“Not quite an enemy?” I protest indignantly, gesturing with my free hand. Yet it’s hard to suppress my smile. “Ouch, man.”
“On probation, possibly.” Stefanos considers me seriously. Though there’s a lightness in his gaze, even so.
My lips twitch. The movements of his face are fascinating. “Well, fine. You’ll be delighted to know that since last week, I have sunk approximately zero yachts belonging to friends or enemies.”
“How many yachts have you raised from the sea floor?” Stefanos counters immediately, the corners of his mouth hinting at the promise of a smile, which I would love to see.
That’s when my face warms. The inevitable squirm follows. “Well, also zero. If you must know. How about you?”
“Same. No new sinkings, no sunken yachts raised either,” Stefanos confirms and gives me a level look. All of a sudden, he’s impossible to read. He brushes away a lock of hair that has fallen over his forehead.
“Well…” I swallow hard. “How many friends are you up this week?”
Stefanos’ gaze doesn’t waver. “One. You?”
“Same. One.”
We’re quiet for a long moment. My heart careens around so loudly he must hear it.
“And how many environmental disasters?” I hold my breath and steel myself.
“Only one small disaster. And, for the record, there are plans in place to raise the yacht next week. They’re working out the logistics, my father says.”
“Dare I ask how much it costs to raise a yacht?”
“You probably don’t want know.” Stefanos winces, shaking his head.
“Do you think it can be salvaged?” I ask.
“I don’t know that. Probably not? There’s a breach in the hull, confirmed by divers. They were there taking environmental precautions before the recovery next week. To avoid any spills.”
“Shit. I’m so sorry…”
“Theo, we’ve been over this. It’s not your fault, no matter what you told the coast guard. And don’t think I don’t know you did that.”
I shrug, giving him a level look. “Well, I feel rotten about it. Can I pay for something, at least?”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know, the recovery efforts?”
Stefanos grimaces. “I don’t think you can afford it. With all due respect. I don’t think creative consultants earn enough for yacht recovery or other yacht-related episodes.”
“You’d be surprised.” I hold his gaze, unwavering.
He slowly draws in a breath. And the way he looks at me is everything right now. “There’s insurance cover.”
“Please. Let me help.”
Stefanos falls quiet, watching me. Then, I can’t read him, which kills me, and once more, my chest is tight as I try to get a breath in.
“If insurance doesn’t cover everything, we can talk then.” Stefanos gives me a meaningful look. “About costs.”
“I definitely don’t want you to end up out of pocket because of this. Look, you were trying to show me around Greece, doing an excellent job of hosting on no notice, and then I distracted you right into a reef.”
Stefanos doesn’t say anything for another long moment. “Do you know what I’m sorry about?”
“Aside from the yacht situation?” I ask, my gaze rapt on his.
