Page 42 of The Greek Café

‘A picnic courtesy of the kitchen.’ He smiles. ‘Arranged by my aunt.’

Zeta blows us a kiss and says she hopes we have a pleasant day, before she heads off somewhere.

‘She mentioned a picnic, how lovely.’ I’m surprised when we head outside to the car park, where Takis opens the door for me to step into his smart grey Audi.

‘I thought we would be going to the harbour by speedboat,’ I say in surprise.

‘I thought it would be more comfortable this way,’ he tells me. ‘Besides, it is only a few minutes by car. It would take longer walking down to the beach.’

I had rather fancied travelling in the speedboat, hair blowing in the wind and pretending I am in an action movie, but I don’t tell him that.

We take the short drive down into the town, and Takis parks up. I guess we could have walked, but maybe the cooler box is heavy.

I walk along the harbour, glancing at the many boats with coloured posters displaying various tours on offer. A sunset catamaran cruise is offered, with dinner, drinks and a swim, that sounds very tempting. Another boat is offering a morning cruise to Symi island and St George’s Bay.

An old wooden boat, which reminds me a bit of a pirate ship, offers a one-hour cruise that takes in views of the old and new city of Rhodes. Something I will consider when I have a couple of spare hours.

Presently, we arrive at a sleek cream and blue fibreglass boat, a lot larger than I imagined it would be.

‘Your carriage awaits,’ says Takis. ‘Or should I say, comfortable padded seat.’ He gestures to a cream leather circular seating area on deck.

‘Very nice,’ I say as I step aboard.

He presses a button and an overhead shade covers the seating area. ‘Or maybe you prefer some sunshine first?’

‘Yes, I think I would,’ I tell him. ‘But it will be nice to eat in the shade later.’

He shows me downstairs, which has a tiny kitchen, a toilet and a sofa that pulls out into a bed. It is spotlessly clean and cosy looking with some colourful cushions on the sofa.

‘So that is the guided tour,’ says Takis as he places the cooler bag on the counter. ‘Shall we eat in around an hour? After seeing the caves and having a swim?’

‘Sounds good.’

Even though I am wearing tiny shorts, and a cropped top, I suddenly feel a little exposed at the thought of swimming in my tiny bikini and wish I had worn a swimsuit.

‘Are you going to swim too?’ I ask.

‘If you have no objection.’ He smiles. ‘I think the sea is big enough for both of us.’

Back on deck, he lifts the lid of a box and produces two snorkels. ‘We will need these. The water is so clear, it will be good to see some nature beneath the sea. Some of the fish are beautiful,’ he tells me.

‘I can’t wait.’

After leaving the harbour, we pass the landmark limestone cliffs that plunge down into the sea; the water is sapphire blue. Sitting on my comfortable leather seat, I feel the wind in my hair. I close my eyes and savour every second.

Presently the colours of the sea change from blue to green, leaving white swirls of foam in its wake as the boat cuts through the water.

‘This is something else,’ I say to Takis, who is at the wheel. I am clutching a chilled glass of Prosecco, feeling even more like a movie star, as I pretend the boat belongs to me. I imagine I am heading to my villa high up on the rocks, which gives amazing views of the bay. My private chef will provide smoked salmon for lunch, followed by a home-made dessert.

I say little as we cruise, sometimes stealing glances at Takis, who is wearing a navy short-sleeved T-shirt, smart white shorts and a pair of expensive-looking sunglasses. The wind has tousled his slightly long hair, making him look even more attractive. I look away quickly when he turns and catches me checking him out. I do not want to ruin my time here by getting involved with a local Greek man, even one as hot as Takis. I don’t need the distraction, or to be the subject of local gossip. I just want to concentrate on my new business venture. Despite that, I can feel myself being increasingly drawn to him, so maybe switching off my feelings is easier said than done.

‘I thought you might be wearing a white cap with an anchor on the front,’ I tell him as we glide smoothly through the water.

‘So, you like a man in uniform?’ He casts a glance at me and smiles.

‘Oh yes. Especially a man in a McDonald’s uniform at the end of a night out,’ I joke.

Takis shakes his head and laughs.