and his children. His wife died two years ago. They are mostly grown, but I see them at holidays if not required on board. Have you sailed a lot?”
“No, this is my first trip.”
“Lucky for you seasickness is not a problem.”
“If she’d gotten sick, she’d have been in a real pickle,” Nikos said from the shadows.
The captain turned his head and nodded a greeting. “Mr. Nikos. Did you require something?”
“Just a brief break from the work that never ends. I came to check up on my chef and compliment her on the excellent dinner tonight. The presentation added to the delicious taste of the fresh fish.”
Sara surreptitiously wiped her damp palms on her slacks and tried to keep her breathing under control. “I’m pleased you and your guests enjoyed the meal.”
“As did we all,” the captain added. “Aeneas did well in recommending Sara. We all enjoy Paul’s food, but Sara has brought new dishes to the table that the entire crew appreciates.”
Nikos walked to a side railing. The ship bobbed gently on the sea, the breeze blowing from the bow. “Tomorrow I think we should find another island for our guests to visit. They seem to grow bored easily,” Nikos said.
“I can’t understand it myself,” the captain said. He rose. “If we are to depart early, I will retire now.”
“After seven. I want a swim first,” Nikos said.
“Absolutely.” He bade them both good-night.
Sara was the only one left on the aft deck with him. She should say something. Or maybe he wanted to be alone and knew his guests wouldn’t intrude in this area.
“So you swim each morning before we weigh anchor?” she asked, gazing over the starlit surface of the Aegean. The water was dark and smooth, almost like a mirror to the stars.
“If time and weather permit.”
She smiled. She couldn’t picture herself swimming each day before starting work.
“Would you care to join me?” He half turned to look at her.
Sara was startled at the invitation. She thought about it for a moment. It was hard to be swimming when she should be preparing a meal. “I’d better not. I have omelets planned for tomorrow and fresh walnut bread again. I’ll need time to have it all ready for your guests.”
“Come for fifteen minutes. You can work around that,” Nikos urged. “Besides, I’m the one who eats early, and the crew. My guests haven’t had breakfast before nine since they’ve been on board.”
“Okay. No, wait. I did not expect to swim. I didn’t bring a suit.” She would love a chance to swim in the sea to start the day. It had never crossed her mind that she’d actually have an opportunity to do so or she would have packed a swimsuit.
“We have extra suits on board. Sometimes guests don’t plan to swim, either, and then change their minds. I’ll have Stefano bring you one.”
“Thank you,” she said. She hoped Stefano would not suspect there was more to the invitation than there really was—merely a time to go swimming before beginning the day’s work. She didn’t want to give rise to gossip that could harm her chances of staying on board.
“I usually start around six, swim a half hour, shower and dress to be ready to work at seven,” he said.
“Early,” she murmured. It was already close to midnight.
“It’s a routine that suits me well.”
“So you swim mornings at the resort, as well?” she asked.
“Weather permitting. Sometimes in the sea, sometimes in one of the pools.”
She tucked that piece of information away. Maybe she’d get up early once in a while for a swim herself, instead of swimming in the pool at midnight after her work was finished each day.
He studied her in the faint illumination of the anchor light. “How are you adjusting to being on the sea? You did say you weren’t seasick.”
“It’s challenging to cook in such a small space, but the captain keeps the boat on an even plane so I don’t have spills or liquids sloshing over. Stefano keeps it clean once I’m finished preparing the meal. Actually, I’m enjoying myself.” She was surprised to say it, but it was true. She’d been so focused on trying to find her grandmother, she had overlooked how much she was enjoying the experience of working in this situation.
“I’m glad,” he said.
She glanced away, feeling the attraction that flared whenever he was near. She knew it was only a part of her visit to Greece in which she didn’t have to calculate ways to get to the island. Sooner or later Nikos would return to his family home. With any luck, she’d still be aboard when he did. She should make the most of this opportunity, but couldn’t think of a thing to say to ingratiate herself with him. She so wanted to get to the island—just for an afternoon. That’s all she’d need.
“It’s late. I’ll see you at six,” Nikos said.
“Good night,” Sara replied. She’d see him again in a few hours. They’d swim together and then she’d be back in the galley. Wait until Stacy heard.
Sara had spent her time while preparing this evening’s meal imaging Nikos enjoying every bite. She’d also thought about when he’d offered to play guide and the anticipation she had felt. She hoped his guests enjoyed the food, as well. But the reality was she was cooking for him. Wasn’t the old adage something about the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach? She didn’t want to get to his heart—just his island.
Sleep proved difficult. She knew she had to trust in luck to get her what she wanted. And so far her luck had been spotty. None in trying to contact Eleani Konstantinos, good luck in landing a job at the resort. No luck in finding a way to the Konstantinos’s island on her own. Amazing luck in getting a berth on the ship. Now could she hope that luck held? Or was there something she could do to press it?
By six-fifteen the next morning Sara still didn’t have a swimsuit. She debated forgetting the entire idea and dressing in her regular resort uniform of khaki slacks and navy shirt with the resort’s logo on the left side then heading for the galley. In the light of dawn, maybe Nikos had a change of heart.
The soft knock went almost unheard. She crossed to the door. Stefano grinned at her when she opened it, holding out a small box. “Compliments of Mr. Konstantinos. He said to meet him at the aft deck when you’re ready.”
She took the box, thanked him and shut the door. The swimsuit was a brand-new one-piece in a lovely teal color. She pulled it on. It fit perfectly. Tying her hair back, she slipped on her robe, not having any other swimsuit cover-up, and headed for the aft deck, her heart pounding. Would the other crew members resent her swimming with the boss? Or was this a common practice that she was making more of than it warranted?
Nikos stood by the back railing. He turned when he heard her and watched as she crossed the space in her bare feet. Without her working shoes, which gave some elevation, she was more conscious than ever of his height.
Sara tried not to be intrigued by the broad shoulders and well-developed muscular chest. It was hard not to imagine herself drawn against him, feeling those muscles hold her close. She longed to trail her fingertips across his tanned skin, to feel the texture, the warmth and strength.
Then the reality slapped her. He was someone she needed in order to accomplish her goal. That was it. Otherwise he lived the kind of lifestyle she was wary of. She should never forget that.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Yes.” The air was cool. Would the water also be? She slipped off her robe and walked to the railing, peering over. “Do we just jump in?” she asked. They were still eight feet or more above the water.
“No.”