Читать книгу Greek Affairs - Кейт Хьюит - Страница 41

ONCE the yacht stopped for its nightly anchorage, Sara felt an unexpected rise in anticipation. She and several of the other crew members were lounging on the aft deck, enjoying the evening. It was much cooler tonight. She’d brought a sweatshirt. The breeze that blew constantly was refreshing but chilly. She listened to the conversation more than contributed. Now that the ship had dropped anchor, she wondered if Nikos would come again to thank her for the meal. She’d taken extra pains with tonight’s dish, broiling the succulent fish to perfection.

Probably not. He’d merely been kind to a new employee last night. He expected good work; she delivered. And he’d also been hospitable when he’d offered to show her around the upper deck of the yacht. She didn’t think he was the type to mingle with his employees on a routine basis. With the rest of the crew lingering on the aft deck, even if he wanted to speak to her again, she doubted he’d do so in such a public place.

And why would he want to? She wasn’t a regular member of the crew. Once the chef with the ruptured appendix recovered, he’d be back in his galley and she’d be back at the resort looking for another way to contact her grandmother.

Unless she could somehow get to the family island before that.

One by one the crew members rose to depart to their quarters. When only Sara and the captain remained, she changed seats to be closer so she could ask him some questions. She wanted to be able to turn the conversation to access to the island.

“Have you been in charge of this ship long?” she began.

“Since it was commissioned. Before that, I was captain of a ship for Mr. Andrus Konstantinos, Mr. Nikos’s father. I have served the family for almost twenty years.”

“An ideal job, I’d say, sailing around the Aegean all the time.”

“Ah, but sometimes we go further—into the Med and to ports west of Greece. One summer I took the patriarch and his new bride to Spain and Morocco. It was a beautiful summer sail.”

That had to be her grandmother he was talking about. The senior Konstantinos was now married to Eleani. “How long ago was that?” she asked.

“Many years now. More recently we have sailed to Egypt and to Italy.”

“Do you have any family?” she asked, wondering how they managed his being from home for long voyages.

“Only a brother and his children. His wife died two years ago. They are mostly grown, but I see them at holidays if not required on board. Have you sailed a lot?”

“No, this is my first trip.”

“Lucky for you seasickness is not a problem.”

“If she’d gotten sick, she’d have been in a real pickle,” Nikos said from the shadows.

The captain turned his head and nodded a greeting. “Mr. Nikos. Did you require something?”

“Just a brief break from the work that never ends. I came to check up on my chef and compliment her on the excellent dinner tonight. The presentation added to the delicious taste of the fresh fish.”

Sara surreptitiously wiped her damp palms on her slacks and tried to keep her breathing under control. “I’m pleased you and your guests enjoyed the meal.”

“As did we all,” the captain added. “Aeneas did well in recommending Sara. We all enjoy Paul’s food, but Sara has brought new dishes to the table that the entire crew appreciates.”

Nikos walked to a side railing. The ship bobbed gently on the sea, the breeze blowing from the bow. “Tomorrow I think we should find another island for our guests to visit. They seem to grow bored easily,” Nikos said.

“I can’t understand it myself,” the captain said. He rose. “If we are to depart early, I will retire now.”

“After seven. I want a swim first,” Nikos said.

“Absolutely.” He bade them both good-night.

Sara was the only one left on the aft deck with him. She should say something. Or maybe he wanted to be alone and knew his guests wouldn’t intrude in this area.

“So you swim each morning before we weigh anchor?” she asked, gazing over the starlit surface of the Aegean. The water was dark and smooth, almost like a mirror to the stars.

“If time and weather permit.”

She smiled. She couldn’t picture herself swimming each day before starting work.

“Would you care to join me?” He half turned to look at her.

Sara was startled at the invitation. She thought about it for a moment. It was hard to be swimming when she should be preparing a meal. “I’d better not. I have omelets planned for tomorrow and fresh walnut bread again. I’ll need time to have it all ready for your guests.”

“Come for fifteen minutes. You can work around that,” Nikos urged. “Besides, I’m the one who eats early, and the crew. My guests haven’t had breakfast before nine since they’ve been on board.”

“Okay. No, wait. I did not expect to swim. I didn’t bring a suit.” She would love a chance to swim in the sea to start the day. It had never crossed her mind that she’d actually have an opportunity to do so or she would have packed a swimsuit.

“We have extra suits on board. Sometimes guests don’t plan to swim, either, and then change their minds. I’ll have Stefano bring you one.”

“Thank you,” she said. She hoped Stefano would not suspect there was more to the invitation than there really was—merely a time to go swimming before beginning the day’s work. She didn’t want to give rise to gossip that could harm her chances of staying on board.

“I usually start around six, swim a half hour, shower and dress to be ready to work at seven,” he said.

“Early,” she murmured. It was already close to midnight.

“It’s a routine that suits me well.”

“So you swim mornings at the resort, as well?” she asked.

“Weather permitting. Sometimes in the sea, sometimes in one of the pools.”

She tucked that piece of information away. Maybe she’d get up early once in a while for a swim herself, instead of swimming in the pool at midnight after her work was finished each day.

He studied her in the faint illumination of the anchor light. “How are you adjusting to being on the sea? You did say you weren’t seasick.”

“It’s challenging to cook in such a small space, but the captain keeps the boat on an even plane so I don’t have spills or liquids sloshing over. Stefano keeps it clean once I’m finished preparing the meal. Actually, I’m enjoying myself.” She was surprised to say it, but it was true. She’d been so focused on trying to find her grandmother, she had overlooked how much she was enjoying the experience of working in this situation.

“I’m glad,” he said.

She glanced away, feeling the attraction that flared whenever he was near. She knew it was only a part of her visit to Greece in which she didn’t have to calculate ways to get to the island. Sooner or later Nikos would return to his family home. With any luck, she’d still be aboard when he did. She should make the most of this opportunity, but couldn’t think of a thing to say to ingratiate herself with him. She so wanted to get to the island—just for an afternoon. That’s all she’d need.

“It’s late. I’ll see you at six,” Nikos said.

“Good night,” Sara replied. She’d see him again in a few hours. They’d swim together and then she’d be back in the galley. Wait until Stacy heard.

Sara had spent her time while preparing this evening’s meal imaging Nikos enjoying every bite. She’d also thought about when he’d offered to play guide and the anticipation she had felt. She hoped his guests enjoyed the food, as well. But the reality was she was cooking for him. Wasn’t the old adage something about the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach? She didn’t want to get to his heart—just his island.

Sleep proved difficult. She knew she had to trust in luck to get her what she wanted. And so far her luck had been spotty. None in trying to contact Eleani Konstantinos, good luck in landing a job at the resort. No luck in finding a way to the Konstantinos’s island on her own. Amazing luck in getting a berth on the ship. Now could she hope that luck held? Or was there something she could do to press it?

By six-fifteen the next morning Sara still didn’t have a swimsuit. She debated forgetting the entire idea and dressing in her regular resort uniform of khaki slacks and navy shirt with the resort’s logo on the left side then heading for the galley. In the light of dawn, maybe Nikos had a change of heart.

The soft knock went almost unheard. She crossed to the door. Stefano grinned at her when she opened it, holding out a small box. “Compliments of Mr. Konstantinos. He said to meet him at the aft deck when you’re ready.”

She took the box, thanked him and shut the door. The swimsuit was a brand-new one-piece in a lovely teal color. She pulled it on. It fit perfectly. Tying her hair back, she slipped on her robe, not having any other swimsuit cover-up, and headed for the aft deck, her heart pounding. Would the other crew members resent her swimming with the boss? Or was this a common practice that she was making more of than it warranted?

Nikos stood by the back railing. He turned when he heard her and watched as she crossed the space in her bare feet. Without her working shoes, which gave some elevation, she was more conscious than ever of his height.

Sara tried not to be intrigued by the broad shoulders and well-developed muscular chest. It was hard not to imagine herself drawn against him, feeling those muscles hold her close. She longed to trail her fingertips across his tanned skin, to feel the texture, the warmth and strength.

Then the reality slapped her. He was someone she needed in order to accomplish her goal. That was it. Otherwise he lived the kind of lifestyle she was wary of. She should never forget that.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yes.” The air was cool. Would the water also be? She slipped off her robe and walked to the railing, peering over. “Do we just jump in?” she asked. They were still eight feet or more above the water.

“No.” He flipped open a section of railing, indicating ladder steps built into the boat. “We climb down to that swim board. It’s a platform to get on and off the ship.”

It was not wide, maybe eighteen inches out, running the width of the ship. Nikos showed her how to use the ladder and in only a couple of moments they stood side by side on the platform.

“Now,” he said, diving into the blue water.

Sara took a breath and followed.

It was heavenly. The water was cool but not cold. The faint pink still showing in the wispy clouds in the sky was the first thing she saw when she surfaced. Turning, she saw the boat not far away. Looking around, she saw nothing but sky and sea and ship.

Nikos broke the surface a dozen yards ahead of her and began swimming away. Sara smiled at the pure sensual enjoyment of the moment and began to swim after him. She loved the water, and one of the perks of working at the resort was the swimming she could enjoy during her time off. Very different from her life in London.

She was beginning to wonder if she should turn back when she saw Nikos had stopped and was treading water. Catching up with him, she grinned in delight.

“This is fabulous. What are your guests doing still asleep? They should be out enjoying a swim.”

Nikos stared at her for a moment, then glanced back at the yacht. “I think Senora Fregulia is not so fond of a swimsuit. Senor Fregulia is too focused on business, and getting her hair mussed is not Gina’s thing. The Onetas take their lead from the Fregulias. It is of no matter. I hope my guests are enjoying themselves, even if we do not share liking of the same activities.”

“What about the crew? Surely some of them would like to swim.”

“Occasionally when we are at anchor they do. Mostly not.” Nikos shrugged. He didn’t much care about the other crew members at this particular moment. He was enjoying the obvious pleasure Sara derived from the early-morning swim. She was open in sharing in her emotions. No guile. No flirtation. Was it the novelty that intrigued him? Or the mysterious chef herself who had come to work for him?

She obviously liked her position and had given no hints she wanted more. She didn’t pester him with dozens of questions about his life, about his likes and dislikes. Sara took each moment as it came. She was enjoying the water and it showed. Definitely a novelty after the jaded women he usually met at receptions and parties.

She wore her femininity unselfconsciously, moving with grace whether walking across the deck or touring the bridge. She was comfortable with who she was. Witness the wet stringy hair that had escaped her tieback. She merely swept it away from her face and gazed around in delight.

Nikos didn’t mix business with pleasure. No matter how much he enjoyed being with her, he would never overstep the bounds of employer-employee. He still didn’t understand the impulse that had caused him to issue the invitation. He was glad he had, however. If only to enjoy her pleasure in the simple exercise.

“I’d say I’d race you back to the boat, but you’re a stronger swimmer than I am,” she said. “This is so lovely. Can I swim every morning?”

“If you wish,” he said, beginning to lazily swim back. “Not when we are in port, however. The water near marinas is not so fresh.”

She wrinkled her nose, keeping up with his slower pace. “Too many oil spots. I’ve seen the rainbow colors floating on the surface.”

“We’ll be stopping at another island today. The ladies loved shopping yesterday. Today’s island won’t have a market, but there are shops and cafés. There is even an old fort sitting on a bluff with a terrific view. Maybe you can tour that.”

“We’ll stop before lunch?”

“You get another free pass. I’ll take my guests to lunch at one of the waterfront cafés. No lunch preparations needed.”

For a moment Sara looked wistful. Was she wishing she could join him? Suddenly Nikos wondered what it would be like to take a few days off. Get away from work, from duty, and just enjoy Sara’s company. Maybe when this cruise was finished he’d find out. Unless he became engaged to Gina by then. The thought surprised him. He’d started the cruise with that intent. Was he having second thoughts? The alliance would work to the benefit of both. Yet momentarily he’d forgotten his intent, his interest in Sara overriding his common sense.

“We’re going to have a lot of food left over if you keep changing the meals,” she commented.

The ship was getting closer every moment. When they reached it, she’d disappear to change and get to work. Nikos knew he’d not see her again today—unless she lingered on the aft deck after dinner. He could tell her again how much his guests enjoyed her cooking.

When Nikos was dressed for the day, he went to his desk and powered up his laptop. First order of business, catch up on e-mail and check in with his assistant at the resort. By now the power should have been fully restored. But there would be other minor crises to deal with. While he worked, Stefano brought his breakfast. An omelet as light as air, loaded with mushrooms, onions, spinach and green peppers was the first thing he saw. The walnut bread on a separate plate was still warm. The coffee was strong and hot. As he ate, he tried to visualize Sara preparing the meal. He frowned. He had no idea how cooks worked. His education was sadly lacking. One day he should check out the galley and see her in action.

When his cell phone rang, he answered.

“Nikos, it is your grandfather,” the familiar voice said.

“I know. I recognize your voice.” Nikos smiled. He had spent many summers on the island while his parents traveled. It still remained his favorite place.

“Your assistant tells me you are on another cruise. Where this time?”

Nikos filled him in and waited. There was usually a reason his grandfather called at this early hour. Informal family chats were unheard of.

“I’m thinking about buying another boat,” he finally said.

“Oh?” Nikos suspected his grandfather knew his son had called Nikos.

“I wanted you to vet it for me. And don’t be telling me I’m too old to buy a new boat. This one is for Eleani and me to go out together. No privacy otherwise.”

Nikos shook his head. The Cassandra offered plenty of privacy and was available whenever his grandfather wished. But he understood the older man’s reasoning. Last night he’d been very aware that he and Sara hadn’t been alone.

“I am committed for another three days, then must return my guests to the resort and await their departure before I can come home,” Nikos said, glancing at his calendar. He had no important meetings or commitments the following week. “I’ll come after that.”

Nikos always found it easy to relax on the family island. It had been a while since he’d visited. He could enjoy his grandparents’ company and really take a few days away from work.

“Good, plan to stay awhile. We have not seen you in a long time.”

“I will stay a few days. Give my regards to Eleani.”

He hung up, his mind already returning to the situation at hand. Why shouldn’t his grandfather and his wife enjoy a small boat? They might be older, but they were both perfectly capable of running their own lives. His own grandmother had died when Nikos had been a boy. When Spiros had remarried, to a widow, Eleani, Nikos and his family had accepted her as Spiros’s wife. She’d had no one. That had been almost ten years ago. She had easily become a vital part of their family and had been the best thing for his grandfather. Nikos liked her warmth and devotion to Spiros. And she’d shared that warmth with the rest of the family when they’d let her.

Nikos hoped he was as active when he was in his eighties. Hard to imagine now reaching that age. He could not picture himself married, much less very much in love with a wife in fifty years.

It was stupid to cast all women in the same light as Ariana, but he had a tendency to do just that. She’d professed undying love when they’d been engaged. But once he’d caught her with another man in bed, he’d had trouble believing it. The truth had been that she’d wanted the lifestyle Nikos could offer. She didn’t love him; she loved being with men—rich, poor, young, old. Ariana hadn’t been too particular.

To a young man who had been in love, it had been a double blow. First, that she hadn’t loved him and second, that he hadn’t been wise enough to realize that before finding proof. He’d learned the lesson well, however. Unless a woman had a fortune to match his, he would never consider her in the matrimony stakes.

Gina would make a perfect businessman’s wife. She was polished, aware of the demands of work and brought a wealth of contacts with the wine industry in Italy.

Yet still he hesitated. If left to him, he probably would not marry. Families were overrated. He knew from his own experiences and shattered expectations that it was an institution best handled carefully. Currently he set his own goals and had no one to blame except himself if things didn’t go as he wanted. A wife would be an additional responsibility. Still, he did want children, some boy or girl to leave the resort to. To teach the ways his forefathers had lived for generations. Would Gina be that wife?

He didn’t have to decide on this cruise, but he wasn’t getting any younger.

He quickly scanned his messages, replying to two that were urgent. Shutting off his laptop, he rose, ready to face his guests and offer some of the hospitality of the small island they were heading for.

The ruins were spectacular. He’d taken other guests on a tour of them in the past and everyone had raved about the antiquity of the stones and the view of the sea that seemed endless.

He hoped the Fregulias and Onetas would like it, as well.

Four hours later Nikos knew this particular outing hadn’t met with the same success as the visit to the market had the day before. The three couples had walked around the cobblestone streets of the old town, stopping in several shops but purchasing nothing. The morning was winding down. There was time for a quick visit to the ruins before a late lunch, but his guests seemed disinclined to continue.

Senor Fregulia wanted to visit a taverna. His wife wanted out of the sun. Nikos knew what Gina wanted but the more she seemed interested in him, the less he felt interested in her. Was it just the normal reluctance of a man to commit to one woman?

“It is so hot,” she complained for the tenth time.

“Perhaps we should return to the boat and continue the sail,” he suggested.

“No, I wish to visit the taverna. A drink of fine wine while sitting in the shade and watching people would suit me better than the boat. I seem to be prone to a touch of seasickness,” Senor Fregulia said, heading in the direction of an outdoor café.

“I wish to see into some more of the shops,” Senora Fregulia said, looking at her friend. An instant later Senora Oneta agreed.

Gina was pouting. Nikos wanted to shake the lot of them, but his duties as host prevented that. How had the outing turned out to be so annoying?

“Gina?” A young man dashed over and began talking with her in rapid Italian. His speech was too fast for Nikos to follow with the limited Italian he spoke, but the gist seemed to be they had been friends who hadn’t seen each other in a long time.

“Excuse my manners,” Gina said at one point, linking arms with the young man. “Pietro, this is our host, Nikos Konstantinos. Nikos, my friend Pietro from Rome.”

Once introductions had been completed, Gina flirted with Pietro, keeping a careful eye on her father and on Nikos.

“Come, we will all enjoy some wine and watch the boats in the harbor,” she suggested, drawing Pietro toward the taverna. “Nikos can tell us all about this quaint little island and the people who live here.”

It was obvious to him what she was doing and he had no intention of playing her game of pitting one man against another. If she thought that would spark his interest, she would be very surprised to know his thoughts, which of course he would never voice.

Senor Fregulia waved Nikos over.

“I know you are a busy man. We can entertain ourselves this afternoon. Go, do what you need to do. What time shall we return to the yacht?”

“By six.” Would it be this easy? To have the rest of the day to himself?

“We will return by then.” The older man turned to his wife and urged her down the sidewalk with an admonition that she could shop after they’d had some refreshments.

For a moment Nikos watched the group walk away. Duty required he be a good host; good business sense dictated he not alienate a man whose business he wanted. Prudent planning for the future indicated he should get to know Gina better. The truth was he wanted to be on his own—just for the rest of the day.

Turning, he walked back to the harbor. He could call his assistant, get up to speed on the various projects in the works and maybe even respond to some mail if anything crucial was pending.

Just as he reached the wide dock, Nikos saw Sara walking toward him. She was wearing a floppy hat to keep the sun from her face. Her arms were bare and lightly tanned. She was looking around as she walked. He noted the instant she recognized him. For a moment her smile lit up the harbor, then was replaced with a frown and a wary look.

“Hi. Did you forget something?” she asked as she walked closer.

“No. Where are you going?”

“Sightseeing. The captain said we were all free until six. Was that right?”

“Yes. We will not sail until after that. Dinner at eight.”

“Then I’ll be back by six, no problem.”

She stepped by him.

Before she’d gone three feet, he said impulsively, “Would you like to see the ruins on the mountaintop?”

Nikos wasn’t sure who was more surprised—Sara or himself. Vanished was the idea of working. Gone was the concern for his guests. He had enjoyed swimming with her; now he wanted to show her some of the island. See how she related to the history that was so much a part of their culture. Spend some time with someone who didn’t expect him to propose in the next minute.

“I would love to see the ruins. Can you spare the time?” she asked. The wariness had not left her eyes.

“The afternoon is free, it turns out. I would like to see them again myself.” With a sweep of his hand indicating she should precede him, they walked down the dock to the street. Two cabs were parked nearby, their drivers leaning against the side of one, talking.

Nikos summoned one and in seconds he and Sara were on their way through the town and beyond. The mountain was not very high, sloping gently up from the sea. The lush vegetation that grew along the side of the road served as a green backdrop to the incredible blues of the sea and sky.

Nikos watched Sara as she gazed out of the side window.

“This is beautiful. At times like this I wish I was a photographer or painter and could capture the scene forever.”

“You’ll have to remember it.”

She nodded. “I shall! Thank you for bringing me along. It’s fantastic.”

Sara felt her heart turn over when Nikos smiled at her comment. She quickly looked back out the window. With butterflies dancing inside, it was safer to feast her gaze on the view of the sea rather than drown herself in Nikos’s eyes. She felt that growing sense of awareness sweep through, though she kept her gaze firmly on the distant horizon. She felt tongue-tied. What could she say? Nikos was the type of man her mother had fled Greece to avoid. Surely her daughter wouldn’t be so foolish as to fall for him? He was so out of her league.

Yet the trip to the ruins was an unexpected treat. Why had he invited her along?

“Your guests didn’t wish to come?” she asked.

“No. They were content to sit in town and watch the inhabitants.”

“That sounds nice,” she replied politely. In some circumstances maybe. For her the chance to see more of the island beat sitting in one spot all day.

The road wound up the hillside until the vegetation grew thin. Rocky expanses dotted the land, giving way to a deteriorating wall that outlined where the ancient Roman garrison had once stood. When the cab stopped at the graveled parking lot, Sara was delighted with the setting. There were few other cars. With several acres of ruins to view, there weren’t enough people to make it crowded.

Nikos held out his hand to assist her from the cab. His fingers were warm and strong as they wrapped around hers. She shivered slightly in response, though the day was quite warm. Pulling away quickly, she walked toward the ruins feeling fluttery and excited and foolish all at once.

He spoke to the taxi driver as he paid him off. The cab turned toward the town.

“So tell me about this place. It certainly has a commanding view of the sea,” she said when he joined her, walking toward the walled expanse.

“It was a Roman outpost before the time of Christ. Not a strategic one. Archaeologists have suggested it might have been an outpost for rest and relaxation. The stones that comprised the fort remain, if in some disrepair.”

They were a warm pinkish color, huge in size and placed without mortar. The sheer size ensured they did not topple over. Sara regarded them with awe, wondering how men two thousand years ago could have moved them to the summit.

They walked to the parapet, and Sara caught her breath at the beauty of the island and sea.

“If I’d been a Roman soldier stationed far from home, I’d love to have come here for R & R,” she said. “Do you ever wonder what it would have been like?”

“More often when I was a child than now,” Nikos said. “All of Greece is steeped in ancient history. I wanted to be a Spartan when I was younger.”

She glanced at him. “You’d have made a good one, I’m sure.”

“Based on?” he asked, amusement evident in his eyes.

“Just a hunch. Of course, I guess I’d really need to see your skill with a spear before passing judgment.”

Nikos laughed. “A skill not fully developed, I fear.”

Sara smiled and returned her gaze to the sea, feeling the pull of attraction strengthen toward the man standing beside her. He rested a foot on the low wall and gazed out, as well. She could feel the warmth of his body near hers and was torn between moving away or moving closer. She did neither, just savored the day and the company and tried to keep a perspective on things.

A group of young children ran across the ruins, yelling and laughing. Sara turned to watch. They were having the time of their lives. Behind them a couple stood side by side and watched indulgently. Sara felt a tug of nostalgia. Her mother used to take her places, usually with one of her friends, and would watch as Sara and her friend ran and jumped and laughed. The excursions had been limited to the parks and gardens they’d been able to afford on her mother’s meager salary. But they’d been outings of fun and joy.

She missed her mother. For a moment sadness threatened to overrule her pleasure in the day. Her mother had turned her back on all this at eighteen. Even years later when Sara knew she’d yearned to return home, Damaris had refused. Her pride had not let her return home in disgrace, as she so often said. Her pride had kept her from the one thing she’d longed for. Sara knew about pride, but she was a touch more practical than her mother. If she wanted something, she’d go after it.

“Noisy,” Nikos said, stepping away from the low wall and watching the children.

“They’re having fun!” she said. “It’s what makes wonderful memories of family outings. Would you not have them here?”

Nikos watched silently for a moment, then turned away. “It’s hard to take in the grandeur of the place with children running around.”

“One day you’ll bring your own children to run around here. Don’t you have happy memories of similar expeditions?” she asked, walking along the wall, heading for the other side. The fort had been situated on the highest point in the island, commanding a 360-degree view. Perfect for watching from all aspects. And the view of the green of the island, the white strip of beach and the azure of the Aegean had to have made it an ideal family spot.

“No,” he murmured.

Sara looked at him in surprise. “Why not?”

“Not everyone associates families with happy children and holidays together,” he said.

Sara blinked. “What does that mean?”

“Nothing. Have you seen enough?”

“Not nearly. After we walk the perimeter, I want to explore that curious building in the center.”

“Probably where the troops slept. The view is the same from all sides.”

“No, it’s not. If you are tired of showing me around, feel free to leave. I’m sure I can get a cab back to town.” Sara was surprised with Nikos’s attitude change. He suddenly seemed to close off and distance himself. Had she said something to offend him? Trying to remember every word she’d just said, she couldn’t find anything wrong.

“No, I brought you, I’ll stay.”

“Gee, what enthusiasm. Go. I’ll be fine.” Now she felt like an unwelcome burden.

She walked to the far parapet and looked at the view, not seeing a thing. A flare of anger burst forth. She’d been having fun. Maybe she wasn’t supposed to have fun with the keeper of the key, as she thought of Nikos Konstantinos. He was the only way to get in to see her grandmother. She needed to remember that.

“Rome lies in that direction,” his deep voice said in her left ear. She turned and almost bumped noses with Nikos.

“I used to wonder if soldiers longed for home or were satisfied serving the emperor wherever he sent them. Even in antiquity, this was a small island, isolated from all the grandeur of Rome, from the excitement the big city held. Were they lonely?” he continued.

“Probably—and missing families and all.”

She felt him move away. Aha, families was definitely the key.

Sara turned. Nikos hadn’t moved that far. Her shoulder brushed his chest. “Don’t you like families?” she asked bluntly.

“I have nothing against families,” he said evenly.

“You’re lucky, you still have your parents and grandparents. I have no one. That’s why when I marry, I will fall madly in love with the man. I want us to have lots of children. I want to marry into a large family so my children will have huge celebrations at holidays and birthdays. Lots of cousins, aunts and uncles and loads of love.”

“Not everyone is cut out to marry and start a family. Though most do it from duty.”

“I agree not everyone is cut out to be a parent, but I think life is enriched by children. For most people anyway,” she said, thinking of her own father. He’d abandoned her mother when Sara had been two months old. He couldn’t take the interrupted nights of a newborn baby. He resented not having his friends over whenever he wanted. He hadn’t liked being a father. And the consequences were ones Sara and her mother had lived with for the rest of her mother’s life. Had he ever regretted leaving? She’d never know. She didn’t even know if he was still living.

“Families aren’t always like you imagine. I often wonder why my parents had a child,” Nikos said.

“So, no brothers or sisters?”

He shook his head. “Probably a good thing in the face of things. There were no other children to be ignored and brought out only on occasion to show off.” He shook off the memories from his youth. He’d made his way in the business he wanted. As an adult, he could far better understand his parents.

“You’re young to be alone in the world. No other relatives?” he asked.

She shrugged. “No one I know. So it’s just me, until I find that special man to fall in love with and marry.”

“I wonder if marriage is for me,” he said.

Nikos took a breath. He usually had more finesse when warning a woman off who might have any matrimonial intentions. Not that he thought Sara was contemplating such a move. She had shown none of the flirting that he was used to. He was thinking of Gina. The trip was proving more important than he’d anticipated. The more he was around Gina, the more doubts crept in.

He knew his duty to his family was to provide heirs. He would need to hand down his grandfather and father’s shipping business. Maybe he’d have several children and they could each decide what to do with their lives. He would not force any along career paths they disliked. But was Gina the right woman?

“Everyone has to decide that for himself. If you fall in love one day, you might change your mind,” she said.

If she only knew.

“On the other hand, I suspect love is overrated. Good for some, disastrous for others,” she added, nodding.

Nikos suddenly wanted to know why she said that. Had she fallen in love and been hurt as he had? If so, she had rebounded with optimism.

“It does work for some,” he admitted reluctantly. “My grandfather and Eleani are a perfect example.”

“Oh?” she said.

“They married about ten years ago and are blissfully happy together. In fact, my father wishes me to check up on them soon.” He frowned, studying the horizon, and wondered why he’d thought to bring that up. He hadn’t even told Gina.

“Is there a problem?”

“No. But my grandfather has a crazy idea that my father wants me to talk him out of. If you ever saw my father and grandfather together, you’d understand why I act as a buffer between them. But it gets tiresome.” He stopped talking. It was not like him to share any family business with a stranger. Much less an employee. He didn’t know what kind of gossip Sara might be.

Sara looked at him oddly, then turned away.

“I know a path that leads to one of the beach villages if you’re up for such an adventure,” he said. She had no interest in his family situation. The sun was high overhead, and despite the breeze, the air was growing uncomfortably warm with the heat reflected from the stones. They could enjoy the walk and then find a taxi to return to the dock.

“It’s mostly shady,” he added. “Or I can arrange for the taxi to return here to pick us up.”

“Sounds more like an adventure to walk back down. Do you want some water before we start? I brought a couple of bottles,” she said, rummaging in the small tote she’d slung over her shoulder. She handed him a bottle and opened the second one, taking a long drink.

“Warm but wet,” she said with a grin.

Nikos drank the entire bottle, wondering what Gina would have made of the situation. She would have complained the ground wasn’t suitable for her shoes. The water was warm and not cool. The sun was too glaring.

But he was not interested in taking her to ruins. Yet, as he watched the children running and shouting and obviously having the time of their lives, he knew he’d want to bring his own children if he ever had any. He’d want them to know and love their country’s history as he did.

Try as he might, he couldn’t picture Gina with them.

Sara, yes.

The thought startled him. Sara still had that starry-eyed wonder as she took in everything. She’d urge the children on and demand to know every aspect of the history of a place to share with them. And probably make up stories about where the men had been from, or what they had left behind.

The trail to the village was well marked and wide enough to walk two abreast. Just a few yards from the ruins, trees began. The leafy canopy soon dappled the path in shade, lowering the temperature significantly.

“Lovely,” she said as they walked in the quiet. The noise from other visitors at the ruins faded completely when they made a sharp turn. The trail made a series of switchbacks to enable the path to be easily navigated while ascending or descending the steep hill. “I imagine this dates from the Roman times. Soldiers probably used this very path to go to the village for supplies,” Sara said, envisioning men traveling up and down the trail.

“Maybe. Would you have liked cooking for the garrison?”

“Most men seem to appreciate good cooking. I’d make the best dishes in the Empire, and soldiers would long for this duty station,” she said, falling into the fantasy.

“I’d improve my spear prowess to get the duty assignment.”

Sara laughed. “No need. I’m happy to cook for you aboard the Cassandra.”

“And I’m happy to eat your meals.”

“Ah, how gallant. If I served oatmeal for breakfast, would you say the same?”

“Depends. I suspect your oatmeal would far surpass that which I ate at school in America.”

“Ah, so that’s the trace of accent I hear when you speak English,” Sara said. They’d spoken Greek most of the time, but she’d heard him once or twice speak in English and been intrigued by the faint accentuation on some words.

“I went to university there for two years for postgraduate work. Stayed in a variety of hotels to get an idea of what I liked and wanted for my resort.”

“I’ve never been. Maybe one day,” Sara said.

It was after two by the time they arrived at the fishing village. Sara was ravenous and uncertain how to respond when Nikos suggested they stop for lunch at one of the tavernas lining the small fishing harbor. She agreed and then had second thoughts.

Colorful umbrellas shaded the tables. The food was plain but delicious—fresh fish, grapes and some local wine. Conversation was awkward.

“Is your Italian supplier’s wine better than this?” Sara asked as she sipped the delicate white wine, casting about in her mind for other topics. The one in the forefront was too dangerous.

“This is excellent. Perhaps I should explore having more Greek wines,” Nikos said, as he sipped from his glass.

“Do you make all those decisions?” Sara asked. “Seems like you would have hired others to do that.”

“For the most part I delegate to the different departments of the resort. But I do like to keep an eye on every section. I shall suggest this to the sommeliers of two of our restaurants. Are you also a wine connoisseur?”

“Nope, not at all. But I know what I like,” Sara said. She smiled as she gazed around. Her milieu wasn’t small cafés with plain fare. She loved cooking meals with drama and flair. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t appreciate the appeal of a quiet place, and good basic food.

“Thank you for today. It’s been a treat,” she said.

“I’m pleased you’ve enjoyed it.”

“In Spain they have siesta after lunch. Eating makes me sleepy,” she commented, finishing the last of the food on her plate. Maybe she’d return to the ship and lounge on the aft deck, dozing a bit.

“In half an hour, you could swim again. Care to join me on a short swim? I have some diving equipment on board.”

“I thought you said swimming near docks wasn’t a good idea.”

“The yacht has a small runabout. We’ll go out into the sea a distance, away from the shore.”

Once again Nikos had surprised her. Warily she examined the pros and cons of another swim. The pros would obviously be the joy of swimming in the sea. And maybe getting more information from the man. Opposed to that was the proximity to Nikos. She was drawn to him each time they were together. The last thing she wanted was some kind of connection that would hinder her goal. She had nothing in common with the man. In fact, she wasn’t sure she even liked him. But her body seemed to have other ideas.

“Very well, I’ll go swimming. I’m not sure about the diving,” she said at last. And hoped she wasn’t making a mistake. But she was only in Greece for a short time. Why not make the most of unexpected chances?

Two hours later Sara and Nikos had changed, commandeered the small runabout from the yacht and set out. He’d convinced her to try diving. After donning the cumbersome scuba gear, Nikos and Sara slipped into the sea. The water was like silk against her skin. The sun sparkled on the surface like a million diamonds. Sara was treading water, feeling awkward with the air tanks strapped to her back, while Nikos once again explained the rudimentary aspects of scuba diving. She pulled down the face mask and stuck the mouthpiece in her mouth. Taking a breath, she found the air was cool and a bit dry, but she filled her lungs, excited about this adventure. It struck her as a bit odd that the man she was using to find her grandmother was willing to teach her how to dive. To even spend time with her. She would not look a gift horse in the mouth.

His hand grabbed hers. “Once we’re under the water, if you feel any discomfort or become nervous, squeeze my hand and we’ll surface immediately. We are not going deep.”

She nodded. He put his mouthpiece in and motioned with his free hand to begin.

She took a deep breath and held it as they slipped beneath the water. She’d done a little snorkeling on a vacation in Spain a couple of years ago, so expected the crystal clarity of the sea. A moment later she let her breath escape and breathed again. It was magical, being beneath the water’s surface and still breathing. She felt an affinity with the fish.

Nikos began swimming slowly, his hand tugging her along. She kicked her flippers and soon was swimming beside him. His fingers linked with hers and he matched his own pace to hers so they were in sync. Sara kept her eyes forward, resisting the urge to watch Nikos swimming. His body was honed from exercise and swimming. His broad shoulders and tight stomach muscles made her own heart flip over. She’d much rather watch him than look for any fish, but peripheral vision was severely limited with the face mask and it would be too obvious if she turned her head.

Nikos swam in a large circle, not wanting to be beneath the water too long on Sara’s first time. She seemed like a natural. Surfacing at one point, he asked her how she was doing.

“This is the greatest thing in the world,” she said once she removed her mouthpiece.

“Good.” He released her hand. “Try it on your own.”

She nodded, her eyes sparkling behind the glass. She repositioned her mouthpiece and dove beneath the water. He remembered that first rush when he’d started many years ago. Lately he’d been too busy to go diving. Maybe he’d take a few days at the island. There were several coves where colorful fish proliferated. Maybe Sara would like to see them.

He trod water for another moment. When he went to the island, he wouldn’t need Sara. She could resume her work at the resort restaurant. He’d have only the captain, the mate and Stefano as minimum crew for the short distance between the resort and island.

Unless he decided differently. Replacing his own mouthpiece, he dove after her.

She wasn’t where he expected. He swam faster. Had she run into trouble? Then he felt a tug on his ankle. Flipping over, he bumped into Sara. From the laughter in her eyes, he knew she was all right and playing. She kicked away, on her back, watching him as she moved through the water. He surged after her.

Suddenly she was gasping. He caught her under her arms and swam swiftly to the surface. Pulling the mouthpiece from her mouth, he held her above the water while she coughed.

She pushed back the face mask and gasped for air. A moment later she looked at him ruefully.

“First rule of scuba diving—don’t laugh,” she said. She coughed again and drew in a deep breath.

“Is that what caused this?”

She nodded, her hand resting on his shoulder. “You looked so surprised when you saw me, I couldn’t help it. I forgot about being underwater. When I laughed, water came in my mouth. Thanks for the rescue.”

“Enough for today.”

She looked around. The small boat they’d used to get away from the dock and Cassandra bobbed several hundred feet away.

“I can swim back. I’m fine now that I have my breath back.” Without volition, her fingers began rubbing small patterns on his smooth skin. She could feel the muscles contract beneath her as he kept them both above water. Did she have her breath back? Being so close to Nikos was robbing her of air again. Her legs tangled with his as they lazily kicked to keep upright. Her left side was pressed against him.

He swept back his own face mask and gazed into her eyes, his gaze then dropping to her lips. Sara licked them. Salty. She wrinkled her nose.

Nikos’s eyes took on a distinctive gleam. “You look delectable,” he said in that low, sexy voice.

“You’ve got to be kidding,” she said. “My hair is hanging in strings. I have no makeup on and I’m covered in salt water.”

He leaned forward the scant inches separating them and kissed her.