Three Nights in Greece by Ciar Cullen Read Free Book Online Page B

again?”
    Layla looked at Kevin and smiled. He glanced up from his menu and their eyes locked.
    And stayed locked.
    Her heart stopped for a second. She saw him take in a quick breath. Oh my God, he’s unbelievable. And I’m falling in love with him . He ran his hand through his black hair, narrowed his bright blue eyes, and slowly shook his head. How am I going to get through this, make pretend last night didn’t count, that I don’t want him ?
    He looked serious.
    “What’s wrong now?” Afraid to hear his answer, Layla felt her heart flutter.
    “You’re a lot to look at, Layla Swann. An awful lot for a man to take in, to ignore. Sarah was right. I made a horrible mistake by bringing you along.”
    No, no, no ! You like how I look. One more night, please .
    “Fine, then, send me home. Just write out the check first.”
    Kevin pushed his chair away from the table and laced his fingers behind his neck. He regarded her, seriously, eyeing her lips, her breasts, letting his gaze linger. “Is that what you want? To go home, check in hand?”
    “That would be fine.”
    Kevin nodded and turned back to the menu. “That’s a shame.”
    “Is it?” Layla heard the anger in her own voice. They sat in silence for a few minutes.
    “Why ‘wine-dark’ sea? Isn’t that what Homer called it?” Layla asked the air as if Kevin weren’t going to answer.
    “We’ll ask my brother. I’m afraid my expertise doesn’t run to classical literature.” He stood and pulled out Layla’s chair, but didn’t reach for her hand. “We’ll grab something at the hotel, since this romantic evening seems to have come to an abrupt close.”
    In silence, they roamed through the narrow cobbled streets, and then took a flight of narrow stairs to a higher street near their hotel. Kevin suddenly stopped and sat on the top step. Layla shrugged and joined him. The view of the town was spectacular.
    Kevin looked at Layla. When he spoke, his voice was dark and soft.
    “You’re killing me. Do you know how hard you’re making this?”
    Her body screamed for him, for his touch, his tongue, his hands. She sighed in resignation. “I’m embarrassed, boss. It’s just what Sarah tried to warn me about. Everyone wants you, and no one gets you. And you’re very sorry to have done that to me. Is that it? You like flirting with the hired help but feel guilty once it works?”
    He smiled and narrowed his eyes. He looked up from beneath his black lashes, then closed his eyes. His voice was a whisper. “Did I do that to you, Layla? Did my flirting work?”
    “Based on last night, you could say you were fairly successful.”
    “That’snot what I mean. I mean, have you started to…ummm…fancy me at all?”
    “Fuck you and your ego! You wanted a one-night stand, you got one.”
    Layla’s cheeks flushed with anger. She stood and stormed down the street toward their hotel. She listened for a moment at their door, then fumbled for her key and made her way inside.
    After throwing her purse on the bed, she went to the balcony.
    Kevin entered the room a few minutes later. He stood in the balcony doorway, arms folded across his chest. “You didn’t let me finish.”
    “I made an ass of myself. Now I can’t dig out and you certainly won’t let me, I’m sure.”
    “Actually, I’ll cut you a break. If you’ll do one thing.”
    “What?”
    “Tell me again how everyone wants me. And then tell me that you do.”
    “Go to hell.” Layla tried to walk past him into the room, but he caught her around the waist. “Let me go.”
    “Why would I do that?” He looked down at her, and she clutched at his arm. “Tell me, Layla.”
    She sighed in resignation. “Why bother telling you? I handed you my goddamned phone number the first five minutes I knew you, remember? How the hell am I supposed to pretend I don’t want you?”
    Kevin sighed in relief and smiled. “Tell me last night was good. I know, my ego. Please, just say it.”
    “It was the most