Designing Hearts

  She giggled. “You could have opened a restaurant anywhere in the world. Why didn’t you?”

  “That, too, wasn’t where my heart was. I missed the quiet life. Going out every night got old. I suppose I was ready to settle down.”

  “In Rhodes?”

  “I wanted to return to a simpler life. My family resides here. And I can just be anonymous.”

  She nodded. “I understand. There are times when I wished I could just shut everything down for a while and disappear off the face of the Earth.”

  While Stephano cooked, she found herself telling him things about her life—like her small town West Virginia upbringing—that she’d never told anyone else. Maybe, it was the wine, but she knew in her heart, it was him.

  Stephano set a plate in front of her. Veronica leaned forward and inhaled the fragrant meal. When she picked up her knife and fork, he covered her hand with his. The hair on her arm prickled. His touch caught her off guard. Instantly, the embers in her heart ignited and she felt what she hadn’t felt with any other man before—that spark of electricity that she’d been chasing.

  “It’s better to experience it with your hands,” he said. “Let me show you.”

  Stephano tore off a section of the flat bread and slathered it with the cucumber sauce, and then, topped it with steak, veggies and crumbles of feta cheese. Holding it to her lips, he waited for Veronica to take a bite. When she did, flavor exploded in her mouth. She moaned. Her body trembled as if she’d just climaxed. And judging by the moisture in her crotch, she may have.

  “Wow,” she whispered. Her voice was hoarse. “That was…”

  “Orgasmic?”

  Veronica felt her cheeks flush. “Yes.”

  He grinned. “That’s just the foreplay. Wait until you experience the rest of my talents.”

  The intense look in his crystal green eyes wasn’t lost on her. Suddenly unable to swallow, Veronica picked up her glass and drained her wine. She was very much looking forward to experiencing the rest of his talents.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  In the morning, Veronica fed Guido one of the gourmet meals she’d packed for him. While he ate, she bathed and changed into a yellow strapless sundress. She yawned while she moved about the bathroom. She and Stephano stayed up until the wee hours of the morning. They talked about everything, and nothing. When she couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer, he forced her to go to bed by promising to spend the day with her.

  Veronica was looking forward to seeing him again. But, she reminded herself not to get attached to him. When she left the island, her schedule wouldn’t allow her to return, and she really didn’t want to be in a long distance relationship. Her smile faded as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Why was she already putting a damper on things? This was her vacation. What she needed to do was go with the flow.

  Returning to her room, she strapped on Guido’s leash and carried him downstairs.

  The sun was warm and caressed Veronica’s bare shoulders. She put on her sunglasses. Only ten buildings lined the street of the village. Veronica drank in the scenery. There wasn’t much to do here, except eat and drink. But, it was a beautiful area. Full of history. She could see why Stephano loved it so much. Unlike New York, the pace was slow and steady. Could she see herself living here?

  After Guido relieved himself, they made their way back to the inn. A tall handsome man was waiting for them. He smiled brightly at her. While he seemed like a nice guy, she could already tell he wasn’t her type.

  “Hello,” he said. His accent was thick and Greek. “My name is Mikeli. I couldn’t rely on Stephano to introduce us, so I took it upon myself.”

  Veronica shook his hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Veronica.”

  “The whisperer,” he chuckled. “Word travels fast around here.”

  “I can imagine.”

  “We need more visitors. Tourists. Any idea you have would be welcome.”

  “Have you known Stephano for a long time?”

  “We grew up together,” Mikeli revealed. “I still consider him a friend, but he doesn’t feel the same.”

  Veronica frowned. “Why?”

  “It was over a woman. But, that was fifteen years ago. And she left me, too.” Shoving his hand into his pockets, he sighed. “He can be an ass at times. Pardon my language.”

  She laughed. “I bet.”

  “Well, I must go. That’s my bar over there.” He pointed across the street, to a white building with a black roof. “Stop by before you leave.”

  “I’ll try to do that,” she said.

  With a nod, Mikeli walked back to his business. Their talk had stimulated Veronica’s thoughts. She wanted to jot down ideas before she lost them. Lena, the front desk clerk, was thrilled to watch Guido while Veronica dashed up stairs to retrieve her notebook.

  She rounded the corner at the top of the staircase and stopped short. Stephano emerged from one of the rooms. Except for her robe, which he had fashioned around his hips, he was stark naked. Her gaze flowed over the tanned skin of his smooth, muscular chest, down his sculptured abs to the top of his waist. Veronica pressed her lips together. He smiled but made no attempt to hide his arousal.

  “Where did you get my robe?” Veronica asked when she found her voice.

  “You left it in the bathroom. I hope you don’t mind. I forgot my soap and didn’t want to get dressed again.”

  “It’s fine.”

  “Damn, sea bass,” he muttered as he stepped closer to her. “It’s delicious, but stinks up everything. I wanted to wash before our date.”

  The urge to touch his skin caused her fingers to twitch. His dark rose-hued nipples were in her line of sight. Her mouth went dry. She wanted to feel one against her tongue. Suddenly, he was leaning forward. When his lips touched her forehead, all breath left her lungs and her heart stopped beating. Stephano pulled away. Tenderly, he cupped her cheek and then moved around her to go into the bathroom.

  “Bring your swimsuit and a change of clothes. You won’t be returning” he called.

  The bathroom door slammed shut. Veronica blinked. For the life of her, she couldn’t remember why she had come up stairs. Shrugging, she went to her room and packed as Stephano instructed.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Fifty minutes later, Stephano parked the Jeep in an area that was hidden by trees. The beach he brought Veronica to was far away from the tourist beaches. Only locals knew of the unobstructed strip of paradise and he hoped it would stay that way. It was Sunday. With the inn normally closed on this day, he was able to get away with no problems. Back at the inn, Lena was watching Guido. Stephano climbed out and walked around to the passenger side to open her door.

  “This is spectacular,” she said.

  She exited the Jeep. When she strolled a few paces away, Stephano checked out her firm ass.

  “Yes it is. And the beach isn’t half bad, either.”

  Veronica elbowed him in the stomach. Chuckling, he gathered a tote containing blankets and towels, and then, picked up the picnic basket. Stephano closed the door and turned. White sand stretched before the turquoise water. He picked a spot that was shaded from the hot sun but close to the water’s edge. Setting down the items, he spread out the blankets.

  “Swim or drink?” he asked.

  “Swim.” She paused to look around. “There’s nowhere for me to change.”

  “You can change here. There’s no one around and I promise not to look.”

  Stephano turned his back. He really did want to watch her change, but he was a gentlemen. Rustling sounds came from behind him. Grasping the hem of white polo shirt, he pulled it over his head. Beneath his blue and white plaid shorts, he wore black swim trunks.

  “Need help?” He pushed down his shorts.

  “No.”

  He kicked off his canvas shoes. “Are you sure? I’m an expert at tying a bow.”

  Veronica laughed. “I thought you’d be an expert at untying them.”

  “That, too.�
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  “No. Thank you. I’m done.”

  Stephano turned around. She had changed into a black bikini. While modest, it also showed the right about of skin. His mouth watered. He longed to taste her creamy caramel thighs with his tongue. If things went according to plan, tonight he would.

  “I am jealous,” he confessed.

  “Of what?”

  “The material of your bikini. It gets to touch you in places that I cannot. Yet.”

  Veronica smirked. “I thought we were swimming.”

  Chuckling, he reached for her hand. “Come.”

  She hesitated. “I’m not going in too far. I don’t want to get my hair wet.”

  “What is the point if you don’t let the sea caress you from head to toe?” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. Her hand trembled in his. “And I do believe, Tesoro, that you are already wet.”

  Veronica parted her lips but closed them. Moving toward her, he wrapped his arms around her waist. Stephano picked her up and flung her over his shoulder. Her squeal sent a shiver down his spine. He raced toward the crystal blue waves.

  “Put me down!” she shouted.

  “Okay.”

  He dropped her into the waist high surf. Briefly, she disappeared beneath the warm water, and then, popped up. Gasping for air, she brushed the strands of wet hair from her eyes. Her irises sparkled in the sun. Stephano suspected that it had been ages since she let loose and had fun. Grinning, he pretended to run. Veronica leapt onto his back and pushed him beneath the water.

  When he broke the surface, he shook the water from his face to view her. An expression of joy was etched on her face. Gripping her around her waist, he pulled her to him. Stephano bent down and pressed his lips against hers. She stiffened when their lips first met, but relaxed in his arms. He mouth was sweet, moist.

  Parting her lips with his tongue, he explored the contours of her mouth. His erection pushed into her abdomen. What he would give to make love to her right here, right now. He caressed her wet back, following the path of her spine down, to the curve of her ass. Moaning, she laced her hands behind his neck.

  Stephano’s pulse raced. There could never be any more than this between them. She had a life back in the States. And he, here. Neither was willing to compromise on their careers to relocate. Plus, though he desired her, he wasn’t ready to be in a long term relationship. With mixed emotions, he tore his mouth away from hers.

  “Tell me,” he took her hand and led her to the blanket, “is there a prince in the Big Apple?”

  Veronica laughed. “No.”

  Picking up a towel, he dried off her back. “That is surprising.”

  “I’m always working,” she confessed. “And, I haven’t met anyone I have that spark with.”

  “Perhaps, that will change.”

  “What about you? What’s your story?”

  Chuckling, Stephano dropped the wet towel on the ground. He sank to his knees and unpacked the picnic basket.

  “I haven’t found anyone who could tame me,” he confessed. “Thirsty?”

  Veronica sat beside him. He could tell she wanted to question him more, but decided to let the subject drop.

  Stephano pulled out a thermos and a martini glass. Shaking the container, he poured a red cocktail in the glass. He added a tiny pink umbrella before handing it to her. Veronica studied him. Stephano waited. Had he said something wrong? He reached for her free hand and held it.

  “What’s wrong, Tesoro?”

  “When I got stressed and imagined my ‘happy place’ this was it.”

  Her eyes glittered with tears. He leaned forward and touched his lips to hers.

  “I am delighted to provide you with the desires of your heart.” Stephano pulled out a beer for himself. He raised his bottle to make a toast. “To new beginnings,” he said.

  Instead of touching her glass to his, Veronica cupped his cheeks. She tilted her face and pressed her lips against his.

  CHAPTER NINE

  The sun had set and the warm air gave way to cooler temperatures when Stephano parked in front of his Lindos condo. After spending two hours at the beach, he took her to a spot near the harbor where Veronica could buy souvenirs for her family. He parked and turned off the engine.

  She beamed at him. “Thank you. That was a perfect day.”

  “The perfection is just beginning. I promised I would teach you to cook.”

  She stiffened. “Maybe another day…”

  Stephano climbed out of the Jeep. Gathering the items from the back, he motioned for her to wait while he took them inside. After unlocking the door, he flipped on the lights, set the items next to the door and went back to get Veronica. She had exited the Jeep and was leaning against the door.

  “I could’ve helped you with that,” she said.

  He brushed his lips against hers. Stephano turned around. Veronica gripped his shoulders and jumped onto his back. She wrapped her legs around his waist. Hooking his arms under her legs, he balanced her weight as he carried her up the two flights of stairs to his condo where, he set her down and turned to close the door.

  “This is nice,” Veronica said as she moved around the living room.

  “You’re being kind,” he snorted. “You hate it.”

  She laughed. “Well. It could use some paint. And some furniture.”

  “I’m never here. So, I didn’t take the time to make it home.”

  Turning to face him, she nodded. “I understand. Because, I’m always working, I hired someone to decorate my place, to make it homey, but it doesn’t feel that way.”

  Stephano picked up her overnight bag. “Make yourself comfortable. Then, I shall show you how to make ziti properly.” When she hesitated, Stephano became alarmed. “What is it?”

  “I’m afraid of making a fool of myself,” she confessed. “I’m a perfectionist. So, I’m afraid whatever I make, won’t be.”

  Softening, he dropped the bag at his feet and gathered her in his arms. “It seems your Achilles heel is cooking and mine is decorating. Perhaps, that’s why we should be together.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You should stop saying those things.”

  “Why?”

  “I might start believing them.”

  He stared at her for a long time. “I want you to believe, Veronica. I speak only the truth.”

  Her lips quivered. “I’ll make you a deal.”

  Stephano raised his eyebrow. “What?”

  “I’ll learn to make ziti if you do it naked.”

  Releasing her, he stepped back and pulled his shirt over his head. Her audible gasp caused his hands to tremble. His cock was already hard. How could he cook in such a state? He unfastened the fly of his shorts but didn’t take them off.

  “It’s only fair,” he said. “That if I cook naked, you must decorate one of my rooms naked.”

  Veronica licked her lips. “Deal.”

  Smirking, Stephano kicked off his shoes and stepped out of his bottoms. Naked, he walked to the kitchen. He clicked on the portable radio and gathered the ingredients to prepare the meal. When he looked behind him, Veronica was still standing in the same spot. He filled a pot with water and set it on a gas burner.

  “Come, Tesoro.” He beckoned her to him. “Don’t be afraid.”

  She appeared at his side. “What do I do?”

  “While the water is boiling, we will cook the sausage, onions and garlic.”

  Stephano cut the twine that held the butcher paper together, and dumped the ground sausage into a hot pan. He gave her a knife. After he showed her how to peel and slice the onion, he diced the green bell peppers.

  “That’s good,” he said, glancing at her work. “But make them smaller. You don’t want to bite down on a piece of raw onion. It’s too bitter.”

  “You sound like a cooking show.”

  He shrugged. “When I worked in New York, I was offered one, but turned it down.”

  “Really? Why?”

&nb
sp; “It’s too much stress. I love to cook, just not like that.”

  He thought of his year spent in New York. It was the last place he worked before moving back to Rhodes. While he liked the hustle and bustle of the large city, it didn’t feel like home. His heart fluttered as he glanced at Veronica. Having her standing next to him felt natural.

  “How is this?” she asked.

  “Perfect! Toss them into the sausage and grate in the garlic.”

  Veronica moved around him to slide the onions into the pan. She picked up the grater but seemed unsure how to use it. Chuckling, he stood behind her. His erection pressed into her while he showed her how to use the utensil. He buried his nose into her hair and inhaled. The strands smelled like wind and sand.

  “Use even strokes,” he whispered against her temple. “Back and forth against the holes. Soon, it will come out on the other side.”

  “Oh…my…”

  Veronica trembled against his chest. Stephano’s breathing became erratic. He kissed her bare shoulder. “Come away with me” by Norah Jones played on the radio. He gripped her waist, spun her to face him and touched his lips to hers. The grater fell to the floor as she returned his urgent kiss.

  Stephano untied the straps of her bikini top. He pushed it, and the top her strapless dress down to stroke her rigid nipples with his thumbs. His fingertips caressed the soft skin of her breast. With a moan, she threaded her fingers through his hair.

  “Burning,” she whispered. “Food.”

  Stephano turned off the burners. He carried her into the bedroom and laid her back on the mattress. After he took off the rest of her clothing, he ran his tongue over the smooth skin between her legs. Her taste was sweeter than any wine he’d ever sipped. Veronica flinched, and then, parted her thighs. Though he was tempted to dive in and savor her, he chose to wait. That will be his dessert. Her pussy around his cock would be his appetizer.

  Kissing his way up her torso, he devoured her mouth as he pushed his cock into her. He groaned. The moist cavity of her pussy cushioned him. Welcomed him. She wrapped her legs around his hips. His heart raced. Veronica’s hands gripped his shoulders. Her touch ignited his soul. Made him rethink his priorities. Maybe, it wouldn’t be so bad waking up next to her every day for the rest of his life. But, how was he going to convince her that she wanted that, too?