Page 2 of A Grecian Getaway

Claire’s eyes widened. “Me, too! I’d have a full plate, and if there was an inch uncovered, someone from your family would add something to fill up the space. Honestly, I don’t understand how everyone here doesn’t weigh a million pounds.”

Caroline held up her hand. “Don’t get me wrong. The food was amazing! And your family is awesome. I am just so very full… and tired. I don’t think I’ve ever walked as much as I did this last week. The ruins and sights were amazing! But every muscle in my body aches, and I’m not in awful shape.”

“So, when we get to the island, if someone offers us some baklava or a hot, Greek man asks to go for a stroll, we should say no, right?” Noelle flashed a cheeky grin.

Caroline tilted her head. “Well, let’s not get carried away. I’m not a monster. I wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings now, would I?”

Claire held out her hands. “She’s right, Noelle. We can’t offend the people of this wonderful country. It wouldn’t be right.”

“Oh no, of course not. We definitely wouldn’t want to do that,” Noelle mocked.

Caroline waved her fist in the air. “Long live baklava… and Greek hotties!”

As the boat made its way through the waters, Noelle’s gaze fell upon the birds diving into the waves, searching for unsuspecting fish. The sea was sparkling, and the weather outside was sweltering, but she loved the heat, so she didn’t mind. The cool breeze from the boat traveling through the water, combined with the warm rays of the sun, felt lovely as they kissed her skin. I can’t wait to relax on the island. It’s been such a busy week of touring.The waves smacked and curled as they drifted through the water, and reality seeped in. Where would she end up finding a job? And even though she told her best friends that love was the last thing on her mind, she couldn’t help but wonder.Will I ever feel comfortable enough to get close to a man and fall in love?

Chapter 2

IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME ~Demetri~

Ashort distance away, Demetri’s eyes strayed from the helm of the boat and admired a beautiful, dark-haired, young woman as she looked out over the sea.She isstunning. I love watching her wild and wavy, dark hair as it blows in the breeze. Her beautiful mocha skin glistens in the sunlight. And that gorgeous, petite figure that her dress can’t hide.

“What are you looking at?” his friend and co-captain Yannis asked in Greek.

Demetri nodded towards the woman he’d been admiring. “Who. Who am I looking at? The dark-haired woman is beautiful, no?”

“Yes. Very much so. You should go talk to her. I have the boat handled. Go meet the pretty young woman.” Yannis continued to maneuver the ship full of tourists through the waters. They would be on the island soon.

“Hmmm. I don’t think so. She is not my type.” Demetri shook his head.

“Ah yes, the man who reads people. If you read as many books as you read people, your home would overflow with novels and you’d probably be a lot smarter. Tell me, my friend. What have you learned about this woman from watching her for a short time?” Yannis patted Demetri’s shoulder.

“Do you see how she pulls up on the top of her dress and tugs down on the bottom of it? She is wearing someone else’s clothes or these are new and she is not used to something so sexy. She is uncomfortable. You agree?”

Yannis laughed. “Okay, what else? That does not seem like enough to decide she is not your type.”

“Watch when she talks to her friends. She is much more reserved. She looks around her to see if anyone is watching her. This woman is shy, inexperienced. She is not looking to have some fun with a man. But when she meets the right man, she will look for a husband. And I am not looking for a wife.”

“Demetri, you are full of shit. You can’t possibly get all of that from a few minutes of watching her. Go talk to the woman. Don’t be an idiot.”

“I will go talk to her, only because I am curious if my observations are true and also to prove you wrong, my friend.”

Demetri made his way to the three young women. By the time he reached them, the other two had stepped inside and the dark-haired goddess was facing the water.Good, I can talk to her alone. Let’s see if she knows any Greek. ‘How are you’ should be easy enough.“Ti kannis.”

The woman turned around and froze, and then sighed. “Uh, kala. Uh, poli kala. Efharisto.I’m sorry, I don’t really speak Greek. I only know a few things,” she replied, the words quickly and nervously tumbling from her mouth.

A small smirk curved Demetri’s lips, knowing full well he affected women. He wouldn’t lie; he was happy he affected her too.She said,“Good, very good, and thank you.”Not bad for an American. She obviously tried to learn a few phrases.“Are you enjoying the ride?”he asked as she continued to tug on her clothes.

“Ne,yes, it’s beautiful,” she said as she looked around, probably for her friends.

She is uncomfortable. Sweet. Beautiful. Shy. Innocent. I don’t need to talk to her anymore to know I was right.“Good, I am one captain of this ship. I am checking with passengers to make sure everyone is happy. Is this your first time in Greece?”

“Well, I came when I was very little, but I don’t remember it since I was so young. I have family in Pireaus,” the woman said as she tried to smoothdown her beautiful wavy hair. Then, as if she’d just registered what he’d said, she squeaked, “Oh, you’re the captain! Wow, that’s so cool!” She flashed a smile that lit up the already sparkling area.

“I am one captain, yes. So you are Greek?”

“Yes, well, half Greek. My father is Greek and my mother is Lebanese.”

“And your husband?” Demetri looked around, pretending to search for the man he didn’t think existed.

---