Her Greek Doctor's Proposal by Robin Gianna Page A

height advantage a lot of walled cities had during the Ottoman Empire, built way up at the top of a mountain, but we had other things going for us. Back in the day, citizens could see any approaching ships from far away on the gulf, and the mountain behind is so steep and prone to rock falls that it was pretty hard for invaders to sneak up on us.”
    “So your ancestors were likely a mix of Ottomans and Venetians, with a little Byzantine and Turkish spice thrown in with salt and pepper. You’re like a finely flavored Greek stew.”
    “That’s very poetic. Greek mutt’s probably more accurate.”
    Her soft laughter, the sparkle in her eyes, filled him with pleasure, and, while he didn’t wrap his arm around her again as he wanted to, he moved closer until their shoulders touched.
    “This place is just beautiful,” she said, gazing around at the curving, narrow streets, the old homes, the arches covered with masses of vivid flowers, her expression warm and admiring. She shifted her attention to the gulf watersand the misty mountains beyond. “It’s no wonder you wanted to come back.”
    “There was a time when I didn’t want to. Now that’s hard for me to imagine.”
    “I’m just starting my journey as an archaeologist, ready to travel all over. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s awfully appealing to think of getting to live here forever. Someday, when I’m ready, I think I’ll look to settle in a place like this.”
    They stood there together for what felt like long, peaceful minutes, watching the brightly colored fishing boats and a large tour boat slice through the sapphire waters of the Gulf of Corinth. Her scent, sweetly mingling with the tumble of flowers nearby, wafted to his nose again. It reminded him of their kiss, how she’d smelled and tasted, and the memory of that sensory overload nearly had him turning to her to do it again.
    He curled his fingers into his palms, trying to focus his attention on the boats below. Just as he was about to suggest they move on, she turned to him. “Must be incredible to have this kind of history be a part of who you are,” she said. “Studying it, loving it and being drawn to it like I am isn’t the same as being a part of it.”
    “I guess it is. Like anything, you take it for granted sometimes until you’re reminded of it.”He looked down at her, saw the sincerity in her eyes. Eyes a color close to the mesmerizing blue of the gulf. “You ready to go stir up some Greek fairies?”
    “Ready. And I think you’ve already paid my fee in full, Dr. Tour Guide.”
    He wasn’t going to ask if she meant the tour, or the kiss. And if it was the kiss, he’d be happy to go deep into debt. “Our place is down this street just a short way. Watch your step. These cobblestones will trip you up if you’re not—”
    “Andronikos!”
    Ah, hell. He turned to see his aunt laboring up the street parallel to his. What was she doing in this part of town? “Good afternoon, Thea Stella.”
    “ Kalispera to you as well.” She folded her arms across her ample bosom and stared at Laurel. “Who’s the girl and what’s she doing here?”
    Always polite, his thea . Not. At least she’d spoken Greek, so Laurel wouldn’t understand the words. “This is Laurel Evans, from the archaeological dig near Delphi. Laurel, this is my aunt, Stella Chronis.”
    “Nice to meet you.” Laurel extended her hand with a smile, but his aunt just stared suspiciously.
    “Hmph. A very pretty one, as usual, Andronikos.” His aunt turned dismissively from Laurel, and the rudeness of it nearly had him pointing it out to the woman. Probably best to grit his teeth,though, since Laurel might not have thought much of it, and any comment would just call even more attention to her actions. At least she continued to speak in English instead of completely excluding Laurel from the conversation. “My friend Soula’s nephew wants to meet you to talk about medical school.”
    “I’d be happy