Her Greek Romance aka Greek Encounter Read online

Had Stefano heard her side of the conversation? His blank expression creased into a frown of concern as he cautiously lowered his tray on to the glass cart next to the table. Straightening, he bestowed an easy smile on her. “I’ll take your picture now. How about standing against the side rail? You’ll have a nice background with the sea and Mykonos behind you.”

  Ashamed of suspecting him of eavesdropping, Ashley nodded and eased back to the side.

  He clicked a couple of pictures. “Don’t move. I’ll take the same picture with my camera. I’ll be back in a second.” He dashed down the stairwell and returned with a tripod and a professional camera. “Now we’ll be in the picture together, if you don’t mind.”

  She didn’t mind at all. If she could summon the same confidence in her private life that she had in court, she’d ask him to take several pictures and send them to her. Instead she remained rooted in place like a teenager posing for her prom picture.

  After adjusting his camera on the tripod, Stefano dashed to her side, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and said, “Big smile.”

  She didn’t need encouragement to smile. Her lips were stretched to her ears and she almost closed her eyes to better feel the strong arm encircling her back.

  “Don’t move. I’ll take another picture, just in case this one wasn’t good.”

  “Sure.” Content with their pose, she wouldn’t try to move even her little finger.

  His right arm still enclosing her back, he activated the remote clasped in his left hand. “We’ll take another on this side with a view of the open sea.”

  She blinked, hoping her eagerness didn’t reveal itself with too much brightness in her eyes. Ten pictures later, Ashley was convinced that Stefano had more muscles in his arms than any man she’d dated so far. If only she could slow her racing pulse and stop the tingling in her chest.

  “Would you like to taste our national ouzo?” Stefano asked as he freed her and moved the tripod and camera aside.

  “I know the taste of ouzo. I had it with—” She stopped short and then shrugged. “With my grandfather. He likes it a lot.” So what if she revealed to Stefano that her grandfather loved ouzo?

  Always polite, Stefano didn’t question her or seem surprised that her American grandfather would like the liquorice taste of the Greek liquor. He poured the ouzo into two glasses half-filled with ice cubes. The clear liquid turned cloudy and then white. Stefano handed her a glass and raised his drink for a toast.

  “Yia mas. Cheers.” He clicked his glass against hers. “To a happy vacation in Mykonos.”

  “Cheers.” She sipped her drink very slowly and analyzed the mixed feelings raging inside her. Contentment, anxiety and rational thinking warred in her heart. At the moment, her trip to Greece exceeded her expectations and Stefano represented the epitome of a perfect Greek gentleman, but tomorrow she might rue his countrymen. She couldn’t suppress a frown from etching her forehead.

  “Ashley, relax. I know you are here for business but… Separakalo, please, forget tomorrow and consider this evening a mini-vacation,” he suggested with an enticing smile.

  “A mini-vacation?” She surveyed the scenery. Beyond the turquoise sea and the sandy beaches, villages and hamlets were scattered across the hilly island. Little white houses garnished with blue windows and doors spotted the rocky landscape.

  To hell with tomorrow. It’ll come soon enough. Shoving her anxiety to the back of her mind, she inhaled the sea breeze. His masculine cologne wafted around and enveloped her in a mantle of warmth. “A mini-vacation sounds like a lovely idea.” With this gorgeous Greek hosting her in this luxurious yacht, the moment was indeed a dream vacation.

  Ashley raised her glass and repeated his cheers. “Yia mas.”

  “Well said. That is the way to enjoy life.” Her companion burst out laughing and tossed down his drink. “But you should eat something when drinking ouzo, otherwise the strong liquor can make you dizzy.”

  “Oh,” she chuckled. Dizzy from gazing at him, not from the alcohol. He uncovered the platters set on the table and dipped a piece of bread into a hummus dip. Taking a step forward he brought it to her lips. Without hesitation, she opened her mouth and bit it. His fingers lingered an extra second against her lips and her heart somersaulted to her stomach.

  “Do you like it?”

  “Yes,” she answered too quickly. She liked it all right—bread, dip and mostly his fingers. “Oh yes, the dip is delicious. Now I’ll try the yogurt.” Afraid to have shown more eagerness than necessary, she reached for a piece of bread and wiped it with the white dip.

  “The yogurt contains cucumber. It’s seasoned with garlic. We call tzatziki.”

  “Hmm. It’s good.” Unfortunately, her voice didn’t sound as enthusiastic as when he fed her the hummus. “Really good,” she added to convince herself.

  “Listen, since we are both hungry I’ll ask Mikhali to bring the dinner.”

  “Is he back?” She hadn’t even noticed.

  “He returned while we were taking pictures.”

  “So where is he now? And where is his fiancée?”

  “Fixing our dinner in the galley, the kitchen.”

  “I’d love to see it.”

  Stefano opened the door to the stairwell and let her pass in front of him. She climbed down to the living room and halted, waiting for him to show her the way.

  “The stairs on the left.” He pointed her in the right direction.

  A delicious smell of garlic and nutmeg welcomed them in the galley. Wooden spoon in hand, a young woman stood in front of the stoves, and stirred the sauce in a tin pot.

  “Yassou, kyria.” The pretty brunette examined Ashley curiously.

  “Hi, Nina. Stefano told me you cooked for us.”

  “I hope you like lamb and vegetables. I added wine to the sauce.”

  “I’m sure it’s delicious,” she said with a smile to reassure Nina. Impressed by the big modern kitchen, she studied the numerous appliances. “Good God, Stefano, your galley is three times larger than the kitchen of my apartment. A person could live on this boat.”

  Stefano chuckled. “I do.”

  She spun toward him. “You do what?”

  “I live on the yacht from April to October. Although I have an apartment, I often sleep here, and conduct my business.”

  “What kind of business is that?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “I thought we were not going to talk business tonight. Let’s not spoil our mini-vacation.”

  She bit her lip and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. You’re absolutely right. Forget my question. What should I carry upstairs?”

  “Nothing, kyria,” Nina intervened. “I bring the trays.” She opened a refrigerator-like cabinet. “They are in the food-warmer.”

  A food-warmer? To be honest Ashley had never seen one and didn’t expect to find such a fancy new appliance on a yacht, but she abstained from comments.

  “Please, I will bring everything.” The young maid shook nervous hands in front of her.

  “Let’s not interfere with Nina’s well-organized plans,” Stefano said. “Mikhali is here to help her.”

  Her curiosity satisfied, Ashley didn’t insist and followed Stefano on deck.

  “Have a seat,” Stefano said, as he held a chair for her. Good manners and gentleness infused every gesture he made. If she had to draw a graphic of the perfect date, he’d have Stefano’s physique and character. Too bad she wouldn’t have enough time in Mykonos to enjoy more of his company. Frustration tightening her gut, she grabbed her napkin and wrinkled it between her fingers.

  Make the most of the present, girl. Charming men like Stefano didn’t grow on trees. Make the most of every minute with him before you go back to your hectic life of all work and no play. Suppressing a sigh, she smoothed her napkin.

  “What’s wrong? You’re suddenly too serious. I was hoping I could provide you with some relaxation before you start your work, some good time enjoying the view of Mykonos.” He covered her hand. The w
armth of his fingers seeped up to her heart, and she let out the sigh she’d been holding.

  “Nothing is wrong. On the contrary. I’m having a wonderful time.”

  “Do you always sigh when you’re having fun?” He squeezed her hand. A delicious fuzzy feeling swelled in her heart. She almost asked him to hug her.

  Instead, she chuckled. “Really, I am having a great time. The best I had in a long time.” She lowered her eyes to his hand, without withdrawing from his hold.

  “My pleasure, Ashley. Efkharisto, thank you.”

  A moment later, Nina placed a large silver tray with a covered plate on Ashley’s place mat and Mikhali laid another on his master’s. “Call if you need us. I will be at the helm,” the skipper said and discretely followed his fiancée to the stairwell.

  Stefano released Ashley’s hand and grabbed his fork. “Bon appetite.”

  “You, too.”

  Never had meat tasted as good as the grilled lamb flavored with a wine sauce and garnished with zucchini and potatoes. She savored the zesty taste of her dinner and relished the gorgeous sight of the man sitting across from her. Silence danced between them.

  “It’s almost sunset.” Stefano’s voice snapped her out of her daydreaming. Deep in her thoughts, she’d forgotten the time.

  She glanced at the pink horizon and the fiery ball slowly falling toward the sea. “It’s so beautiful.” Everything was beautiful tonight.

  “Come to the starboard side. You’ll have an unobstructed view of the sunset.”

  She walked beside him to the right side and rested her elbows on the rail. A few sailboats glided on the soft waves, their white sails fluttering with the breeze. Stefano stood behind her, his breath fanning her neck and ear. Mingling with the smell of the sea, his spicy lemon scent cloaked her with an unusual languor. Ashley flinched and braced herself not to lean against him. Too late. Already, his arms encircled her waist.

  Please, let this moment last. When the sun dipped below the horizon, she closed her eyes. Let me discover that special feeling Grandpa talked about.

  “Make a wish, Ashley dear.”

  “I did.” The corded muscles in his arms provided a warm support and an instantaneous granting of her wishes. Afraid to lose the delightful feeling, she relaxed against him. The music of the waves lulled her with a new comfort as she gazed at the palette of pink, red and purple clouds forming ethereal designs in the darkening sky.

  His hold tightened. “Will you tell me?”

  “Nope.” Good thing he was behind her. It would be highly embarrassing if he saw the blush invading her cheeks. She, the ambitious attorney in a respected law firm, blushing like a teenager in love.

  “I will tell you mine. I wished this moment to last forever, and that tomorrow never comes.”

  Arching her eyebrows, she spun toward him, her heart drumming an erratic gong against her ribs. “You did too?” God, what had she blurted? What had she admitted?

  Their eyes locked. His, ardent and blazing, sparking desire and longing in her heart. His hands splayed on her back, bringing her hard against him. Her gaze dropped to his sensual mouth, to the full lips that slowly lowered and parted and closed over hers.

  Let this moment last. She sighed and surrendered to the exquisite sensations. Lips molded to lips, tongues swirled, teeth grazed against soft flesh. She forgot to breathe and didn’t care. Their bodies pressed. Her breasts peaking against his chest, she concentrated on feeling every inch of his hardness with her sensitized softness.

  When he released her mouth and trailed kisses along her cheek and throat, she smiled and tilted her head, offering her naked shoulder to his lips. Grandpa’s word echoed in her ears. Find a Greek man who will love you unconditionally. “Stefano, you are hundred percent Greek, right?”

  “Huh? Yes, why? You don’t like Greeks?” Raising his head, he pinned her with a befuddled look.

  “I love Greek history, Greek food, Greek music, but I don’t know about Greek men. I’ve heard some are passionate and generous, while others are cold, calculating and even cruel.”

  His eyebrow arched, lending him the fierce look she’d seen on the paintings of Greek gods. “And you wonder how to categorize me?” His arms slid from her back and dropped to his sides.

  A frustrated groan escaped her and she bit her tongue. “Well, not exactly—”

  “Why don’t you wait until tomorrow before forming an opinion?”

  “Tomorrow?” She’d rather forget about tomorrow.

  “I’m sorry. I said the wrong thing.”

  “No, I am the one who asked silly questions.” Had she ruined the moment?

  But Stefano cupped her face between his hands, gazing into her eyes. “Kookla, my pretty doll. Happy times are so rare,” he said in a disheartened tone that had her lifting a brow. Had he suffered in his life? “Let’s enjoy our moment.”

  Our moment? They had met only today, but an undeniable attraction already bonded them. A giggle bubbled in her throat as she laced her shaky fingers around his neck. Determined to create more enjoyable memories, she lifted her head and kissed him. His arms immediately surrounded her and squeezed her against him. Their kiss deepened and she savored his luscious lips while his tongue conducted a mad dance with hers.

  His hands left her cheeks and slid down to cradle her breasts. Yes, she sang in her mind, yearning for the touch of his fingers and lips over her bare flesh.

  Without interrupting their kiss, he unbuttoned her shirt and peeled it off her shoulders. Had he heard her secret wish?

  Swelling in his hands, her breasts ached for more sweet pleasure. She stroked his corded neck, grazed her nails over his throat and ears, and suddenly sighed as he released her mouth and lowered his head.

  His lips closed over a nipple and gently suckled. Erotic heat burned her sensitive skin and seeped into her body. She squirmed against him. Hardness pressed against her belly. He wanted her. Her Greek god wanted her as much as she wanted him.

  To share with him the passion he bestowed on her, she trailed kisses against his throat and licked the tip of his ear. His groan mingled with her sighs.

  Raising his head, he peered into her eyes. “Ashley, my kookla.” The intensity of his gaze mirrored her own emotion, seeking permission.

  “Yes, please,” she answered the unspoken questions.

  Darkness had settled around them. A crescent moon floated in the sky. The night was their accomplice, the sea their protector, as the yacht slowly glided through the water. A world that belonged to them only. A paradise she never wanted to leave.

  “Would you come downstairs? To my room? I mean the room you used.”

  “Yes.” With her fingertip she smoothed the deep scowl creasing his forehead.

  “With me.” He specified, giving her a chance to refuse.

  She chuckled. “With you, of course. I hope you’d never think of dumping me on your big bed and leaving me alone.”

  “Never.” A bone-melting smile brightened his face. He crushed her mouth with a passionate kiss and scooped her up in his arms. Those comfortable arms where she could spend a lifetime without complaint.

  “Let’s go to your room, my handsome Greek.”

  Cradling her against his chest like a precious doll, he climbed down the stairwell to the sleeping deck, crossed the living room and opened his bedroom door. “In our traditions, a groom carries his bride over the threshold to his bedroom. It brings good luck for longtime happiness in the bedroom.”

  “Ah.” She pinched her lips with regret. “I’m just a guest here. A guest for a very short time.”

  “Maybe, but I believe in luck and traditions.” He lowered her to the floor and turned around to touch a switch. A soft round ribbon of light encircled the ceiling, allowing her to scan the room. Not that she was going anywhere with limp legs almost wobbling beneath her. She didn’t have to move. Stefano joined her right away, his smile indicating his determination to continue the pleasurable task he started on the deck.

  �
��Hmm, you’d be more comfortable without this.” Reaching for the shirt she hadn’t bothered to button, he slid it away and tossed it on the chair in the corner.

  His gaze caressed her naked breasts with excruciating slowness. Her breath jammed in her throat, her chest heaved up, and her nipples hardened.

  “Well,” she blurted, unable to withstand his examination and the heat inflaming her flesh under his intense gaze.

  “Beautiful.” His smile disappeared. He, too, seemed to have trouble breathing. His hands settled at her waist and his deft fingers unzipped and lowered her shorts. They fluttered to the floor in a yellow heap. She swallowed hard at the sight of her brand-new thong exposing her hips too generously.

  How on earth had she had the guts to buy that tiny triangle held together by two skinny laces? She’d never thought she’d really wear it, never guessed that a man would stare at the obscene little piece, his jaw sagging. The man she’d hope to impress tonight.

  “Gorgeous.” The conviction in his voice tickled her ego. He was impressed all right.

  “I bought it to show my girlfriends what a European bikini looks like. I never thought I’d wear it but—”

  “Please don’t feel embarrassed. I love that thing on you. I love it so much I am not going to remove it.” He captured her gaze and her pulse started a wild race. “Not yet.”

  “Oh.” Her knees buckled, but Stefano’s arms brought her hard against him. He covered her face with kisses and groaned as she slid her hands under his shirt and splayed them over his back. “It’s not fair. You’re…overdressed.”

  “You’re absolutely right. And I’m too hot. Help, please.” He chuckled and opened his arms wide, sending a frisson of pleasure down her spine. “Aren’t you going to remove the damn shirt?”

  She nodded with a rueful smile and yanked the shirt over his head to throw it aside. Her fingers skated over the expanse of bronze flesh and rippling muscles.

  “I want to—” She focused on his hard nipples, inched close enough to circle the tantalizing pebbles with the tip of her tongue. With a grunt, he pressed her head against his chest. She tasted the salt of the sea on his skin. Exhilarated by his groan and the stiff jerks of his abs against her belly, she lavished his other nipple with bold caresses.