A throat clears loudly, and I glance up to find a handsome man wearing a kind smile holding out a cup to me.
“Hello,” I say.
“It’s a shame for a beautiful woman to be sitting alone. I was hoping to buy you a cup of coffee and join you.” He has a strong Grecian accent, but his English is perfect.
“That’s very nice of you, but I’m working on a few things, so I’m not much company.” I point to my iPad in explanation.
“It’s a shame to work on such a beautiful night.” He gestures to the window, and I see night falling, with the sun setting on the horizon. It is a beautiful scene, and I decide it won’t hurt to have a little company tonight.
It’s harmless to talk to a local while eating my salad. And besides, human interaction sounds nice.
“You’re right.” I close my iPad and motion to the other chair. “Please sit.”
He does, sliding the cup my way.
I take it politely and smile.
“You’re American?” he asks, sitting back casually and crossing his legs.
I notice immediately how nicely dressed he is, the black suit with stark white shirt, tieless and relaxed. Memories of Nick walking into the gallery after the Indy game in a similar outfit assault me. The day reruns through my head, and I have to breathe deeply to stop my heart from racing.
“Yes, I’m American,” I manage to answer.
“Wh
ere are my manners?” He leans over the table, offering his hand. “I’m Nicolas.”
At the mention of his name, a squeaky cough escapes, and his eyes drop to my mouth.
“I-I-I’m sorry,” I stutter, trying to gain my composure and lifting my hand. “I’m—”
“Taken,” a harsh growl answers for me at the same time a large hand lands on Nicolas’.
The voice sends a shockwave all the way to my toes. I jump back in my seat and snap my head to find Nick standing there with a murderous glare aimed at the man sitting in confusion across from me.
“Nick,” barely comes out in a whisper.
Both men look at me, but I only have eyes for the man standing at the edge of my table.
There’s an uncomfortable silence as both men stare at me until I leap out of my seat and onto Nick. He stumbles before catching me, both arms circling my waist possessively.
“Are you really here?” I mumble into his neck.
“I’m here, Sweet Peach.”
I lean back and grab his face, locking eyes with him. “How?”
“It’s called an airplane.” He flashes a cocky grin.
“But how’d you find me?” I clarify.
“I’ve kept tabs on you since you landed in Athens. Your favorite places to shop, eat, visit, all of them; I’ve even been watching these stupid fucking shows in tandem with you and Roy.”
“You’re kidding!”
“On that part, I wish I was. But I’ll admit that Chrisley guy is growing on me.”
“Oh my God.” I clutch him tighter, bringing his mouth to mine. Then I proceed to kiss all over his face. “I can’t believe this.”