by Leah Leonard
She wanted to dress to impress, but then again, they would be out wandering in the dirt at the ruins even today. It would be one thing if she was with a bunch of poor college students, but with Ghazi, things were different. What would he expect?
She slipped the sundress on and gazed in the mirror. No. Not this, she decided. Too dressy, and skimpy. The spaghetti straps and short skirt were likely to cause Ghazi to comment about her body again, not to mention the blaring sun would likely burn her fair skin. Part of her wanted Ghazi to notice her and be driven mad with desire, but she realized the chemistry between them would likely shorten her tour and lead to the bedroom. No matter what, she wanted to see the sites in the area and not just the sight of the sexiest man alive.
Theoretically, she wanted to wear shorts and a t-shirt, but since he showed up to breakfast this morning wearing slacks, she knew that would never do. The sundress was too much, so instead, she decided to play it safe, wearing a sleeveless collared black button up top, white slacks and flat shoes. Sexy but conservative, with some skin showing, but not too much. She hoped he would approve.
Sarah peeked out the peephole into the hall, surprised to see the table was gone. She opened the door to her suite and found Ghazi still there, only this time, he stood just around the corner where he could remain out of sight, carrying a small bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates. She gasped when she saw him.
“Surprise,” he beamed and handed her the flowers.
“They’re lovely, thank you,” she breathed in the aroma. “Let me go put these in water.”
She opened the suite door, not bothering to close it behind her, and sure enough, he followed her inside. She hoped he wouldn’t tear her pants off! Then again….
No, she could not let anything that drastic happen. Not yet. Not this way. She saved herself for something special and even though her body wanted to throw caution to the wind, her mind told her she would regret it.
The suite had a small kitchen area complete with a two-burner stove, small refrigerator, pots, pans and glasses. She opened the cupboard and found the tallest glass available, filled it with water and set her flowers inside, then placed them in the center of her dining room table. “Thank you again, they’re gorgeous.”
Ghazi sat the chocolates on the table and wasted no time closing the gap between them. “As are you.”
Mouth watering, Sarah forced herself to step back. “Thank you.”
Ghazi used the distance between them to take a closer look. Fully aware of the appreciative glance he ran up and down her body, she blushed when he told her, "You look stunning."
Before she could stop him, Ghazi pulled her in his arms and began nibbling her neck, sending shivers down her body. “Ghazi…”
He planted a hard kiss on her mouth, hands roaming freely down the small of her back until, once again, he had her backside cupped in both hands. “Darling, you are so scrumptious.”
A rush of sensations overwhelmed her. She planted her palms on Ghazi’s chest, pushing him away with all the strength she had. “I can’t. I’m sorry.”
Ghazi proved a complete gentleman. He lifted his hands in surrender and took a step back. “It is all right. I am a patient man.”
That was just it. Sarah had been patient too, far more patient than he could ever be. There was no telling how many women Ghazi had bedded over the years. He likely had plenty of opportunities to get who and what he wanted, whenever he pleased. What would he think if he ever found out she had literally no experience in the bedroom?
****
Ghazi backed away and opened the door to the suite. He held out his hand. "Ready?"
“Sure.” Sarah breezed by him and he couldn’t help patting her lightly on the bottom. She giggled.
Hand in hand, the couple began their tour with a short walk from the hotel to the cliffs overlooking the sea. Climbing up a footpath, they ascended a rocky outcrop and stood staring at the sea.
Ghazi held Sarah’s hand each step of the way, making sure she kept her footing on the crooked path. Today her hair was tied back in a long ponytail and it whipped around in the wind. He admired her sleek jaw line and thought about kissing her once they ascended to the top.
“It’s beautiful here. I love it.” She shielded her hazel eyes from the sun.
“I wanted to show you this view because it is one of my favorite places in this area to come and think.”
“I can see why.”
Unable to resist her, Ghazi pulled her close, cupped her chin in his hand and kissed her deeply. Pleased she didn’t pull away, instead she leaned her body into his and he considered ending the tour right there and then.
“Should we continue?” she asked once their lips parted.
“Indeed.” He led her down the rocky cliffs and back through the streets of the quaint village to the place where his driver waited on the street in front of the hotel.
Sarah looked surprised. “A limo? You’re not driving today?”
“Only the best for you, darling. Come.” He gestured for her to climb inside and slid across the leather seats beside her, clasping his palm on her thigh. The reality was he didn’t want to be distracted by traffic with her around. He needed his hands free.
The limo slowly climbed and wound around the curvy roads until once again they were parked near the ruins in Troy, closest to the sites Sarah said she wanted to see most.
Ghazi prearranged the entire agenda today, making sure his driver knew exactly where to stop and park to give them the best access to the sites. He insisted on having his staff handle minor details that might pose unwanted delays.
The driver opened the door and Ghazi took her hand as they stepped out into the warm air. He gestured dramatically toward an ancient structure up ahead. “Miss Sarah Taylor, I present the odeion.”
“You remembered?” Sarah gasped and began jogging toward the old amphitheater.
“Of course, darling, how could I possibly forget? I listen to everything you say, you know?” Ghazi called out, watching with great pleasure as she rushed toward the site and carefully studied every little detail about the place – the stones, the topography, the doorways. Nothing pleased him more than seeing her so happy.
****
Sarah was in heaven. She rushed over the gravel drive out into the field in front of the ancient structure. Surrounded by rolling hills and scruffy trees, the theater was remarkably intact. “You know, I once saw a recreation of this site, how it would have looked in ancient times. There…” she pointed to a stone platform, “…is the stage. Back in the day, they say there were golden columns adorning this area. Of course, all that was stripped by plunderers over the ages. It’s sad really, but that’s what people do, you know?”
Ghazi stood, arms crossed over his chest and smiled.
"What?" Sarah stopped and turned to face him.
"Nothing. I'm just so...impressed by all your knowledge."
“Come on,” she took his hand and they walked over to the theater seats. “Look how amazing this is, what great shape it’s in.” They sat together on the stone bench for quite awhile, silently listening, gazing at the landscape. “This gives me the chills.”
Ghazi leaned in, kissed her tenderly on the cheek. “I can say the same for you, darling.”
They wandered the area, leisurely talking and taking it all in. “Thank you again, Ghazi. This has been absolutely amazing. One of the best days of my life, actually.”
He cupped her chin in his palm. “I am so pleased.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Thank you.”
“I shall hear no more of that. It is my pleasure to escort you through my country.”
The couple walked further through the wilderness surrounding the ruins and found a rock overlooking the expansive valley below. They took a seat held hands and enjoyed the beautiful sunny day.
“It’s so quiet here today. I can’t believe we have the whole place to ourselves.” Speaking of which, Sarah had to ask, “I noticed the bus isn’t any
where around. How is that? I thought the rest of the group was coming out here today too.”
Ghazi grinned. “Let’s just say I arranged a different itinerary for us so we could spend some time alone. You have all summer to see those people.”
Nice gesture, she thought. Right along with every other thing Ghazi had done for her so far. "So tell me, where is it you live these days? Tell me about your home, your life."
“Our family owns several properties. Some in Istanbul, and another, which I consider to be my favorite, is in a little town called Bodrum, not too far away. It sits on the cliffs facing the Aegean Sea. I love it. Grandfather and I went there yesterday for awhile before I came to get you. It is a lovely smaller home situated right on the ocean.”
“It sounds amazing.”
"Bodrum is…" Ghazi had a faraway look in his eye. "…special. Much smaller than Istanbul, but surrounded by crystal clear water, spectacular views. Our house is built on the highest cliff. We have much more privacy there than in the city. Perhaps…"
"What?"
"You could join me there one day."
Sarah lowered her eyes, hoping Ghazi wouldn't see that she would love nothing more than to go there with him. She knew better than to think that way. It would never ever happen. "Thank you for bringing me here and sharing the ruins with me. I’ve wanted to come here for so long, I had no idea I would actually get to see this on my first day in town."
"The pleasure is all mine, darling." He kissed her fingers. "Now come, we have much yet to see."
They walked the entire complex, and Ghazi was right, there was barely enough time to see everything. Once they finished up the area surrounding the odeion, they went to the bouleuterion, a site Sarah had dreamed of seeing for years.
After spending several hours surveying the whole area around the ruins, they went to the parking area where the driver waited with the limo.
Ghazi slipped into the seat next to Sarah, making sure his legs were in direct contact with hers. "Well? Did you enjoy your tour?"
“Absolutely. Thank you."
"And this?" he asked, referring to the limo.
"Nice touch."
The driver sped away and soon they were winding through the cliffs. They rolled the windows down and the fresh sea breeze blew her hair back. She never felt happier or more free than today. She was in awe of the fact that already, so many of her dreams had come true.
To her surprise, Ghazi popped a bottle of champagne open and poured two glasses. "A toast."
“But I thought you didn’t…?”
“Shhhhh,” he grinned. “Don’t tell grandfather. This shall be our secret. A toast my darling,” he lifted his glass.
Sarah clinked his glass. "To Troy."
"No," Ghazi insisted, locking his eyes on her. "To you."
They each took a sip. Ghazi leaned in closer, raised the darkened glass between them and the driver and kissed her passionately.
This trip was her once in a lifetime dream come true.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The limo climbed to the highest point of any hill Sarah could see and pulled into a gravel driveway lined with bright pink flowers and twisted vines.
The restaurant was a quaint but rambling one-story white stucco building with a blue tile roof. Rust colored tiles covered the floors and the interior tables were neatly set with single vases filled with deep purple flowers. The weather outside was perfect, so the hostess led them through the entire restaurant and escorted them out back to a beautifully appointed patio lined with fresh flowers overlooking the sea.
The other scholars were already seated and awaiting lunch. They appeared to be well into their appetizers by that time. Sarah tried not to feel self conscious as they walked past them. Nobody noticed her and Ghazi, or if they did, they pretended to ignore them.
Down below, the city spread out in a fan and the Aegean glistened in the distance.
"This is breathtaking," Sarah said.
"I'm glad you like it." Ghazi held her from behind.
"There you are." The Sultan’s booming voice surprised them both. He grinned and she once again realized where Ghazi got his good looks and charm. "I wondered where you ran off to. You two missed some of the announcements."
"I showed Sarah the sites today,” Ghazi explained.
"Wonderful." His eyebrows rose.
Sarah glanced at her cell and couldn’t believe it was already almost three. “I apologize, Sultan. I had no idea it was so late.”
"Come. Have a seat. The meal shall be served shortly." Distracted by the other guests, the Sultan proceeded to mingle in the crowd.
A waiter appeared and led Sarah and Ghazi to a table situated in the center of the balcony, the best seats available. Sarah sat and to her surprise, rather than taking the seat opposite her, Ghazi slipped into a chair by her side, draping his arm over her shoulder. "What are you doing?" she whispered.
"Sitting. What do you think?"
She sighed. There was no use in talking him out of anything he wanted.
Before she could register a full protest, the Sultan reappeared and stood right behind them. "Mind if I join you?"
"Yes," Ghazi teased.
"No, of course not," Sarah nudged Ghazi playfully.
They turned to each other and broke out in laughter.
"Ah young love," the Sultan smiled, sitting in the chair opposite them. "How refreshing to witness."
Sarah blushed. When she turned to glance at Ghazi to see his reaction to such a presumptuous statement, the expression on his face didn’t appear to be that of a man smitten, but rather of a man infuriated by a false accusation. She instinctively pulled herself away from him and stared off the balcony at the water below.
Ghazi said nothing at first, then, “I am with the loveliest, most brilliant woman around, grandfather. What can I say? I am a lucky man.”
“Agreed,” the Sultan smiled.
Sarah wasn’t buying any of it. Their earlier conversation popped into her mind about his grandfather pressuring Ghazi to marry and the fact he wanted no part of it. Clearly nothing had changed. But then again, maybe she was over thinking things. Ghazi had been nothing but kind to her. She wouldn’t allow her childish fears to interfere with having a great time.
A waiter appeared and poured two piping hot cups of Turkish tea, and served a platter of peppered meats, breads and other delicacies. The meal was simple, yet elegant, filling, but not too much. Perfect.
After exchanging small talk and listening to a few announcements about the next stop on the tour – Istanbul, the Sultan excused himself to go mingle with the crowd.
Ghazi placed his arm around Sarah’s shoulder, giving her a familiar squeeze. “Having fun still, I hope?”
“Absolutely. I guess this is it. We’re leaving late tomorrow to head to Istanbul.”
Ghazi sat quietly, but the look on his face suggested his wheels were spinning. “Hmm.”
“What? What are you up to now? I’m starting to recognize that look.”
“You are, are you?” he grinned.
“Yes, and I know you’re up to no good.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Ghazi smiled. “I think my plan is good. Very good in fact.”
****
Why Ghazi hadn’t thought of this earlier was beyond him. “Let’s go.”
Sarah laughed. “We do need to go, yes, just let me finish my tea first.”
“Not back to the hotel. To my house.”
“What are you talking about? I’m going to Istanbul tomorrow and you still own a company which I am pretty sure your Grandfather expects you to be running for him.”
“All technicalities, my darling. Grandfather has taken the other penthouse here at the hotel, which means…We can be in Bodrum in less than two hours. We can spend the night and—”
Sarah’s mouth fell open.
Ghazi recognized that look all too well. “Listen, I don’t expect us to sleep together, although I must admit I would be a liar if I said it woul
dn’t be enjoyable. I find you hard to resist, in case you haven’t noticed. But all that aside…let’s go! Now! We’ll have a great time. We can take a swim and in the morning have some breakfast, a walk on the beach and then I can bring you back here, just in time to catch your bus to Istanbul.”
“What about tonight? There’s a lecture at five and another dinner at the hotel.”
“Boring!” Ghazi rolled his eyes.
“Are you sure you can get me back in time?” Sarah scowled.
“I could always fly you to Istanbul on the jet, but I didn’t think you’d like that idea.”
“You were right. I don’t. I would at least need to be back in time to catch the bus. Can you promise me that?”
Ghazi nodded, and to his great pleasure, he persuaded the lady to join him. They returned to her room where she grabbed her belongings since the check out time was long before he planned to have her back tomorrow.
Ghazi packed her things in the car himself and before long, the two of them snuck away like two star struck lovers. The Lamborghini zipped down the side of the mountain, wound around and over the hills, down the coast to the remote location, his private home away from home.
He hoped Sarah would approve. The house was small by his standards with only four bedrooms and had a thick red brick tiled roof, a small courtyard with a garden in the front and a partially covered stone patio in back with fifty steps leading down the side of a cliff to his own private beach.
When they arrived, he parked his car on the curved covered drive by the front door. His housekeeper appeared and carried their luggage inside.
He took Sarah’s hand, led her into the house and showed her to her room. “What do you think?”
The room he chose for her had the largest window facing the ocean with a private balcony and a huge claw footed tub in one corner, a walk in closet the size of the living room at her hotel, and silk sheets. He knew for a fact she liked silk, and he certainly did too. With any luck, he would be enjoying those sheets with her soon enough.
