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She returned to the changing cubicle, longing for a hot shower and making do with the sink. When she emerged, dressed once more in the linen slacks and white shirt, Carter was waiting for her. They walked away from the beach and down a few streets until they came to a shop.
Scarlett only selected a simple dress and nightgown, as there wasn’t much from which to choose. The gown was a gauzy material, palest blue.
“We’ll book rooms at the inn next, so we can prepare for the wedding.” He had selected a simple outfit of trousers, and a black shirt.
The inn was a small building, simply decorated, but everything was clean. Carter spoke in Greek with the owner, shaking his head often.
“What’s going on,” she asked after they had been talking for some time.
“There’s a little problem. Because of the wedding there’s only one room left.”
Scarlett eyed him carefully.
“And?”
He smiled at her smugly. “And I guess we’ll make it work,” he said placing his credit card on the desk.
Carter waited outside as she showered and got changed. Then she sat on the bed reading a book that had been left in the room. It was in Greek, but she didn’t care, it was just nice to relax. When Carter stepped out of the bathroom in his slacks and grabbed his shirt from a chair, Scarlett could hardly stop herself from drooling. She saw him look toward her direction and she ducked down behind the safety of the book once more.
They walked out of the inn and down the street, stopping at one of the many churches where a crowd was already gathering. Lively discussions in Greek flowed around them, and several people stopped to speak with Carter. He introduced her to many of them, and she smiled affectionately.
“What time is the wedding?” Scarlett asked Carter.
“As soon as it gets dark, you’ll hear the bride coming.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
With a vague smile, he said, “You’ll see.”
The groom, a nervous young man, paced continuously in front of the steps, growing more agitated as the sun changed the sky from blue to orange, then pink, and finally black velvet. Candles and torches were lit as the light faded away. He cried out with excitement as a chorus of music and voices could be heard descending towards them. Several other people began to form two lines, and Carter led Scarlett off to the side. “Here she comes now,” he said.
Behind a small procession of people, Scarlett could make out a cart drawn by a horse. Standing in the cart was a young woman in a stunning white gown. The people in her procession mingled with the others forming on the steps, and the groom lifted his bride from the cart.
The ceremony was brief, conducted all in Greek, but it still brought tears to Scarlett’s eyes. When they were joined, a loud cheer issued from the assemblage. Scarlett joined in, not knowing the words, but still raising her voice.
They followed the line of people back to a home nearby, and into their courtyard, where a bonfire blazed and a table was loaded with food. Scarlett sampled a little bit of everything and watched as the guests opened their presents. Everything from wine to pottery was given to the new couple, and she wished they’d brought something.
Music began again, and the dancing started. At first, the men were segregated from the women, but as the night passed and the ouzo and wine flowed freely, rigid standards were abandoned, and Carter swept her into a dance for which she had no name. She tried to follow the shuffling of feet and sudden jumps, but was soon giggling helplessly.
“It’s getting late,” said Carter. “Most of the guests will be here long after the bride and groom have departed.”
“Should we head back to the inn?” Scarlett asked with a giggle. “This was fun. That dance made my head spin.”
“That and the wine,” Carter said dryly. They bid farewell to their hosts and the other guests, and it took another twenty minutes for them to break away. On the walk back to their inn, Carter kept a firm hold on Scarlett’s arm.
“I’m glad you know where we’re going, because I would get lost in no time. All the twists and turns confuse me.”
“Here we are, so no need to fear getting lost.”
“Nope,” Scarlett said with another giggle and followed him inside. Carter opened the door and they moved inside. Standing in front of the bed, the only bed, that they would be forced to share.
Scarlett’s head was spinning, but she was only slightly tipsy. She was drunker on the sights she’d seen, and the wedding she’d witnessed. The wine had given her a nice buzz, but it had worn off, so she couldn’t blame it for what she was contemplating.
No, it was her own desire that was leading her to wicked thoughts. Her body burned for Carter’s touch, and she wanted him. She walked into the bathroom and stripped down to her underwear, trying to decide if she was brave enough to take what she wanted.
She washed her hands in the sink, but as she was grabbing a towel, she was interrupted by Carter knocking on the door.
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