Page 12 of More Than Just Friends

Again.

I typed out a quick reply to Ali saying that I needed to jump in the shower and suggested we speak later.

After putting my phone on the table, I blew out a frustrated breath then opened my balcony door.

As I stood outside and admired the sea views and the sight of the whitewashed hotel rooms carved into the rock, a wave of clarity washed over me.

No. It was good that I came. I was in Santorini. A place I’d wanted to visit for longer than I could remember, so whatever happened, I’d get to tick it off my bucket list. I was determined to make the most of my time here.

Once I’d showered and dressed it was almost time to head to the restaurant to meet my match.

I fired off a message to let Colin know I’d arrived safely and he replied wishing me luck with my ‘mystery lady’.

Here’s hoping she was a mystery lady and not one I already knew.

As I walked towards the restaurant, my heart thudded in my chest. I didn’t know why I was so nervous.

I’d thought the hotel grounds were impressive when Petros showed me around earlier, but at night, the restaurant’s terrace was even more striking.

The inky-blue sea was illuminated with lights from the boats and cruise ships in the distance, the stars sparkled in the sky and soft amber lighting shone from the lanterns that hung from the bougainvillea-covered pergolas.

They must have a herb garden nearby too because I swore I could smell thyme and oregano mixed with the salty sea air.

I walked towards the restaurant’s main entrance.

‘Hi,’ I said as I stepped inside. ‘I’m Noah Riley.’

‘Welcome to the Love Hotel, Santorini!’ He beamed. ‘My name is Stavros and I am your Dining Director.’

‘Is that your term for a maître d’?’ I asked.

‘Exactly.’ He smiled. ‘You will find that everyone here has unique job titles.’

‘Got it.’

‘Your date has not arrived yet, but you are welcome to wait at the bar in the meantime. Let me take you to meet Grigoris our barman, or as we prefer to say, our Chief Mixologist.’

‘Thanks.’

I followed him over and ordered a bottle of the local beer.

After taking a few sips, I checked my watch. It was quarter to nine. I knew it probably wasn’t a good idea to arrive so early. I could’ve played it cool and just arrived a couple of minutes before, but I hated being late.

That and the suspense was killing me. I needed to know who she was.

Just as I was about to take out my phone to pass the time, I heard the click-clacking of high heels behind me and spun around to take a look.

Fuck.

My eyes popped and I attempted to swallow what felt like a concrete barrel lodged in my throat.

It was Ali. And wow.

She was beautiful before, but tonight she looked absolutely breathtaking.

Ali was dressed in a figure-hugging white sleeveless dress that stopped just above her knees and accentuated every delicious curve. It clung to her perfect round arse and accentuated the shape of her generous boobs.

Jesus Christ. The woman looked like an angel.