Chapter 18: Chapter 18

The following day found them aboard his private jet, soaring toward their destination. She’d been too giddy to sleep the previous night, and once they were airborne, she confessed she needed a nap. He patiently waited for her to drift off before making a few crucial phone calls. He was planning a surprise for her and wanted to ensure everything was perfectly arranged.

***

Several hours later, they touched down and were whisked away to the Beachfront hotel Xander had reserved. The first thing she did was step out onto the balcony. “This view is breathtaking. I can’t believe I’m actually in Greece. Thank you for bringing me with you.”

He joined her on the balcony, her radiant smile filling his heart with joy. “Yes, the view is stunning. There’s so much to see and do here. After my meeting and dinner, we can explore. What would you like to do now?”

“Let’s take a stroll along the beach.”

“Sounds perfect. We can grab a bite to eat afterward.”

“I’ll change into something more comfortable. I’ll be right back.”

She reappeared in a white sundress and sandals, holding a pair of shorts and sandals for him. “Where did you find those?”

“They were tucked away in your closet. I figured you wouldn’t think to pack them.”

“I don’t usually wear those.”

“Well, you do now. Xander, you can’t wear dress pants and a suit jacket on the beach. Please, put these on for me.”

Not wanting to dampen her spirits, he agreed. Plus, she was right about dressing appropriately for the beach.

As they strolled along the shore, she kicked off her sandals and encouraged him to do the same so they could feel the water lapping at their feet.

Later, they enjoyed a meal on the hotel’s patio.

***

The next day, he was tied up in meetings and suggested she go shopping. “Buy whatever you want, and pick out a new dress for the dinner party tonight. I’ll call you later to let you know when I’ll be finished.”

“What’s the dress code for the dinner party? Casual or formal?”

“It’s just a gathering of partners and their wives, so casual attire is fine. Whatever you choose to wear will be perfect.”

The meeting ran longer than anticipated, and he rushed back to the hotel to change out of his suit. Kat was already dressed, and when he saw her, his eyes lit up. She was wearing a simple yet elegant powder blue dress.

“Do I look okay?”

He gently cradled her face in his hands. “You look absolutely stunning. This dress is beautiful. I need to take a quick shower and change, then we can head out. I just wish we had more time to shower together.”

She rolled her eyes and playfully pushed him toward the bathroom.

Upon their arrival at Nico Doukas’s home, the butler welcomed them and led them to the family room where the other guests were gathered. Xander introduced her to everyone, ten people in total. She took an immediate liking to Mrs. Doukas, who made her feel comfortable.

Everyone was incredibly welcoming and included her in their conversations. She had always assumed that wealthy people were snobbish, but these people were anything but.

“Mrs. Doukas, your necklace is beautiful.”

“Thank you, it’s part of my husband’s collection. Has Xander not shown you any of the jewelry he’s helped design?”

“No, I didn’t know he designed jewelry.”

The older woman turned to him. “You naughty boy, you really should show her.”

He nodded in agreement. “You’re right. As soon as we get back home, I’ll show her the magazines featuring the pieces.”

“You should do more than that, young man. You should gift her some pieces from the collection.”

Just then, dinner was announced, and they all moved to the dining room. As they walked, he leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Mrs. Doukas is right. I should have given you some pieces from the collection.”

“You don’t have to do that. You’ve already given me so much. But I would love to see the pieces you’ve designed.”

Dinner was a hit, and after a few cocktails, they returned to the hotel.

***

Over the next few days, he took her sightseeing.

Finally, it was time for the surprise.

“Would you wear that adorable white dress tonight?”

“If that’s what you want, then yes, I will. So, where are we going for dinner?”

“It’s a surprise. When we get in the car, I want you to put on this blindfold.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see when we get there.”

“Please tell me you’re not planning to murder me and hide my body.”

He laughed heartily. “Your imagination is something else. But no, I’m not planning on doing that. Now, stop asking questions and come with me.”

She sat in the car, blindfolded, as he drove. It was a short ten-minute drive. When they arrived, he instructed her to wait while he got out and came around to her side to help her out.

“Can I take this off now?”

“Just a moment.”

He guided her to the spot he had chosen and removed her blindfold.

It took a moment for her eyes to adjust, but when they did, she was moved to tears. Twinkling lights illuminated the night sky. A table set with a white tablecloth, candles, and a dozen red roses awaited them. A dome cover concealed their meal. Off to the side, a tent-like structure stood.

“Xander, why did you go to all this trouble for dinner?”

“Is it too much?” he asked, his stomach knotting with anxiety. He wanted this night to be special for her.

“No, it’s wonderful. No one has ever done something so beautiful and special for me.”

His relief was palpable. He took her hands and kissed them. “You deserve it. You’re special to me. I love you with all my heart. Let’s eat before our food gets cold.”

“How did you manage all this without me knowing?”

“I arranged it before we came to Greece. I had the chef prepare dishes I thought you’d enjoy.”

He popped open a bottle of champagne, and they settled down to eat. In lieu of a radio, he found some music on his phone and played it.

“This Moussaka is incredible,” she said, finishing off her meal.

“I’m glad you like it. Wait until you try the dessert.”

“What is it?”

“Baklava. It might be a bit sweet, but I think you’ll love it.”

She took a bite, moaned, and closed her eyes. “This is amazing. I’ve never tasted anything so delicious. I need to be careful, or I’ll gain weight if I keep eating like this.”

“Dance with me,” he said, extending his hand to her.

Her head found a comfortable spot on his shoulder, and she felt an overwhelming sense of love from him. After their dance, she stood still, mesmerized by the twinkling lights. She turned to him, only to find him on one knee, a diamond ring in his hand.

“Xander, what’s happening?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

He gently took her hand in his. “Kat, I’ve never felt this kind of love for anyone else. Not until I met you. I love you, and I’m on my knees asking you to be my wife. Will you say yes?”

Looking into his eyes, she knew without a doubt that he was her soulmate.

“Yes, yes, I’ll marry you.”

***

After slipping the ring onto her finger, he stood and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her passionately, a kiss that was both romantic and intense.

Needing to breathe, she broke the kiss, her fingers gently tracing his cheek as she gazed into his eyes. “Take me back to the hotel and make love to me.”

“I can’t wait,” he replied, leading her toward the tent.

***

Inside, she saw a bed covered in rose petals. She turned to him, shaking her head. “We can’t do it here, can we?”

“Why not?” he asked, pulling her into his arms and kissing her neck.

“Because someone might walk by and see us in the act.”

He gently lifted her chin with his hand. “I’ve rented this part of the beach until morning. No one will disturb us. Now, I’m going to undress you slowly, and once you’re on that bed, I’m going to make you scream my name.”

She was grateful no one was around to hear her cries of pleasure. He was true to his word, giving her one orgasm after another.

He was a man who knew how to satisfy a woman in countless ways. They fell asleep in each other’s arms.

***

He woke up to the rising sun and her stirring beside him.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“To get dressed before someone comes. You wouldn’t want anyone to see us naked, would you?” she teased, smiling at him.

He pulled her back onto the bed. “We have a couple of hours before they come to clean up. Do you regret saying yes to my proposal?”

She looked at the ring, her smile growing wider. “No, no regrets. I love this ring; I love how it sparkles.”

“I wanted to get you the biggest one, but I knew it wouldn’t be your style.”

“You’re right. I’ve never been one for flashy things. You chose the perfect ring, and I love it.”

“Kat, I don’t want to wait months to get married. I want you to be my wife as soon as possible. Let’s get married here in Greece.”

“But, I can’t get married without my brother there. And what about your parents? Don’t you think they’d want to be there when their only son gets married?”

“You’re right. My parents would be heartbroken if they missed it. So, do you want a big, fancy wedding?”

“No, who would I invite? I want a small church wedding with just our families.”

“Let’s get married a month from now. I’ll call my parents when we get back. We haven’t seen them in a while, so they can come early.”

“I’d love to see them again. Do you think they’ll be okay with us getting married so soon?”

“Why wouldn’t they be?”

“We haven’t known each other that long. They might think we’re rushing.”

“Kat, my parents got married three weeks after they met and they’re still together. They know how much we love each other. They’ll be happy for us. Now, we have a little time before people start showing up. Lie back and spread those beautiful legs for me.”

They had just finished making love when a truck pulled up. They quickly dressed and left the tent. Xander thanked the men for their work and handed them some money.

Back at the hotel, he asked if she was going to call Kurt.

“I want to tell him in person. I want to see his reaction.”

“How do you think he’ll react?”

“I don’t know, but I hope he’ll be happy for me, for us. Thank you again for bringing me here. It was a dream come true, but the biggest dream was you proposing. I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”