Chapter Nine
Justin pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the screen for the time. “We have fifteen minutes. Mind getting a move on?”
Paul spit mouthwash into the sink, then met Justin’s gaze in the mirror. The few hours Paul had spent in the Greek sun had already taken effect. By the end of the week, his brown hair would be highlighted with blond, and his sculpted abs and golden tan would rival any Hollywood leading man’s beach body.
And in order to enjoy their time in Greece, Justin had to find a way to get him past the turmoil with the resort and settle his unease. The sale was beyond his control, and in all the years Justin had known Paul, rarely was anything not in his control.
“I’m ready.” Justin buttoned his white linen shirt and smoothed it over his chest. “Whereas you’re still naked.”
Paul wiped a towel over his face and turned toward him with a dismissive shrug. He leaned his butt on the marble countertop and folded his arms across his chest. “Babe, I’m tired. I have a really long day tomorrow. Go on ahead without me.”
“Hell no. You’re not playing it like that.”
Justin needed Paul and Bethany together, interacting and getting to know each other. Maybe he was being self-centered in pushing Paul when he was so preoccupied, but he truly felt it would do him good to get out. And, he wasn’t going to settle for two independent relationships. Paul and Bethany had to connect.
“You said you could handle this new relationship. You’re supposed to be able to separate business and pleasure. Separate. Then dress. I’ll meet you next door in a few.”
Justin strolled out of the bathroom, and five seconds later out the door. Walking away was all he could do to keep his own anxiety from messing with Paul. He glanced at the dark window next door and wondered how Bethy was handling it all. He so badly wanted them to get along. They were the two most important people in his life.
Having a few minutes before they were supposed to meet, he made his way through the moonlit grounds to the hotel bar and was met by a gorgeous Bethany, in a sexy as all hell light blue sundress.
No. He couldn’t think of her as sexy or gorgeous. Fuck no. She was only a friend.
“You look very pretty tonight,” he said.
“Hi,” she said, patting the seat next to hers. “Christo is pouring me some ouzo. Want one?”
“Christo?” Justin raised a brow at the known womanizer, then situated himself between Bethany and the bar. No need for Christo to enjoy the view and get any funky ideas about her. “Liquid courage from Paul’s cousin, the island’s lothario?”
“The Island Lothario?” She winked at Christo and raised her shoulders. “Impressive title. Well this lecherous and handsome man is treating me well and very professionally. No complaints to the management.” Lifting the ouzo, she smiled. “Cheers.”
The ultra-powerful shot disappeared in a single gulp.
“Yia mas,” Christo called.
“Don’t you have work or something?” Justin motioned toward a new couple that had arrived, but Christo didn’t leave. He chuckled and pretended to wash glasses while remaining within earshot. Justin didn’t care what the other man overheard; neither did he worry about Paul’s cousin misunderstanding, so he turned his full attention to Bethany.
Being complete and honest friends was hard. He didn’t really want to know she considered other men handsome, and he didn’t like anyone flirting so brazenly with her and her liking it.
And she didn’t need to drink ouzo for courage. She was going to be with him, so he’d be her courage. That was their deal. Had always been their deal. But when he turned back to reassure her, he had to force himself to breathe. She was tracing her tongue over her full lips and smiling at the taste of the ouzo.
He wanted to taste those lips.
“Best taste ever,” he said, groaning as she turned those lips up in a sultry smile.
“Want some?”
He did. He really did. But, no.
If he got one tiny little taste of her, he’d pull her back to his room, force Paul to kiss her, and assure that they were both equally addicted to her taste and both in agreement about tearing up their temporary agreement. Because that’s what she was…pure and simple addiction. So addictive he’d fallen for her all over when he’d seen her on the ferry.
“Nah,” he said.
“Yeah, it’s a little hard to stomach,” she admitted, placing her hand on his shoulder for what he was sure was balance as she sat back down on the stool. “The first shot really burned. This one went down easy.”
“You won’t feel the third at all,” Christo said.
“She is not having a third,” Justin said, waving him off.
Bethany laughed and smoothed her hand down his chest. “I’m fine, J. This tastes like licorice, and you know I adore my Good & Plenty. Plus, I wanted some luck for tonight.”
“And from the sound of it, she’ll need it.” Christo raised the bottle, but didn’t have a chance to pour again.
Justin grabbed the neck and with a growl pushed it away.
With an amused grin, Christo shrugged. “That’s telling.”
“She doesn’t need any luck. I got her. Go away,” Justin said, leaving no room for the other man to argue. “Bethy, this stuff sneaks up on you. The first shot burns. The second and third go down smooth. The fourth makes you forget. Trust me. Ouzo on an empty stomach is not an option.”
“I’m safe with my new BFFs.”
He let out a long, slow breath. He wasn’t worried about her safety, because he and Paul had agreed that no matter how attracted they were to her, no matter how they might want her, or how their bodies reacted, they were going to keep the relationship platonic.
But if she lost her inhibitions, would they be safe?
“You’re right. You’re totally safe, Bethy.”
After reaching for a bowl of bar nuts, he popped a few in his mouth, then offered some to Bethany. Thankfully she accepted.
“So how are you doing with the jet lag?” Pulling the stool behind him, he sat and went for casual. It was safer that way.
“I’m good,” she said, sucking on a salty almond, before biting down on it. “It was a little difficult the first days in Athens, but I think I’m over it. You?”
“Coming over doesn’t bother me. I can nap in the afternoons.” He raised a finger and called for Christo to return. “No real Greek goes out for dinner before ten, so it’s like an early breakfast for us Americans.”
Greece was seven hours ahead of New York. Every night was a late night party.
“Almost.” Agreeing, she laughed and chewed on another almond. “Yeah, I see what you mean by the ouzo sneaking up on you. I’m feeling it all of a sudden.”
“Want to have a snack on the terrace before we go? I’ll text Paul to meet us there,” Justin suggested.
“Fine” she said, lowering her feet to the ground. “Let’s get something to soak up this booze, J. Don’t want to be tipsy getting to know Paul and make you look bad.”
“That can never happen.” He stood and offered her the crook of his arm. Telling Christo to put it on Paul’s tab, which was non-existent because they were family, he visually communicated Bethany’s off-limits status.
Loud laughter was Christo’s response.
“Seriously, Christo. Ochi,” Justin said.
“Ochi,” she repeated, threading her hand through his arm.
“Ochi means no,” he explained, placing his hand at the small of her back and leading her away. “Christos is a nice guy, but he gets carried away with beautiful women. I want him to know he can’t mess with you.”
“Why not? I may not mind him messing with me. Have you seen him? He’s gorgeous.”
He shrugged off the sensation of red ants marching up his spine, and refused to answer her. “I mind.”