Matteo turned to the rock and gave a strong kick with his legs. He pushed with his arms and pulled himself up to the stony surface.
Then he reached down with one of his hands to her. “Come. Let’s take a short break before we head back to the shore.”
Chapter 26
Matteo’s pulse accelerated as Eleni sat down beside him. An icy chill settled in his spine, despite the hot surface of the rock.
She looked amazing in her bathing suit. Her legs were long and graceful. No wonder she was a dancer.
“Ah, this feels good.” Eleni groaned and pressed her back to the stone, lowering herself to her elbows.
Matteo mimicked her, and for a second, they lay beside each other enjoying the sun.
Eleni turned her head to him. Her wet ponytail curled playfully beside her neck. “I never thought I’d enjoy going swimming this much again. If it continues like this, I might even do a proper dive with you.”
“Maybe we should try free diving.” Matteo’s heart squeezed. Why did he say that?
Maybe because it was so great to see Eleni speak with enthusiasm about the ocean. If she learned to love the water as much as he did, then perhaps… He swallowed twice. Where did that thought come from? He wasn’t planning on being with Eleni, was he?
Eleni made a face. “Why free diving? Don’t you like the leisure, safety, and time the diving gear provides?”
How could he explain it so she would understand? It was crucial that she understood.
Matteo shook his head. “Free diving is different. It demands focus, calm, and the ultimate letting go. To be able to enter the depth, you need to accept the unknown. You leave your fears, lies, and demons behind. There is no way to stay under with one breath, if your head and heart are full of chaos. You can’t lie to the water, because you’ll be lying to yourself.”
Eleni gasped and sat up. Slowly, she shifted her weight and turned toward Matteo, an undecipherable expression playing in her eyes. “And can you always do that? Accept the unknown? Stop lying to yourself?”
What did she mean? Her face was serious.
Matteo lifted himself until he was eye level with her. “Lately, I’ve been having some difficulty doing that.”
His breathing became shallow.
It was the truth. Ever since Eleni came to the island, his passion for the ocean had suffered. He couldn’t clear his mind anymore. It seemed as if her image had been carved into the deepest part of his soul.
Eleni leaned forward. “Why is that?”
His eyes dipped to her lips. Their rosy flesh looked so inviting and soft. He inched forward a little so Eleni’s warm breath was on his cheeks.
Eleni didn’t move, just stared at him. With those large honey-colored eyes of hers. Would she want him to kiss her?
She licked her lips.
Oh, she shouldn’t have done that. A fire ignited in Matteo’s veins.
Without realizing what he was doing, he lifted his arms. With one hand he pulled her head closer, and with the other, he grabbed Eleni’s waist.
The feel of her naked flesh underneath his fingers made his insides tremble with yearning.
Eleni’s pupils dilated, and her lips parted slightly.
What was he doing? But before his head could put on the brakes, he leaned in and pressed his lips on hers.
As their skin touched, his body came alive. Suppressed desires surfaced and unleashed their mighty power on his soul. Great heavens.
Eleni’s mouth opened, and her tongue brushed against Matteo’s lower lip. His hands hardened on her, drawing her closer.
He felt as if he’d been thrown into an abyss, falling freely without any chance of saving himself. He was lost under Eleni’s touch, in her sweet taste, and in her perfume.
Eleni’s hands moved up to his hair and combed through it.
When her fingers reached his back, he moaned loudly. “Oh, Eleni. I can’t resist you, despite my best will.”
Eleni’s body stiffened, and her lips left his mouth. She recoiled from him. “Despite your best will? Did I lure you into something that you don’t actually want?”
Hurt shined in her eyes.
Why did he have to say that? He had ruined everything.
He didn’t want Eleni to think he didn’t wish to kiss her. His whole body ached from the desire to have her close. But there were consequences to his stupid actions. And those he might not be able to take on. How could he to tell her that?
Eleni took his silence for a yes, because she pulled away completely and stood up. Her cheeks were crimson.
She adjusted the top of her bikini with trembling fingers. “Well, I’m sorry I’ve tempted you into something against your will. It won’t happen ever again.”
Matteo finally found his voice. “Wait, Eleni. I didn’t mean it like that.”
She snapped her head back, her gaze piercing through him. “Then what did you mean?”
Matteo scratched his head.
It was complicated, couldn’t she see? They had no future together. It would’ve been more reasonable for them to stay away from each other. Even if he, himself, couldn’t do that. That’s what he had meant.
“Our time together on the island is limited. I…I just don’t want to hurt you.”
Her forehead wrinkled. “Hurt me? Oh, don’t worry. You can already scratch that from your list.”
She bent down and picked up her goggles. She positioned them on her head and jumped into the water without another word.
Matteo stared at Eleni’s slender body swimming toward the shore. A hollowness invaded his chest. What had he done?
The image of Eleni sleeping on his bed this morning flashed into his mind. She had hugged his pillow, the fabric pushing her cheeks up. She had looked so serene and abandoned. He wanted her to always be so careless and calm.
And now she was hurt. It was his fault.
But what could he have done?
He had been nothing but honest with her. They had no future together.
No. He shook his head. He’d made a mistake. He should have never let his own desire to touch Eleni overpower him like that. He had to go and find her. He had to apologize.
He straightened up and prepared to jump in from the rock. As he sprang into the water, the emptiness in his stomach was almost an ache.
It was as if he had left part of himself on that rock.
Chapter 27
Eleni hurried toward the stairs leading to the hotel manager’s office.
Would James listen to her? If he didn’t, Eleni wouldn’t have any other choice but to quit. She couldn’t bear the thought of working with Matteo any longer.
The memory of their kiss flashed through her mind, and she had to pause for a second. Her knees became weak, and her hands trembled. She pressed her palms against her neck.
Ugh, her skin was hot. Probably still boiling from the desire. His lips had triggered emotions in her that she had never thought she could feel. Pleasure…mind-blowing and intense…and pain. Her heart swelled.
Matteo didn’t want to hurt her. Hurt her? She snorted and started toward James’ office. No, it was all her own stupid mistake. It was she who shouldn’t have let things go this far. She should have listened to the warning signals in her head.
Not to her heart, or to her body. Those were both beyond treacherous.
She quickened her pace. Her shoes clicked on the marble pavement.
How could she be so dumb? Did she really think her relationship with Matteo was going to unfold the same way as her Dad’s with Lydia?
Sure, Matteo seemed to like her. His passionate embrace proved it. But it was just a carnal thing, nothing more. He said so himself. A cramp seized her stomach, and she had to force herself to breathe.
“Eleni? Where are you going?”
Tariq’s voice cut through the silence of the hall.
Eleni turned. “I need to speak with James…uhmm… Mr. Taylor, for a second.”
Tariq’s clean-shaven chin contracted
, distorting his features into a confused frown. “Oh yeah?” He recomposed his face into a jovial mask. “You need to come with me, now. You’ve got some important visitors. They’re waiting for you in the lobby.”
Eleni raised her brows. “Visitors? Me?”
Did Lydia decide to jump on a plane after their weird phone call this morning? No, that was impossible. Even if her stepmother had a private jet, she couldn’t have gotten here this fast.
Then who were these visitors?
Tariq put his palm on the small of her back and pushed her gently toward the corridor leading to the lobby. “Come on, now. Move, Eleni. They’re waiting.”
Eleni started out, an uneasy feeling spreading in her stomach.
She had to catch James before this afternoon. She couldn’t accompany Matteo on the dive trip, but he would expect her to.
When they stepped into the lobby, Eleni pivoted around and glanced at Tariq. “You know, I should really just speak quickly with Mr. Taylor. It won’t take long, I promise. I—”
“Lenie-Love!”
Eleni’s heart jumped to her throat.
She would recognize this voice anywhere. She jerked toward the sound.
Oh, no! He didn’t. How could he?
Connor walked toward her with a self-confident smirk. Beside him was Laura, his sister. She waved at Eleni energetically.
Eleni’s stomach tightened. This day was getting worse and worse.
“What are you two doing here?” Eleni hugged her stomach tightly. Her voice sounded hostile, but she didn’t care.
Laura hurried over and opened her arms for an embrace. “Sweetie, it’s so great to see you.”
Eleni remained stiff in her friend’s arms. Why did Laura come here with Connor? Did he convince her to keep him company? Or was it the other way around?
Laura released Eleni. “We came to surprise you. We thought you’d be happy to see some friendly faces.”
She sounded off-key. Did she realize their surprise wasn’t well received?
She might have, because her cheeks became red, and her eyes darted to her brother’s face. “Connor, come on now, help me out here.”
Connor took his time to react. He first gave Eleni a slow once-over. “Lenie-Love, you look fabulous. Blue-collar work seems to agree with you.” He chuckled at his joke. “Or maybe it’s the sunshine. Whatever it is, you’ve never looked better.”
He reached out and brushed his fingers over Eleni’s cheeks.
She flinched and stepped back. Hearing the nickname that only Connor used for her made her stomach churn. How did he dare to show up here after what happened?
A pressure from her neck started to climb to her skull. “Connor, I can’t say it’s lovely to see you. It’s not. I thought I was clear last time we spoke.”
Connor feigned a hurt look. “It’s not nice to greet me like this. I’ve travelled far to come and see you. Don’t tell me you’re still offended about Judith? It was a one-night thing.”
He pulled up his shoulders slightly as if he wanted to imitate a young boy who was being scolded.
Eleni’s throat constricted. What right did he have to come here and speak about his loathsome affair as if it was just a day of missed school?
Eleni pressed her hands to her hips to hide the trembling. “Yes, I still think your behavior was unacceptable. But, no, I’m not angry anymore. In fact, I don’t care enough about you to feel anger.”
Connor’s eyes darted to Eleni’s hands and he wiggled his brows. “Oh, really?”
Laura put a hand on Connor’s shoulder. “Connor, cut it out.”
Her glance moved to Eleni. “Lenie, don’t take it seriously. You know how Connor is when he’s jet-lagged and out of his element. He’s thrilled to see you. He just doesn’t know how to say it in a socially acceptable manner. He really would like you to listen to him.”
Her fingers squeezed him slightly. “Ain’t it true, brother?”
Connor grinned and nodded. “Yes, Lenie-Love. I know I was a jerk, but I didn’t mean it.” He pointed at his chest. “But now I’m here to make everything all right. I’ll rescue you from this place and bring you back to your old life where you belong.”
Eleni’s eyes widened. “Rescue me? From what?”
Connor’s lips pressed together. His eyes darted to his sister’s. He seemed like an actor who had forgotten his next line.
Laura cleared her throat. “You know, Lenie. From your work here. You must hate serving in a hotel all day. Don’t you miss your old job in Pa’s school?”
The Wellington Academy. Of course, they would remind her of that. Their father was upset that Connor’s behavior had drawn away one of his best teachers.
Eleni’s heart skipped a beat. Yes, she had been a great dance teacher.
Tariq, who had followed the conversation from a short distance away, stepped closer. “Excuse me, Mr. Wellington, for interrupting, but why shouldn’t Eleni like her job in the Deep Blue? We were chosen as one of the best employers in luxury resort category two years in a row.”
He thrust out his chest and glanced at Connor.
Connor snorted. “I believe you, pal. But Eleni used to be a guest in these places when she was with me. Instead of the help—like you.”
Tariq’s lips shuddered, but he kept his polite smile. “Oh, I see.”
He took two steps back.
Eleni felt bad for him. Why did Connor have to speak so arrogantly to him? Tariq wasn’t Eleni’s favorite on the island. But seeing him degraded like that by Connor made her blood boil.
“I’m not with you anymore, Connor. Don’t forget that,” she said.
For the first time since their arrival, Connor’s face became serious.
He tugged at the collar of his shirt. “No, I didn’t forget that. How could I? Ever since you’ve decided to break our engagement, I can’t think of anything else.” He lifted his eyes to Eleni’s. “I miss you, Lenie-Love.”
Eleni swallowed. How was she supposed to answer? Wasn’t this something she had been waiting for? Connor admitting to missing her?
No. Connor’s revelation made her insides warm a bit, but it didn’t awaken the emotion it was supposed to. She didn’t feel relieved, joyous, or even satisfied that he had finally come to his senses and recognized what he had missed out on. Was it the effect of her time in the Deep Blue?
Or was it another shade of blue… one with strong arms and a boyish smile?
Laura gave an excited thumbs up to her brother. “Well done, Connor. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
She turned to Eleni and gave her ribs a small poke. “Say something, Lenie. Connor made a serious mistake. But he’s sorry. He still loves you. I wouldn’t have travelled across the ocean with him if I didn’t believe that he truly cares about you.”
Before Eleni had the chance to open her mouth, a male baritone interrupted them. “Sorry, Eleni. May I speak to you for a moment please?”
Eleni’s heart stuttered.
What was Matteo doing here? A wave of excitement washed over her.
Did he come to speak to her about their kiss?
Eleni whipped around.
Matteo stood there in his usual white T-shirt. His hair still glistened from the water. His face was tensed, his lips pressed into a hard line.
Tariq stepped over to Matteo. “Matteo, please. Eleni has visitors.”
Matteo’s mouth popped open, his eyes darting to Eleni’s face. “Visitors?”
Connor and Laura turned around, as well.
Tariq nodded, “Yes. The Wellingtons from Boston. They own the world famous Wellington Academy. This here is Laura Wellington. And this”—he pointed at Connor—“is Connor Wellington.”
Chapter 28
Connor? That Connor? Matteo’s glance moved to Eleni, trying to find the answer in her face.
She looked uneasy. Her slender body hunched forward, as if she was trying to make herself small.
Their gazes met. Eleni withdrew her eyes, and her j
aw was clenched.
Matteo’s heart dropped. Yes, the answer was clear.
He blinked at the man beside Eleni. He was a handsome one, Matteo had to admit. But something in the way he squinted and the arrogant smirk on his lips made Matteo dislike him on the spot.
That, and the fact that he knew this bastard had hurt Eleni.
Connor nodded to Matteo. “Matteo who? I didn’t catch your name?”
Matteo reached out with his hand. “Matteo Biagi, nice to meet you.”
He greeted Connor’s sister as well. The girl had the same mocha eye color as her brother, but hers glowed with a warm light.
Tariq patted Matteo on his shoulder. His eyes were fixed on Connor. “You know, Mr. Wellington, you’ve just spoken with little appreciation about our hotel. Matteo here is a great example of the high standards we hold for our staff members.”
Connor raised one of his brows. “Ah, yes? How so?”
Tariq rubbed his hands. “Matteo is our dive manager. But…” He lifted a finger. His silk shirt showed a smudge of sweat underneath his armpit. “He is also a world-famous sport diver and free-diver champion.”
Laura smiled at Matteo. “Ah, really, how fascinating!”
Eleni’s eyes widened. “I didn’t even know.”
Matteo shifted his weight. He had never lied about his past. He just never detailed how far his passion for free diving truly went. He didn’t want to brag in the hotel about being a champion.
It didn’t change anything for his job, and he had no wish for his colleagues to start googling him about his past achievements. Seeing Eleni’s confusion, he wished, however, that he had told her at least.
Connor turned to Eleni. “And why would he have told you about that?”
There was a suspicious edge to his voice.
Eleni snapped her head to Connor. “Why wouldn’t he have? He’s my boss.”
Her boss? The cold, flat tone with which Eleni pronounced these last words stabbed Matteo like a knife to his chest. He was much more than her boss, wasn’t he?
“Interesting.” Connor slid his index finger across his straight nose. “So you work for a diving center? How odd. I thought you hated swimming.”
Loving The Boss (Gems 0f Love Book 1) Page 15
