Page 32 of A Grecian Getaway

Caroline clapped her hands together. “Noelle, we told you it’s okay to feel this way. The fact that you’re saying it out loud is huge! I don’t want you to run out and do something crazy or anything. But I know this is a big deal for you. A milestone.” She smiled. “I feel like we should have a party. Should we have a party to celebrate your newfound horniness? I could get streamers. Does Greece have balloons? Surely they do.”

Noelle rolled her eyes at Caroline. “You know, I’ve always felt like sex was meant to be between two people in love. I just met this man. I can’t be in love already. Yet, something pulls me to him, like a magnet. Everything feels so natural with him. And I don’t think it’s just lust, Caroline. But he lives here, in Greece, and doesn’t want anything serious. And I live in Illinois for crying out loud! My brain is telling me one thing, and my body and heart are saying something completely different.”

Caroline patted Noelle’s arm. “I’m sorry, Noelle. I don’t mean to joke around. This is a big deal. Look, just take one day at a time. Don’t rush things. You’re a smart woman. I think you’ll make the right decision for yourself. Don’t do something based on how others live. Follow your own path.”

“Wow, Caroline, that was insightful. I’m so proud of you.” Claire turned to face Noelle. “She’s right, Noelle. You do what feels right for you. That’s all that matters.” Claire tapped her chin and turned to face Caroline. “I’m wondering, maybe we should have a party celebrating Caroline’s ability to be totally serious for a full train of thought!”

“Ha ha, you’re a real riot. Let’s not forget who is the funny and crazy one in the group. Me, in case you forgot. Claire Bear is the sweet and very organized hopeless romantic. And Noelle is the sweet and shy one. Those roles were carved out when we were little. No changing the Willow Street Girls’ bylaws. To theWillow Street Girls!” Caroline held up a nonexistent glass of wine to fake clink with her friends.

Claire and Noelle chimed in, “To the Willow Street Girls!” and they all fake clinked their glasses.

“Thanks, girls. I really appreciate what you both said. I’ll figure it all out. And Claire, if I can find balloons, I’ll help you decorate.”

The girls enjoyed the rest of the evening chatting about life and then went to bed.

The following day, Noelle woke up to the sound of knocking. “Be right there!” She dragged herself out of bed and walked to the door. Claire and Caroline had left for a jog, which she skipped since her knee was sore. One of them must have forgotten something. Probably Caroline.Her eyes barely open, she answered the door to find Demetri standing there as drop dead gorgeous as always.

“Wh... what are you doing here?” she rubbed her eyes.

“I sent you a text telling you I would be here at seven to pick you up for snorkeling today. Did you not get it? Or were you hoping I would find you like this?” he replied, nodding and then pointing to her chest.

She looked down and saw her nipples poking through her tank top. Her eyes went wide, and she quickly folded her arms to hide her very alert breasts. “Come in. I must have missed your text. I was so tired. We had an early night last night, but I think everything has caught up with me.” Noelle tried to run her hand through her hair. It had to be a mess.

“I do not mind. I was feeling a little tired myself, but you have woken me up nicely,” he teased.

“Glad to be of service. So, you just assumed I would go with you, without a reply from me?” she asked.

“Do you not want to go, koukla?” Demetri looked at her with puppy dog eyes.

“I didn’t say that. But you should ask me and not assume I’ll do whatever you want,” she smiled back at him. “I have a mind of my own, bossy pants.”

“What do you want to do, little lamb?”

“I want to take a quick shower to help me wake up, but I can be ready soon. Let me just send a quick text to the girls to make sure they had nothing important planned for today. I think we were just going to hang out by the sea. Do you mind waiting here, or do you want to go and come back?”

“No hurry. I can wait here if you don’t mind. Let me know if you need any assistance. And being bossy is another one of my specialties,” he winked at her.

She wasn’t sure what to say. Noelle grabbed her phone and a few things from her suitcase and headed towards the bathroom, tripping over some shoes on her way. She held up her hands. “I’m fine!”

Noelle glanced at her phone when she got into the bathroom and saw the text from Demetri.

Demetri: I would like to take you snorkeling in the morning. The salt water will be good for your cuts and bruises. I will pick you up at seven. Kali Nichta.

Dang, I wish I would have seen this sooner.Shesent a quick text to the girls.

Noelle: Do you girls mind if I go snorkeling with Demetri today?

Caroline: I have heard it called a lot of things, but snorkeling is a first.

Noelle: Caroline! He’s for real taking me snorkeling you freak.

Claire: I would smack her for you, but as soon as she sent that text, she ran ahead of me. I think she’s on to me.

Caroline: I have learned your ways.

Claire: We don’t mind, Noelle. We were thinking we’d just hang out at the beach today. You may as well go have fun with Demetri.

Noelle: Thanks! You girls are the best!

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