Page 45 of One Hot Chase

"I won't make it easy for you to find me this time."

"But how do you mean to foil me?"

"You'll see." My bladder thinks now is a good time for a bathroom break. So, I decide to use that to my advantage in this game of one-ups-manship with Declan. "Will you excuse me? I need to use the restroom. Please tell me this place has one."

"Naturally. It's directly opposite the doorway."

"Thank you."

I slink into the restroom and relieve myself, but that wasn't my only reason for sneaking in here. I get my phone and tap out a message to Diana Hahn. She seems the most likely to have the right connections to get this done for me. Her response comes quickly and provides exactly what I need. I follow her instructions, then thank her for the assist.

After sprucing myself up a bit, I return to Declan and our table. "How badly did you miss me?"

"Desperately."

I shiver at the tickly sensation of his breath on my ear but force myself to stay focused. "Well, you're about to miss me a whole lot more, Sir Declan."

His eyebrows shoot up. "Oh? And why is that?"

I lean in, mirroring his posture, my lips almost brushing his ear. "Because in about thirty seconds, I'm going to disappear."

"You've become a magician?"

"Nope. I told you the truth. I'm about to vanish from your sight."

Declan pulls back, his brows wrinkling slightly. "Is that a challenge, love?"

"It's a promise," I say, just as Nikos appears with our first round of dishes.

The taverna owner sets down plates of steaming dolmades and spanakopita, the aroma making my mouth water. But I can't indulge, not yet. I stand up abruptly, making Declan start.

"Enjoy your meal," I say with a wink. "I'll be seeing you...eventually."

With that, I turn on my heel and dash out of the taverna, my heart pounding with exhilaration. I hear Declan's surprised shout behind me, but I don't look back as I weave through the narrow streets of Athens, my feet carrying me swiftly over the worn cobblestones.

The dark alley casts long shadows onto the street ahead of me as I navigate the maze-like alleys, relying on the directions Diana sent me. Left, right, another right, then straight for two blocks. I can hear Declan's footsteps behind me, his deep voice calling my name, but I don't slow down.

Finally, I spot what I'm looking for---a yellow taxi. Once I flag the driver down, I climb inside. Diana had warned me about Athens cabbies and how they sometimes try to scam tourists by claiming they provided extra services, like music playing during the trip. Diana told me never to pay more than the actual fare, excepting the tip. I'm so lucky to have a friend who knows the ins and outs of traveling in Greece. Diana has been there twenty-two times.

Wow. That's a lot of traveling.

The driver twists around in his seat to smile graciously at me. "Where may I take you, miss?"

"The airport, please."

His smile mutates into a wide grin. "You are American, eh? Let me turn the radio on for you to enjoy local music."

"I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather ride in silence and enjoy the view."

"Are you sure? I could---"

"Thank you, but no."

He sighs, then faces forward again. As the car rolls down the street, I glance back, half expecting to see Declan's tall figure chasing after me. But the narrow alleyway behind us is empty. I settle back into the seat, my heart still racing from the thrill of the escape and the chase to come.

The driver weaves through the bustling Athens traffic, and I watch as the ancient city blurs past my window. Part of me wonders if I've gone too far, if this game of cat and mouse is pushing things to the limit and beyond. But then I remember the mischievous glint in Declan's eyes, the way he thrives on challenges, and I know this is exactly the kind of adventure he craves.

One thing I've learned lately? I crave adventure too.