Darcy

From dinner on, Leo and I were inseparable. Everything I did on my holiday in Greece involved him. We spent days upon days together, cooking in just our underwear and aprons, mucking around, laughing and playing. We swam in the lake and skinny-dipped often. Most of our days were spent soaking up the sun and lying on the beach. I felt more attractive than ever when I was lying on the beach in my favourite bikini, watching him give me sneaky looks when he thought I wasn’t looking.

Lazing around with him was my favourite thing to do. I loved the way he looked at me and the way he pulled me to him for sweet, soft kisses. The way he pushed my hair away from my neck so he could trail soft kisses down to my shoulders. I couldn’t get enough of him. Our affairs became more passionate. We were drunk off each other. The only time we spent apart was if he had to work, in which case I would spend grooming myself and checking emails, or painting.

Lying on the beach, covered in sand, we rolled around laughing and kissing. His hands in my hair were constant. No matter what happened between us, I would forever cherish these memories. It wasn’t often that one would find a person who made them this happy. Especially me. I would have never imagined I would be so lucky.

Interrupting my happy thoughts, Leo laid a proposition on me, “Do you want to go dancing tonight? Get really dressed up and go to ‘The Inn’?”

“The inn?” I asked curiously.

“Yeah, it's this kind of popular little bar, restaurant, hangout where they play live music. People dance and eat there. It's really fun.”

“Does this mean you're taking me on a real first date?” I smirked.

“I guess you could say that.” Leo moved his hand to my lower back and smiled at me, kissing my forehead. I smiled at him, trying to hide the full extent of my excitement. Otherwise, I would be jumping up and down doing a happy dance. “I'll pick you up at seven. Be ready.” He got up and picked up his towel.

“And where do you think you’re going?” I playfully threw the words at him.

“It's five o’clock, I have to go finish up some last-minute things and then get ready.” He looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Five? Are you serious? I thought it was about two. Dad must be home by now and is probably worried sick.”

“Better hurry, then.” He laughed at me and walked away.

Back at the villa, Dad didn't seem to be home, so I skipped to the bathroom and stripped out of my swimmers. Stepping into the shower, I turned the tap and washed the sand off myself. Taking the opportunity since I was alone, I decided to shave and make myself pretty. Grabbing a razor from a little ledge placed on the shower wall, I took to my legs first. No time for stubble when you have a sexy man rubbing his hands all over your body. Next was armpits. After that, my eyes trailed down to my lower regions. It was still pretty maintained down there from my last waxing appointment before I came to Greece. And no way in hell was I going down there with a razor.

Stepping out, I towel dried my hair and went in search of clothes. Looking through the clothing I had with me, I decided on picking out lingerie first. I chose a black lace matching bra and panties, just in case something were to happen tonight, which if the past was any dictator of the future, it would. After careful consideration, I settled on an almost-knee-length yellow dress. The top half was tight and fell into a flowy fit, ending at the knees, accentuating my curves.

After blow drying my hair completely, I put in heated rollers and started with my makeup. Pondering for a bit, I decided to go simple. Simple but sultry. Pulling out the hot rollers and brushing through my hair, I heard a knock on the door. Rushing to get my shoes, I swiped up a pair of black heels and let them hang from my hand as I went to the door.

When I opened it, Leo was standing there looking so handsome in a button-down black shirt and dress pants. I had to consciously hold my mouth shut, otherwise my jaw would have dropped to the floor.

Leo, equally stunned, gawked at me. “Your hair. Your face,” he muttered, looking me up and down, “Your body” he breathed as he ran his hands down my dress.

He pulled me close, pressing firm on my lips before releasing me. “You look absolutely stunning.” He smiled at me and ran his hands through my curls. “Let’s go, princess.”

After ten minutes of walking in the cool air along the beautiful, paved roads that Greece seemed to have everywhere, we ended up outside a bar. Loud acoustic music playing and intoxicated people matched its rhythm. Laughter and bustle made its way to my ears.

“And we are here.” He pulled my hand, encouraging me to follow him inside. Scanning around the room, I thought about how I could really enjoy this scene. Greek music playing, the smell of food wafting in the air. I was lost in the aroma of Greek cooking when Leo’s voice pulled me back to reality. “Hey, Sarah, over here.”

I looked up to see Leo’s sister gliding over, her slim, long legs walking with ease, her small, delicate feet in tall, black stilettos. Black skinny jeans were pasted to her legs and a loose-fitting white sheer blouse sat perfectly over her small frame and bodacious chest. Long, dark hair bounced in soft curls all around her shoulders. She was like a goddess, a female version of Leo. I felt inferior in her presence.

Leo pulled her into a hug and placed a kiss on her cheek. She returned his gesture and I felt slightly jealous. I don’t know why–she was his sister. I guess I just felt like with a sister like that, how could he look at me and think that my beauty compared to that of his own strong family genes… I didn’t have gorgeous high cheekbones and plump lips, or big brown eyes surrounded by long luscious lashes. I was short, plain, and curvy, minus the boobs. Yep, I skipped out on the nice rack. I was destined to have a small B-cup that sat on my size-ten frame.

Shaking off my insecurities, I smiled at Sarah and put out my arm, gesturing for a hug. With one swift motion, she pulled me in. Her floral perfume made me want to inhale her scent. She pulled away and smiled. “It's so nice to see you again.” She looked me up and down, obviously pleased with my choice of outfit.

“And you, you look so stunning!” I sighed, wishing I could pull off skinny jeans like that. My one-inch heels looked ridiculous in comparison.

She gave me a warm smile and turned her attention to Leo. “What do you say, little brother. Why don’t we stir up the dance floor?” She slipped her hand into his and pulled him swiftly to the floor.

I watched as he twirled her around, her chocolate hair falling across her face with every turn. She laughed and her eyes lit up when she looked at him. She obviously adored him and they had a good relationship.

“Darcy, come join us!” Leo shouted, laughing and twirling his sister around with his finger. He pulled me into his other arm and hugged me before extending me out to his hand and twirling me.

Sarah stepped back, laughing, holding her stomach with her hand. “You lovers dance. I'm going to catch my breath.”

With his left arm, Leo picked me up off the ground, twirling me around him. We locked eyes and my hair whipped around my face. He lowered me, kissing me passionately. I felt as if we were alone, just us two. And then, there was an ear-piercing squeal. To our anguish, Sarah was lying on the ground, faint. We rushed to her side, and there were people all around her in a panic. Leo pushed everyone aside and picked her tiny body up in his arms.

“Someone call an ambulance!” His facial expression was filled with heartbreak.

Shortly after, the ambulance arrived, checked her observations, and diagnosed her with low blood pressure. They let her go with instructions to see a doctor the next day. Exhausted by all the commotion, the three of us sat at a table in the restaurant, Sarah was forced by Leo to be sipping on a sugary drink.

Curious to know more about Sarah and distract us all from the ongoings of the hour before, I asked, “So, what is the age difference between you two?”

Sarah looked at Leo, who answered my question. “She's five years older than me. Our parents met when we were young. As we were both young, we made the perfect little family. We were the best of friends and got along so well as little ones. We still do.” He pushed her leg and she poked her tongue out at him. “You better watch it, sis, or you will end up on the floor again,” he teased.

“Hey, I can take you,” she threatened, pushing him again.

“Wait, so you’re step siblings?” I interjected, suddenly slightly jealous of their closeness.

“Yes we are,” they both said in unison.

“He's my little baby brother,” she teased, pinching his cheek.

“Knock it off.” He swatted her hand away.

Feeling out of place, I crossed my hands in my lap. Sarah must have sensed my awkwardness because she spoke up.

“So … my brother has talked of nothing but you the past few weeks.” She winked at him.

“Oh?” I prompted her for more.

“Yeah, apparently you are his muse.” she laughed, causing an embarrassed Leo covered her mouth with his hand and she pulled it away. “Yeah, you're all he can talk about. Isn’t that right, little bro?” She leaned back, her eyebrows raised and a smirk across her perfectly proportioned face.

In order to save himself, Leo replied, “What can I say, I love to be surrounded by beautiful women.” to which I cringed at his statement…

On our walk home, his words played on my mind. He liked being surrounded by beautiful women? When? What women? Was I just another one in his myriad of affairs?

Once back at the villa, Leo walked me to the door. His sister stood back to give us some privacy. Leo leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow, sweetheart,” he whispered in my ear, brushing the hair from my cheek.

“Okay,” I whispered back. “Bye, Sarah,” I said quietly, realising most people would be asleep at this hour. She smiled and gave me a little wave with one hand, holding her heels in the other.

The next morning I awoke, stretching in my white sheets. I rolled over to check my phone, which was residing on my bedside table. There was a text from an unknown number. I opened it and to my surprise it read: “Hey, Darcy, it's Sarah, Leo’s sister. Do you mind if we catch up for coffee this morning after the doctor’s? We can meet at the place we were at last night. It’s a great café during the day.”

I quickly replied, “Hey, Sarah, yes, of course. What time should I meet you?”

Within seconds, I got a reply, “Could you be there in twenty minutes?”

I quickly typed, agreeing that, that was fine, and got up to get ready, throwing my hair in a messy bun, brushing my teeth and splashing my face with water.

Moments later, I pulled the door behind me. I briskly walked the path to the location, knowing I may already be running late.

Arriving, I looked around and instantly spotted Sarah’s model-like figure, which was accentuated perfectly by a tight floral dress that flared out at the hips. Her long, straight hair looked as if it was swept over with her fingers. Somehow, she looked even more beautiful than the last time I saw her.

She saw me and gestured to the chair across from her. I sat as she placed her defined chin on her hand, which was propped up by her elbow. “Thanks for meeting me here.” Her expression was that of a person who was worried and didn’t know how to go about telling bad news. This worried me.

“What’s up?” I asked, hoping she wouldn’t dump the worst news on me.

“I just wanted to talk to you about a few things.” She looked at me, waiting for a response. When I didn’t respond, she continued. “First of all, I know how much Leo likes you, loves you, in fact.”

My cheeks turned crimson, and I could feel the heat in my face.

“Judging by your expression, I'm guessing you two haven't discussed the “L” word yet.” She looked worried, as if she had just spilled some big secret she wasn’t meant to.

“Uh, no, not really. We are kind of just taking it as it comes. I do have very strong feelings for him, though,” I admitted truthfully. I felt like I needed to earn her trust, so I wanted to be honest with her.

“I just want to tell you that Leo isn’t usually running around with girls. This is rare. At least, none we have heard of. So, just know that you're special. This is kind of a big deal. I just want to make sure you don’t hurt him, or that he isn’t taking this more seriously than you.”

Relieved to hear this, I said, “You just confirmed all my questions. This isn’t just another notch on my belt, either. He’s actually my first, well, anything.” She looked at me, surprised. As if she expected the opposite from me. I couldn’t hold it in. I gushed out, “Leo is so amazing, and I really do care about him, and I feel myself falling so deeply in love with him. I have never felt this way about anyone.”

She looked at me like she felt a bit awkward by my confession, which instantly made me regret my word choices. She went on to tell me about the demand on her family's company, and that Leo would be working a lot more in the coming few months, and that I shouldn’t put too much hope on the relationship as it may begin to be hard to make time for each other. She appreciated how much I cared for him, and she felt saddened because she could see that this was real love and you don’t come across it often. She then went on to the fact that I would be going home soon, and that was something to think about.

That was not something I wanted to think about. I had pushed it to the back of my mind and I really didn’t want to face that until it came to it.

After the conversation with Sarah,, I was left feeling saddened and not very hopeful. Noticing my hurt, Sarah placed her hand on mine and squeezed it.

“Hun, I don’t want to upset you. That’s not why I'm here. I just wanted to let you know, as Leo probably wouldn’t tell you the demands of work as he doesn't want to face it. But the thing is, he has to. I want you to be prepared.”

It was true. Leo hadn’t told me anything about the work situation. We had been in such a blissful state lately that he probably didn’t want to break that. Sarah’s hospital visit suddenly popped into my head. “Oh, I completely forgot to ask you, how was the doctor’s? What did they say?”

Her answer was that it was nothing, but her expression told a completely different story. She was hiding something, and if I knew her better I would have asked, but seeing as I didn’t, I let it go.