Except for dinner last night, I haven’t cost you anything but your time. Admit it, we were becoming friends. And it sure seemed like you were pushing for more with those hot kisses.”
“Hot kisses,” he repeated.
She felt herself grow warm as she glared at him. He knew they were hot. And as much as he denied it now, she knew there had been a spark of something between them.
She also knew that spark would never have a chance to become a full-blown conflagration. She had put paid to that notion with her actions.
“What time is dinner?” she asked.
“Seven.”
“I only brought my uniforms and the one dress I wore last night.”
“I’ll take care of that.”
By the time Sara reached her cabin a few moments later she longed for a hot shower. She’d really love to soak in a tub, but that kind of luxury wasn’t available aboard the Cassandra—at least not in the crew quarters.
The shower did a lot to refresh. Drained after this morning’s confrontation and the swimming she’d done, Sara lay down for a nap.
At six-thirty there was a knock on her door. Opening it, Sara was surprised to find one of the maids from the house. She held a box out for Sara.
“For you. A dress for tonight,” she said. Smiling briefly, she turned and fled as soon as Sara took the box.
Sara closed the door and placed the box on the narrow bunk. Opening it, she stared for a long moment. The dark burgundy color was rich and perfect for her coloring. Lifting it, she stared. It was formal enough for dinner and beautiful enough to make anyone wearing it feel like a princess. Slipping it on a few moments later, Sara wished she had a full-length mirror. She studied as much of herself as she could. The dress fit like a dream. She liked the way it brought out her coloring. Her dark hair gleamed. Her cheeks were pink with anticipation. She felt very special. How nice of her grandmother to send her the dress to wear with dinner.
Or had it been Nikos? His words echoed. Heat washed through her. Had he bought the dress? Where? Unless he’d gone to Patricia. Not a short hop in a car, but at least two hours of his time.
Not likely. But what was the likelihood of such a beautiful dress just lying around the house waiting for someone her size and coloring to show up to wear it?
At five minutes to seven Sara walked up to the house. She could see the lower terrace was already set for the staff’s dinner. The table on the upper terrace was bare. Going to the front of the house, she knocked on the door. A moment later Nikos opened it. He was wearing a dark suit, white shirt and maroon tie—almost the color of her dress.
“You are family, Sara, no need to knock. Come in. My grandfather thought it best if we eat inside tonight. Not so many distractions.”
Like the crew watching their every move, Sara thought. “Fine.” She stepped inside, looking around with interest. The high ceiling and white walls gave the illusion of coolness even in the warmth of the evening. Wide windows in the salon were open to catch the breeze. The furnishings were a bit heavy for her tastes, but obviously old and much loved if the patina was any indication.
“You look lovely,” he said.
She looked at him. “Did you buy this dress?”
He looked thoughtful for a long moment, then inclined his head. “I thought it was the perfect dress for you.”
“It is. Thank you.” She didn’t want to tell him how special it made her feel. Now, knowing he’d bought it for her alone made it even more special.
“Sara, you are here. Welcome,” Eleani said. “We are ready to go in to dinner.” She seemed nervous. Nikos offered an arm to each and escorted them into the lavishly appointed dining room. Eleani smiled when she saw Spiros. The connection was obvious—she relied on him.
Sara felt a touch of envy. With her mother dead, she had no one to rely on. She so longed for a close connection with someone—a person she could trust with anything and know he would always be there for her.
Involuntarily her gaze flicked to Nikos. He had seated her and was talking with his grandfather. His manners had been exquisite. His demeanor all that anyone could expect. But the ease between them was gone.
“Welcome, Sara,” Spiros said.
Nikos’s dark eyes were unreadable.
Dinner was awkward. Eleani tried to carry on a normal conversation, but kept looking nervously at Sara. Nikos said little, eating and watching Sara. She felt as nervous as Eleani obviously was, with his gaze constantly on her. At one point she almost told him to look away.
As soon as dinner was finished, Sara hoped she could escape. Despite the lovely dress and all the discussion she and Eleani had shared that morning, she was out of place. She did not belong.
“Shall we move to the salon? It’s more comfortable there,” Eleani said.
“Perhaps I’m needed on the ship.” She looked at Nikos. “Will I be taken back to the resort in the morning?”
“No, we sail as scheduled on Monday.”
“Very well.” So he didn’t wish to get rid of her instantly. She wanted to bring up the situation about her job. So far at least he hadn’t told her there was no job waiting at the resort. Yet, it would be too awkward for her to stay. She wanted the comfort of familiar things and friends. She’d return to London as soon as she could.
“I’ll escort you back to the ship, if you wish to leave now,” he said, rising.
“I can manage.”
He didn’t reply, just came around to pull her chair back and gently take her arm.
“Dinner was delicious, Eleani,” he said.
“I’ll tell Dimitri you said so.” Her smile was wobbly. “Good night, Sara. Perhaps you’d like to have breakfast with me in the morning—just the two of us on my balcony.”
Sara was surprised at the invitation. “Thank you. What time should I be here?”
“Around eight,” Eleani said, her smile growing warmer.
Once Sara and Nikos left the house, she said, “I’m surprised you didn’t have me shipped off already. Why wait until Monday?”
“It’s only a couple of days. Time for you to get to know Eleani.”
“Your idea or your grandfather’s?”
“It was his idea but I agree with him. You may think I’m without feelings, but Eleani has always been very kind toward me. I think she deserves a chance.”
Sara mulled that over.
“And I think you do, too,” he said after a moment.
“A chance for what?”
“To build family ties.”
“Oh.”
