The Summer Deal

by Aleka Nakis

  “Late? Maybe by American standards. Greeks don’t go out for dinner before ten or eleven. We’ll get the early bird discount tonight.” He was laughing again when he reached toward her, and his touch settled on the back of her neck, gently massaging it. “How does seafood sound?”

  “Great,” she replied, and made her legs move to stand. She needed a little space, or she’d lose her perspective on the situation unfolding before her.

  As they walked back to the BMW, they talked about Aegeus, the Athenian king who had committed suicide by jumping from these very cliffs.

  “When he saw his son’s ship return with a raised black flag, the king thought he had been killed by Crete’s Minotaur. It was never told how, but the son, Theseus, had mistakenly returned with the black flag. However, he did come back, alive and victorious.”

  “It’s so sad. I guess the pain of losing a loved one affects some people strangely.” She walked closer to the edge and stared at the jagged rocks below. Demo’s hand tightened on hers and she felt a serene sense of security wash over her.

  Chapter Eight

  Demo and Sammy returned to the penthouse at two in the morning.

  “Those were the tastiest, most humongous shrimp in the world. And the sauce was to die for.” Sammy tapped her tummy as she flopped onto the couch.

  Demo admired the cute toes she exposed after she’d taken off her shoes and stripped off her socks. Sammy thrilled him in every way. He should tell her and give her a choice. They were on level ground, out of the office, and could now relate as two consenting adults.

  “Sammy, there is more to this trip than business meetings. I—”

  The knock at the door interrupted him. He raised his forefinger and went to get rid the unwelcome intrusion.

  A member of his Athens security team apologized profusely for the interruption and then continued in a ramble of quick, stern, Greek sentences.

  Demo listened while he watched Sammy collect her belongings and retreat to her bedroom. Things needed to change.

  “How the hell could he vanish under surveillance? Are they blind or stupid?”

  The security man shrugged and turned his palms up in dismay. “I don’t know, sir. We pulled our men off when Miss Mallone left the country. The report came in an hour ago.”

  “Have the chopper on the roof at ten.”

  Acknowledging his instructions, the other man left.

  There were too many people and uncontrollable factors in Athens. Sammy was as susceptible to harm here as in New York. He couldn’t allow that. Demo ran his fingers through his hair and walked to her door. He knocked and she opened.

  “Something’s come up. How about we reschedule the theatre and head for Crete in the morning?”

  “That’s fine.”

  “I’m sorry. I know you were looking forward to the performance, but I’ll make it up to you.”

  Sammy wondered what kind of news had to be delivered at two in the morning. Demo kept running his hand through his hair. The tension in his eyes told her it wasn’t good, and his quick tone relayed his desire to get on it immediately.

  “Don’t worry, Mr. Lakis. Business first.” After all, that was the true purpose of the trip. Just because he was nice enough to show her around on her first day in Athens, it didn’t mean he could waste all his time dilly-dallying with her and sightseeing.

  “We’ll leave after breakfast. Will you be ready?”

  She smiled and pointed to the set of designer suitcases at the foot of her bed. “It looks like there will be no problem.”

  He stepped into her room, shaking his head. “Good. Elena did a nice job.”

  “Yes, and thank you. When did you have the chance to tell her without me hearing?”

  He laughed and the tension eased. “Ah, I guess you’ll require a Greek-English dictionary next. If I’m correct, what you need tonight should be in this case.”

  He pointed to a small bag she’d already peeked into and she nodded in agreement. Then, wanting to show her appreciation, she leaned on his arm and rose to her toes. “Thank you,” she said and kissed his cheek.

  “I think you’ll like Crete.” His hand rested on her hip and his gaze met hers. “We’ll have fun there. I promise.”

  He bent and brushed his lips over the top of her head. She didn’t want to pull away; her body was comfortable against his. She felt him tighten his hold and questioned if there was a true possibility for a relationship with him. Demo couldn’t be that nice and considerate without having some sort of romantic feelings for her.

  Without moving her feet, she looked up and asked, “What did he say to change your mood?”

  His body went rigid, and he dropped his hand. Stepping away from her, he shrugged and turned his back to her. “It’s nothing to concern yourself with, Sammy. I’ll see you at breakfast. Goodnight and sweet dreams.”

  He left the room before she could respond. She watched the door latch shut.

  Rubbing her upper arms to ward off the sudden cold, Sammy cursed softly under her breath. “Stupid, you’re so stupid!”

  It’s nothing. It’s private and doesn’t concern his personal assistant. Personal!

  She flopped onto the bed and pounded the pillows. He was just being nice and considerate. His personal business was just that; she had no right to ask. They didn’t have the type of relationship in which he would share his own life.

  Demo was the farthest thing from the type of men she’d known. Different and nice. There was that word again: nice. How unusual to have a man be nice to her. That’s what threw her off balance, and she’d let her imagination get the best of her. Samantha Mallone was Demosthenis Lakis’s personal assistant and business acquaintance.

  She would no longer confuse his polite manner for desire.

  *****

  Once the helicopter landed, they transferred to a jeep. “It’s early, and I want to show you a bit of the city before we go to the hotel,” Demo said.

  Yeah, please stop being nice and playing tour guide again. Just stop and give me a file to take care of to get my mind off the feel of your hands.

  They drove down the mountains towards the city bathed in the golden glow of the sun. Her eyes took in the quaint old stone buildings scattered between the grey modern structures and the tall trees. This land was so pretty, it engulfed her spirit and she felt free to travel with the wind itself.

  “This is an industrial part of town. It leads to the commercial port. Some say the mountain to the right is hollow, and the American military burrows inside. Souda is one of the largest U.S. bases in the Mediterranean.” He explained as she scanned the area.

  “It doesn’t seem like a hardship to be stationed here.” This island was absolutely perfect and seemed to have a little of everything. New and old, tender beauty and jagged edges, it had something for everyone. She took a deep breath, letting the sweet air toss her hair, fill her lungs, and give her the sense of soaring over the rugged landscape.

  “Actually, Crete is strategically important. It is the southern part of Europe, north of Africa and west of the Middle East. It’s at the crossroads of three continents.”

  “It’s beautiful,” she agreed.

  “I figure you’re tired. The jetlag will take a few days to go away.” He drummed his fingertips on the steering wheel as he spoke. “You’ve been very quiet since we left Athens. Is everything okay?”

  “Yes.” She gave him a casual smile. “Why shouldn’t it be?”

  He shrugged, but didn’t answer her question. “We’ll go to the hotel so you can rest, and then we’ll go for dinner when you wakeup.”

  “Oh, you don’t need to wait for me.”

  “I want to wait for you.”

  Sammy pinched herself as the jeep pulled up to a sprawling stone castle. Or was it a fort? Her mind was on full alert and her body sang from all the fascinating details assaulting every one of her senses; she could hardly sit still. She was looking at a fairy tale castle.

  “Welcome to Athena�
�s Dream.” Demo turned off the engine and gestured toward a stone building in the midst of olive trees. Sammy was aware of his sister’s purchase of the resort. She had worked on the contracts with Demo.

  “This is our headquarters. Each of the bedrooms has a private entrance from the veranda, and the living area will serve as the office. There is a small kitchen with the basic supplies, but the best part is the veranda. In case you haven’t guessed by now, Greeks live outdoors in the summer and rarely is anything done inside.” He pointed to a couple enjoying coffee at a table under the trees. “The resort has twenty-five suites and bungalows built into this twelfth century fort. They’ve also purchased the property to the east and south in order to build a hundred room hotel.”

  “The current structure is breathtaking, but a high-riser would ruin the atmosphere.” She marveled up at the structure as her business brain began to work.

  “As I understand it, the plan is to build a few two story buildings consistent with the existing architecture, and create a courtyard in the center.” He handed the keys to the bellhop and steered her away from the front door and along a trail hugging the bungalow.

  Emerging from the bougainvillea-lined passageway, she observed the sun’s reflection on the sea. The seagulls dove into the water for their lunch and the island hummed a tune of jagged beauty.

  “Everything we need is inside. There’s a computer with high-speed internet access and all the office equipment that comes with it. Most of our clients will be in Europe for the summer, and I think it will be very effective to work out of here.”

  “At least we won’t need to worry about the time difference,” she agreed, a long yawn leaving her lips as she stepped toward the French doors.

  “Take a nap before dinner. I promise not to let you sleep too long. You can adjust with a good night’s sleep tonight.”

  He was very relaxed, and she found herself enjoying this side of her employer more than usual.

  “Go on, you’re sleeping in the room on the right. I’ll knock on your door in an hour or so.”

  *****

  She opened her eyes and stared at the darkness outside her window. The sun had set, and the clock on the nightstand showed ten-thirty. She had slept for hours.

  Sammy turned on the bedside lamp. Stone walls kept the room cool, while the dark beams across the ceiling added an image of warmth. The sturdy wooden four-poster bed was an antique, and the wardrobe was a showcase of workmanship with its intricate carvings.

  The slate floor was cold on her feet, and she quickly put on a pair of slippers provided by the resort. Wrapping herself in a fluffy robe, she walked to the door adjoining the living room and opened it. Demo was sitting on the couch watching the NBA finals.

  “Basketball?” she asked.

  “The wonders of satellite.” He patted the couch. “Come join me. It’s the third quarter of game four. You rooting for anyone?”

  “Yeah, I’m a big fan. With my height, I was the starting center in high school.” She chuckled, imagining waving her arms and chasing the ball down the court. “I’m going to shower, and if they’re not done by the time I’m dressed, I’ll root for the white team.”

  “A real fan.” He nodded his head for emphasis. “I’ll be right here waiting.”

  Sammy was about to close her door, when the main entrance opened and a stunning woman walked in. Long raven hair flowed off her bare shoulders and rested on her back. A halter style red mini-dress outlined her shapely, toned physique, and her endless legs stood in expensive designer sandals.

  Zoë Markos.

  “Demo, I brought you some bougatsa.” The Greek beauty handed him a box with a gold ribbon. “It’s from your favorite shop.”

  “Thank you, koukla mou.” He jumped off the couch, took the package, and kissed her cheek. Opening the box, and releasing an aroma of the sweet cheese pastry mixed with cinnamon, he walked towards Sammy. “Have you met Zoë Markos?”

  “No. Pleased to meet you, Miss Markos. I’m—”

  “Sammy, I know.” The gorgeous woman smiled sweetly. “How was your trip?”

  “Good.” Taken aback by Zoë’s friendliness, she swallowed hard, helpless to halt her embarrassment. “And how was your trip?”

  “Don’t ask. I’m scared to fly. But I love it here, so I’d never complain about the trip—other than the need to take a plane to get here.” Zoë laughed, the sensual sound shaking Samantha’s confidence. “Oh, I almost forgot. Your suitcases arrived yesterday, but I didn’t know if you wanted the staff to unpack for you. I requested they leave them by the wardrobe in your room.”

  “Yes, I saw that. Thank you. It was very thoughtful of you.” Sammy nodded and forced a smile. No wonder Demo liked spending time with this woman. Not only was she good-looking, Zoë Markos was so…so…nice.

  “Demo said you’re joining us for dinner. I hope you’re not very hungry, he won’t go anywhere before the game is over.”

  “Actually, I’m begging out of dinner. I feel tired.” She met Demo’s quizzical gaze, and wet her lips with a nervous flickering of her tongue. “It must be the time difference. I think I’ll go to bed early tonight. It was a pleasure meeting you Miss Markos, and goodnight Mr. Lakis.”

  Samantha hurriedly closed the door, not allowing any further conversation. She wasn’t going to be a third wheel. And she needed time to get her feelings under control.

  Demo had not asked her to come to Greece for pleasure. She arrived in the ancient country to do her job. She would spend business hours with him, and after hours, she would not impose on his time or politeness. She would not read anymore into their relationship than she knew it was. No brooding; she was going to follow her original plan. She had to find the freedom within herself.

  Samantha sat on her bed and listened to the basketball game playing on the television in the other room. Thinking it appropriate to give the couple their privacy, she waited patiently until the set was off, and she heard them leave. Walking into the living area, she spotted the refrigerator and remembered how hungry she was.

  She took a small cup of strawberry yogurt to the table on the veranda. Watching the fishing boats and the lights play in the nearby harbor, she realized why Greeks spent most of their time outside. The night sky was amazing. Stars danced in the darkness, which met the sea, smooth as oil. She could hear music from somewhere, and looked down to see people eating at a taverna to the right of the seawall. There were more people out now, close to midnight, than there had been when she had arrived.

  Samantha would take advantage of the night’s rest and be ready to go in the morning. She finished her yogurt, washed up for bed, and stayed in her room, watching a John Wayne movie until she fell asleep.

  Chapter Nine

  Sunlight filled the quiet living space and silent hope for a relationship blossomed in the morning glow. Demo smiled and walked past the temporary office then knocked softly, cracking the bedroom door when Sammy didn’t answer after several moments. His gut clenched. Her room was empty.

  Where was she? It was only seven-thirty in the morning.

  He let out a long breath, and scanned the suite for a note. The kitchen counter was empty, the desk was clean of papers, and the coffee table sat bare. He looked out on the veranda. Nothing.

  “First, she bails on dinner and now breakfast.” He ran his fingers through his hair and scratched the back of his head. He had been looking forward to seeing Sammy’s bright green eyes early in the morning.

  The silence nagged him. He missed the sound of her voice. Demo made a mental note to pickup a local cell phone for her. At least in case of emergency, she’d have a way to contact him. At most, he could hear her voice whenever he wanted to.

  What the hell had gotten into her? It was as if she’d pushed a button and turned off to him.

  He pulled on his Nikes and went for a run. Returning to the resort, he jogged by the pool and spotted a copper mass gliding in the water. He stopped and placed his hands on his knees to watch.

>   Sammy did a few more laps and then walked out of the pool like Aphrodite emerging from her shell. Wearing a shiny brown bikini, she sauntered to a lounge chair and shook out her hair. Lying in the sun, her fair skin wet and reflecting the light, she radiated with bewitching temptation. He wiped a trickle off his brow, and smiling in appreciation, walked over.

  “Good morning, Sammy, or kalimera as we say in Greece.”

  “Kalimera,” she attempted the Greek greeting, and raised her hand to shield her eyes. “I thought you were still sleeping. Did you want to start work early?”

  “Work?” he said in a grudging voice. Now that he’d found her, he didn’t want to think of business. Soon she’d be back to calling him Mr. Lakis. “No, not at all. I was hoping we could have some coffee together. Did you have breakfast yet?”

  “I usually just have some juice. They have fresh squeezed orange juice at the pool bar.”

  “How about you join me at the café? I need a real breakfast.” He offered his hand, not waiting for her answer.

  “Where is Miss Markos?”

  “Zoë?” He twisted his outstretched arm in question. “She likes her sleep and never gets up early on vacation. Come on, my stomach is growling.”

  Standing, she wrapped a gold sarong around her hips, slipped her tiny feet into a pair of sandals, and reached for her bag at the same time as he did. Their fingers touched, and a spark jolted up his arm.

  He paused a moment and then took the bag from her hand. Holding it with two fingers, he swung it over his right shoulder and placed his left hand in the small of her back. Her warm and welcoming skin seemed to sizzle beneath his fingertips. He enjoyed touching her and wondered why he had wasted so much time in not getting to know her better sooner.

  Maybe it was just the jetlag that had her acting strange last night. She seemed fine this morning—back to the woman who had stepped off the plane.

  “You need to try some Greek coffee. It’s like espresso, but not bitter.”