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Once she gathered her shoes and purse, he presented his arm to her. For a second, she didn’t move. And then she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. It was a small thing, but it was a start.
* * *
What in the world had happened back there?
Stasia’s heart still hadn’t returned to its normal rhythm. She wasn’t sure it would as long as she was with Roberto. She’d always been aware of his devastatingly handsome looks, but she never thought he would be interested in her. She’d seen him in photos on the internet with fashion models, pop stars and countless other beautiful women on his arm, but she never thought she’d be one of them.
The only vision in her mind was of that kiss.
That kiss, it was mind-blowing. It was sinfully delicious. And she hadn’t wanted it to end—not ever.
And now that it had, she was struck by a tsunami of guilt. She knew it didn’t have to be that way. After all, she’d been a widow for almost two years now. It was past the time for her to move on—at least that was what her friends had been telling her. But it was easier said than done.
Now she was filled with elation that this very sexy man desired her, which was tempered by the thought that she was somehow being unfaithful to her husband’s memory. How could she just act like she hadn’t pledged her heart and life to Lukos?
Her heart continued to beat wildly in anticipation of feeling Roberto’s lips once more. It was traitorous. She was a terrible person.
But then in the back of her mind, she could hear the echo of Lukos’s voice. He’d told her she was too young to live the rest of her life alone. He’d insisted she find someone to love and have those kids she wanted. Two of them. A boy and girl.
She’d told him that she would always love him—that their memories would be enough for her. At the time, she’d been unable to imagine her life without Lukos.
He’d pushed and prodded until she’d promised to go on with her life and love again. Tears had been involved on both their parts, but Lukos seemed to relax, knowing she wouldn’t give up on life. She wondered what he’d think of her being with Roberto.
Her gaze moved to Roberto. There was absolutely nothing about his stylish haircut, designer suit or flirty smile that said he was ready to settle down. She was worrying too much. It had been a kiss. Nothing more. Everything would be all right.
Once they were seated at their table in the enormous dining room, she ordered a glass of wine. Maybe it would help her relax. She didn’t want the evening to be filled with an awkward silence.
“Can we just pretend that it didn’t happen?” She hoped he’d agree.
His gaze met hers, and just by looking into his eyes, her pulse raced. What was it about this guy that could make her whole body react to him? It was more than just his great looks. Or maybe she was lonelier than she’d thought.
She needed to focus more on her future and then she’d be less distracted by the Robertos of the world. But right now, there was only one Roberto on her radar. And he didn’t seem keen to disregard that steamy kiss.
His voice lowered. It held a sexy rumble to it. “Is that really what you want?”
Her one-word response rushed to the tip of her tongue and teetered there. No. She wanted more of those kisses. Lots more. She would never get enough of them.
But then what? They’d have a steamy onboard affair, and by the time the boat docked back in Athens, she would be left with what? Memories? Would that be enough?
And if she let herself become distracted, she would have no five-year plan for her life. She would be in exactly the same position that she was in now. She couldn’t let that happen.
Renewed in her determination to forge her own path in life, she said, “Yes, that’s what I would like.” But she didn’t want to draw a firm line in the sand. “I’d also like it if we could continue our friendship.”
There was a flicker of something—could it be disappointment in his eyes? Or was she just seeing what she wanted to see?
“I would like that very much.” He sent her a warm, reassuring smile. “Now wait until I tell you about my day.”
It didn’t take long for the awkwardness to fade away. They ordered their dinner and relaxed. Roberto’s day had been anything but boring. And Stasia felt bad for him, not only being set up on a lunch date, but also two other dates that afternoon. And if it hadn’t been for their dinner plans, he would be having dinner with some other young woman.
