him no matter the circumstances, and the next she wasn’t. The feelings and urges she was having were new and exciting but also scary. The internal struggle and all of her insecurities made her feel like she was losing control. Noelle pushed the thoughts of Athena and Demetri together out of her head.I can’t think about that. Demetri doesn’t want her. He wants me. I can tell. We have something. I must mean something to him or elsehe wouldn’t behave the way he has towards me. He flirts and teases me and we have a wonderful time together. Why not? I'm a healthy young woman. Just relax and enjoy yourself, Noelle. Stop worrying about everything. Stop being so ridiculous.

“Noelle, Earth to Noelle. Are you there?” Caroline nudged Noelle’s arm.

“Sorry, I was thinking.” They were already in a taxi, and Noelle had no recollection of getting inside the car.

“Are you okay?” Claire asked.

“Yes. I think I just need to live a little, you know?” Noelle looked out the window at the cars passing by.

“It’s okay to feel what you are feeling. Just take your time and make the decision that you feel is right for you. You don’t have to follow the norm.” Claire squeezed Noelle’s arm.

“The norm.” Noelle blew out a breath.

“Seriously, Noelle. The sexual tension between you two is outrageous. It was so thick in the air, I felt like I was suffocating. And not gonna lie. It was making me a little horny.” Caroline wiggled her eyebrows.

“Yeah, that was strong. And when you took off your bikini top? You wild girl, you,” laughed Claire.

“Well, I’m on vacation, dang it. Why not live a little? I think it’s time I let loose and have fun like you two. Why not? Why do I always have to play by the rules?”

“You know, I’m all for you having fun and letting loose. But just make sure your heart understands it’s just fun and not something... more. Don’t let yourself do something you aren’t sure about and you might regret later,” answered Caroline.

“Just call me Fun Time Noelle! Why not be a little wild? I won’t get carried away. You know me. I’m the sensible one in the group.” Noelle threw up her hands nervously. Though the words came from her mouth, she questioned how true they were.

Later, at the hotel, Noelle grabbed her phone. She tapped out a quick text to Demetri.

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