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Sara surreptitiously wiped her damp palms on her slacks and tried to keep her breathing under control. “I’m pleased you and your guests enjoyed the meal.”
“As did we all,” the captain added. “Aeneas did well in recommending Sara. We all enjoy Paul’s food, but Sara has brought new dishes to the table that the entire crew appreciates.”
Nikos walked to a side railing. The ship bobbed gently on the sea, the breeze blowing from the bow. “Tomorrow I think we should find another island for our guests to visit. They seem to grow bored easily,” Nikos said.
“I can’t understand it myself,” the captain said. He rose. “If we are to depart early, I will retire now.”
“After seven. I want a swim first,” Nikos said.
“Absolutely.” He bade them both good-night.
Sara was the only one left on the aft deck with him. She should say something. Or maybe he wanted to be alone and knew his guests wouldn’t intrude in this area.
“So you swim each morning before we weigh anchor?” she asked, gazing over the starlit surface of the Aegean. The water was dark and smooth, almost like a mirror to the stars.
“If time and weather permit.”
She smiled. She couldn’t picture herself swimming each day before starting work.
“Would you care to join me?” He half turned to look at her.
Sara was startled at the invitation. She thought about it for a moment. It was hard to be swimming when she should be preparing a meal. “I’d better not. I have omelets planned for tomorrow and fresh walnut bread again. I’ll need time to have it all ready for your guests.”
“Come for fifteen minutes. You can work around that,” Nikos urged. “Besides, I’m the one who eats early, and the crew. My guests haven’t had breakfast before nine since they’ve been on board.”
“Okay. No, wait. I did not expect to swim. I didn’t bring a suit.” She would love a chance to swim in the sea to start the day. It had never crossed her mind that she’d actually have an opportunity to do so or she would have packed a swimsuit.
“We have extra suits on board. Sometimes guests don’t plan to swim, either, and then change their minds. I’ll have Stefano bring you one.”
“Thank you,” she said. She hoped Stefano would not suspect there was more to the invitation than there really was—merely a time to go swimming before beginning the day’s work. She didn’t want to give rise to gossip that could harm her chances of staying on board.
“I usually start around six, swim a half hour, shower and dress to be ready to work at seven,” he said.
“Early,” she murmured. It was already close to midnight.
“It’s a routine that suits me well.”
“So you swim mornings at the resort, as well?” she asked.
“Weather permitting. Sometimes in the sea, sometimes in one of the pools.”
She tucked that piece of information away. Maybe she’d get up early once in a while for a swim herself, instead of swimming in the pool at midnight after her work was finished each day.
He studied her in the faint illumination of the anchor light. “How are you adjusting to being on the sea? You did say you weren’t seasick.”
“It’s challenging to cook in such a small space, but the captain keeps the boat on an even plane so I don’t have spills or liquids sloshing over. Stefano keeps it clean once I’m finished preparing the meal. Actually, I’m enjoying myself.” She was surprised to say it, but it was true. She’d been so focused on trying to find her grandmother, she had overlooked how much she was enjoying the experience of working in this situation.
“I’m glad,” he said.
She glanced away, feeling the attraction that flared whenever he was near. She knew it was only a part of her visit to Greece in which she didn’t have to calculate ways to get to the island. Sooner or later Nikos would return to his family home. With any luck, she’d still be aboard when he did. She should make the most of this opportunity, but couldn’t think of a thing to say to ingratiate herself with him. She so wanted to get to the island—just for an afternoon. That’s all she’d need.
“It’s late. I’ll see you at six,” Nikos said.
“Good night,” Sara replied. She’d see him again in a few hours. They’d swim together and then she’d be back in the galley. Wait until Stacy heard.
Sara had spent her time while preparing this evening’s meal imaging Nikos enjoying every bite. She’d also thought about when he’d offered to play guide and the anticipation she had felt. She hoped his guests enjoyed the food, as well. But the reality was she was cooking for him. Wasn’t the old adage something about the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach? She didn’t want to get to his heart—just his island.
Sleep proved difficult. She knew she had to trust in luck to get her what she wanted. And so far her luck had been spotty. None in trying to contact Eleani Konstantinos, good luck in landing a job at the resort. No luck in finding a way to the Konstantinos’s island on her own. Amazing luck in getting a berth on the ship. Now could she hope that luck held? Or was there something she could do to press it?
By six-fifteen the next morning Sara still didn’t have a swimsuit. She debated forgetting the entire idea and dressing in her regular resort uniform of khaki slacks and navy shirt with the resort’s logo on the left side then heading for the galley. In the light of dawn, maybe Nikos had a change of heart.
The soft knock went almost unheard. She crossed to the door. Stefano grinned at her when she opened it, holding out a small box. “Compliments of Mr. Konstantinos. He said to meet him at the aft deck when you’re ready.”
She took the box, thanked him and shut the door. The swimsuit was a brand-new one-piece in a lovely teal color. She pulled it on. It fit perfectly. Tying her hair back, she slipped on her robe, not having any other swimsuit cover-up, and headed for the aft deck, her heart pounding. Would the other crew members resent her swimming with the boss? Or was this a common practice that she was making more of than it warranted?
Nikos stood by the back railing. He turned when he heard her and watched as she crossed the space in her bare feet. Without her working shoes, which gave some elevation, she was more conscious than ever of his height.
Sara tried not to be intrigued by the broad shoulders and well-developed muscular chest. It was hard not to imagine herself drawn against him, feeling those muscles hold her close. She longed to trail her fingertips across his tanned skin, to feel the texture, the warmth and strength.
Then the reality slapped her. He was someone she needed in order to accomplish her goal. That was it. Otherwise he lived the kind of lifestyle she was wary of. She should never forget that.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Yes.” The air was cool. Would the water also be? She slipped off her robe and walked to the railing, peering over. “Do we just jump in?” she asked. They were still eight feet or more above the water.
“No.” He flipped open a section of railing, indicating ladder steps built into the boat. “We climb down to that swim board. It’s a platform to get on and off the ship.”
It was not wide, maybe eighteen inches out, running the width of the ship. Nikos showed her how to use the ladder and in only a couple of moments they stood side by side on the platform.
“Now,” he said, diving into the blue water.
Sara took a breath and followed.
It was heavenly. The water was cool but not cold. The faint pink still showing in the wispy clouds in the sky was the first thing she saw when she surfaced. Turning, she saw the boat not far away. Looking around, she saw nothing but sky and sea and ship.
Nikos broke the surface a dozen yards ahead of her and began swimming away. Sara smiled at the pure sensual enjoyment of the moment and began to swim after him. She loved the water, and one of the perks of working at the resort was the swimming she could enjoy during her time off. Very different from her life in London.
She was beginning to wonder if she should turn back when she saw Nikos had stopped and was treading water. Catching up with him, she grinned in delight.
“This is fabulous. What are your guests doing still asleep? They should be out enjoying a swim.”
Nikos stared at her for a moment, then glanced back at the yacht. “I think Senora Fregulia is not so fond of a swimsuit. Senor Fregulia is too focused on business, and getting her hair mussed is not Gina’s thing. The Onetas take their lead from the Fregulias. It is of no matter. I hope my guests are enjoying themselves, even if we do not share liking of the same activities.”
“What about the crew? Surely some of them would like to swim.”
“Occasionally when we are at anchor they do. Mostly not.” Nikos shrugged. He didn’t much care about the other crew members at this particular moment. He was enjoying the obvious pleasure Sara derived from the early-morning swim. She was open in sharing in her emotions. No guile. No flirtation. Was it the novelty that intrigued him? Or the mysterious chef herself who had come to work for him?
She obviously liked her position and had given no hints she wanted more. She didn’t pester him with dozens of questions about his life, about his likes and dislikes. Sara took each moment as it came. She was enjoying the water and it showed. Definitely a novelty after the jaded women he usually met at receptions and parties.
She wore her femininity unselfconsciously, moving with grace whether walking across the deck or touring the bridge. She was comfortable with who she was. Witness the wet stringy hair that had escaped her tieback. She merely swept it away from her face and gazed around in delight.
Nikos didn’t mix business with pleasure. No matter how much he enjoyed being with her, he would never overstep the bounds of employer-employee. He still didn’t understand the impulse that had caused him to issue the invitation. He was glad he had, however. If only to enjoy her pleasure in the simple exercise.
“I’d say I’d race you back to the boat, but you’re a stronger swimmer than I am,” she said. “This is so lovely. Can I swim every morning?”
“If you wish,” he said, beginning to lazily swim back. “Not when we are in port, however. The water near marinas is not so fresh.”
She wrinkled her nose, keeping up with his slower pace. “Too many oil spots. I’ve seen the rainbow colors floating on the surface.”
“We’ll be stopping at another island today. The ladies loved shopping yesterday. Today’s island won’t have a market, but there are shops and cafés. There is even an old fort sitting on a bluff with a terrific view. Maybe you can tour that.”
“We’ll stop before lunch?”
“You get another free pass. I’ll take my guests to lunch at one of the waterfront cafés. No lunch preparations needed.”
For a moment Sara looked wistful. Was she wishing she could join him? Suddenly Nikos wondered what it would be like to take a few days off. Get away from work, from duty, and just enjoy Sara’s company. Maybe when this cruise was finished he’d find out. Unless he became engaged to Gina by then. The thought surprised him. He’d started the cruise with that intent. Was he having second thoughts? The alliance would work to the benefit of both. Yet momentarily he’d forgotten his intent, his interest in Sara overriding his common sense.
“We’re going to have a lot of food left over if you keep changing the meals,” she commented.
The ship was getting closer every moment. When they reached it, she’d disappear to change and get to work. Nikos knew he’d not see her again today—unless she lingered on the aft deck after dinner. He could tell her again how much his guests enjoyed her cooking.
When Nikos was dressed for the day, he went to his desk and powered up his laptop. First order of business, catch up on e-mail and check in with his assistant at the resort. By now the power should have been fully restored. But there would be other minor crises to deal with. While he worked, Stefano brought his breakfast. An omelet as light as air, loaded with mushrooms, onions, spinach and green peppers was the first thing he saw. The walnut bread on a separate plate was still warm. The coffee was strong and hot. As he ate, he tried to visualize Sara preparing the meal. He frowned. He had no idea how cooks worked. His education was sadly lacking. One day he should check out the galley and see her in action.
When his cell phone rang, he answered.
“Nikos, it is your grandfather,” the familiar voice said.
“I know. I recognize your voice.” Nikos smiled. He had spent many summers on the island while his parents traveled. It still remained his favorite place.
“Your assistant tells me you are on another cruise. Where this time?”
Nikos filled him in and waited. There was usually a reason his grandfather called at this early hour. Informal family chats were unheard of.
“I’m thinking about buying another boat,” he finally said.
“Oh?” Nikos suspected his grandfather knew his son had called Nikos.
“I wanted you to vet it for me. And don’t be telling me I’m too old to buy a new boat. This one is for Eleani and me to go out together. No privacy otherwise.”
Nikos shook his head. The Cassandra offered plenty of privacy and was available whenever his grandfather wished. But he understood the older man’s reasoning. Last night he’d been very aware that he and Sara hadn’t been alone.
“I am committed for another three days, then must return my guests to the resort and await their departure before I can come home,” Nikos said, glancing at his calendar. He had no important meetings or commitments the following week. “I’ll come after that.”
Nikos always found it easy to relax on the family island. It had been a while since he’d visited. He could enjoy his grandparents’ company and really take a few days away from work.
“Good, plan to stay awhile. We have not seen you in a long time.”
“I will stay a few days. Give my regards to Eleani.”
He hung up, his mind already returning to the situation at hand. Why shouldn’t his grandfather and his wife enjoy a small boat? They might be older, but they were both perfectly capable of running their own lives. His own grandmother had died when Nikos had been a boy. When Spiros had remarried, to a widow, Eleani, Nikos and his family had accepted her as Spiros’s wife. She’d had no one. That had been almost ten years ago. She had easily become a vital part of their family and had been the best thing for his grandfather. Nikos liked her warmth and devotion to Spiros. And she’d shared that warmth with the rest of the family when they’d let her.
Nikos hoped he was as active when he was in his eighties. Hard to imagine now reaching that age. He could not picture himself married, much less very much in love with a wife in fifty years.
It was stupid to cast all women in the same light as Ariana, but he had a tendency to do just that. She’d professed undying love when they’d been engaged. But once he’d caught her with another man in bed, he’d had trouble believing it. The truth had been that she’d wanted the lifestyle Nikos could offer. She didn’t love him; she loved being with men—rich, poor, young, old. Ariana hadn’t been too particular.
To a young man who had been in love, it had been a double blow. First, that she hadn’t loved him and second, that he hadn’t been wise enough to realize that before finding proof. He’d learned the lesson well, however. Unless a woman had a fortune to match his, he would never consider her in the matrimony stakes.
Gina would make a perfect businessman’s wife. She was polished, aware of the demands of work and brought a wealth of contacts with the wine industry in Italy.
Yet still he hesitated. If left to him, he probably would not marry. Families were overrated. He knew from his own experiences and shattered expectations that it was an institution best handled carefully. Currently he set his own goals and had no one to blame except himself if things didn’t go as he wanted. A wife would be an additional responsibility. Still, he did want children, some boy or girl to leave the resort to. To teach the ways his forefathers had lived for generations. Would Gina be that wife?
He didn’t have to decide on this cruise, but he wasn’t getting any younger.
He quickly scanned his messages, replying to two that were urgent. Shutting off his laptop, he rose, ready to face his guests and offer some of the hospitality of the small island they were heading for.
The ruins were spectacular. He’d taken other guests on a tour of them in the past and everyone had raved about the antiquity of the stones and the view of the sea that seemed endless.
He hoped the Fregulias and Onetas would like it, as well.
Four hours later Nikos knew this particular outing hadn’t met with the same success as the visit to the market had the day before. The three couples had walked around the cobblestone streets of the old town, stopping in several shops but purchasing nothing. The morning was winding down. There was time for a quick visit to the ruins before a late lunch, but his guests seemed disinclined to continue.
Senor Fregulia wanted to visit a taverna. His wife wanted out of the sun. Nikos knew what Gina wanted but the more she seemed interested in him, the less he felt interested in her. Was it just the normal reluctance of a man to commit to one woman?
“It is so hot,” she complained for the tenth time.
“Perhaps we should return to the boat and continue the sail,” he suggested.
“No, I wish to visit the taverna. A drink of fine wine while sitting in the shade and watching people would suit me better than the boat. I seem to be prone to a touch of seasickness,” Senor Fregulia said, heading in the direction of an outdoor café.
“I wish to see into some more of the shops,” Senora Fregulia said, looking at her friend. An instant later Senora Oneta agreed.
Gina was pouting. Nikos wanted to shake the lot of them, but his duties as host prevented that. How had the outing turned out to be so annoying?
“Gina?” A young man dashed over and began talking with her in rapid Italian. His speech was too fast for Nikos to follow with the limited Italian he spoke, but the gist seemed to be they had been friends who hadn’t seen each other in a long time.
“Excuse my manners,” Gina said at one point, linking arms with the young man. “Pietro, this is our host, Nikos Konstantinos. Nikos, my friend Pietro from Rome.”
Once introductions had been completed, Gina flirted with Pietro, keeping a careful eye on her father and on Nikos.
“Come, we will all enjoy some wine and watch the boats in the harbor,” she suggested, drawing Pietro toward the taverna. “Nikos can tell us all about this quaint little island and the people who live here.”
It was obvious to him what she was doing and he had no intention of playing her game of pitting one man against another. If she thought that would spark his interest, she would be very surprised to know his thoughts, which of course he would never voice.
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