Page 58 of A Grecian Getaway

“Thank you. I will, and I am so sorry I hurt her. I had some things I needed to figure out in my head.” He tapped his head.

“I hope you figured it all out, Demetri. Don’t wait too long to find her.” Maria squeezed Demetri’s shoulder and left the room.

Have I figured it all out? I think so. I think what I have planned will be for the best.

Chapter 40

FOR A WHILE ~Noelle~

When Demetri stepped into the room, Noelle glanced up to meet his eyes. Even sleeping in a waiting room and without showering for days, he was still the most handsome man she had ever seen. He walked to the side of her bed.

“The girls told me you’ve been stalking my room.”

Demetri ran his hand through his hair. “What? I…”

She gave a teasing grin and lightly nudged his arm.

“I deserved that,” he answered.

She nodded in agreement.

He took her hands in his. “Noelle, when I got the text saying you were at the hospital, I felt sick. I could not think, and I felt like I could not breathe. I had to get to you to make sure you were all right and see you with my own eyes. You know how I lost my parents when I was young? It.. affected me. And then I met you and I could not stay away from you. I… had to be with you. I didn’t want to hurt you, so I pushed you away. Then I realized I hurt you anyhow. I…care about you, Noelle. You are kind, selfless, and passionate, and I have been miserable since the moment you left. I do not know if you can ever forgive me, but I want you to know how sorry I am and that I want to see you as much aspossible. I want to try a long distance relationship for a while, if you are up for it.”

Tears streamed down Noelle’s cheeks. He wiped her tears. “Please don’t cry. I cannot bear to hurt you.” He looked down, and a tear escaped his eye.

Your fears make so much sense. I can’t imagine losing both of my parents so young. I can see you care about me, but do you love me? ‘If love is at the heart of the relationship, everything is possible.’ Will you allow yourself to love me? I hope in time, you will love me like I love you.

She whispered, “I care about you too, Demetri, so very much. You make me feel things I didn’t know existed. I wish you would have shared your fears with me sooner, instead of pushing me away, but I’m glad you told me now.” She wanted to talk more to him about everything, like what he meant by for a while, but didn’t want to rush him.As long as whatever is between us could lead somewhere, then I want to try. For a while is fine, as long as we move forward.

He looked into her eyes. She leaned closer to him and he kissed her tenderly.

“Please let me stay and take care of you while you heal. I have already taken time off from work,” he said.

“Yes, I’d like that very much. I’ve missed you more than I imagined I could miss anyone.” Noelle squeezed his hand as he bent over to brush her lips with a light kiss.He’s here, and he wants to take care of me. This is a step in the right direction.

“Demetri, I think you met my friend Eli.”

He nodded.

“He’s a good friend, but nothing more. Eli wanted to date, but I still cared about you. He knew that. We’ve only ever shared a few simple kisses, but I wanted you to know. I’ll talk to him to make sure he understands.”

“I let you go and I could not expect you to stop dating. I am jealous he kissed your lips. But it is no one's fault but my own. I tried to move on after you. I kissed a few women, but that is all because I could not get you out of my mind.” He pulled her close and hugged her. “I could not forget you.”

“I couldn’t forget you either, no matter how hard I tried to move on. You were always here.” Noelle put her hand over her heart. She looked at Demetriand patted the hospital bed. “I’m cold. You once told me you were good at warming up people?”

Demetri shook his head and smiled. “Noelle, I would very much like to warm you up, but you need to heal. That bed is so small. I might hurt you.”

“Won’t you at least sit by me... pretty please? I can make room.”

As she scooted over on the bed, he sat cautiously next to her. She leaned over and kissed him.

“I thought you were cold.” Demetri teased.

“I am. Didn’t you ever learn that two people can create a lot of body heat?” Noelle smiled.

“Oh, koukla, I’ve missed you very much.” Demetri kissed her back until a text notification interrupted them.

“It’s Eli. He’s on his way up to see me. I’m sorry! Would you mind if I had some time to speak with him alone?”

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