"He's not courting me."
Eleni snorted. "He'd better be. If he can't see what a prize you are, then - " Her eyes widened. "Is that him?"
Olivia whirled to look out the windowpane in the back door. There was a man in the courtyard, standing with his back to them. Moonlight glinted off his red hair. Robby. Her heart began to pound. How thrilling...and confusing. She'd just checked the beach and it had been empty. How had he arrived here so fast?
Eleni scurried to the kitchen window and peered out. "Agios Kyrios, he's a big man. Looks very strong."
"Yes." Olivia hesitated with her hand on the doorknob. He must be waiting for her to join him. "Can you sense his emotions?"
Eleni tilted her head, concentrating. "No, I can't." She slanted a sly grin at her granddaughter. "I've never met a man of mystery before. How exciting."
Olivia sighed as she peered out the window. He was exciting. And so gorgeous. But still a little scary.
"I like his hair," Eleni whispered. "It reminds me of a fiery sunset over the sea."
"Yes," Olivia whispered back. "He's the most beautiful man I've ever met."
Suddenly he turned toward them.
Eleni gasped. "He brought flowers! Olivia, he is courting you."
"I don't think so." Her cheeks grew hot.
"Don't just stand there." Eleni smoothed her gray hair into the bun at the base of her neck. "Invite him in."
She opened the door. "Hi, Robby."
"Olivia." He smiled slowly.
She smiled back, completely mesmerized by his green eyes that focused on her so intently.
"Let him in," Eleni hissed, snapping Olivia back to reality.
"Please come in." Olivia stepped back. "Watch your head."
Robby leaned over slightly to keep from hitting the top of the old, blue-painted door frame. "This is for you." He offered her a bouquet of roses and gardenias as he entered the kitchen.
"Thank you." When she realized the flowers were loose, she grabbed at them with both hands to keep from losing any. Her fingers brushed against his hand, and zings of excitement raced up her arms.
It was the first time she'd touched him. Her cheeks blazed with heat, and she glanced at him, overwhelmed suddenly with a feeling of awkward shyness.
"Ye're so beautiful," he whispered.
Her heart melted, and she held the bouquet against her chest. Once again his gaze captured her eyes. Tingles shimmered down her arms and legs. Oh God, she wanted this man. She was actually falling for a man she couldn't read.
Eleni cleared her throat.
"Oh." Olivia stepped back. "This is my grandmother, Eleni Sotiris."
"Mrs. Sotiris, it is a pleasure." Robby bowed to her. "I am Robert Alexander MacKay."
"Please have a seat." Eleni motioned to the kitchen table and chairs. "Would you like something to drink? Some wine? Hot tea?"
Robby sat at the table. "Some...tea would be nice."
"Excellent." Eleni plucked a mug off a cupboard shelf. "So why do you keep such late hours, Mr. MacKay?"
Olivia glanced at him as she arranged the flowers in an old pickle jar. She hoped he didn't mind being interrogated.