Read Online The Summer Deal by Aleka Nakis - Free Book Online

their ships out on the water. They built this temple for that purpose.”
    “It makes sense that they picked a place with a view of the sea for him,” she added.
    “Sacrificially and strategically, this was an important position. But what thrills me the most about this place still happens today.”
    He paused, and she found herself wanting to urge him to speak faster. The sun was almost down, and they’d have to go soon.
    “Go on,” she pleaded impatiently.
    “This was the last thing Athenian sailors saw as they left thousands of years ago, and the first to greet them when they returned.” He intertwined his fingers with hers and his thumb caressed the back of her hand. “It was a beginning and an end. Just like the sun rises on that side of the Temple and sets on this one.”
    Surprised by his poetic observation, Sammy diverted her gaze from the blazing orb meeting the sea and admired the profile of the man beside her.
    “You really love this place,” she stated softly.
    “I do. I find it cathartic and invigorating,” he responded. “Here, a person could close a chapter of his life and start a new one. A better, more satisfying one.”
    A peculiar thrill ran through Sammy. A new chapter? Did Demo know what she was planning for the summer? Did he really know how much she needed to turn the page and move on?
    “Look,” Demo said, raising their joined hands toward the west. “The sun is almost gone.”
    “Yes, but the trail on the water reminds me of the yellow brick road. It’s magical.”
    He placed their interwoven hands in his muscular lap. With his other hand, he used his index finger to raise her face to his and forced her to meet his gaze. Dark chocolate eyes that she could lose herself in for hours locked with hers.
    “So, koukla mou , what do we do with this magical new beginning the sun has given us? You’re in the driver’s seat, I’ll follow.”
    Glancing down at her chest, Sammy expected to see her heart explode through her shirt at any moment. She took a deep breath before speaking. “Well, I’m getting kind of hungry. Is it too late for dinner?”
    “Late? Maybe by American standards. Greeks don’t go out for dinner before ten or eleven. We’ll get the early bird discount tonight.” He was laughing again when he reached toward her, and his touch settled on the back of her neck, gently massaging it. “How does seafood sound?”
    “Great,” she replied, and made her legs move to stand. She needed a little space, or she’d lose her perspective on the situation unfolding before her.
    As they walked back to the BMW, they talked about Aegeus, the Athenian king who had committed suicide by jumping from these very cliffs.
    “When he saw his son’s ship return with a raised black flag, the king thought he had been killed by Crete’s Minotaur. It was never told how, but the son, Theseus, had mistakenly returned with the black flag. However, he did come back, alive and victorious.”
    “It’s so sad. I guess the pain of losing a loved one affects some people strangely.” She walked closer to the edge and stared at the jagged rocks below. Demo’s hand tightened on hers and she felt a serene sense of security wash over her.

Chapter Eight
     
     
    Demo and Sammy returned to the penthouse at two in the morning.
    “Those were the tastiest, most humongous shrimp in the world. And the sauce was to die for.” Sammy tapped her tummy as she flopped onto the couch.
    Demo admired the cute toes she exposed after she’d taken off her shoes and stripped off her socks. Sammy thrilled him in every way. He should tell her and give her a choice. They were on level ground, out of the office, and could now relate as two consenting adults.
    “Sammy, there is more to this trip than business meetings. I—”
    The knock at the door interrupted him. He raised his forefinger and went to get rid the unwelcome intrusion.
    A member of his Athens security team apologized profusely for the interruption and then