She blew out a breath, sending a wild curl bouncing against her cheek. “You came, you saw—” She mumbled.
“Ah, but I did not conquer—yet,” he finished.
She snorted out a laugh and rolled her eyes at him. “Go away. I need to finish rebuilding the heads and carburetors on both engines. You know… normal Tuesday stuff. I don’t have time to argue with you.”
“Do you need a hand?”
Dani tilted her head, giving him a long, pointed look. “Your shirt probably costs more than this entire job. So, unless I’m mistaken and you bought it down at the neighborhood department store, I think you’d better stick to yachts and boardrooms.”
His grin deepened at her sarcastic comment. She huffed out a breath when he folded his arms and leaned back against the side. She really hoped there wasn’t anything disgusting on the aged wood that would leave an embarrassing reminder of his visit on the seat of his pants.
“I had Vito escorted off the yacht last night,” he commented, breaking through her musing.
“Smart move. That alone should save you a mint in liability insurance.”
Alexandros chuckled. Dani inhaled when a gentle ocean breeze flowed through the open doors. The scent of his cologne drifted toward her—subtle, clean, expensive. It curled around her senses, too inviting for her peace of mind.
“May I ask what brought you to Greece?”
Dani shrugged, her gaze falling to her tool bag. “Same as most people my age. Traveling. I liked it, so I’ve stayed on for a bit. I’m thinking it may be time to move on, though.”
She kept her voice casual, carefully disinterested. The truth was too raw to hand over to a man like him—wrapped in wealth, charm, and good looks.
“And engine repair?” he asked. “That’s not exactly something you pick up while backpacking through Europe.”
Dani blinked, and—out of nowhere—laughter bubbled out of her. She shook her head, the absurdity of the moment finally sinking in.
Alexandros raised an eyebrow. “Did I say something funny?”
She looked up at him, amusement twinkling in her eyes. “I’m elbow-deep in a diesel engine. You’re in slacks that cost more than my dock rent. And somehow, I’m pretty sure this is you flirting.”
He made an indistinct sound in his throat, like a half-grunt, half-laugh. “I’ll admit it—I’ve never had to work this hard to ask a woman out.”
Her eyes widened slightly. “Is that what you’re doing?”
“Yes,” he said simply. “I am.”
The honesty caught her off guard. It was quiet, confident—but not smug. She stared at the battered pouch, its wrenches and screwdrivers jutting out like stubby sea creatures—ugly, familiar, hers. The collection of tools had gotten her through more countries than her passport. She reached out and brushed the scuffed leather.
Before she could talk herself out of it, she met his eyes.
“There’s a place called Taverna Thea,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “Eight o’clock.”
He hesitated before a frown creased his brow. “Wouldn’t it be easier if I picked you up? Or we could have dinner on the yacht.”
She gave him a look. “What, and risk another swim? I’d have to remember to wear a swimsuit and life vest this time.”
He laughed. “Swimwear is optional, I promise. I’ll keep you from sinking, and the only water involved would be in the pool, I promise.It would also give us privacy. I’m afraid unless we went to a more exclusive restaurant, it would be a feast for the paparazzi.”
“I imagine it would be difficult for you to blend in. Alright… but, dinner only. Don’t go thinking that there is going to be anything else going on,” she warned, pointing a finger at him.
Alexandros grinned like he’d just won the lottery. “I will be a perfect gentleman… unless you beg me not to be. Eight o’clock. Pier Five. I’ll be waiting.”
Dani couldn’t believe she was agreeing. Maybe it was the honesty in his voice. Or maybe it was the way he hadn’t pushed, just… waited. Whatever it was, it slipped past her defenses before she could stop it.
She bit her lip, following his movements as he swung his legs over the side and onto the ladder. She watched his retreating form, her heart fluttering somewhere between excitement and dread. No man had ever made her feel so exposed—not even Zayan. And that scared her more than anything.
It wasn’t until he reached the edge of the building that realization struck her.
