Page 7 of Unexpectedly In Love

“Rosemary, I like it. I am Eryx Demopoulos.” His silver-grey eyes rove over my face like he is committing it to memory.

“Demopoulos,” I repeat.

“Nai gatáki. Come,” he says as he gives my arm a tug and directs me down the corridor to a restaurant called Helios.

Helios is one of the newest restaurants opened in the hotel. I couldn’t even get a seat for breakfast because you had to make a reservation. I tried to make one and they told me it was already booked. Why? Because everyone and their mom wants to get into a restaurant owned by Chef Fairisles.

I want to tell him that it may be impossible to get in, but I hold back.

Upon seeing Eryx, the maître de smiles broadly. “Mr. D, Welcome to Helios.” She pushes her hair behind her ears. “Right this way.”

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Eryx grips my hands as he leads me to a quiet table in the private nook of the restaurant.

As he pulls out my chair, I survey the restaurant. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, adding to the warm inviting feeling of the restaurant. In the far distance I can see the open kitchen, and some people sitting at the bar taking it all in. The burnt orange and green booths create a private haven. Palm trees in terracotta pots block the view of people eating.

“Good evening to you, Mr. Demopoulos, and your beautiful guest. I am James.” The dark tall man appears to the side of us with two leather bound menus. His accent reminds me that I am in the Caribbean, on a work trip…where I’m not currently working.

“Hi, James,” I reply as the menu is passed to me.

“Have you ever had Trinbagonian Sunday lunch?” Eryx asks, as he leans closer to me, bending his head staring at me right in my eyes.

“No. Is it good?” I inquire, my gaze dropping to his plump bottom lip and then back to his silvery grey eyes.

“Do you trust me?” His question awakens all the butterflies I thought were dead in my stomach.

“Yes,” I whisper, knowing that some part of me has begun to trust him.

“Good.” Taking the menu from my hand, he begins to tell the waiter exactly what he wants. The order is long. The scent of seasons, caramel and spice permeate the air. I know the food was about to be delicious.

A waiter pushes a tray behind James who proceeds to pour whiskey over ice, setting it down in front of Eryx. He picks up a bottle of wine out of the silver ice bucket.

“Who is the wine for?” I asked.

Eryx eyebrow lifts. “You.”

“Can I have a Disaronno Amaretto mixed with cola on the rocks instead? Please,” I counter. I don’t want to drink wine. I need something that won’t get me tipsy after one glass. Especially since I didn’t have lunch today.

James glances over to Eryx like he has to see confirmation of what I want. I look back and forth between Eryx and James.

“Give the lady what she wants.” Eryx picks up his drink and sips.

Within seconds, my drink appears on the table.

“So, Rosemary, tell me about yourself.” Eryx sits back. The neck of his white linen shirt shows a peek of his tattoo. It’s so tempting. I feel the need to pull his shirt to the side to see it.

I want to drag my hand down my face. What the hell is wrong with me? I should have never told him my name is Rosemary.

“I am a social media influencer…”

* * *

ERYX

It’s been a fucking day. It feels like every hour, I have received bad news. I don’t even want to think about it. I’m on the edge. As I was on the verge of losing my temper, an angel appeared, and she is stunning.

Rosemary, that’s what she said her name was. As she talks, I watch her small hands move. They are graceful and soft. The light from the chandelier is making her midnight skin glow with hints of gold. Her eyes have a sexy slant, and her personality shines through them, but it’s her mouth that has me completely hypnotized.

Some men like ass and breasts. I appreciate that. But nothing makes me weak in the knees like a beautiful smile. I can’t help but stare at her teeth when she is talking, white straight teeth, the way her lips move. Those red rounded shimmering lips. Red just became my favorite color. I’m tempted to kiss her; I feel the need to smear that lipstick all off of her lips.

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