Adonis in Athens - Page 22

“It’s odd—the hardwood floors were here when I bought it and it was the only room that had them. I had them buffed and cleaned up and they’re beautiful. I was thinking of having them installed in the bedrooms too.”

They climbed up to the top floor where there were three bedrooms. The floors were bare, but the master bedroom and guest room both had area rugs and the master bathroom had beautiful ceramic tile. It was the only room in the house that could be considered finished, with a gorgeous tiled shower, the most amazing sink she’d ever seen—made from some sort of multicolored glass that incorporated every color of the rainbow—set atop a brass base, and stunning light fixtures above the mirror. There was a wooden cabinet against the wall opposite the toilet, undoubtedly a place for toiletries and maybe hand towels. It was aesthetically pleasing, modern and functional; it was obvious he’d put a lot of thought into it.

“So…” Her eyes twinkled with mirth. “The bathroom was important to you.”

He smiled. “The toilet was nonexistent, requiring me to squat over a hole in the floor to do my business.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Really?”

He nodded. “The plumbing, electrical and this bathroom were my priorities because the water pressure was so bad, and the plumbing so antiquated that I got no water up here at all. And honestly, showering, shaving, using the facilities—those aren’t optional. I don’t have to cook. I don’t care if there’s concrete on the floor as long as it’s clean. I’m not home enough to worry about the living room…but a few things had to be done before I could even move in. The floors will be next. Probably the bedrooms first, then the level with the kitchen, and the bottom story last.

“There aren’t any closets,” she noted. “I mean, this is like a built-in closet, but it’s not what I’m used to.” There was what looked like a big piece of furniture that took up one entire wall of his bedroom, with doors, shelves and drawers. It obviously wasn’t built in, but something that had been added.

“We don’t have the space in Greece,” he said. “Although in a stand-alone house like this, I’m not sure why not. If I had the time, I’d like to remodel all of this to add one, but it seems prudent to wait and see if I get married, have kids…” His voice trailed off and he looked at her guiltily. “You know what I mean.”

“I do.” She nodded, turning away so he wouldn’t see the dismay on her face, and strode over to the sliding glass doors that led out to a balcony that overlooked the sea. “Now this is my absolute favorite spot in the house.” She unlocked the door and stepped outside. The wind caught her hair, blowing it back behind her as she tilted her face up to the sky.

“This is 90% of the reason I bought it,” he admitted, coming up beside her. “The location is perfect, the price was right and this view is sometimes the only stress relief I get.”

“I can see why.” She leaned against him, sighing when he slid his arm around her waist.

“I never imagined you’d be standing here with me,” he admitted.

“I never imagined I’d see you again.” She looked up at him, searching his face. “Dear God, Apollo, what are we doing?”

“I’m using every ounce of restraint and good manners I have to keep from throwing you over my shoulder and taking you caveman-style.”

She giggled. “Sounds like fun.”

He arched a brow. “Paige…”

“I didn’t say no,” she said mildly. “I said I wanted to wait a little—take it slow so we didn’t make the same mistakes twice. I absolutely didn’t say no.”

“You kind of did,” he pointed out.

“That was before.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “This is now.”

“Oh, hell, Paige.” He bent his head and kissed her, surprised that he wanted to savor every minute of it instead of ravaging her the way he’d imagined in his mind.

She opened her mouth and let him in, luxuriating in the sweetness of his touch, the familiarity of the way his tongue swirled with hers and the ease with which they came together. When his hands traveled down to cup her ass, she let out a moan of frustration, wanting him desperately but also still wanting to wait.

“Honey, we can—”

“Apollo! Where are you?” A female voice speaking in English startled them and Apollo groaned.

“Who’s here that speaks English?!” Paige stage-whispered.

“My sister,” he sighed. He reached down to adjust himself, secretly glad they’d been interrupted because she needed something to wear tonight and he was almost positive once he got her naked, it would be a long time before they left the house. “Don’t worry—you’ll like Lena.” He took her hand and tugged her towards the stairs. “Up here, Lena!”

They went down to the floor with the kitchen and found Melina standing there, a large garment bag in one hand. She smiled at Paige, holding out her free hand.

“Hi, I’m Melina Lakkas, the younger of Apollo’s two sisters. You must be Paige.”

“It would be incredibly embarrassing if she wasn’t,” Apollo chuckled.

“Hi.” Paige shook her hand, ignoring him. “Yes, I’m Paige Carter.”

“I haven’t had a chance to tell you,” he said to Paige, “but Melina knows the whole story. If there’s anyone in my family I can confide in, it’s Lena. So don’t worry about that.”