Page 111 of Whirlwind

“On my own. Best way. Get more done, more sights in. No hassles.”

“I guess.”

“You here with your girlfriends?”

“Nope. A guy—a guy I’m with.”

“Ah. Lucky guy. Allow me to escort you safely back to your man.”

“Thank you kindly, sir. We’re on one of the terraces to the left up here. Are you a cowboy? A Montana cowboy in Mykonos—I’m shook.”

“No, I’m no cowboy.”

“Ah, don’t tell me—an insurance agent?” I let out a laugh.

“Hell no.”

“A mechanic? A bartender?”

“No and no.”

“I got it—personal trainer.”

His chest puffed up. “I do know how to train a body—”

“Obviously.”

“—but no.”

“Geez. Montana man of mystery, how the hell did you end up on a European tour on your own?”

“I finally agreed to help my dad with his business. He’s been pressuring me for years. The timing is right, but I needed a self-indulgent break before I put on a suit and tie for him.”

“I hear you on both scores.”

“Your dad forces you to wear a suit and tie?” He laughed.

“I have a demanding daddy who runs a demanding business, and I needed to get away for a self-indulgent break.”

“Good for you.”

“Where to next after Greece? Malta? Marrakesh?”

“Nope, it’s time to go home. Maybe I’ll see you around our parts.”

“Always expect the unexpected, my daddy says.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” A smirk slashed over his lips.

We finally cleared the alleyway of sparkling palm trees and climbed the steps to our terrace. “Thank you for the safe passage. Nice meeting you, Montana boy.”

He let out a soft laugh. “Nice meeting you too, flower girl.” His gaze darted to our tent. “Holy shit, is that….that’s Beck Lanier.”

“Yeah, it is.” I grinned. “You’re a fan?”

“Big fan.”

“I’ll introduce you.”