Chapter Seven

Frankie walked across the main square, heading for the mini-supermarket that was situated on its far side. It was eight-thirty on Sunday morning, before the sun got really hot and lugging groceries home would become an effort.

Her head was still swimming with her encounter with Nik the afternoon before. She’d thought she’d be able to handle it, given that he’d done a complete three-sixty since she’d rejected his dinner ultimatum and gone ahead with Até’s adoption anyway. She’d taken Ali’s words to heart and had been trying to be more cheerful again. It’d been tough, and she hadn’t quite reached carefree yet, but she was getting better about not dwelling on Andrew, Becky, and their baby, and had thrown herself into working hard to get the dog trained and ready in a short space of time. She’d wanted everything to be right for little Theo. But though Nik might have backed off, the sexual magnetism between them hadn’t, and her resolve had crumbled within half an hour of seeing him again. Being near him, being touched by him, had just left her aching and confused. She felt incredibly fed up with herself. Why couldn’t she stop wanting him, especially since he was so infuriating and arrogant?

She navigated the carousels of beach paraphernalia displayed outside the mini-market and went inside, spotting its owner, Sally Souli, sitting at the till. Frankie had got to know the young English widow quite well now. She was a sweet, gentle lady, only a couple of years older than Frankie, who had been married to a local businessman. Tragically, Manos had died suddenly a couple of years ago. This morning, Sally looked worried, her pretty freckled face scrunched in a frown.

“Hey, Sally, is everything okay?”

Sally looked startled. “Uh…oh, hi, Frankie.” She ran a hand through her shoulder-length auburn curls distractedly. “We’ve just had a delivery of that local goat cheese Pavlos likes. It’s over there in the chiller cabinet.”

“Thanks. It’s on my shopping list.” Frankie stopped by the till. “Are you sure you’re okay? You look a little upset.”

Sally’s shoulders slumped as she gave a big sigh. “I had some bad news last night. There’s a new mini-market opening down on the strip in the New Year, one of the big chains. The shop fitters moved in this morning.” Her voice became wobbly. “It’ll be able to offer lower prices than I can, and all the holidaymakers will go there because it’s near to their apartments and hotels.”

Frankie couldn’t hide her concern because she knew Sally might be right. Her store could be eclipsed by a competitor nearer the resort complexes. “Gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that—”

She stopped when she saw Sally’s face crumple. “No, don’t be,” the woman said, hurriedly trying to recover herself. “The villagers will still want to pop in here because it’s closer for them. I’ll think about stocking extra lines, having price promotions, and maybe I can find the money to expand the space a little out the back, attract new customers. It’ll be fine. I—I was just a bit taken aback, that’s all.”

Frankie patted her shoulder. “If you’re sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, I’m good.” Sally combed through her curls one more time and smiled. “Now tell me all about Nik Kontarinis. I hear that you and he are an item?”

Frankie groaned loudly. “Oh my God, who told you that? There’s no way I would get involved with him. I know I’m female and foreign, but he’s definitely not my cup of tea.”

Sally looked a little sheepish. “Well, you know this shop is the hub for local gossip. Somebody saw you get into his car outside Artemis AK one evening a couple of weeks ago.” She mustered a smile. “But you shouldn’t listen to what’s said when it comes to Nik. They’ve got him all wrong. He’s a good man. He just needs a good woman to settle down with.”

Frankie gave an exaggerated mock-sigh. “You sound just like Alison. She says I should have a fling with him while I’m here.” She reached out a restraining hand to Sally. “But you won’t tell anybody that, will you?”

“Of course not. I know what it’s like. People say to me that I ought to do the same,” she replied sadly. “It’s been over two years since Manos died, and I should be getting out and enjoying myself again. But I’m not sure… The shop is open seven days a week, and I don’t have the time or energy.”

Frankie squeezed Sally’s shoulder. “Sounds as if you’re not quite done mourning Manos. It’s not as easy letting go as some think. I know that. Just take your time. That moment will come when you know you are through it and wanting to be out in the world again. That’s what I’m waiting for.”

Sally surveyed her with large green eyes. “Thank you,” she said softly. “That makes me feel better.”

“You’re welcome. Now where is that cheese?”

She soon had a basketful of items to purchase. As she made her way back to the till, she saw a noticeboard hung with various community announcements and adverts. There were a couple of small flyers showing properties for sale. One of them had details in Greek and English: a stunning three-bedroom villa overlooking the sea that, according to the blurb, needed completion. As far as Frankie could tell, the outer structure was done, but there was still some work to be carried out internally, and an outdoor pool to be finished. It had a very reasonable asking price. An idea sprang into her head. She headed over to Sally, who was now busy restocking a shelf.

“Sally, the properties on the noticeboard over there—why is one of them being advertised for sale only half-completed?”

Sally turned around, looking a little brighter than she had a few minutes ago. “Since the collapse of the economy here in 2012, there have been many villas lying empty or partially built,” she explained. “Their owners couldn’t get the money to finish them. Because the crisis isn’t yet over, there is a stagnant market and they can be picked up for a song.” She pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Thinking of going into Greek real estate?” she questioned.

Frankie gave her an elusive grin. “Let’s just say I might have the beginnings of a plan. I’m not sure. It’ll need thinking about.”

“Perhaps it is a plan I can help you with?” The deep male voice that came from behind her made her spin around. Nik! Talk of the devil! “I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation about the half-finished property.”

“I thought we’d established that I don’t need your help with anything, thank you. Certainly not on the kind of terms you offer,” Frankie replied smartly. She turned to Sally, who stopped her stacking, hurried back to the till, and anxiously began scanning Frankie’s goods.

Frankie packed and paid, inwardly sighing her relief when she cast a sideways glance and saw that Nik had moved off to the liquor section. “Thanks,” she said cheerily to Sally. “See you soon.” She left the store.

She started off up the road to home, feeling shaken all over that Nik had appeared like that. As she walked along, a small stone wedged itself between the sole of her foot and her flip-flop. She plonked her bags down and set about removing the sandal to get rid of it, wobbling on one leg. Bloody stone! Bloody Nik Kontarinis! No wonder she couldn’t get him out of her head if he was always turning up without warning. Well, not always, but this had been the second time he’d shown up unannounced and intruded.

As she swept the debris off the sole of her foot, a shadow blocked out the glare of the sun. Nik stood beside her, clutching a bottle of alcohol. He placed it down on the ground and proffered a hand. She moved to wave him away but lost her balance, and he grabbed hold of her. “Careful, pet hi mou!”

She fell against him, slamming against his solid, muscular bulk, the fresh citrus scent of his aftershave enveloping her. She felt a convulsion of awareness roar through her and had to turn her head away to try to quell the sensory overload. Not again! “I need to put my flip-flop back on,” she muttered.

“Okay.” He let go of her and went to perch on a nearby low stone wall while she hopped about on one foot again, knowing she looked very undignified, until she had replaced her footwear.

“You need to get a pair of decent sandals,” he commented mildly. “Those things are dangerous.”

She gave him a freezing look. “Thank you for your advice.” She stooped to pick up her groceries. “I must get this stuff home and into the fridge.”

“Allow me.” He stood up, grabbed his brandy bottle, and came over, then reached and took one of the carriers from her before she could protest.

Avoiding making eye contact, she turned and started trudging up the hill, glowering about the fact that he so often seemed to bring out the worst in her. He matched her stride to walk beside her.

“Are you thinking of purchasing that property, finishing the construction, and renting it out or selling it?”

The probing accuracy of his question made her stop in her tracks. That was exactly what she’d been thinking. “No, I was just curious,” she lied, not wanting to engage with him. It was none of his business.

“It’s a good idea,” he pressed. “Have you any thoughts on how you would finance it?”

“It really was just an idea.” She started trudging up the hill again, hoping she could shake him off her tail.

But he was soon back walking beside her. “But you are thinking about it? I would be very happy to invest in your project,” he persisted.

She pulled up again and made eye contact. “Really? And what would your terms be this time? Dinner? My head on a platter?”

His sensuous mouth curved up on one side in a lopsided smile. “Kleidi, agapimeni mou. I fear I have asked for that. No demands. Just an offer to back you if you decide to go ahead.” His gaze flicked over her. “You are a strong woman, and you know about property. I believe you would make it work. And I can offer you local contacts as well as the money—a builder, plumber, electrician, a lawyer, and accountant. You would probably want to buy to let for the time being as the apraxia tax of fifteen per cent is levied on sales by the government—”

She raised her free hand to stop him. “Nik! It was just an idea, that’s all.” She looked down at her dusty feet. “And even I did want to do it, I hardly think you and I would be ideal bedfellows, do you?” She looked up. Seeing his raised eyebrows and amused expression, she wanted to kick herself. “It’s an English expression for partners in a project,” she added defensively.

“I know of the phrase,” he replied. “But since you refuse to even dine with me, I do not think we will be getting into bed together.”

“I’m glad you understand that.” She wiped the perspiration that was starting to form on the back of her neck. “It’s getting very hot, and I need to get home. It’s not far now, so I can take that bag.” She gestured to the carrier in Nik’s hand.

“I will walk you to your door.”

“I would rather you didn’t.” She kept her hand held out to take the shopping.

“If you insist.” He handed over her goods, his fingers brushing hers, then reached into his back pocket and withdrew his wallet, from where he fished out a business card. “Here are my contact details. When you need to talk, just give me a call.” When she didn’t take it, he leaned down and pushed it into one of the bags, then straightened and gave her a disarming smile. “I will look forward to hearing from you.”

That evening, Frankie sat at the kitchen table with her laptop. Her lawyer in England had emailed her to say that Andrew had now changed his stance and wanted to expedite the divorce as soon as possible; he would put the house they’d bought together up for sale and give her fifty per cent of the proceeds on completion. He would also be able to pay her the half-share of their business she was entitled to as another real estate agent, who had been their competitor locally, was offering to buy her out; the two companies would merge and become one larger chain.

Her heart had leapt when she’d first read the email, but now she put her elbows on the tabletop and her head in her hands as reality sank in. She’d got the equable financial agreement she’d hoped for, and she’d soon be free of Andrew in the marital sense. However, it would take time for the house sale to go through, and also for her to receive the money from the business. It looked like her idea about staying on Kalamaros and building up a business buying half-renovated properties, which she would finish and either rent or sell, would have to be put on the back burner; she’d need all of her settlement to bankroll it.

She wondered what Ali would make of Andrew and his sudden willingness to agree to her divorce payout, as Ali was convinced Becky was pulling his strings. Curiosity getting the better of her, Frankie impulsively clicked on her browser and visited Becky’s social media page. Her throat constricted when she was confronted by a picture of the girl with Andrew, his hands placed protectively on her stomach, on the now-visible small bump, and read the posts congratulating them on the pregnancy—some of them from people whom she’d called friends when she and Andrew had been together. She sucked in some air, fighting against the negative emotions churning inside her. Now she knew for sure there was no way she wanted to return to the small town where she had lived and Andrew and their families still were. She needed to start over completely afresh. But she had to have some money to do that, and the sooner the better.

Ali came into the room, having just finished shutting up the shelter for the night, with Nyx, Hades, and Persephone scampering behind her; they knew it was suppertime. She picked up a business card that Frankie hadn’t noticed, which was sitting on the dresser.

“I found this in one of the shopping bags,” Ali said. “Nik Kontarinis’s card. Can I get excited because you and he might be getting together at last?”

Frankie rolled her eyes. “Calm down, dear, there’s nothing happening there.”

“So how come you’ve got his business card?”

“I bumped into him when I went up to Sally’s this morning to do the shopping. I didn’t want it, but he insisted on stuffing it into one of the bags.”

Ali came around to stand behind Frankie and surveyed the screen of her laptop. “Ah, the happy couple. Any news on how the divorce proceedings are going?”

Frankie shifted in her chair and folded her arms. “Yes, and it’s good and not-so-good news. He’s agreed to put the house up for sale and give me fifty per cent of the proceeds. He’s also found someone to buy me out of the agency.”

“But that’s all good, isn’t it?” Ali gave a satisfied smile. “What did I tell you? Obviously, he’s panicking now about supporting Becky and their child, and he’s realized he needs to get the money sorted out.”

“I guess.” Frankie sighed. “But it’s not so good because it looks like I’m still in for a long haul when it comes to getting my share.” She unfolded her arms and shut down Becky’s page. “Just when I get an idea about what I want to do with my future, and I need finance.”

“Oh? Do tell!” Ali pulled out a chair and plonked herself down beside Frankie, then listened attentively as she outlined her plan. “I think that’s a fabulous idea. Pav and I were just discussing the other night that we would love you to stay on Kathos. You can live with us, you know that.”

Frankie gave her a grateful smile. “Thanks. But any buying won’t happen for a while because I have to wait for my money, which is a shame. For one thing, the slump in the property market won’t continue forever as the economy here begins to improve. Ideally, I need to strike while the iron is hot and prices are low.”

Ali looked thoughtful. She studied the business card still in her hand. “There is one possibility,” she ventured slowly.

Frankie’s eyes opened wide as she instantly grasped what the other woman was thinking. “Oh, no. No, no, no! Definitely no.”

“But isn’t it worth asking him? He’s very rich and a canny businessman.”

“If you must know, that was why he gave me his card. He overheard me talking to Sally about the idea and offered to invest.”

“Well, there you go!” Ali banged the tabletop to emphasize her obvious feeling of triumph. “Problem solved.” When Frankie didn’t respond, but folded her arms again and stared at the table, a deep frown creasing her brow, she let out a big huff. “What is the big objection to him? What are you frightened of?”

“I’m not frightened,” Frankie muttered, looking up at Ali and feeling uncomfortable because Nik had asked her the same question, and it had hit a nerve.

Ali gave her a rueful smile. “I think you are, honey. Of getting too close to Nik…”

“Because I don’t trust him. Why would I want to go into business with a man who has a reputation for throwing women away like used tissues?

“Nik’s no saint when it comes to his love life, but as I’ve told you before, he’s not the Lothario of legend. He’s just spent the last ten years playing the field. I think what happened with Natassia, his ex-fiancée, put him off commitment.”

“Natassia?” Frankie sat up.

“I think you need to ask him about that. Just as you should try talking to him some more about his offer to back your property plan.” Ali got up from her chair. “Love, when it comes to business, Nik’s reputation is spotless. As for what he does in his spare time, well, my advice would be to make the most of that and take what’s on offer. Come on, Miss Porcupine, you’re ready to have some fun again. Sleeping with him could be just the thing to help you move on.” Her eyes flicked towards the screen saver on Frankie’s laptop. “After all, you can’t change what has happened with Andrew and Becky. And there Andrew is, wanting to get everything settled for his future. He’s definitely not mourning the end of your marriage, is he?”