by Aleka Nakis
They sat at a table overlooking the water, eating fresh rolls and cheese. Demo’s bacon and eggs arrived and he immediately broke the yolk with a piece of bread. “I might be in Greece, but I love a good American breakfast.”
“I can see that. I’m surprised you fit in that chair with what you’ve eaten so far.”
Demo heard the laughter in her voice and saw the amusement in her eyes as their gazes locked. He reached across the table and touched her hand.
Tilting his head and waggling his brows, he said in a mocking voice, “I seem to remember a chocolate monster behind those beautiful green eyes. I plan to tempt that little creature tonight, and I guarantee there will be no more talk of my big breakfast.”
“It sounds delicious, but deadly, just like everything else around here,” she replied, sliding her hand into her lap.
Demo deduced that there was a double meaning in her words and grinned, realizing the second included him.
Gazing across the horizon she asked, “How are we going to get any work done here?”
“We’ll do what we have to. We always do. I’ve never known you not to fulfill your responsibilities.”
He didn’t care one bit about work. He’d arranged for a long overdue vacation, included her—okay so it wasn’t completely upfront—but since he was being honest, he wanted to vacation with her.
“I don’t want to forget the reason we’re here. This place is a definite distraction,” she said, her eyes darting out over the sea.
“Why would you worry? Don’t you like it? Just let yourself unwind and enjoy, koukla mou.”
His mouth might be asking the questions, but it was her eyes that were big and full of them. He saw apprehension in them and leaned back in his chair to give her space.
“Demo, this isn’t like you. You’re so relaxed, laughing and taking pleasure in a leisurely coffee on an average day. I’m used to the man who is in the office before everyone else, and the man who is more precise than the Swiss timepiece he always wears. You’re not even wearing your watch.” She skimmed his wrist, and as if realizing she was touching him, she pulled back again.
Her hand trembled and he wrapped his fingers around it to steady it. He leaned closer to hear the rest.
“I’m not sure what to think of the new you,” she whispered.
“Koukla-,” he began.
“You use koukla a lot. You called Miss Markos that yesterday.”
So, she was jealous… that was why she didn’t go to dinner. Good, at least it showed she felt something.
“There is more to life than work, koukla mou,” he said, emphasizing the endearment. “We’ll work, and we’ll enjoy ourselves. Look at this place. As I see it, we don’t have a choice. And to let you in on something very personal, that is why I decided to spend the summer here. I want to enjoy myself.” He studied her for a brief moment, wondering if she truly understood what he meant. He didn’t want to push her too fast. He didn’t want her to shut down. “So you like Greece?”
“It’s gorgeous. The rugged beauty, the warm weather, not to mention the nice people.”
“Give it time. It really grows on you. You haven’t seen much yet, and you haven’t met anyone.” He forced himself to stop staring at her and returned his attention to his breakfast. Samantha Mallone was enjoying Greece.
“Not much, but I like what I’ve seen. The staff is very friendly, more than paid employees usually are, and the Americans I met said that everyone was very hospitable. They invited me to a taverna tonight. It’s supposed to have the best fish on the island.”
Drawing in a deep breath, Demo almost choked on a piece of bacon. “Americans?” he asked, swallowing the last bite.
“Yes, they’ve been here for six months, and they love it. Navy or Air Force, I’m not sure; some type of pilots though. They offered to show me around after work.”
“I could do that,” he said, knowing he sounded more that a little possessive. This was a new feeling for him, and he struggled to control his facial features.
“No, I could never impose on your personal time.”
A tense silence sat between them. How quickly the shoe changed foot. He gestured for the bill, signing the paper immediately upon its arrival. “We have work to do. Let’s go.”
Standing, he started walking to the bungalow. He noticed she had to double her steps to keep up, but he didn’t slow down.
Demo wasn’t going to let her go without making his feelings for her clear. No more hiding behind work. He’d show her how he felt as soon as possible. First, he needed time to sort out the feelings he had over her pilot. Her pilot? No way.
*****
Samantha hit the print button and lifted her hands over her head to stretch. Swinging her head in a circular motion and relieving the tension of work, she took in the view spread before her.
The wind had picked up and there were little white crests on the waves rippling towards the shore. Sunshine flooded the room through the large windows, eliminating the need for artificial light. The shutters were folded and secured with long hooks on the stone walls, allowing the breeze to enter. Five hours had passed quickly, but she was aching to get outdoors.
Long, tan fingers found her shoulders, and sent sparks through her body. Demo was standing over her. “How about we go for lunch?”
She hesitated, the sudden end of breakfast still fresh in her mind. She cleared her throat. “I think I’ll eat something here. I need to study for the bar.”
“We’ll devote tomorrow to that. I promised to help.”
“Thanks, and thank you for the AmeriBar course. I can’t skip when I only have an hour or two per day to study. I’ll grab one of those delicious yogurts.”
“Again with the yogurt?”
She smiled and stood to walk towards the kitchen, stopping when he wrapped his fingers around her wrist.
“We could spend the whole day tomorrow. Five, eight, ten or twelve hours if you choose. I have no other plans.” An invitation loomed in his dark eyes.
She didn’t want to misconstrue his motives a second time, but this new, relaxed image was perplexing. This wasn’t the workaholic boss she knew. Always courteous and respectful, he pushed himself more than he did his employees, never leaving the office before the street lamps were necessary to see down the block.
Now he wanted to go out for lunch in the middle of the day, and he didn’t plan to work tomorrow? She searched his face for hidden answers, but she saw no veil. It was just as he said.
“Don’t be so serious. We caught up on work, and the office can handle it for a few days without you. Pack your bathing suit and let’s go to lunch.” He drew out each word, teasing her. “You’ve had gyro in Astoria, now it’s time for the real thing.”
“Oh well, the gyro seals the deal. So what if I don’t pass the bar—not a biggie.” Shrugging, she flipped her hair and skipped into her room for her bag. Hey, if he wanted to play, she was game.
It was casual. He was just being nice. She’d have some fun and be sociable. Save the raging hormones for the clubs and the tourists.
She returned to find Demo grinning and holding the door, ready to go.
“You surprise me,” she said. “I didn’t think you could leave the work behind like this. Not that I mind. I actually like the idea of going beyond the resort for an authentic Greek lunch and a swim.”
“That’s the attitude.” He said laying his arm on her shoulders. Leaning close, his tender and hot lips kissed her cheek.
“When in Greece, we do as the Greeks do. The afternoon is lazy time on the beach. And if you want real local food, I suggest you save your appetite for family dinners. You’ll like those too. Just don’t forget the earplugs. We talk very loud.”
“Yeah, I hear people think that you’re arguing, when all you’re doing is discussing what is for dinner tomorrow.”
“Exactly. Don’t let it scare you off, Sammy. It’s not a prim and proper meeting we’re going to experience in this place. Time to let go
of all that.”
Whom was she hearing? Had he lost his mind? And who was she, the don’t have a good time police? She didn’t think so. Just because Demo worked hard all year, didn’t mean he didn’t deserve some fun. After all, wasn’t that her goal this summer?
She relaxed and consciously placed her inhibitions on the back burner for the time being.
*****
Despite the tub of sun block Sammy showed him during lunch, Demo insisted she needed a large hat. “Trust me. You’ll sizzle in this sun.”
“It’s almost five in the afternoon. I’ll be fine,” she said, waving a dismissive hand.
He laughed as if truly amused and turned his attention to the colorful display. Plopping a large, floppy brimmed, flower-patterned hat on her head, he spoke to the storeowner in Greek and paid for her new accessory.
She attempted to take it off but found he was holding it steady in the back. Trying to suppress her laughter, she shook her head in disbelief. “You’re just a little stubborn.”
She’d had a great time at lunch. It was so unusual to have him feeding her fries dipped in the creamy yogurt sauce, laughing and carrying on as if they were really together.
No. She had to remember: he was just being nice.
“And what are you? Acquiescent?” His laugh was a call of triumph pulling her out of her thoughts. “You’ll look like a sweet ripe berry tonight if you don’t learn to listen.” A big grin crossed his face and a sparkle filled his eyes. “Hm, on second thought, it might be interesting if you don’t wear the hat.”
The mischievous look on his handsome face sent a rush of heat through her body. She tried to justify it, but couldn’t.
His gaze dropped from her face to the length of her neck, and his lips followed, intimately searing the sensitive skin below her ear.
“Deliciously interesting.” His last words smothered her lips.
Her breasts swelled and her nipples strained against the thin fabric covering her suit. Affirming that her feelings for him had nothing to do with reason, her heart thudded noisily in her chest. She felt things a woman should not feel for her employer, and it appeared he did too.
Logic dictated she should run, run very far and very fast. But her feet did not move. Logic also dictated she shouldn’t be here, alone, with the man slated to marry Zoë Markos. And, she should definitely not kiss him back. Instead, parting her lips, she raised herself to meet his kiss.
Blood pounded in her brain, leapt from her heart, and made her legs tremble. A large hand settled on her back, and she steadied her spinning senses.
“It’s safer if you keep your hat on.” His husky whisper caressed her ear. He began to hum a sultry melody. “You should keep your hat on.”
She straightened, raised her hands to the sides of the cap, and pulled it tight over her head. Her eyes pierced into his, and her breath was sharp. “Step back, and let me see the key chains.”
She pushed her fingers against the hard wall of his chest and walked to a spinning souvenir rack. Hearing him behind her, she walked quickly into the next store. Confused and flustered, she didn’t want to confront him or her feelings for him.
Exiting the fourth store, she saw him leaning against the jeep, with his arms crossed on his chest, making no secret of the fact that he enjoyed watching her.
“Have I done something to offend you, koukla mou?” An arrogant smirk graced his face.
“Yes, you have.” She looked up into his eyes, daring him to speak and explain his actions. He didn’t. “Your behavior is inappropriate, Mr. Lakis. We’re in a public place, with dozens of people around us.”
The arrogant smirk grew. “I’m sorry, I don’t usually plan the time and place I find a beautiful woman irresistible. But if you prefer we go somewhere private, it will be my pleasure.”
“Private, huh? What would Zoë Markos think of that?” Her cheeks were getting hot and her insides twisted.
“Zoë would be happy.” He reached for her arm.
“Happy? That’s sick.” Pulling away, she walked towards the car door. “Please take me back to the resort.”
Knowledge registered on his face and he laughed. “Now, I understand. Get in and we’ll talk.”
Chapter Ten
Demo laughed at her! He was like the other men who had walked in and out of her life in the past. He lied, and no—he was not nice.
He drove in the opposite direction from the resort, but Sammy chose not to say a thing as she crossed her arms in front of her and stared out the passenger window. If she tried to make a sound, she was sure she would cry. She chose to pretend she didn’t realize which way he drove.
In the brief silence of the car ride, she reviewed the day’s events. There was a different element to Demo in Greece, and it had nothing to do with work. He wasn’t shy in showing his sexual interest in her.
She stole a look at his determined profile. His dark wavy hair was longer than usual. The strong and seductive lips, the perfectly crafted Grecian nose, the long dark lashes outlining his intense brown eyes, and the shade of stubble on the firm set of his jaw completed a striking image. He was devastatingly handsome and so attractive to her. She liked everything about him. But she could not lose sight of the fact that he was going to marry Zoë, and for the current time, he was her employer. And, most importantly, he was a man, just like all the others who’d betrayed her.
That was her greatest problem. She had major baggage from her past and it seemed impossible to get over it. In the office, there was no past to contend with and she was able to successfully pave a new, brave path to travel on. She appeared and was strong. But at home, she had all these skeletons in the closet and they weighed her down. She was two different people: one assured and confident, the other self-conscious and weary. The pull in the opposing directions was taking its toll and she was tired of putting up such a strong front—tired of questioning every motive.
Demo cleared his throat, and when he spoke again his voice was very calm. “I don’t owe Zoë an explanation on my behavior or feelings. I enjoy being with you. I want to be with you. And, I believe the feeling is mutual.”
Calculating her words carefully to minimize the emotion in her voice, she rubbed her knuckles and twisted her hands in her lap. “There are rumors that you’re engaged to Miss Markos.”
“No.” He was firm, leaving no room for doubt. “I’m not engaged, or married. Sammy, you know that I take my word and responsibilities very seriously. I would never do that to a woman, and I wouldn’t subject you to such insult.”
Her fingers were red from the pressure, but she couldn’t stop. She bit on her lower lip trying to think logically about what Demo was saying. Taking a deep breath, she attempted to slow her racing heart.
Could it be true? If he wasn’t engaged, then he wasn’t betraying Zoë. If he wasn’t engaged, maybe he kissed her because he desired her. If he wasn’t engaged, maybe she could allow herself to feel for him the way she did.
“Sammy, it’s not in my nature to lie. I just want to have fun. To do things that make me happy, with people that I chose. In short, I want to enjoy my summer with you.”
The irony of it all swarmed her mind. Here was the man of her dreams, telling her he wanted to enjoy her company, at the precise moment in time she had vowed to have fun. She wanted fun, he wanted fun, she wanted him, and he wanted her, but could she leave it at that?
“Demo, you’re my boss, and I feel weird about—”
“If it was anyone else, I would never act on these emotions. You’re different, koukla mou. We’re different. There’s something here, something we need to address. If you disagree, I’ll back off.”
“You’re my boss.”
“I won’t stop because we work together. That’s irrelevant. Between the two of us, I trust we can separate business. The true question is: what do you want between us personally?”
She wanted to scream “everything.” Instead, she considered telling him her summer plans. Maybe it was her turn to open
up and be a little honest.
He stopped the car in a small field with a path running into some trees. Behind the tree line, she could see the beach. Ignoring her request to go home, he had brought her to the beach.
Resting her chin on her hand, and slowly turning to face him, a bemused smile formed on her face. He was so domineering. Sweet, but overbearing, and he needed to be brought down a notch or two.
Well, she wasn’t a doormat, and she would make him see he couldn’t have her at his disposal just for the heck of it. She valued herself, and it had taken her a while to figure it out. Sammy wasn’t about to lose this new independence and confidence, which had been so hard for her to cultivate.
“I need some time to answer that,” she said matter-of-factly.
“That’s fair.” Demo accepted her response with only slight impatience. “Are you still angry?”
She shook her head no, and he gently placed his palm against her cheek. “Good.”
*****
Walking out of the water, he saw her lying on the straw beach mat they had bought an hour earlier. She was on her stomach, a pink towel serving as a pillow, and she was sleeping in the shade of a tall tree.
Her new hat sat on the back of her head, and the sun block was on top of her bag. He smiled, confident her delicate skin was protected.
He dried off, lay beside her, and closed his eyes.
A small arm feathered across his chest, and Demo opened his eyes as Sammy curled her soft body against him. For fear of waking her, he tried not to breathe loud, but couldn’t resist wrapping his arm around her and pulling her closer.
Her curves fit perfectly against his torso, as if she was made for him. Lifting a strand of hair to reflect the sun, guilt tugged at his gut. Demo wanted her and he knew he’d do anything to get her. The most pressing thing was to find a way for her to leave him when things were done. A way for him to take the fall and let her walk away with her pride when things would need to end between them.
I don’t want to hurt you, koukla mou. But I have to have you. Once we’ve satisfied each other, you can go. Not a moment before that.