Page 13 of Charmed By Apollo

Geri adjusted the potted snake plants on the shelf, ensuring they were displayed just right. The morning light streamed through the windows of the plant shop, casting a warm glow over the space. A gentle breeze wafted in, carrying the scent of soil and greenery.

Today was special. It was the day of the monthly plant swap when plant enthusiasts from all over the city would gather to exchange cuttings, seeds, and stories about their much-loved plants. It was an event Geri had started shortly after taking over running the shop a couple of months back when Persephone announced that the Underworld would be her home. And with Demeter running around being Mother Nature, the shop’s day-to-day fell into Geri’s lap.

Just as she finished arranging the table for the swap, the door to the shop swung open.

“Honey, I’m home,” Adonis’s voice rang out over the shop.

“You’re late,” she singsonged back at him, shaking her head.

Adonis sauntered in, his easy grin lighting up the room as if he carried his own personal spotlight. His tousled hair and mischievous eyes starkly contrasted with Geri’s own composed demeanor.

“Sorry I’m late, darling,” he said, his voice dripping with charm as he approached her. “I had an eventful evening and an even better morning.”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “You and your he-whoring will be the death of me, Adonis. But I suppose your charm does help sell a lot of plants.”

He winked. “What can I say? People can’t resist a bit of eye candy.”

Despite his tardiness, she couldn’t deny that Adonis’s presence added a certain flair to the shop. His easy charm and infectious personality drew customers like bees to honey, and his knowledge of plants was surprisingly extensive despite his tendency to goof off.

His expression turned serious, and he turned to her with a sheepish smile. “Hey, Geri,” he began, his tone uncharacteristically hesitant. “I, uh, want to claim my pass.”

Geri’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. She set down the watering can she had been holding and regarded Adonis with amusement and disbelief. “Your pass?” she repeated, trying to wrap her head around what he was saying. “You mean…”

Adonis nodded, his expression earnest. “Yeah, that one. Look, I know I promised not to hook up with the customers, but…well, this woman has been coming in lately, and she’s just…irresistible. She wants me to fill her apartment with plants, teach her about them, and maintain them for her.”

Geri’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Wait, she wants you to do all of that?” she asked, incredulous.

Adonis nodded, his grin widening. “Yeah, can you believe it? She’s essentially willing to pay me to be her personal plant guru.”

“Well, I suppose stranger things have happened.” She sighed, shaking her head in resignation. “Fine,” she relented, unable to stay mad at him for long. “But just this once, okay? And don’t let it interfere with your work. We’ve got customers to help.”

Adonis grinned. “Thanks, Geri. You’re the best.”

As he returned to his duties with renewed enthusiasm, Geri couldn’t help but shake her head in bemusement. Adonis was certainly a handful, but she wouldn’t have him any other way. And as she watched him charm yet another customer with his infectious smile, she wondered what kind of trouble he would get himself into next.

Customers poured in, their arms laden with pots and trays of plants to swap, and a wave of excited chatter filled the air.

“Welcome, everyone!” Geri called out, her voice filled with warmth and enthusiasm. “Please, come in and find a spot for your plants. Let’s make this the best swap yet!”

The shop buzzed with energy as people mingled, admiring each other’s collections, and eagerly discussing their favorite varieties. Geri moved among them, offering guidance and advice, her keen eyes taking in every detail.

As the day wore on, the sun climbed higher in the sky, and the shop filled with laughter and camaraderie. Cuttings changed hands, seeds were exchanged, and friendships blossomed like the plants themselves.

Geri found her thoughts wandering to Apollo as the sun filtered through the shop’s large windows, casting warm, dappled patterns on the floor. Apollo, with his easygoing nature and infectious laughter, had managed to brighten her day—even when they butted heads over trivial matters.

And then, unexpectedly, they shared a kiss, which led to mind-blowing sex. Twice. Both times had been a fleeting, spontaneous thing—a rush of emotions and desires that had surprised her.

She took a deep breath, pushing aside thoughts of him as she focused on assisting the customer in front of her. She reminded herself that dwelling on him would only lead to unnecessary distraction and heartache. After all, Apollo was just a passing acquaintance, a god she didn’t and couldn’t truly know on a deeper level.

As she helped the customer select the perfect plant for their home, Geri’s mind shifted back to the task at hand. She carefully explained the care instructions, ensuring the customer felt confident in their choice before they made their purchase.

And as the day wore on and the last of the customers filtered out of the shop, Geri felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her.

Her phone rang, and her heart skipped a beat as she glanced at it and saw a familiar name flashing on the screen: Cade, her older brother.

And, also, her Alpha.

Her pulse quickened, and a sense of foreboding crept over her. The Alpha would only call with good reason and certainly hadn’t since she moved to New York. She knew this call would bring news she wasn’t prepared to hear. A hundred possible scenarios ran through her head.

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