No Strings (Broken Strings) Read Free Page A

patrons chatting in a variety of languages. Apologising
profusely the owner explained that they had just given their last table to a
lone English woman.
    Determined to enjoy a quiet meal here rather than anywhere
else, Grey pressed the man to see if the woman were willing to share a table.
He rather would risk one person recognising him that heading into an unfamiliar
restaurant where a whole crowd might.
    The owner caught the attention of a waiter heading out
towards a dimly lit terrace who had a small tray and a single drink on it.
“Renzo, please go see if the lady on the terrace is willing to share her table
with this gentleman.”
    Chatting comfortably with the owner briefly in Italian, the
waiter soon returned with the lady’s agreement to share. Following the waiter
through to a secluded corner of the covered terrace overlooking a view of the
sea.
    Grey’s eyes drifted over the tables trying to seek out who
he would be sharing with.  As they came to rest upon the occupant, his mouth
curved into a satisfied smile. His unplanned dinner partner was going to be
none other than her neighbour. He took a moment to drink in the endearing way
she wound one of her thick curls as she browsed some papers in front of her
thoughtfully.
    Coughing gently to drew her attention, she finally lifted up
her eyes to meet his.  Two beautiful pools of emeralds glistened against her
near perfect complexion.  
    Flashing a gleaming white smile at her, he stood by the
vacant chair, his hand resting on the back of it, feeling hesitant for the
first time.  “I’m sorry; I had no idea that it would be you here.”  This was
the first time he had seen her this close-up. He knew she was a beauty, but
nothing had prepared his body for how gorgeous she was with only a wooden table
between them. A whirlwind of images flashed at lightning speed through his mind
of all the things he would like to do her across said table.
    Zoning back into reality, Grey composed himself realising
she was still staring at him expectantly waiting for him to sit down.
    “Do you still not mind sharing?”  As much as he wanted to
sit with her while she looked so delicious in her yellow sundress, he felt a
glow of embarrassment overcome him at all the lustful reactions she was causing
his body to feel especially when he thought back to her initial trepidation
clearly expressed in her glare when he introduced himself at the pool.
    He’d noted her slight gulp before she fixed a smile upon her
kissable lips.
    “Please sit down.  I honestly don’t mind.”  He enjoyed the
way she spoke; her voice did crazy things to the inside of his stomach.
    Grey felt a
rush of both of relief and anticipation as he took his place at the table
across from her.  “I’m not sure if you remember my name: it’s Grey.”  He could
help but stare at her with the same inquisitive expression he wore that first
day, waiting for her to offer her own name.
    “Indi, my name is Indi.” Grey detected a touch of
nervousness in her voice as she stumbled over her words.
    “It’s lovely to meet you, Indi,” He said smoothly offering
his hand over the table, showing another glimpse of his perfect teeth. 
    She accepted his hand confidently.  A jolt of energy passing
between them as they touched, catching them both unawares.  It caused an
explosive sensation along his nerve endings that passed up his arms and down
his body to his belly.  Indi’s green eyes locked with his sparkling,
silver-blue ones for what seemed an age, but were only a few moments, exhaling
a breath as she looked down at her hand and pulled it away from his blushing.
    “So, are you planning to take some tours while you’re
here?”  He pointed to the leaflets still lying open in front of her. 
    “Yes, a couple of them look fascinating.”
    “I would recommend Cefalu.  There is a museum there with an
extensive collection of art and archaeology, an insightful place about the
local culture.  And, of course,