Page 20 of All You Need is Greece

I had thought about having a swim but wasn’t sure if I would have the time, being here to fundraise. As things have quietened down now, though, I would like nothing more than a refreshing swim in the inviting blue sea.

‘Sure, why not? That sounds good.’

We pack everything away into the truck and I tell Hannah that Artemis will drop me back at the rescue later.

‘Have fun,’ says Doll with a wink and Hannah whispers in my ear, ‘I thought you weren’t looking for romance.’

‘I assure you I’m not. I just fancy a swim in the sea, that’s all.’

‘If you say so,’ she teases.

‘I do. And we will literally be half an hour behind you. You don’t think Judith will mind me getting back a bit later, do you?’ I ask, suddenly wondering if it’s okay to be out a little longer.

‘After raising all this money? I doubt it.’ She smiles.

‘Okay, see you in a bit then.’

I head to the ladies and get changed into my swimsuit, wrapping my new sarong around me as I approach the water. Artemis is at the water’s edge dressed in swimming shorts and revealing an impressive body. For a second, I feel a little self-conscious removing my sarong and placing it on the sand. As I quickly run towards the water, I can feel his eyes following me.

We swim beneath the balmy sun, the water pleasant, but not as warm as I imagined it to be. For a second, I lose my footing on some stones below the water. Artemis steadies me in his arms and the touch of his skin against mine feels so good. I hadn’t realised how much I have missed being held like this and for a moment I stay in his embrace, savouring the feeling of being wrapped in a man’s arms.

‘Are you okay?’ His face is inches away from mine, and I’m shocked by my own thoughts as I wonder whether he might move closer and kiss me with those very attractive lips. But he doesn’t, and I’m even more surprised by my disappointment.

‘Come on, I will race you to that boat.’ He smiles, pointing to a small speedboat moored up further into the water, not far away.

Swimming side by side, it feels so good to be here in the open, blue-green water, laughing and just being in the moment, for a short time at least. If there is any way I can forget about my situation back at home, this is surely it. The boat is actually a little further away than it looks, and by the time we swim back I can feel the muscles in my thighs protesting a little. I really ought to get out there and do more walking, like I once did. Despite the aches, I really enjoyed it.

‘That was wonderful,’ I tell Artemis, as I sit on a rock towelling myself down, before wrapping my sarong around my waist.

‘I enjoyed it too,’ says Artemis. ‘I can’t remember the last time I spent an afternoon at the beach, which sounds strange, given that it is on the doorstep. But maybe I have always preferred the city,’ he admits. ‘I like the buzz.’

‘Even though you were raised in the village?’

‘Yes. Maybe it is because of that,’ he admits. ‘I was keen to leave as a teenager as there wasn’t much going on. And, honestly, I have no desire to ever live there again. Not now,’ he says, not elaborating, even though there’s a slight tension in his jaw as he finishes.

‘I guess we have to figure out what we prefer when we get older. As children we have no choice in where we live, I suppose.’

I recall the place me and Mum lived in after she separated from my dad. It was a run-down house on the wrong side of town. I wouldn’t want to return to anything like that, now I can choose.

‘Exactly. Now, would you like a drink before we set off?’ He gestures towards the bar.

‘Thanks, but I’d better not. I said I wouldn’t be far behind the others. And there is still work to do back at the rescue.’

‘Sure.’

We grab our things and stroll towards his car, along with throngs of people who have spent the day here and are heading back to their hotels or homes for the evening.

On the way back, I look forward to having dinner with everyone, and seeing the animals. The fundraising day has been wonderful, and I think Hannah was so right to suggest having it at the beach. Even though the harbour must be busy, it has been far nicer fundraising here, with so much to distract your attention, than I imagine it would be over there. I am thrilled that the money raised will help the shelter a little longer, as I have completely fallen in love with the dogs, the donkeys, and the beauty of the forest setting. I can’t wait to meet the Vizsla and cockapoo at Tania’s place on Monday evening. But, I have to admit, I have really enjoyed the opportunity to take a dip in the sea, and to hang out with Artemis at the beach too.

In the car, I place a bottle of water into a drink holder and our hands brush for a second as Artemis changes gear. He turns to me and smiles and I get that warm feeling once more, the one that I am doing my very best to ignore. Although I am slowly beginning to wonder why I am ignoring it. Maybe I should just relax and see what happens, reminding myself that I am not with Marco anymore.

‘Thank you for the lunch today, Artemis, and for driving me home. It really was lovely to see you again,’ I tell him when he drops me outside the rescue.

‘My pleasure,’ he says, kissing me lightly on the cheek before he departs. ‘I will call you.’

Heading inside, I think that maybe I would like Artemis to contact me again. Today has been a lot of fun and I feel good. I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow brings.

TWELVE

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