by Donna Fasano
And face another awkward experience of topless inhibition? No way. Imagining Stefano’s intense gaze skimming over her naked flesh brought a burning flush to her cheeks. She fiddled with her sunglasses and set them on her nose as a protective barrier to her feelings.
“Nothing beats the view of Mykonos from the sea.” Pride underlined Stefano’s casual assessment.
“Stefano has a yacht anchored at the end of the island, beyond the Pink Villa,” Ted added nonchalantly.
The Pink Villa? That got her attention. She could take a panoramic picture of Grandpa’s house, a nice one with the ocean in the forefront, and e-mail it to him. That would cheer her dear grandfather and help him cope with the stress of the coming days. She bit her lip, hesitating. “I wouldn’t want to keep you away from your usual business.”
“No business on Sunday,” Ted immediately replied. “Stefano loves to brag about his island. He was born in Mikonos and knows it well. Believe me, you’ll enjoy the ride.”
The fact that Ted would be part of the excursion reassured her enough. “In that case, I accept. But first I’d like to stop at the hotel to change.” And wear a more decent outfit. The transparent wrap presented no protection against Stefano’s scorching gaze.
“Change? Why? You are wearing a bathing suit. We can swim to the Athena or if you are too tired we can ride the dinghy.” Stefano pointed to a yellow inflatable raft parked on the sand.
“I don’t mind swimming.” The refreshing exercise would cool her overheated body.
While Stefano paid for their orders, she gathered her bag and checked that she had a pair of shorts, a top and another bikini to use after her swim. Framed by two handsome Greeks, she left the café and strolled to the beach. Except for a superb yacht moored about five-hundred yards in the sea, she didn’t see any boat.
“Where is your Athena?”
“Just in front of you. It’s the only boat close to the shore right now.”
This was his private boat? Ashley’s cheeks flushed with pleasure. Grandpa’s twenty-seven footer didn’t compare to Stefano’s dream yacht. Maybe her Greek host would let her handle the steering wheel.
“It’s a beauty,” she whispered, still in awe.
“Are you familiar with boats?” Stefano eyed her with interest.
“I’ve sailed my grandfather’s on the Florida Intracoastal Canal. A small boat. Nothing like yours.” A sideways glance at her companion convinced her that this cruise promised to be very different from the rides in her grandpa’s sailboat. Stefano turned toward his prized possession with a satisfied grin.
Ted pulled the inflatable dinghy to the water and jumped into it. Stefano took off his shirt, cap, glasses and slippers, and shoved them into a large bag in the rear of the dinghy. Ashley followed suit, removing the clothes covering her bikini and stuffing her things in her beach bag that she handed to Ted.
“I am ready to—” The rest of her sentence remained clogged in her throat as she caught Stefano’s gaze roaming over her chest, belly, and all the way down her legs.
“Me too,” he answered with a smile that made her think of the Big Bad Wolf about to eat Little Red Riding Hood.
No Little Red Riding Hood here waiting to be gulped. In one swift motion she dove into the sea, grateful for the water's coolness, and swam away from the dinghy.
A burst of laughter reached her, and a second later, Stefano joined her and then slowed down his strokes to maintain an equal speed. “Don’t swim too hard or you’ll exhaust yourself quickly.”
“Good advice.” She wasn’t in a rush to reach the yacht now and enjoyed the feel of the water on her skin.
After what seemed an interminable stretch of time, she raised her head assessing the distance to the yacht and sighed. They had covered only half the distance.
“See that buoy.” His chin tilted, indicating a barrel-like float. “We’ll hold on to it and rest for a moment.”
Out of breath, she nodded, and used her last burst of energy to reach the buoy.
Not too far from them, Ted called from the dinghy, “Do you want to climb aboard?”
“No thank you, I’m good.” There was no way on earth she’d just sit in front of those two men in a clinging bikini.
“We’re doing great, Ted. We just need a moment to rest,” Stefano said with so much understanding that she regretted judging him badly a moment ago.
After a few minutes, she released the buoy and took a deep breath. “I can continue now.”
Gently bobbing upon the waves, the dinghy was waiting when they reached the yacht. Stefano hoisted himself on the swim platform of the yacht. “Not too tired?” he asked softly.
“Not at all.” She smiled to reassure him.
Ted maneuvered the dinghy close to the deck, and both men helped her aboard the yacht. Stefano offered her a green towel to wrap herself in.
“Thank you.” Why had she been so worried about sharing their company? She and Ted sitting on opposite benches in court tomorrow didn’t mean that Ted and Stefano couldn’t behave like gentlemen the day before.
Besides, Stefano had nothing to do with her mission and the lawsuit.
“Here’s your bag, Ashley.” Ted handed her the beach bag and tossed Stefano’s oversized bundle onto the deck. “See you later. Have a fun tour.”
Before she recovered from her surprise, he’d swiveled the dinghy around and raced away over the waves. “But—” she swallowed wrong and spun toward Stefano. A tête-à-tête with him was not exactly the way she’d anticipated the cruise.
He shot her his mind-boggling smile. “Welcome aboard the Athena.”
Chapter 2
“What happened to Ted? Why did he leave?” A scowl furrowed Ashley’s lovely forehead and a storm gathered in her eyes.
Stefano placidly opened his arms. “He probably has some work to do. Does it bother you that he couldn’t stay?”
Her lips tightened into a thin line and she glanced at the dinghy bouncing over the waves. “Is this part of your Greek hospitality? To invite someone for a coffee and a cruise, and then dump her?”
Typical of a lawyer to manifest her annoyance in a sharp repartee. Anger flushed her cheeks, matching her brazen hair. Her breasts heaved up over the towel like two alabaster globes. Two very tempting globes. The urge to pull her into his arms tightened his muscles. How would she react if he kissed her?
That thought alone ignited a fire in his groin. Annoyed at his slip of control, he averted his gaze from the alluring motion of her chest. Forcing himself to relax, he spun toward the disappearing dinghy and chuckled. “For the sake of accuracy, Ted invited you for a coffee, but I am the one who suggested a cruise.”
Her scowl didn’t soften but she pinned him with an icy look. He instantly sobered. “Ashley, I didn’t realize that Ted’s absence would create a problem. To be honest I didn’t invite him along. He knows the island inside out and I didn’t see the necessity to have a chaperone.” His arms crossed, he returned her look. “If you want to go back to the shore because Ted is not here, I will take you right away. We have another dinghy on the yacht.”
Her lips parted, as if she was about to say something.
“But I wish you would stay,” he hastened to add with a soothing voice, while staring into her eyes.
“Oh.”
“Is that a yes?” He chuckled. “Good.” Taking her hand, he brought it to his lips, hoping she wouldn’t embarrass him by pulling away.
Her scowl finally faded and she shrugged. “I was just surprised to see him leaving so suddenly.” Her green eyes sparkled with irritation, so luminous and expressive. If he kept studying them he’d be able to read her thoughts.
Tough lawyer or not, she was no match for the hardened playboy he had become at thirty-two—a far cry from the green student leaving for America years ago. Before signing a big check to Harvard, his father had drilled into his head a stern advice. Study hard and enjoy your free time, but guard your heart until you marry a Greek woman.
&nb
sp; “Let’s go inside and change.” Stefano carried his bag and hers. “Careful on the aft deck stairs. They’re a bit steep.” On the first floor deck, he opened a sliding door.
“You have quite a place here.” She entered the spacious parlor, paused, and surveyed the wide room furnished with two white leather couches, two matching recliners, glass and chrome cocktail tables and a huge television screen. “I like its style.”
“Efkharisto. Thank you.” He nodded, genuinely pleased with her admiration of his cherished yacht. They crossed the living room, passing the dining area at one end, and entered a side stairwell. “Down there, we have the bedrooms.” He pointed to three doors and opened the one in the middle. “You can use the master stateroom and the en-suite head. It’s the largest and most comfortable.”
“I can’t deprive you of your own room,” she protested when he deposited her bag on the queen-sized bed.
“You’re my guest. We, Greek, always offer the best we have to our guests. It’s part of our hospitality. I’ll use one of the other rooms.” Walking to the bathroom, he extracted a set of towels from a wall-cabinet, turned on the faucets to fill the tub, and poured aromatic salts in the warm water.
A slow smile played on her lips and she stared at the bubbles with longing. “Soaking in this bath is going to be heaven.”
Soaking with her in his arms would be his heaven. Stefano lowered his eyes and turned to leave, lest she read his lascivious thoughts and noticed the improper flutter of his shorts.
“Take your time. I will be on the upper deck.”
~*~
What a nice man, gallant and considerate. So different from Ted who seemed to have forgotten his manners. Unless…
Ashley frowned, her professional suspicion on alert. Her gaze flew to the door from where her host had just exited the room. After studying hundreds of suspects and learning to sort truth from lies, she’d developed an acute attorney sense—her sixth sense as she called it. Had Ted been ordered to take a hike? If yes, why?
The only logical explanation that came to mind was that Stefano wanted to spend an afternoon alone with her.
Why? Was he attracted to her?
She bit her lip then smiled. Heck, she was attracted to him and wouldn’t mind enjoying his company without a chaperone. Without Ted who constantly, although not on purpose, reminded her of tomorrow’s struggle in court.
Relaxing in the warm aromatic bath would do her a world of good. Physically and mentally. To make sure Stefano wouldn’t be tempted to disturb her she quietly locked the door of the bedroom, then the door of the bathroom. Without wasting time, she peeled off her clothes, entered the bathtub and lay down, her head leaning against a soft floatable cushion.
“Heaven. I’m in heaven.” She inhaled the delicious scent of eucalyptus and mint and laughed at herself for trying to remember the old song. Yes, this was heaven, after yesterday’s long flight from Boston to Athens, via New York and Paris, the arrival at the crowded Greek airport, the three hours sailing to Mykonos, the night spent on an uncomfortable hotel bed, and in the morning, the rush to visit the Pink Villa.
Destiny had offered a reprieve from her hectic daily schedule and the exhausting month of preparation to win her case. She’d be stupid not to enjoy an evening of rest, admire Mykonos from the sea, and chitchat with a good-looking hunk before returning to her hotel.
“Heaven…mmm…I find the happiness I seek…mmm.” Greek men, Apollo, handsome hunks…
The cooling of the water brought back awareness. Ashley glanced at the fish-shaped clock hanging on the wall. Had she dozed? Probably. And she’d lingered too long in the green marble bathroom that was more fitting for a Hollywood celebrity than a struggling attorney.
Hastily, she stood and stepped out of the tub, and then dried herself with an oversized scented towel. Rummaging in her bag, she extracted a thong that belonged to a bikini, and considered the skimpy piece. She didn’t expect to swim again but she hadn’t brought underwear with her when going to the beach in the morning, only the bottom part of a bathing suit—a micro bikini bought in the Piraeus market—that no one was expected to see.
With a shrug, she slipped on the thong and a pair of printed yellow shorts, and then wore a sleeveless V-neck orange shirt. The dryer and magnifying mirror attracted her attention. Appreciating the amenities of the luxurious bathroom, she brushed her hair, letting it flow freely on her back, and applied her make-up.
Ready to walk out, she glanced back at the tub she’d forgotten to empty and unplugged it to drain the water. The aromatic scent wafted to numb her mind once more. What would it be like to lie down in the tub with her gorgeous host?
Counselor Sheppard, control your wandering thoughts, or you’ll be found guilty by reason of temporary insanity.
Ashley burst out laughing and considered the luxurious space with interest. Did Stefano sleep on satin sheets by any chance? Curious, she flipped over the golden bedspread and skimmed the sheets with her palm. The feel of satin twirled another round of forbidden images in her mind. Stefano rolling and tossing on the smooth sheet. Did he sleep without—
Counselor Sheppard, enough.
Ashley shook her head and went upstairs to the living room.
Lounging in a recliner, Stefano was watching a soccer game on TV. He had changed into a pair of navy blue shorts and a white shirt that enhanced the dark tone of his face and arms. “Did you have a nice, relaxing bath?”
“Very nice, thank you.”
“Let’s go on the deck. You’ll have a better view of the island.”
“Strange, I had the impression we already sailed, but the yacht is not moving now, right?”
“We sailed while you were downstairs. And then Mikhali, my skipper and handy man, lowered the anchor to help Nina with our dinner. Nina is his fiancée. She’s also the maid and cook. They live on the yacht most of the time.”
“How convenient.” A permanent honeymoon on this magnificent yacht.
In fact, when they climbed to the sport deck, a round table had been set for two, and dressed with blue and yellow china over matching placemats. A flower arrangement of red roses and purple iris gorgeously displayed in an oblong glass vase perfumed the open-air dining area.
“’Scuse me, Stefano. I lift the anchor. We can sail again.” A darkly tanned young man wearing a pair of long shorts appeared at the top of the stairs. “Food trays are ready in warmer. I go home now for two hours. Nina’s downstairs if you need anything.”
“Andaxi. Okay. We’ll use the trays later, when we decide to have dinner. I’ll get the boat closer to Chora.” Stefano turned to Ashley. “It’s the downtown area of Mykonos where Mikhali lives. Come, Ashley.”
She followed him up another set of stairs. Can one get lost on a boat? With all these stairs that led to various areas, she might. When they entered the pilot house, she whistled in amazement. “This yacht beats my grandfather’s boat by far. His is much smaller and easier to maneuver.”
Stefano burst out laughing. “The Athena is a piece of cake to sail. Obedient like a Greek virgin.”
The only Greek virgin she’d heard of had been that poor Elena, Grandpa’s first love. According to the sad story he’d told her, the pregnant ex-virgin had been forced to obey her tyrant of a father, forget her young lover, and marry a wealthy Greek. Talk about obedient.
“See.” Stefano’s voice poked through her distraction. “She’s as fast as a beautiful antelope.” He stood at the helm station and motioned for her to approach.
Ashley didn’t know enough about the man to judge him but he seemed in love with his boat. Did he protect all his property with the same fierceness?
Suppressing the urge to shrug, she stared with dismay at the three dozen buttons and levers. Her hope of driving the luxurious yacht evaporated with her inability to figure the use of the switches. Her companion grabbed a lever and lowered it. The yacht launched forward and gained speed.
“We’re cruising the open sea now to the other side of My
konos.” Stefano pointed to the land that dwindled at the horizon, then enlarged again a few minutes later. He lowered the speed and stopped the yacht.
“Mikhali,” Stefano called from the top of the stairwell. “You can go ahead.”
“Kalinikta,” Mikhali answered. He climbed down the aft deck stairs to the swimming platform and dove into the sea.
Behind the windshield, Stefano raised his hand in a goodbye gesture. “Kalinikta.”
“Good God, he’s swimming to shore.” Ashley arched incredulous eyebrows and stretched her gaze over the length of sea from the swimming platform to the island. “Are you all used to swimming such long distances?”
Stefano burst out laughing, a thousand stars glittering in his eyes. “That’s not very far. All Greeks learn to swim at a very young age.”
No wonder Greeks developed wide shoulders and corded torso bronzed to perfection. The man standing beside her could qualify as Hunk of the Year. Her chest heaved on a sigh of repressed hunger. To think she’d spent three months wondering if she’d done the right thing to dump that no-good Randy after catching him nuzzling a clerk’s neck at work. The sleazeball called it a crazy moment of distraction and accused her of being narrow-minded. Randy’s chest didn’t compare to Stefano’s muscled expanse of tanned flesh.
“Would you like to take the wheel?” Stefano’s voice penetrated the cloudy fog of irritating memories.
“Oh, I can’t handle such a big yacht.” Randy’s snicker echoed in the back of her head, warning her not to be too bold in her goals.
“I’m sure you’ll do great. Besides I’ll be next to you if you need guidance. Go ahead, trust yourself.” Her host’s confident courtesy erased her ex-boyfriend’s belittling comments.
“Thank you.” For your encouragement and for being so different from the jerk that had done his best to erode my self-confidence. Grandpa had been the first to detect Randy’s sneaky character so well-hidden under a smooth façade and refined elegance.
