Arrogant Arrival: A Hero Club Novel

by Gail Haris

  “Koritsi mou.” I barely manage to say. “I’m ready for a taste.”

  My tongue slides across her lips, licking the sweet cream. I take her wrist again and lick each finger that has melted vanilla. “It’s about to get messy. Maybe you should remove your clothes.”

  I take the cones from her. She throws me a flirty smile as she looks at me from under long lashes. She removes her top and shorts, wearing only a bikini now. She reaches for the cones but I raise them up, out of her reach. “I’m not finished,” she pouts.

  “I couldn’t agree more. You’re not. Go ahead and finish.”

  “Wait – what? I’m not getting nude.”

  Pretending to give her the cone, I hold it toward her, but then dab it between her chest. “Opa. I’m sorry. Here, I’ll clean it up.” My tongue slides between her breasts.

  “I could go in the water to clean up.”

  “I was taught to clean up my messes. Besides, something this sweet shouldn’t be wasted.” I take the cone and then dribble more ice cream over chest and down her slender neck. Licking and sucking as I go.

  “Were you also taught to share?” She takes the other cone and holds it above my shoulder, allowing the melting ice cream to trail down my body. The sight of her tongue peeking out between those full lips is the most erotic thing I’ve ever witnessed.

  Somewhere between us taking turns licking each other, our cones become soggy. Jolene bursts into a fit of giggles when hers starts to break.

  “You’re holding it too tight.” I stare at the poor cone as ice cream squishes out.

  “You’ve never complained before.”

  “Ooh. Haven’t you turned into a dirty girl?” Her reply is to giggle and shove the remnants of the cone into my chin. “You’re going to pay for that.”

  She squeals and takes off running. I chase her through the cove as waves splash against our shins. I wrap my arms around her waist and tackle her to me. Her laughing immediately stops when I sink into the shallow water with her on my lap. The waves push her body forward and then pull her back, while I encourage and welcome the pleasant friction. I claim her mouth and greedily take everything she is willing to give. Mists of water from the waves spray on us as the sea continues to pushes and pull us. As I kiss along her neck I taste the sugar from the ice cream, the salt from the sea, and the taste that is uniquely her. The combined flavors are fucking addicting and my taste buds can’t get enough.

  Jolene reaches between us and lowers my swim trunks. I slide them off with one hand and toss them back on to the rocks. Next I pull her top strings loose and toss them, as well as her bottoms, to the rocks. I anchor Jolene firmly to me as I dive into her.

  When we both come apart in each other’s arms and catch our breath, Jolene looks down. “Remind me to watch what I say around you. Every time I say I’m not going to do something, you seem determined to make it happen.” She blushes and looks around. The people are far away from us and we’re in the water hidden within the coves. “Where’s my top and bottom?”

  I look back and easily spot her turquoise top and bottom. It’s my shorts that I’m now worried about. Jolene swims farther out into the water and remains hunkered down while I hurry to grab her bikini. I swim out to her and search for my trunks. Jolene giggles as she gets dressed.

  “Where the hell could they have gone? I saw them land on the rocks.”

  “Maybe a big wave came in?”

  I can’t help but give her a cocky smile. “Baby, we created some big waves.”

  “I hope you don’t find your shorts.” She snorts. “And since you just wore your swimming trunks as shorts today, what are you going to do? You only have a shirt.”

  “I know you’d love nothing more than for me to walk around naked all day, but that wouldn’t be fair to every other man out there. I’m a humble guy, and really try not to brag.”

  I then notice a soggy ice cream cone floating by, or what’s left of one. And not far from it is a pair of black swim trunks. I quickly begin swimming toward the trunks. Of course, a wave would have to come at that moment. The wave crashes on top of me and pulls me and my shorts farther out to sea. I try to swim faster to compete with the next wave that’s about to come in. I’m close to my shorts when a jet ski comes zipping by. It’s an older man and woman riding it. They’re wearing sunglasses, so I can’t make out their expressions. They stop by my shorts and pick them up.

  “Thank you,” I call out.

  The woman blushes and looks away. The guy nods and hands me my shorts wordlessly. Yeah, he knew exactly how my shorts disappeared based on him looking over and seeing Jo in the water still. It’s guy code as he smirks at me before driving off. Quickly, I slide them on and swim back to Jolene. After our intense lovemaking and my marathon swim, I’m exhausted. We go over to the beach and sit down on the ground. I wrap my arm around her shoulders and she lies her head against me.

  “Let’s stay here until sunset,” she whispers.

  “Anything for you, koritsi mou.”

  Jolene

  We get back to the hotel and shower together. Jim said he was tired, but that didn’t seem to slow him down any. Which if he wasn’t exhausted before, I know he is now. Once we’ve finished, Jimmy and I hop in the car to go out for dinner. I’m dressed in a clingy black shimmer dress that covers only one shoulder and has a small slit on the side. My hair hangs loose with big flowy silk curls. I feel sexy and carefree on our last night together.

  I feel heat from his strong hand on the small of my back as he leads me into the upscale, yet modern restaurant. A hostess leads us to our table.

  “What do you think of this place?” Jimmy asks while looking over the menu.

  “It’s very classy and beautiful. But I think the little place we went to last night was my favorite. It was so unique and …well, Greek. You can’t find places like that back home.”

  Jimmy nods in agreement and closes his menu. “You want Greek culture dining?”

  I look around the restaurant. “I mean, this is a Greek restaurant and we’re in Greece.”

  “No, no. You like the music and authentic food?” I smile and nod. “Then what are we doing? Get up. I’ve got just the place in mind.”

  I smile as I follow him out of the restaurant and to the car. We go past all the markets and hotels to a more secluded area of the island. Off in the distance, I can see lights shining up into the night sky. I know we’ve arrived at our destination by the distant sound of music and cars scattered about. Jimmy parks the car on the side of the road behind an already long line of cars and motorcycles. When I open the car door, I can already hear loud music and people cheering. It sounds like a concert. I look up and see the same bright lights moving around, lighting up the night sky.

  “Where are we going? I thought we were going to eat.”

  “I could tell you, but it’s one of those places you just have to experience. Come on, koritsi mou.”

  I plant my feet in the ground and pull back on his hand. “Jimmy?”

  “Yeah?”

  “You keep calling me that – kor-itsy mou. What does it mean?”

  His tongue slides out and wets his lips. It’s dark out here, but there’s enough light from the arena and moon to make out his features. He’s nervous. But why? I’ve gathered that mou means my. Oh gosh, what has he been calling me?

  Jimmy starts to speak but then clears his throat. His eyes bore into mine as he says, “Koritsi mou means ‘my girl.’ It’s not necessarily a romantic term in Greek, but…you’re the only one…” He bites his bottom lip and slowly releases it. “I’ve never used that term on anyone but you. It feels right calling you that.”

  The smile that spreads across my face actually hurts. Heat pools in my belly. The term is so simple but I can tell it means a lot to him. Jim begins to fidget and appear visibly antsy.

  “This is getting awkward. Let’s go have fun.” I hate that he downplayed our moment. I saw something in his eyes. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but there
was vulnerability and something else…love? No. I’m being foolish again.

  Jimmy

  We enter the gates of Oloi Nychta. Two guys check our I.D. and then we move forward to a building with little wooden shutters. The ticket window also has shutters on either side. I give the lady at the counter my credit card and tell them I want the VIP seating with a bottle of wine, an extra basket of flower petals, and two entrees. The woman nods and says, “Bravo.” She hands me back my card along with our tickets. I place my hand on the small of Jolene’s back and guide her to an archway that leads to a small entryway that’s somewhat like a tunnel. When we exit, we’re in an open venue surrounded by what looks like houses from little villages, all with different color window shutters and balconies. There’s a curved stage on the far right, and on the far left is what looks to be a huge balcony with a white grand piano. There are steps for each house, and tables and chairs cover the rest in between. People are already filling the seats, and some who didn’t purchase tickets for dining sit on the steps and stoops, or stand around.

  “We’re down here,” I indicate to the nicer tables closer to the stage. They’re not as crowded together, and there’s no stoops nearby. We take our seat right as a spotlight shines on a balcony above us. A woman in a dazzling red dress steps out holding a microphone. When she begins singing, Jolene turns to me with a bright smile.

  “This is amazing! What’s this place called?”

  “All night. Oloi Nychta. It opens at eight and stays open until five in the morning.”

  “Wow. Are people going to pop out of every balcony?”

  “Not all. Or they might, I’m not sure. Every show is different. They only have these on certain nights each week. We just got lucky. Most performers will be on the stage. We’ll get baskets of rose petals to throw as they sing and dance.”

  “No money?” Jolene raises an eyebrow.

  “Not this time. But I can take you to one of those shows next time…” What am I saying? Will there be a next time? Jolene doesn’t seem to miss my slip up.

  She giggles and cuts her eyes to me. “The night’s young. Who knows?”

  They bring our drinks, along with a shot of ouzo. “I can drink to that.” I hold up my shot glass and tip it toward her. “The night is young, kortisi mou.”

  “The night is definitely young.”

  We clink glasses and down our shots. Jolene makes a face as she forces herself to swallow the ouzo.

  “That stuff tastes like liquorish and lighter fluid.” She slams the glass down.

  “Here’s something a little sweeter and will go down much easier.” I pour her a glass of wine. Our fingers touch as she accepts the glass, and I’m amazed at how every time I touch her, I get a rush. Even the slightest touches. She doesn’t move her hand away, and I don’t let go of the glass. I stare into her big, honey-colored eyes. The light changes in the arena then, and the spotlight shines on the stage next to us. Jolene takes her glass to redirect her attention to the stage that’s filled with a full band, and now a man in tight pants and a blue shirt.

  Most of the women cheer and begin to clap as he sings. Jolene cheers and sways to the music. He begins to sing the chorus of the song, and then I recognize who he is, Kostas Dalaras. He’s an up-and-coming big Greek singer. He just had two big songs come out and most of the women are starstruck watching him.

  Kostas is younger than me, and a huge success with his women fans of all ages. He has messy black hair, bright blue eyes, the classic Greek nose, and keeps himself very fit. Actually, there’s not much difference between us, but for some reason women are going crazy over this guy. Unfortunately, it seems he just gained another new fan.

  “He’s amazing! I don’t know what he’s saying, but I don’t want him to stop. I love this music.”

  “His name is Kostas. He’s new, but becoming increasingly popular around the country.”

  “Well, now he has an American fan. So he can officially say he’s famous worldwide.”

  I hand her the basket of pink and white flower petals. “Throw these at him then.”

  Jolene takes the basket and stands to get closer to the stage. Before I can tell her she’s only supposed to toss a handful, she rears her hand back and the basket slips from her fingers. I burst out laughing as her hands come to her mouth, and her eyes are wide with horror. Kostas picks up the basket that just hit his shin. He stops singing and laughs.

  I watch as he walks over to the edge of the stage where Jolene is standing. He crouches down and asks her in Greek what her name is through the microphone. Her full lips pout as she shakes her head and tosses her hands up. I lean forward and yell out to him her name and that she’s American and doesn’t speak Greek. Kostas smiles and nods. He extends his hand and speaks directly to her in Greek that she’s very beautiful and welcomes her to Greece. His head turns to me and he nods toward her.

  “He says you’re beautiful and welcome to Greece.”

  Jolene smiles widely and nods. I frown as I notice she’s clearly blushing. Kostas looks at her as he asks her in Greek if she came all this way just to throw a basket at him. The crowd, of course, erupts in laughter. Jolene turns to me and I translate for her. She giggles like a schoolgirl, and I’m almost ready to throw up. I was really starting to like this guy up until this point.

  He asks her what brings her to Greece. I smile smugly at him as he turns to me to translate. “He wants to know why you’re here?”

  “I’m here on vacation with my friend,” Jolene smiles at him and bats her eyelashes.

  Her friend, eh? Kostas turns to me for the translation. I oblige, of course, adding my own spin to what she said and tell him in Greek, “She’s here with me, her fiancé. We’re celebrating our engagement.”

  Kostas beams at me and tells me congratulations. He reaches down and Jolene hands him her hand. He kisses her knuckles and then shakes her hand with both of his. He wishes us many years of happiness and good health. He stands and calls out into the microphone for everyone to congratulate us. “Bravo!” he cheers before erupting into song.

  Jolene smiles and waves to the audience as she takes her seat. “What are they cheering so loudly for? What did he say?”

  “Everyone is welcoming you to Greece. They wish you much happiness and good health.”

  “That was so embarrassing, but turned out to be so fun! Thank you, Jimmy. I’d have never known what he was saying if not for you translating.”

  “My pleasure.” And then mumble to myself, “I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

  If she only knew what I told him, she’d probably wallop me over the head. I mean, technically, she is mine these next couple of days, and she did agree to be my fiancée—even if it is a fake one.

  “No, I mean…everything. This vacation has turned out to be the best thing to ever happen to me. I – I just really want you to know that no matter what else happens, I’m really grateful.”

  I reach across the table and take her hand. “Me too.”

  We release our hands as the waitress places a new basket of flower petals down. We look over and Kostas winks at us before he leaves the stage. Another singer comes on stage next, and a new song begins. A few of the members of the audience go on stage and begin Greek dancing in half circles.

  “We can do that?” Jolene asks.

  “They allow it, but not always for the bigger performers. It depends. But most of the time people dance at their tables or on stage.”

  Just then, our plates are brought out and we begin to eat our chicken and potatoes. I decided we better go with something safe and easy on Jolene’s stomach after last night’s debacle. I want this to be the best night she has, not only on this trip but for years to come. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that we’ll go our separate ways soon. So when she moves on to another guy, I don’t want her to be able to move on from this moment. I want her to always remember me and how we felt on this night together.

  Jolene

  I spin around as flower peta
ls rain down on me. I laugh as I dance with people I’ll probably never see again, but will certainly not forget no matter how much I drink tonight. Jimmy sits in his seat watching me on stage make a huge fool of myself. I don’t care. I love Greek life, so much so that now I wish it all wasn’t a lie. I wish I was here as Jimmy’s girl—his koritsi. The spotlight goes off the stage to the balcony on the far side with the white grand piano. Sitting there is Kostas in all black playing the piano. I’m pretty sure my ovaries just exploded at the sight of him. I go to step off the stage, but my legs wobble. Jimmy rolls his eyes and comes to stand in front of the stage. He extends his arms, “Jump.”

  “Are you crazy? I’ll go to the stairs.”

  “Nonsense. Jump. I’ll catch you.”

  The lights go off on the stage and it’s pitch black. Deciding I’ll most likely break my neck trying to go down the steps, I shuffle my feet until I feel the edge of the stage. I reach in the darkness and feel Jimmy’s strong hands. I jump and he wraps his arms around me in a firm hold.

  “By the way, this is the only Greek you need to be ogling over.” He growls in my ear. He presses my back against the side of the stage then. I suck in a breath and he must hear me, because he says, “That’s better.”

  His hands begin to ease down my sides until he comes to the hem of my dress. He slides a hand under the tight fabric. I tighten my legs together. “Jimmy,” I sigh. “Somebody will see us.”

  “It’s pitch black in here. We have a good three minutes until the song changes. I can make you sing in that amount of time.” He wastes no time sliding my panties to the side and inserting two fingers. The wrongness of us making out on the side of the stage in front of everyone, even if it is in the dark, while Kostas plays a sensual ballad is intoxicating. This is by far the kinkiest thing I’ve ever done, and I’m even a member of the mile high club!

  Jimmy sucks on my neck as his fingers caress my most tender of areas. I grab a handful of his hair and pull him closer to me. “Jimmy. Jimmy.”