The Prince's Cinderella

by Andrea Bolter

  The stubborn look on Lea’s face said she wasn’t giving up this island. And part of him applauded her while the rest of him thought it was a foolish endeavor. But he wasn’t a man used to walking away empty-handed.

  “If you’re holding out for a better deal, you won’t get one from me or anyone else. That’s my one and only offer.” He wasn’t one to be trifled with—no matter how gorgeous he found this woman. Business was business.

  “I’m afraid you came here under a false assumption. The island never was and never will be for sale.”

  His lips pressed into a firm line. He wondered if she even considered what she could do with the money he was offering her.

  This island could be the jewel in his real estate empire. It was beautiful and so private. And yet, it wasn’t that far off the mainland. Talk about a perfect location. He could build the most opulent estates that would sell for outrageous fortunes. He might even build a vacation home for himself. Not that he ever took vacations. But maybe someday he’d start.

  “Is there anything I can say to change your mind?” If it was within reason, he’d consider it.

  She didn’t even hesitate when she gave another firm shake of her head. “This island has been in my family for generations and I intend to keep it that way.”

  He sighed. He was smart enough to know when to walk away. “Do me a favor?”

  “What would that be?”

  “If you ever change your mind about selling, let me know. This place would make a wonderful locale for exclusive estates.”

  She didn’t look impressed. “It’s already a noted wedding and honeymoon destination.”

  He didn’t want to argue with her. He’d never heard of the island before it was brought to his attention as a potential building site, but then again, he avoided anything to do with happily-ever-afters. However, he refrained from mentioning it to Lea. He liked it better when she smiled. “So it is.”

  Though the grounds were well maintained, the place needed to be moved out of the last century and into the current one as far as technology and decorating went. He just didn’t see anyone coming in here and wanting to invest in the place to develop it as a venue for weddings—not when there were so many other more lucrative uses for the island.

  He stared into her blue-green eyes, seeing the depths of her desperation. But no one could truly help her until she realized that fixing this wedding island was a waste of money. And as a respectable businessman with his thumb on the heartbeat of development, he couldn’t in good conscience throw good money after bad. It wasn’t like love lasted. If it existed, it was fleeting at best.

  “I suppose you won’t be staying for the night.” Lea’s voice held a disappointed tone.

  “Actually, you made the island sound so appealing that I’d like to stay for the night.” He had made no plans for the evening or the next morning as he’d thought that he’d be hammering out a formative agreement.

  “Not a problem at all.” She turned from her position by the rail overlooking the cove, where the sun was starting its descent toward the horizon. “I can show you to your bungalow.”

  He liked Lea. She was pleasant, and when she smiled, her whole face lit up. And it had been a long time since he’d taken time for a social life. He’d prided himself on being able to amass his fortune before the age of thirty-five. But it had come at a price—his work schedule meant he hardly had a normal life.

  There was something about this island—something so relaxing. Or perhaps it was the company. His gaze met hers. “I hope that even though we couldn’t do business together we can still be friends.”

  Surprise lit up her eyes, but in a blink it was gone. “Um...sure. No hard feelings.”

  “Good. Would you care to join me for an early dinner?” When she hesitated, he added, “I’d love to hear more stories of the island and tales of your most outlandish weddings.”

  Her beautiful eyes widened. Was sharing a meal really that unusual for her? Or was she surprised by his interest in the goings-on of this eventful island? But with their business concluded, this meal would be...well, it would be between friends. He liked Lea, and the way she told stories was genuinely entertaining.

  “Unless, of course, you have other plans.” He hadn’t considered that. “Perhaps with your husband or boyfriend?”

  She shook her head. “I’m single.”

  “Good.” And then realizing how that might sound, he added, “I mean that you’re available for dinner.”

  “You don’t have to pretend that you’re interested in my stories—”

  “There’s no pretending. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so amused. And by stories of goats, no less.” He gestured for her to lead the way. “Shall we go?”

  “Um...yes. The Hideaway Café is right this way.”

  In less than two minutes, they were at the restaurant. There was a thatched roof, ceiling fans and lots of colorful art on the walls. The aroma of coffee wafted through the air.

  Xander loosened his tie. Then on second thought, he slipped it off and undid the top buttons on his dress shirt. It’d been a long time since he let himself enjoy a woman’s company.

  To his enjoyment, they were escorted to a patio table. It was just too nice a day to be stuck inside. Most of his life was spent in offices. This was different. And when his gaze came to rest on Lea, he decided that it was very nice indeed.

  Once they’d ordered the food, he leaned back in his chair to take in the scenery. The very beautiful—very tempting—scenery. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Lea was someone he longed to know so much better.

  “I never expected to find someone so—” He stopped himself from saying “beautiful” and instead said, “...so young running the island. By your accent, I’m guessing you’re not from Greece.”

  “I’m not. I grew up in Seattle.”

  “That’s a long way from here. So why move here? Why give up everything to run a wedding island?”

  She fidgeted with a spoon on the table. “Because I wanted to learn more about my heritage. Do you know why they call this Infinity Island?”

  He shook his head.

  “Because when two hearts are joined here, they are joined for infinity. Not for a year or two or ten. It’s forever. That’s why we’re selective with our clientele. The happy couples that marry here come from all around the world.”

  “And if you weren’t so choosy, you might not be in such a dire situation. You could have more than one wedding a week. There wouldn’t be any downtime like now.”

  She frowned at him. “We aren’t in it for the money. This island is special and I won’t part with it for you to build some expensive homes for people that don’t understand the significance of the island and its history.”

  “You speak like you’ve lived here your entire life.”

  “Sometimes it feels that way.” She never made any secret about her past. “My mother left Greece when she fell in love with an American soldier. She followed him to the States, where I came to be.”

  “So how did you end up back here?”

  “My aunt never had any children of her own. I was her sole heir and she entrusted me with the island.”

  “What about your mother?”

  “She and my father still live in the States on a little island off the Pacific coast. My mother, well, she had a falling-out with her family.”

  “I probably shouldn’t do this since I’d really like it if you would call me in the near future and sell me the island, but I have some advice to keep your business afloat.”

  Her eyes lit up with interest. “What would that be?”

  “This place is practically empty.” He waved around at the plethora of empty tables. “Open the island up to vacationers as well as wedding guests. It would keep a steady flow of people and increase the flow of revenue.”

  “I
’ll keep that in mind.”

  But he could tell she’d already considered the option and dismissed it. Apparently traditions ran deep where this island was concerned. Xander couldn’t help but wonder if it was really the love of the island or if there was something else keeping her here away from her family—away from society.

  But he kept those questions to himself as they savored a delightful array of fresh vegetables, seafood and cheeses produced on the island. The meal was leisurely and the food was out of this world. He was quite tempted to lure the chef away and put him on staff at the Skyrise Restaurant atop his headquarters in Athens.

  Even though the sun had slipped below the horizon, leaving a pink hue in its wake, Xander wasn’t ready to end his time with Lea.

  They strolled down to the beach. No one was around, and they enjoyed the surf and sand alone.

  “I really should get back to work,” Lea said, but her voice lacked desire.

  “I should, too. But why don’t we play hooky this evening?”

  She glanced at him as they ambled along the shore. “Do you usually play hooky?”

  “No.”

  “Then why this evening?”

  He stopped and turned to her. “Because you reminded me that there is so much more to life than business. I haven’t laughed this much...ever. It has been a truly wonderful evening.” He stared deep into her eyes. “I don’t want it to end.”

  “You don’t?”

  “I don’t.” His gaze lowered to her lips. They were so inviting. He’d been glancing at them off and on all through dinner. They were rosy and glossy. Nothing about her appearance was overly done. She was more down-to-earth and much more appealing than any of the women he’d dated in the past.

  He had a policy of not mixing business and pleasure. Tonight, he might have been tempted to break that long-standing rule, but he knew Lea wasn’t going to change her mind about his offer. And so there was no reason to hold back. They could find out where the evening would take them.

  He stepped closer, watching and waiting to see if she would pull away. She didn’t. He glanced down, catching the slight pulse in her neck. She was as intrigued by him as he was by her. The most captivating thing about her wasn’t her gorgeous face or luscious lips, but the beauty inside that glowed outward.

  He reached out to her. His movements were slow so as not to startle her. And then his fingers caressed her smooth, soft cheek. “You are the most incredible woman I’ve met.”

  There was an audible hiss as she sucked her breath in through her teeth. Her eyes widened and then took on an inviting look. He had no intention of missing out on such a tempting invitation.

  He lowered his head, but before he got very far, she was there—meeting him in the middle. Her tender lips pressed to his. The breath caught in the back of his throat. Her touch was like a static charge—sending a current through his body, making every cell vibrate with desire.

  His hand lowered to her waist. He drew her to him. Her hands came to rest on his chest as their kiss deepened. He hadn’t ventured to Infinity Island with a thought of having a romantic tryst—not at all. He’d been disappointed that he hadn’t been able to purchase the island, but this wasn’t so bad as a consolation prize. And though he’d deny it to anyone, he’d ended up with the better of the two options.

  The more he tasted Lea, the more he wanted her. She snuggled up against him. Her soft, voluptuous curves fit perfectly against him. He had a feeling this evening was only going to get better and better.

  Copyright © 2019 by Jennifer F. Stroka

  ISBN-13: 9781488043635

  The Prince’s Cinderella

  First North American publication 2019

  Copyright © 2019 by Andrea Bolter

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