“Let yourself unwind and, for once in your life, do something completely ridiculous. It’s like a reset for your nervous system. Stress isn’t always a bad thing, trust me, I’m speaking as your doctor. Have a wild vacation fling! They’re invigorating, rejuvenating, and just the tonic you need. Plus, no one knows you there. Seducing a guy who’s up for an adventure is a piece of cake!”
“I’m a little weirded out that my older sister is giving me this advice,” I grumble, packing my suitcase. “Simone, I don’t even know how to seduce a man, especially not for something like that. It always just happened naturally for me. And I definitely don’t need more stress!”
“You need a good temporary lover, Dani! Take it from someone with experience! Just smile a lot, say silly things. Remember, smart women intimidate men, so play the ditz—it’ll put them at ease. And be careful. You didn’t forget your birth control, did you?”
“The beaches in Greece are crawling with stunning beauties, by the way, not plain Janes in striped swimsuits like me. What on earth do you think I’ve got to charm some sexy stud?”
“Oh, Dani, why do you need a stud? Please! What do you think a lover should have? I’ll tell you: charisma, a sense of humor, generosity, and the know-how to use what they’ve got in their shorts. Why do you need a pretty face? You just need to let loose for two weeks, gain some experience, and make sure you don’t fall in love. Falling in love is off-limits—nothing but trouble. A vacation fling is just a nice bonus to your trip. And you’re not a plain Jane at all! What nonsense! Hugo!” Simone yells toward the kitchen, and a minute later, her well-trained second husband bounds in. A decent guy, good with the house, and a great dad. “Hugo, honey, tell me straight, with your man’s eye—does Dani have a shot at snagging a hot guy on the coast?”
“Of course!” Hugo replies without hesitation. “Why not?” As if this ‘expert’ would dare say anything else.
“See? Stop overthinking it. You’ve got gorgeous eyes, a killer smile, and a figure to die for. Catch those male gazes, hold them for no more than five seconds, flash a smile, and pick from the ones eager to buy you a cold cocktail. The hunting game is ridiculously simple. You’re a free woman now—Jeremy and you split by mutual agreement, so go for it, and let him do whatever he wants. I expect you back tanned, with a ton of juicy stories and sparkling eyes. And don’t you dare spend two weeks lounging in a beach chair! I’ll kill you!”
I finally let out a sigh of relief on the plane. Sometimes, listening to Simone makes me want to play dead! She’s already decided how my life should go. A vacation fling, sex under the palm trees or in the sea, is supposed to change everything. As if that’s the cure for all my problems! I’m not even planning to seduce some playboy. I’m flying to Greece to soak in breathtaking sunsets, swim in the warm sea, get a tan, and explore the unique landmarks of this cradle of ancient civilization—not to study male anatomy. Thank goodness my sister couldn’t come with me; after that kind of stress, my nerves would never recover.
I booked this trip and reserved a room at a hotel in Corfu a month ago. They promised me paradise, and I decided to believe them. Let’s see what kind of relaxation awaits.
By evening, I’d arrived, utterly charmed by the lush greenery and the pristine grounds. I was pleased with my room too, finally starting to feel like I was on vacation. Since it was too late to hit the beach or explore the hotel, I figured I’d save those pleasures for tomorrow and headed down to the bar instead. I meant to call Simone but, against my better judgment, ended up on Jeremy’s social media page. Before I knew it, I’d downed three cocktails while obsessing over photos of his new girlfriend. I should’ve unfriended him and forgotten him like a bad dream long ago. But no, I had to dissect every detail. Sure, we dated for two years before breaking up, but there’s something bitter about how quickly he moved on—and how happy he looks, judging by that smug face of his. So, I stumble back to my room with a wobbly gait, realizing that drinking cocktails on an empty stomach wasn’t my brightest idea. Room service had just finished the evening turndown.
“Oh, please, don’t close it yet, I’m here,” I mumble, leaning on the door and slipping the maid a tip. I stagger inside and collapse onto the couch, too out of it to drag myself to the bedroom. Too relaxed to think, too exhausted to even wipe off my makeup.
My habit of waking up to an alarm clock, unlike me, didn’t take a vacation. I know I won’t fall back asleep, so I grope my way to the bathroom, where I finally start to come to my senses.
“Alright, I’ve got time to unpack and sneak in a quick swim before breakfast,” I mutter, trying to smile at my reflection. Wrapped in a towel, I push the door open and… let out a terrified shriek!
“Holy crap!” a completely naked guy gasps, staring at me in outrage. “What are you doing here, and more importantly, how did you even get in?!”
“What?! Get out of my room, you creep!” I snap, coming to my senses and lunging for a heavy vase on the coffee table. “I’m warning you, I’ll smash this over your head first, then call security!”
“Fantastic. I usually don’t mess with crazy chicks, and I’m pretty damn sure I came back alone last night,” this fearless jerk says, hands on his hips. “Yet, at the crack of dawn, something pops out of my bathroom! Did you climb through the vents or what? This is my room! Hello, sweetheart!” he snaps his fingers in front of my face with a smirk. “Let’s take a look around together, shall we?”
Damn it. … This is mortifying. Even if all the rooms look alike, aside from my purse sprawled on the couch, everything here is clearly someone else’s stuff.
“What’s your room number?” I croak, my voice hoarse, not knowing where to look. “Can’t you cover up your… stuff?”
“Twenty-six. I sleep naked, and I walk around my room however I damn well please. Does the male body bother you? There’s the door, I didn’t invite you! Or should I call security?” he sneers. “Maybe put the vase down? Break it, and you’ll be the one paying. So, how’d you get in here anyway?” His blond eyebrow arches in exaggerated curiosity.
“I’m… next door. Twenty-eight. I’m so sorry,” I stammer, nervously swallowing under his mocking gaze as I set the vase back down. I’m beyond embarrassed. My face is burning; I feel like my skin might melt off. I turn toward the bathroom to grab my clothes, but no such luck—he blocks the doorway first!
“Well, this conversation didn’t exactly go smoothly. I think it’s time we introduced ourselves. Especially since you’ve seen me from head to toe,” he says, and the worst part is, this situation seems to be exciting him—and I can see it with my own eyes. That ‘equipment’ is wide awake!
“No need! We don’t need to get acquainted!” I practically yelp, jumping back.
“Fine. But the morning could’ve started differently, way more pleasantly. How about we set a different tone, neighbor to neighbor?”
“I usually don’t mess with idiots,” I snap back, throwing his own words at him. “Let me through, and I’ll be gone in a minute!”
After giving me a long, appraising look, the cocky, naked guy finally steps aside. I bolt into his bathroom, lock the door behind me, and set a personal record for getting dressed. I’ve never snapped a bra or slipped into a dress so fast in my life! Then, bursting out like a cannonball, I grab my purse on the run and finally make it to the hallway. Damn it, I’ll be recovering from this until evening. What was Simone saying about some stress being good for you? Yeah, right! And as if on cue, my phone pings with a message. From her, my oh-so-caring sister:
“Adventures await you, Dani!”
All I can do is clench my fists and let out a frustrated growl. The Greek gods are clearly having a laugh at my expense, throwing this pantless jerk in my path!