Page 35 of Pomegranates and Olive

“But if we’re cooking who will be driving the boat?”

“Piloting… and that would be me. You’ll be working with Sami… SAMMMIIII..."

I clamp my hands over my ears as he yells. Perhaps I have a tiny hangover but either way he needs to stop yelling.

"Efendim?" A young Turkish boy, who couldn't be much older than 18, pokes his head through the hatch. Seeing me, he smiles widely. "Merhaba."

I wave at him. "Hi Sami, I'm Olive."

"Hello, Olive. It is good to meet with you." Sami's accent was very thick, but he seems genuine and happy to have someone helping him. "Denizabisays you are kitchen wench today, yes?"

My eyes flick back over to Deniz who is leaning against a bench arching his eyebrows waiting for my reaction. He’s going to be disappointed as I just smile brightly back at Sami. "I sure am, but you're going to need to show me the ropes, though."

Sami looks confused for a moment before pointing upstairs making Deniz chuckle. "The rope is upstairs, Olive."

"Oh..."

Deniz gives instructions to Sami in Turkish who smiles politely at me before disappearing topside.

"So what's the plan for today?"

"We won't be going very far. I think we'll cruise straight across to Aquarium Beach, it's got some amazing snorkelling there, before crossing back toPanayirIsland for lunch.” He hands me a coffee in a tiny, blue and white cup which smells like heaven. “In the afternoon we'll cruise along the coast stopping in at coves along the way."

"I'm really excited." I raise my eyebrows at him as I take a sip of coffee. "Mmm, that's good."

"Nothing beats Turkish coffee, not even a stolen espresso macchiato." I fight the urge to smile at that, but he winks at me, and a double-crossing grin escapes my lips. "I'll show you how to make it if you like."

"I'm sure you think you're a master barista."

"Hardly. My mother has often said that it's a good thing I'm so good looking because I'm a terrible cook."

"Your mother was just being kind."

"Oh?"

"You're really notthatgood looking."

"Come on, Russo, I can't be all bad, can I?"

"You're growing on me... but that might just turn out to be a foot fungus." I shrug. "I guess we'll see."

"I'm making headway with you, that's all that matters." He laughs in a low, sexy way that makes my stomach feel funny.

Dear God, I hope that's the hangover.

This time I was ready with a witty comeback, but the sounds of happy guests clambering on board could be heard above deck and Deniz immediately reverts to his bossy self.

"Now, can I leave you to unpack and prep? Aydin has left instructions on the counter."

I glance at Aydin's very detailed instructions. Ginny must have told him I'm not much of a chef either. "Uh-huh."

"Once you've unpacked, can you do a headcount and start up the bar tabs? There's a price list on the main deck. Also, see if you can round up a few for fishing so we can feed everyone later."

"You're serious about me fishing?"

Deniz lets out a deep laugh. "I'm serious about a lot of things when it comes to you."

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