Eleni swallowed. “That was before. I’ve changed a lot since we last met. A lot has happened.”
Her eyes flicked for a second to Matteo’s. A dark shadow passed in them. Then she dropped her gaze.
Matteo’s chest tightened. Connor had to be aware of Eleni’s past. Did she tell him everything, like she had Matteo?
The idea that the two had been intimate made Matteo’s pulse race.
Connor reached out and stroked Eleni’s cheek. “Oh, I’m glad you did. I love diving, remember?” He glanced at Matteo and hit his own chest with his fist. “Actually, I’m quite a pro myself.”
Eleni snorted and flinched back. Laura laughed.
Connor looked at them, his eyes narrowing. “Lenie-Love, do you recall when we traveled to Cuba together? I almost caught an octopus with bare hands.”
He lifted his palms as if to prove his point.
Eleni didn’t answer. She blushed and kept her eyes on the floor.
Lenie-Love? An artery started to throb in Matteo’s neck. He studied Eleni’s face. Was she going to fall victim to the charms of this arrogant prick again?
Why was Connor here? Did he come to conquer Eleni’s heart once more? After he had betrayed and mistreated her?
Matteo clenched his teeth. He would have never done that to her. But then he recalled why he’d been looking for Eleni in the first place. Shame spread through him. He wasn’t any better than Connor, was he? He had hurt Eleni, too.
Laura’s eyes sparkled from tears of laughter. “Yes, brother. You’re the greatest diver. It’s one of your main qualities.”
She winked at Eleni, and Eleni gave her a weak smile.
“So is Eleni living up to the expectations of a dive manager?” Connor’s white teeth sparkled as he flashed a smile at Matteo. “I’d love to see her work on a boat. Maybe I should book a private diving trip with her.”
He wiggled his eyebrows.
Laura gave Connor’s leg a small kick. “Brother,” she hissed in a low voice then added, “but it isn’t such a bad idea. Why don’t we all go on a trip tomorrow? Would you have available slots for us?”
Eleni held up her hands. “No, you don’t want to do that.”
Connor shook his head. “Yes, we do.” He raised his brows, turning to Matteo. “So, boss, do you have time for us?”
Matteo scratched his head. “Actually, tomorrow I have a staff-only trip planned. We do one of these once a week to see whether our diving sites are safe for the guests to use.”
He glanced at Eleni. “You remember, like last time at the Purple Rain?”
Eleni bit her lower lip and crossed her arms. “Yes, I remember.”
Connor clapped his hands. “Perfect. We can come with you. Laura and Eleni can chat on the deck, while you show me the depths of this ocean.”
Matteo shook his head. He didn’t need this self-proclaimed jerk around when he was searching for the Pearl. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Eleni and I—”
Tariq waved with his hand. “Nonsense, Matteo. What’s our motto? Client is the king. These exploratory missions are one of a kind, aren’t they?” He smiled at Connor. “You see, Mr. Wellington, we’ll be pleased to accommodate all your wishes. How long will you be staying?”
How could Tariq be so slimy? Just because these Wellingtons had a fancy dance school?
Matteo shrugged. He was going to have the best darned free-diving school someday. He peeked at Eleni’s face and his heart jumped. Why did his future suddenly seem so senseless?
Connor reached out to Eleni’s arm. “How long we stay will depend on many things. For now, I’d say a few days, for sure.”
Tariq licked his lips. “Great. Shall I prepare a suite for you?”
Laura shrieked, “One? No, two, for heaven’s sake.”
Connor nodded. “Of course, two. We need our own spaces. Give us your best rooms. The Wellingtons only settle for the best of the best.”
Although he tilted his head and gave a short laugh, as if joking, Matteo was sure that deep inside, Connor had meant what he said.
Best of the best.
As Matteo followed Connor’s gaze fixed on Eleni, his heart stopped for a second. Eleni was exactly that. Best of the best.
Tariq’s face illuminated. “Wonderful. I’ll go and let the maids prepare your suites, Mr. and Miss Wellington.”
He walked away with hasty steps.
Laura took Eleni’s hand. “Come, Lenie, walk us to the bar. Let’s have a drink together. We have so much to chat about.”
Eleni glanced at Matteo. “I’m sorry, Laura. I have to work this afternoon.”
Laura turned to Matteo and batted her eyelashes. “Does she? Does she really?”
Matteo wanted to say yes. Anything just to ensure that Eleni wasn’t going to spend time with the Wellingtons. What if being with them reminded her that she loved her old life better? That she wanted to go back with them?
His stomach flipped. He was being selfish. Wasn’t he the one who’d told Eleni that their time together on the island was limited? That he was planning to leave and never return.
Matteo shook his head. “No, it’s okay. I can manage the afternoon trip on my own.”
Eleni’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”
No, he wasn’t. Not about managing the trip, but about letting her spend the rest of the day with Connor. But he had no choice. He couldn’t offer anything to Eleni in exchange.
“Great!” Laura exclaimed as she pushed Eleni in the direction of the bar.
Connor called out to his sister. “I’ll catch up with you in a sec.”
He turned to Matteo.
Matteo furrowed his brows. What did this man want from him now?
Connor grinned. “I just wanted to thank you for letting Eleni stay with us today. It’s been too long, and we’ve missed her. I have missed her.”
He pointed at his own chest.
Matteo studied Connor’s face. Was he trying to mark his territory? His possessive tone would certainly suggest that.
Matteo’s palms itched. Wouldn’t it be great to wipe that smirk from Connor’s face? This guy wasn’t supposed to be with Eleni. He’d had his chance and he blew it.
Matteo drew in a breath. Just like I did.
Matteo had decided his future plans were more important. So, now Eleni wasn’t his. He had to give her the chance to have what she wanted. Even if that something turned out to be Connor.
Matteo plastered on a polite smile. One that he didn’t feel at all. “Sure, I understand.”
Connor’s grin widened. “I knew you would. So what time do we meet you tomorrow?”
Chapter 29
Eleni carried the water bottles and the bag of snacks to the boat. It was almost time. Connor and Laura would be here soon.
She took a deep breath. No, it’s okay. She could get through this afternoon without losing her sanity.
Matteo’s head popped out of the cabin. He went to adjust something near the engine. He didn’t notice Eleni watching him. His broad shoulders hunched forward as he bent down.
Eleni’s chest stuttered. Why didn’t her body register the message that nothing was ever going to happen again between her and Matteo?
She shrugged and climbed up on the deck. She secured the food in a dry spot.
The rustling of the bags made Matteo whirl around. His mouth opened, and his eyes widened. He looked like he didn’t quite know what to say or how to react to her.
Good. At least he was feeling embarrassed for what had happened. That was the least he should do.
Of course, it would have been way better if Matteo felt the same throbbing ache at the thought that they weren’t together as she did. But she’d have to settle for the sense of uneasiness.
“Good morning, Matteo. Everything’s ready for our guests?”
Wow, she had managed to keep her voice from trembling. Maybe she was going to survive this trip after all.
Matteo’s brows shot up. “You mean for your friend a
nd your ex?”
He spit the last word out like it was toxic.
Was Matteo jealous of Connor? Eleni’s heart started to beat faster.
She nodded. “Yes, for Laura and Connor. They’re going to be here in a second.”
His face set into a grimace. He walked over to her. “Did you know Connor was going to travel to the island? Did he tell you?”
What? Did Matteo think that she would plan for her ex to come, but still kiss Matteo? Was he insane? Eleni’s throat thickened. She was no cheater.
She squared her shoulders. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I was just as surprised as you when Connor turned up with Laura.”
Matteo’s jaw twitched imperceptibly. “He’s here to take you back to Boston. Isn’t he?”
Yes, it was why Connor had come. But what did it matter to Matteo? He had made it clear yesterday that he wasn’t interested in being with her.
Eleni’s palms grew sweaty, and she brushed them on her shorts. “Connor can make all the plans he wants. But I’m the one who will decide what I do.”
Matteo scrutinized her face, without saying anything.
Heat crept up Eleni’s neck.
Would Matteo be sad if she left the island? He did say he desired her. Eleni’s heart dropped. Yes, but he also said it was against his best intentions.
Matteo cocked his head to the side. His eyes locked with Eleni’s. “So what are your plans then?”
Eleni broke eye contact and stared at her toes.
What did he even care? He was going to find his cave and then be off. Her gaze moved across the blue water. What would be left for her here if Matteo was gone?
A pounding started in her ears. Maybe she should consider Connor’s offer to go back to the Wellington Academy, and then see how things evolved from there between them.
She raised her chin. “I’m not sure yet. But Boston used to be my life, and dancing my passion. Maybe I was too hasty when I thought I had to abandon it all because of one unfortunate event.”
Matteo gasped. “One unfortunate event? Didn’t you say Connor cheated on you and—”
His outburst was interrupted by a jovial cry. “Hi, there. We’re finally here.” It was Laura’s soprano.
Eleni turned away from Matteo.
Laura and her brother were approaching the boat from the sandy beach.
Matteo grabbed her wrist and leaned closer to her. His voice was a whisper as he spoke into her neck. “We need to finish this conversation at some point. I don’t want you to make a mistake you’ll regret.”
His warm breath tickled her skin and sent a vibration up her spine.
Eleni stepped forward, pulling her hand away from his touch.
Without turning, she answered, “Just concern yourself with your own regrets. I can take care of mine. Thanks.”
There. She had told him what he deserved.
Then why did her heart drum so loudly in her chest, as if it wanted to spring into Matteo’s hands? Stupid treacherous heart.
Eleni sighed and plastered on a smile, before calling out to Laura, “Hey, Laura. You guys made it. Come, get on board.”
“Yes, come. We need to get going before the sun becomes too hot.” Matteo’s voice sounded flat but courteous.
Laura and Connor climbed to the deck.
Eleni pointed at the bench on the side of the boat. “Let’s sit here.”
Connor squeezed himself against Eleni’s side. He reached out and put an arm around her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe, even if the water becomes rough.”
His palm was warm, but felt somehow uncomfortable on Eleni’s skin.
Matteo jerked his head back and threw a glance at them.
Eleni steeled herself and smiled at Connor. “Thank you.”
Matteo snorted and turned back to the wheel. He started the engine, and the boat sailed out of the Lagoon at a swift speed.
When they got to the Black Rock, their designated destination, Matteo stopped the boat.
Eleni wiggled out of Connor’s arm and went to Matteo. She was still his assistant, wasn’t she?
“Do you need help with the anchor?” she asked.
Matteo shook his head. “Nope, I got it.”
His words were cold. He didn’t even look at her. He lowered the anchor into the water, then stepped over to Laura and Connor. “So, which one of you is up for a bit of swimming?”
Connor stood up and took off his T-shirt. He thrust out his chest muscles. “I am.”
Laura shook her head. “I’d rather stay dry and get some sun, if that’s okay.”
Matteo nodded. “Sure, Eleni will keep you company.”
That icy undertone again. He sounded like a real boss. Numbness infused into Eleni’s body. Matteo had never spoken to her like that.
What was she hoping for? This trip wasn’t like the one they’d taken to the Purple Rain together. She bit the inside of her lip and a metallic taste filled her mouth. She had told Matteo she could take care of her own regrets. Was it true?
Laura grinned. “Great. Come, Lenie, I brought some good lotion for us.”
Matteo helped Connor prepare for their swim, and soon the two men jumped into the water. Matteo swam on the surface as quickly and smoothly as a barracuda. Connor tried to keep up with him, splashing water from left to right like some feathery duck.
Eleni observed how they approached the rock. Then she looked at her friend. “Laura, now that we have a chance to be alone, I want to ask you something.”
Laura lifted her brows. “Anything. What’s up?”
Did it really matter if she knew? Would it change anything? Maybe not, but she still needed the truth.
Eleni cleared her throat. “Was it your doing that Connor came? I had the impression that some of those messages he kept sending me were not written by him.”
Laura blushed and didn’t look at her.
“Laura, please? I want to know,” Eleni insisted.
“Okay, okay.” Laura shrugged. “I might have helped him write some of his messages, and I might have been the one who suggested we visit you.”
Eleni’s heart sank. So not even Connor wanted her. “I see. That’s what I suspected,” she murmured.
Was she not worth enough that a man could truly desire her? No, it was actually a good thing. It only proved that she was about to make the right choice.
Laura raised her index finger. “But I wouldn’t have intervened if I didn’t see how miserable Connor was without you.”
Eleni raised a brow.
It was hard to picture Connor miserable about anything. He did say he missed her, and it was probably the truth. However, between missing and truly feeling the lack of someone there were oceans. She knew that now.
Laura poked her shoulder. “Don’t you have anything to say? Didn’t you miss my brother too?” She stuck out her chin, the way she used to do when they were still kids arguing.
The contempt in Matteo’s eyes when he looked at Connor and her, flashed into Eleni’s mind, and her heart skipped a beat. No, there was no way she could ever be with Connor again. She didn’t love him.
She loved Matteo, even if Matteo didn’t love her back.
Eleni raised her eyes to meet her friend’s. “What do you want me to say? I did miss your brother. A lot, actually, in the beginning. But somehow with time, I realized that what Connor and I had wasn’t worth saving. And not because he cheated on me. Because we were never meant to be together.”
Laura’s jaw dropped. “How can you say that? Connor will be the director of the Wellington Academy. You’re the best ballet teacher I’ve ever seen. Surely you have something in common.”
Eleni pressed her lips together. Why didn’t Laura get it? She couldn’t go back to Connor just because he was going to become important.
“I’m sorry. If I gave Connor another chance, the sole reason would be you. The fact that we’re best friends. That wouldn’t be fair for anybody.”
Laura sat silently.
She stared at her fingernails painted a bright peach color. “So we travelled thousands of miles in vain, huh? Connor is going to be devastated.”
Eleni reached out and squeezed her friend’s shoulder. “He’ll get over it. It’s going to be his pride and not his heart that suffers. You know that as well as I do.”
Laure blinked twice, then her eyes darted to the water. “At least the scenery makes up for my wasted efforts. I just hope Connor is having a great time.”
She laughed, and Eleni couldn’t suppress a smile. They both knew how untalented of a swimmer Connor was.
“Don’t worry. Matteo will take good care of him.”
Eleni’s cheeks grew warm. How lucky that Laura was still observing the blue waves. She pressed her palms to her face.
Laura turned back and batted her eyelashes. “Is this Matteo guy single or what? He’s quite a hottie.”
Oh, no. Eleni knew that look. Laura was interested in Matteo. Eleni’s stomach hardened.
She picked up a pair of goggles from the floor, and started to play with the elastic strap. “Yes, he is single. But—”
She needed to come up with a solid excuse for why Laura shouldn’t launch herself into the mission of seducing Matteo. What if she succeeded?
“Matteo is very much into his work. Plus, it isn’t allowed for employees of the resort to date guests, so…”
She paused. Was Laura going to draw the right conclusions?
Laura shook her shoulders. “Oh, I see. Pity. I imagine he could be a great distraction for the next three days. If I’m not going to play your matchmaker, then I’ll have plenty of free time on my hands.” She wrinkled her forehead. “Maybe we should take the plane tomorrow morning, instead of waiting around the whole week.”
Eleni’s shoulders slumped. But as soon as her muscles relaxed, another cold sensation settled in her spine. If Laura and Connor left, she was going to stay without any safety net on the island. She didn’t want to go back to Boston with them, but the idea that she could have, made her feel protected.
“Tomorrow already?” she asked.
Laura smiled at her. “Don’t tell me you’re happy we came?” She winked her left eye.
Loving The Boss (Gems 0f Love Book 1) Page 16
