favorite on the island.”
“Can you get to it over land?” she asked, studying the unending greenery that lined the shore.
“There’s a path, if it hasn’t gotten overgrown. But it’s easier and cooler to come by boat.”
“Time for me to head back for breakfast?”
He glanced at his waterproof watch. “The kitchen staff will have it set out by now. We can eat on the terrace. I told the captain you were not going to cook this morning and that they should avail themselves of the house’s breakfast buffet.”
She nodded, suddenly aware that she and Nikos were in a similar situation to one before—when he’d kissed her in the sea. She felt anticipation rise with nerves and tension. Would he kiss her again?
Not wanting to tempt fate, she turned and began to swim to the boat. Nikos passed her and reached the craft first. He drew himself up and over the side with his strong arms, then turned to offer a hand to Sara, easily pulling her from the water in one swoop.
She stumbled a bit on the rocking boat and fell against Nikos. His skin was cool from the water, but warmed instantly where she pushed against him. Sara felt the water dripping down her back from her wet hair, felt the heat rise between them and wondered whimsically if there was steam evident from the heat she generated. But she would not be accused of flirting.
Had the trip been her subconscious at work? She loved the feel of the man, the energy and desire he evoked while kissing her. Just being near him was extraordinary. But she never wanted him to suspect. How horrible if he thought she came swimming just so they would end up kissing.
So much for her resistance. He followed her and drew her into his arms. Despite her own thoughts only seconds ago, she didn’t resist. When his mouth covered hers, she put her arms around him. Dimly aware she was being reckless, she didn’t let that stop her. She’d tried; her resistance wasn’t strong enough. There would be little likelihood of Nikos giving her the time of day after she revealed who she was and that she’d deliberately sought out a position at his resort in hopes of gaining access to the island. But until then, she wished every moment to be as special as this one.
He broke away a few moments later, resting his forehead against hers and staring into her eyes. “Hungry?”
For you, was the unbidden thought that popped into her mind. But she knew he meant food. “Yes. A bit.”
“Time for a quick shower before breakfast,” he said, stowing their gear and pulling in the small anchor. Once under way, Sara felt cool as the water evaporated from her skin. And itchy from the salt. She glanced at Nikos as he handled the boat with assurance. She didn’t get it. The more she was around him, the more he puzzled her. The scuttlebutt from the ship was that he was on the verge of getting engaged. He so did not act like a man almost committed to one special woman. He said he wasn’t engaged, but he’d never said he wouldn’t be one day.
From what her mother had told her about the wealthy families of Greece, Nikos didn’t fit the mould. Granted, if he proceeded with a business marriage, it would be similar to her mother’s situation. Yet the antagonism she expected against such a man and arrangement vanished. For a few moments she wished she had the chance of an arranged marriage—if the groom was Nikos.
“So we all eat up at the house this morning?” she asked.
He nodded. “It’s buffet style, to allow for different times people wish to eat. Lunch will be at one and dinner at seven. But breakfast is from eight until ten.”
“Sounds like a hotel,” she commented, wondering how many people were around to need such a big window of time for the first meal.
He shrugged.
“Your grandparents are well?” she asked a few minutes later. So far she wasn’t sure how to proceed. She couldn’t just march in and demand her grandmother’s presence.
“In top form. Today I’m going with my grandfather to see the new boat he’s buying. To appease my father.”
“Why can’t your father check it out?” Sara asked. If Nikos’s father was so concerned, shouldn’t he be the one here?
“Business before family,” Nikos said. He chuckled mirthlessly. “Speaking of which, much as I have deplored my father’s focus on business, I find I follow in his path. With my absence from the resort last week for the cruise and now being here for a few days, I’m going to have to work when I return from the boat shopping expedition.”
“On the Cassandra?” she asked.
“I have an office in the main house that ties directly into the one at the resort.”
Sara thought he worked hard enough, but didn’t feel she could offer that observation. She wondered if she dared explore the grounds while he was tied up. And if her grandmother just happened to be in the garden, wouldn’t a meeting be completely acceptable?
Sara showered quickly, towel dried her hair and pulled it back. Before she left her cabin, she pulled the letter from her bag and folded it over, tucking it in one of the pockets of her shorts. Just in case.
Breakfast was on the terrace that overlooked the sea. Sara suspected every terrace around the mansion overlooked some portion of the sea, since the island wasn’t that large. Two of the crew were talking as they drank coffee. Their empty plates showed they’d already enjoyed a large breakfast.
The buffet would do the resort proud. Silver chafing dishes gleamed in the sunshine. Eggs, bacon, sausage, breads, sweet rolls and fresh fruit lined up ready to tempt everyone who walked by. Fragrant coffee brewed at the edge of the buffet table. Sara piled her plate high. Swimming before breakfast gave her a big appetite.
“Do enjoy the chef’s offerings. He gets very annoyed with guests who nibble at a token amount and then leave most of it on their plates,” Nikos said as he stepped behind her and began placing food on his own plate.
Sara glanced at him in surprise. Looking around the terrace, she saw only members of the crew and the members of the household staff she’d met. Should he be eating with them?
“I can sympathize. Don’t worry, I like food. The eggs look light and fluffy even after steaming in the chafing dish for a while. And the fruit is icy cold. You’re fortunate in your chef.”
“I know that and he knows that. Luckily he and my grandfather came to an agreement that makes them both happy, so there is no fear he’d leave for a better post.”
“Wise man, your grandfather. A truly gifted chef is in high demand.”
“And you, are you in high demand?” he asked as they moved along the buffet.
“I’m getting there. Every job I’ve had is moving me along. One day I’d like to be able to set my own salary. And pick exactly where I’d like to work.”
“And that would be?” he asked, gesturing to an empty table near the edge of the terrace, an umbrella tilted to shade it from the early sun.
“I used to think London. Now, maybe the Greek Isles,” she said with a smile. “Or a ship that sails the world.”
“It’s nice to see the world. I
