Free The Summer Deal by Aleka Nakis Page B

placed his left hand in the small of her back. Her warm and welcoming skin seemed to sizzle beneath his fingertips. He enjoyed touching her and wondered why he had wasted so much time in not getting to know her better sooner.
    Maybe it was just the jetlag that had her acting strange last night. She seemed fine this morning—back to the woman who had stepped off the plane.
    “You need to try some Greek coffee. It’s like espresso, but not bitter.”
    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