Page 60 of A Grecian Getaway

“You, being here right now, is all I’ve wished for.” He kissed her gently on the lips before he pulled away from the hospital.

Noelle gave him directions to her apartment. The girls and Niko would be waiting for them.

When they walked in the door, Claire rushed over to Noelle and hugged her. “Yay! We’re so happy you got to come home today!”

“Geez, Claire, she just got out of the hospital. Don’t mow her over and send her back in an ambulance!” Caroline gently wrapped her arms around Noelle.

“Glad you’re home, kiddo. What do you need us to do?” Niko asked as he grabbed Noelle’s bag from Demetri.

“I can’t think of anything right now.” Noelle sat down on the couch.

“Eli is heading over after work to see you,” Claire let Noelle know. “Is that okay?”

“Yes, of course.” Noelle leaned her head back onto the couch.

“You should rest for a little while. Is it okay if I go take a shower? I really need to clean up,” Demetri asked.

“Oh, right!” Noelle pointed him toward her room. “There are towels in the bathroom, along with shampoo and all the necessities. I will try to rest, but I’m not too tired right now.”

Demetri went to Noelle’s bathroom and sighed.I am so glad she is okay. She has to take better care of herself. I will make sure does. He stepped into the shower and let the water run down his body.I need to make sure she understands. I cannot promise forever. But we can have fun for a while. I hope she will be okay with that. I will talk to her when we are alone and help her understand that this is for the best.

Chapter 42

THE GANG’S ALL HERE ~Noelle~

As soon as Demetri left the room, Claire leaned close to Noelle. “So, things seem to be good with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome.”

Noelle hadn’t had a chance to really talk to the girls or Niko yet. “He came halfway across the world for me. He said he cares about me and wants to try a relationship. I’m just going to take one day at a time. When I saw him, I wanted to tell him I loved him and beg him to love me, too. But I was angry and hurt so I pushed him away. I couldn’t deal with it when I was first in the hospital. But my heart knew what I wanted, and when I was feeling better, I was ready to hear him. I can’t imagine my life without him. I know it all happened so fast, and it probably seems crazy to you I fell for him so quickly.”

Claire hugged Noelle. “We don’t think you’re crazy. Well, we think you’re crazy but not about that. We’re all a little off our rockers.” Claire giggled. “But for real, I’m happy for you. I have a feeling things are going to work out with the two of you. I have a confession to make. Demetri’s been checking in with me, making sure you were alright. I hope you aren’t mad. I could tell he cared about you, and I hoped with time, he would come to his senses. And he did! So yay!” Claire clapped her hands with glee.

“Well, we’re at least back together. So hopefully we’re headed in the right direction. Thank you, Claire. I appreciate it.” Noelle smiled. “Though it would have been nice to know he was asking about me.”

“I know, but I didn’t want to get your hopes up if he didn’t follow through and go after you. I had a strong feeling he was going to, but you know…” Claire shrugged.

Caroline giggled. “Claire Bear, always the hopeless romantic. I’m glad he came to the states for you, Noelle. Just guard your heart. I don’t want him hurting you again.”

“I will. We will take it one step at a time.” Noelle turned and saw the uncertainty in Niko’s eyes. “Niko, I know you just learned about all of this, and you’re angry. But—”

“You’re a grown woman and can make your own decisions. I support whatever you decide. You know I love you and just want you to be happy,” Niko said. “But if he hurts you, I will kick his ass.”

The girls all laughed. Noelle hugged and thanked him for his support.I am happy. And I believe it will all work out.

Demetri came into the living room after he finished with his shower, looking as sexy as ever. She smiled at being surrounded by so many people who cared.

“Um, don’t you have a prescription you need picked up? We can go do that for you, Noelle,” Caroline winked. “Nikolas, why don’t you go with us?”

“I think I am going to go for a walk and grab some coffee. Does anyone want anything?” Niko walked to the door.

“Oh, I’d love a decaf mocha. Make sure it’s decaf! You know how I am,” Claire answered.

“Yes, for the love of God, please get decaf. I have to share a bed with her tonight and I want to sleep,” Caroline nodded her head.

Once the girls and Niko left, Demetri offered to fix Noelle something to eat. She told him where to find a can of vegetable soup. After he heated it, he carried the steaming bowl to Noelle. “Eat.” He motioned to the artwork on the walls. “Are any of these your paintings you told me about?”

“Yes, the watercolors.” She took a few bites of soup.

“They are beautiful. You are so talented, koukla mou. Do you remember when I asked to see some of your work in Greece? I am so sorry it has taken me this long to see your art.”

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