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CHAPTER TEN
Rhodes
Leo was more than disappointed to cancel his third date with Rose. He looked forward to walking the black sand beach with her and sharing a kiss or two. Unfortunately, a shipping emergency came up that required his attention. He felt terrible when he delivered her the news. She looked equally upset at their missed date.
He vowed to make it up to her. Each day he spent in Rose’s presence solidified his growing desire for her always to be with him. He wanted to be able to kiss her in front of the children. But he needed to tread carefully, as Stavros kept reminding him. Once the children saw signs of affection, questions would follow. More particularly, would Rose be their new mom?
He certainly wanted her to be.
He hoped she felt the same way.
All he needed to do was tell her who he really was and hope she’d overlook his poor judgment.
The car pulled to a stop.
“Where are we, Papa?” asked Nefeli as the group exited the car.
“Butterfly Valley,” Leo replied.
“Butterflies!” The girl squealed and pumped her hand up and down.
“Will one land on me?” Adonis asked, slipping his hand into Rose’s.
“Quite possibly,” Leo said.
“Cool.” Adonis grinned.
“Sounds lovely,” Rose said. “Why is it called the Butterfly Valley?”
“They’re attracted to the Zitia plant that grows here.” Leo got close enough to whisper. “Mr. P thought it’d be a good idea to stretch our legs after the flight. Let the kids work off some energy before we arrive at the hotel.”
“Smart thinking,” Rose agreed.
The five of them set off to see the butterflies. They rounded the gift shop and took the path.
“It’s beautiful,” Rose said. “The trees.” She rested her hand on the bark of the nearest one.
“The shade is welcome at this time of day,” Leo said.
“Very,” said Rose. “Not too far ahead,” Rose called to the children skipping along the path.
Adonis stopped to climb a boulder.
“I see a butterfly!” Nefeli pointed.
A brown and black butterfly with yellow spots sat on a bush.
Adonis scrambled down to look more closely with Nefeli.
“Why isn’t it moving?” Nefeli looked up at Leo. “Is it hurt?”
“No,” Leo answered. “These butterflies are nocturnal.”
Nefeli and Adonis exchanged a quizzical look.
“Nocturnal means they move around at night,” Rose explained.
“That’s weird,” Adonis said, tugging up the waistband of his shorts.