The Getaway Prince

Chapter 7: Object of My Desires

I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror as I swept the final touches of eyeliner across my lid, creating the perfect wing. If there was one thing I could do correctly in this world, it was matching my eyeliner on each eye—and I'm sure any other woman would understand just how much of a feat that truly was.

I took a step back, examining my newly enhanced appearance. Loose dusty blonde waves framed my face, and my gold hoop earrings peeked out from my hair as I tucked it behind my ear. The entire day passed by in blur, as the anticipation built within me from the moment I woke until now. I remember being outside, touring and having lunch, but it all felt like some sort of fever dream. And as I looked at my flowing blue and white striped floor length dress, I had an overwhelming number of nerves possess me, and I had to take a deep breath to regain my center.

“Well," I began, emerging from the bathroom. “How does this look?"

My white heels sunk into the carpet as I stood in place. Aubrey's glance moved from her phone screen to me, and a broad smile came across her face.

“I don't think I've ever seen you look this hot," she said. “You never do fail with a liquid liner, do you?"

I chuckled and shook my hands out, sucking in a breath through my teeth. “I'm honestly terrified."

“I'd be worried if you weren't," Aubrey replied, setting her phone down on the bed. “I can't remember a first date I went on where I wasn't nervous. Where are you going?"

I reached down for my gold chain handbag, sliding my arm through, and letting it hang off of my shoulder. “I'm not sure of the name—I think it's a patio. He sent me the address." I clicked the clasp of my purse shut and looked at my phone. “Speaking of which, the taxi's here."

I looked back to Aubrey who gave me a reassuring grin. “Text me if you need anything at all, okay? I'll be here…watching reruns."

“Oh, you'll be fine," I said mockingly. I took another look at myself in the closer mirror and smoothed out any wrinkles on my dress before opening the door and walking into the hotel hallway.

**

The taxicab moved throughout the city of Crete—its headlights not even seen on the cobble stone roadway due to the abundance of light shining down from the shops that lined the busy streets. The view from our hotel room at night was one thing, but in the city, it was an entirely different experience.

Colorful buildings with large arched windows were surrounded by florals and covered in vines, each with two-seater tables alongside the front entrance for extra seating. I was in awe of the landscaping and architecture, more impressed with each structure as we drove.

Eventually, the driver stopped in the middle of the one-way road and looked back at me. I reached into my bag and paid him, then opened the door to the car and stepped out. The sound of live music from multiple locations meshed together in the evening sky. I looked at the address on my phone and the corresponding one on the wall of an all-white building.

I stood off to the side of the road, seeing several cars and people pass by all dressed in varying styles. My hair blew in the light breeze that scanned between the structures, moving the umbrellas that remained on a few tabletops.

I turned my head to the left just in time to see a familiar face approaching, and when I swallowed, I felt as if I had swallowed my entire soul. Tyler's smile grew from ear to ear as he saw me, and he gave me a friendly wave while his other hand remained in his pant pocket.

His facial hair was trimmed to be razor sharp on both sides, and was short enough to be almost considered stubble, accentuating his features. As he approached me, he took his hand out of his pocket and outstretched his arms.

“Wow," he said, shaking his head while looking me up and down. “Just wow."

My gaze instantly fell down to the ground and the nerves threatened to make an appearance once more. “Thanks," I said modestly as I looked back up and connected with his gorgeous glance. “You don't look half bad yourself."

That was lie—he was in a belted pair of black slacks that matched his maroon crewneck sweatshirt that clung nicely to his physique. His hair was swept back at the front in a way that looked natural, and his rings and watch, which matched his outfit, reflected the lights above us as he ran a hand through it while he laughed.

“This old thing? It's nothing," he joked, prompting me to giggle. A laugh: that's a good sign. He looked at me for a moment more and then extended his hand towards the entrance of the restaurant. “Shall we?"

I nodded and walked into the building as he followed behind me, causing me to become somewhat self-conscious, knowing that he could observe everything about me—the way I walked, how my dress moved, and every wrinkle on my arms. We stopped at the concierge where Tyler was instantly greeted by name and directed to the back of the restaurant.

“Come here often enough?" I teased.

Tyler slowed his speed a tad and leaned into my ear, bringing his voice down low as we followed the server through the building. “My boss is a favourite regular when he's in town. So, I'm technically known by association, but I thought it'd be cool to impress you."

And there were the butterflies all over again. The server led us up a set of back stairs to the top of the restaurant where several more guests were dining. She then took us to the very back of the room and through a set of sliding doors, where we were met by the most glorious view I had ever seen.

Several fairy lights and lanterns shone above our heads which intermingled with the palm trees that were planted in the middle of the patio. It was the perfect mix of nature and man-made objects, which was only further completed by our table that sat along the balcony railing, overlooking the Grecian waters.

Tyler raced a little ahead of me and pulled out my chair, continuing to surprise me. I thanked him as I sat down, and graciously nodded at the server while she placed menus on our table and read us the complete list of dinner items. After her departure, I gazed at the scenery around us, unable to process just how beautiful it truly was.

“I—this is so not what I was expecting," I said, as the waiter came and served us red wine.

Tyler chuckled. “What were you expecting?"

“I don't know," I replied, unable to remove my eyes from the starry sky overhead. “But definitely not this. Is this your first time in Greece?"

He shook his head, taking a sip of his water. “No—we have a bit of business here. Our headquarters is actually located not far from Crete. What about you?"

I nodded shyly. “I haven't had the pleasure to travel a lot outside of America."

“And you picked Greece as your first stop? That's interesting—I like it," he said, giving me a sideways smirk that was tantalizing me. “Well," Tyler continued, raising his glass of wine towards me. “Here's to you in Greece."

I clinked my glass against his, and took a sip, letting the flavour sit on my tastebuds before swallowing. I set the drink back down as our waiter returned for our order. When he vacated the table, I turned my attention to Tyler, who's eyes seemed to have not left mine. I bit my lip before speaking again.

“So, Beethoven. How did that come about?"

Tyler grinned and took another drink of his water. “My parents, actually. They used to play it a lot throughout the house on an old record player."

“That's amazing," I stated, feeling a sweet smile creep on my face at the thought. “I'd love to experience that."

“Well, maybe if you're on the island for long enough, you could come by my place, and we could have a Beethoven listening party with a possible dinner?"

I glanced down at my utensils and could feel my cheeks reddening. “Is that your way of asking me on another date before this one has even ended?"

“Only if you're interested," he replied, raising his glass to his expanding smile.

I couldn't describe the emotions I was feeling. It wasn't concern or giddiness…it wasn't even something as simple as excitement. It was comfort; as if I had known him in some other life. I smiled, which he shared, knowing that it meant yes.

Like I've said before, fate isn't in my vocabulary—but this was unique. I couldn't deny our chemistry; and when he walked me to the cab after our date, and kissed my cheek goodnight, I knew he felt something similar.