Page 26 of Pomegranates and Olive

“He’s coming over.”

He saunters across the beach to us in nothing more than a pair of low-slung board shorts and an unbuttoned shirt giving me more than an eyeful of his, as suspected, magnificent and inked torso.

It’s at that moment that I realise I'm wearing a bikini that reveals pretty much all of me. In an effort to hide, I roll onto my stomach, my head on my arms. Sure, my Nonna's inherited bum is now the centre of attention, but at least I can pretend I don't see him.

"Ladies."

Ginny knows exactly what’s happening here and smiles sweetly. "Deniz."

"Can I get either of you anything to drink?"

"What would you suggest?"

"I can make a mean cocktail." I look up to catch his eyes grazing over my body as though he’s caressing my skin. "How about a cocktail? Can I interest you in a little 'Sex On The Beach' maybe?"

At that double entendre I open my mouth to speak but nothing more than a croak comes out. Sensing my panic, Ginny shakes her head. "Bit early, isn't it?Naneli limonata alabilir miyim?"

"Tamam."He grins at me. "And you, Russo?"

"What did you order, Ginny?"

"Home-made lemonade with mint."

"Oh! Sounds delicious." I look up at Deniz and plaster a simperingly sweet smile on my face. "I'll have the same, please."

His stormy grey eyes travel the length of my body and back up again. By the time they focus on my face I was on fire. "You want some vodka in that?"

My voice was cool in response. "Are you trying to get me drunk, Yilmaz?"

"I don't think I need to get you drunk to have my way with you, do I?"

"My God, you're full of yourself."

He winks at Ginny. "Ikilimonatacoming right up."

My cheeks are blotted red with anger as I watch him walk away. "Seriously, I can't stand him."

Ginny's brows lift with curiosity. "I can see that."

I put my head back down on my arms and grumble. "I can't stand you either."

6

When Even Your Sex Dreams Let You Down

I realise three things as I rouse myself from my hazy sleep. The first thing? It’s way too early, and waayyy too bright. Why didn't I close the curtains last night? I open one eye slowly. Close it. Try the other one. Open. Close. Now both together... ever so slowly... in an effort to minimise the potential pain that will hit me as soon as I start moving. The second thing I realise, is that I'm not actually in my comfortable double bed.

Where the fuck am I?

Both of my eyes are wide open now as my foggy brain tries to figure out just what the hell is going on. I'm on one of the sun loungers on Ginny's terrace.

How the fuck did I end up here?

The last thing I realise is, I'm not alone. Something firm slaps my leg.

Dio Santo!

Before I can plan an escape, I find myself pinned down and a slimy tongue, belonging to my attacker, licks my face.

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