Greek for Beginners Read Online Free PDF

Darcie Hayes and unsuspecting travelers like her shouldn’t have to pay for the man’s bad business decisions and personal habits.
    Nick’s reasons, of course, weren’t all pure. His gaze took in the long line of her legs. Even in flat shoes she was a tall woman. Statuesque was the word that came to mind. Sexy applied, too, given her well-rounded curves and the toned backside he’d glimpsed. Why did he get the feeling she was unaware of the power of her allure? In his experience, most women who looked like she did weren’t. They flaunted their looks, used them to get what they wanted. The fact that Darcie didn’t made her not only refreshing, but also a puzzle.
    Nick liked puzzles. They ranked right up there with games of chance when it came to guilty pleasures.
    â€œI can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done,” she was saying.
    â€œI have done nothing.”
    â€œI disagree. You’ve acted as my personal driver for the past couple of hours. I’d probably still be sitting in the airport with my busted-up luggage waiting for a ride that wasn’t coming if it weren’t for you.”
    She was all but tipping over on her nose. The signs of exhaustion were unmistakable, from the shadows under her eyes to the droop in her shoulders. He doubted that she would last an hour in her room before sleep claimed her, and knew a moment of regret that he wouldn’t be there when she awoke.
    â€œI am happy I could help. I would hate for a visitor to my homeland to go away with an unfavorable impression of Greek hospitality. Stavros Pappanolos’s poor example notwithstanding, you will find that the people here are very generous and helpful.”
    â€œOh, you’ve more than made up for Stavros.”
    She cleared her throat. There was that becoming blush again. Nick leaned forward, drawn by her reserve. Before he could kiss her, she held out a hand that poked into his solar plexus. Her cheeks flamed bright red now.
    â€œWell, I guess this is where we say goodbye,” she said.
    Was it? Nick didn’t think so. But she was tired and he had fences to mend with his family.
    He took her hand and meant it when he said, “It has been entirely my pleasure, Darcie Hayes.”

THREE
    Darcie was still on Nick’s mind the following day as he sat in his grandmother’s kitchen having a midmorning snack of freshly baked koulourakia portokaliou. The sweet, orange-flavored cookies were a staple in Yiayia’s house, precisely because they ensured company.
    His parents were there as well. George and Thea Costas lived right next door. In fact, Nick’s entire extended family was clustered together in a small geographic area on the western edge of Athens. True to tradition, Pieter already owned a house just down the road. In two short weeks, he and Selene would live in it together as husband and wife.
    Even the sweetness of the cookie wasn’t enough to wipe out the bitter taste in Nick’s mouth.
    â€œYour tea is growing cold,” Yiayia said, interrupting his thoughts. The snow-white hair coiled on her head made a striking contrast to her usual black frock. Sophia Pappas had been a widow for twenty-three years and still wore the color of mourning. She also considered it her duty as the family’s matriarch to meddle as she saw fit. “And you are frowning, Nikolos. Is something wrong with my cookies?”
    â€œNothing is wrong with your cookies.” He took another bite and smacked his lips for emphasis. “I just have a lot on my mind.”
    â€œThis is a difficult time for you.” His grandmother nodded sagely.
    â€œOnly because everyone insists on making it so.”
    â€œHave you given any more thought to Pieter’s request?” his mother asked.
    It took an effort not the crush the cookie that remained in his hand. Pieter wanted Nick to be his koumbaro or best man at the upcoming Greek Orthodox ceremony. As such, it