‘The same here,’ he said. A pause while they both enjoyed the moment. ‘How do you feel about going straight to the Beach Taverna for a light dinner?’ Harry asked, his heavy accent almost growled the words.

‘Gorgeous man with hungry woman, sunny Greek island, good food at the edge of the sea, amazing sunset?’ She almost giggled, intoxicated by happiness. ‘Now let me think . . . mmm, yes, it sounds quite perfect.’

There was a pause and she knew he was grinning too. ‘Then I’ll meet you off the ferry, we’ll go to Popi’s to eat, drop your cases off, then take it from there.’ The warmth of all he promised, and everything that was left unsaid, resonated in his voice.

‘Lovely, I can’t wait.’ She sighed into the phone. ‘See you later.’ She ended the call, turned her face towards the sun and closed her eyes.

When she arrived on the quayside, he was there, and slipped his arm around her waist. She wanted to kiss him, but knew such public behaviour was frowned upon in Greece, and the restriction only heightened her excitement. He turned his face to hers as they walked.

‘You didn’t forget me then?’ he asked.

‘How could I, silly?’ They stopped for a moment, peering into each other’s eyes, the moment so intense she held her breath.

‘Let’s drop your bag off on the way to the taverna . . . and perhaps you want to freshen up before we eat?’

‘Dropping the bags off sounds good. I managed to freshen up in Athens airport. There’s a shower and such in the priority lounge.’ There was an urgency between them, trying to remain polite, both desperate to be in each other’s arms.

‘May I?’ he said, the moment they stepped inside her room. He kissed her, leaning his body towards hers, the moment heavy with building passion.

‘Stop now,’ she whispered. ‘We must go and eat.’ She wanted him so badly.

At the taverna table, his leg pressed against hers. Her hand slid across the table, the tip of her middle finger connecting with his.

His mouth fell open slightly as he smiled. ‘Wine?’ he asked.

‘Oh, yes.’

They ate, hardly looking at the food, their eyes meeting in a sensual dance. Dawn would come too soon.

*

She woke before daylight, lying curled against his body in the dark, listening to the sound of the sea. Now she was exactly where she wanted to be. Later, he would introduce her to the Britannic’s dive team. Although there was no chance of diving with them, he had secured her a place on the dive boat. Shelly would assist Elias, Harry’s son. Harry’s phone-alarm beeped. He stirred, slung an arm across and turned it off without opening his eyes. ‘Come on,’ he mumbled. ‘Pull some clothes on, your turtles are hatching.’

‘You’re kidding?’

‘No, chop-chop.’