lounging in contentment.
“The dinner was great,” one called when she stepped out.
“I’d have more dessert if there is any,” another said, holding up his empty plate.
Sara smiled; she loved it when people appreciated her efforts.
“There’s more. Help yourselves, or ask Stefano to get you another piece.” She sat at the end of the long table, eating while she listened to their desultory conversation. The gentle rocking of the boat was soothing. The air was cooler than earlier, but quite pleasant enough to sit outside. If she were in London now she’d be slogging away in some hot kitchen, making dishes to order and dashing around to find everything she needed with other chefs working at frantic speed, as well. Maybe after she found her grandmother she’d consider working for a private club or household or yacht. She enjoyed planning the meals and preparing them at a more leisurely pace.
That day was still a long way off.
Sara didn’t leave the aft deck when she finished eating. Stefano cleared the dishes. One by one the rest of the crew bade her good-night and left. Soon darkness fell and she felt alone standing by the railing as she gazed over the sea. The surface was calm, almost glassy, reflecting the stars that pierced the night sky. When the moon began to rise, its sliver of light cast a delicate pale yellow trail across the sea. She felt almost as if she could step out and walk along it all the way to the moon.
Nikos watched Sara from the bridge. She stood so still as she gazed across the sea. He wondered what she was thinking about. The captain looked up from the chart he was reviewing by the small lamp.
“Is everything all right?” he asked.
“Yes. The cruise is going well,” Nikos replied, still watching Sara. He wanted to go down to the aft deck and steal a few minutes of peace. Today’s kiss had shown him how dangerous that would be. It had just been a kiss. And if he had resisted that impulse, their time together could have continued. Now he had to distance himself before she thought there was more to his wanting to spend time with her than an escape from the duties of work.
That thought firmly in mind, he’d refrained from going down to the aft deck tonight. But it didn’t stop the desire to do so.
“We head for Mazure tomorrow?” the captain asked.
Nikos swung around. “No, head for home. I’m cutting this cruise short. I’ll explain to my guests tomorrow.” With a nod he left. The sooner he got his guests on their way, the sooner he could head for the family island. The return was only one day ahead of schedule. He’d treat them to a lavish suite at the resort to make up for it. And he’d head for his grandfather’s. He still had not asked Gina to marry him. After today he wasn’t sure he wanted marriage. He would bide his time a bit longer, bid the Fregulias farewell and think about the future when he was on the island.
And say goodbye to Sara.
In his office a few moments later, he was churning with frustration. He’d only been with the woman a few times. Once back into the swing of things, he would forget her soon enough. She’d be cooking in the kitchen of the farthest restaurant at the resort; he’d be at the other end in his offices and suite of rooms.
“Blast it!” he rasped out, slamming his palm against his desk. She was pretty, talented and content with her life. She had not made a single overture that could be misconstrued. Unlike him.
He sat in his chair, leaned back and gazed out of the darkened window.
What if he continued to see Sara for a while? The novelty would wear off and he’d be on to the next woman on the horizon. Maybe marriage wasn’t for him. At least his father had settled on one woman.
Sara’s appeal was her unique spin on things, which made her intriguing. Once back in his normal routine, he’d soon miss the witty repartee of women of his own social set. He’d miss the gala dinners, the receptions. He’d find her enthusiasm and wonder boring after a while and begin to long for the more sophisticated, cynical women he knew.
But until then, could he continue to see Sara?
Why not take her to the island? The thought came unbidden.
Why not, indeed. She seemed content to be on the boat. He knew she liked swimming, standing in the dark watching the stars, diving.
Would she be equally content going to formal receptions, meeting dignitaries and businessmen who played an important role in developing Greece? Wearing designer dresses and expensive jewelry? Any woman he developed a relationship with needed the sophistication to move in his world.
He knew how to play the game. He wanted his resort to become world renowned and knew what it took to get there. But sometimes he longed for quiet, tranquility and genuine people. Like Spiros and Eleani. They were content on the island, or traveling when the mood suited them. They entertained and also spent time alone enjoying their own company.
He could find that tranquillity at the family island. His father wanted him to stop in. His grandfather had invited him. He’d go.
And he’d take Sara with him.
The next morning Nikos rose early. Ignoring his computer and the work that awaited, he donned his swimming trunks and grabbed a towel. In less than ten minutes, he was on the aft deck, contemplating the sea. He’d had all night to think about his plan. If Sara kept her distance as she had yesterday on the runabout, he’d have a harder sell. If she showed some sign of interest, he’d move ahead.
“Good morning,” she said from behind him.
Nikos let out a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding as he turned slowly around.
Sara dropped her own towel and cover-up on one of the chairs. Her hair was bound back in a ponytail. She didn’t look directly at him, but he didn’t care. She’d come to swim. He would take that as the sign he wanted.
“Good morning. I hoped you would come to swim.”
She looked at him in surprise. “You did?”
“You seemed to enjoy it. Why not take advantage of the opportunities?” He thought that sounded reasonable. Which was not at all the feeling he had seeing her again this morning. He felt a most unreasonable attraction.
“My thoughts exactly.”
He wished she’d smile. Her eyes lit up when she did. But her expression remained solemn.
He opened the railing gate and gestured for her to go first. She descended the steps quickly and without a word dove into the sea. He followed. She was ahead of him, swimming leisurely. She didn’t seem angry or upset. Just distant.
She bobbed up and trod water, looking around. The sun was rising, the air crisp and clear.
“Is it always this beautiful?” she asked when he stopped next to her.
“Always.”
She grinned at that and shook her head. “What about the storms? Wasn’t one of Shakespeare’s plays based on a severe storm in the Med?”
“Ah, but this is the Aegean, always perfect.” He relished her grin. What could he do to keep it there?
“And
