Page 16 of Flowers Near Me

She sighed. “What about Chloris, the Goddess of Flowers? Or Aphrodite?Titans, even Artemis is a better choice.”

He shook his head. “You’re not going to change my mind, Sephy. Now let’s get back to what’s included in your agreement.”

Oh, she would change his mind. It just might take more than one conversation.

She shrugged. “Fine. You were saying I’ll have a handler?”

“Yes, and good news for you.” Hand on his chest. “I’ve assigned myself.”

She stared at him and with a clipped tone replied, “Wonderful.” This penchant for dramatic revelations was not something she’d encourage with a shocked reply.

Outside, clusters of pedestrians filled the sidewalks. The car rolled along slowly, embedded in the start of Saturday lunch traffic.

If Hades was herchaperonefor the next six months, she might have a lot of freedom given his many commitments as CEO. Her mom worked sleepless nights and marathon days. Surely, he did the same. One can’t run hell without toiling all day and night.

The air grew cold and she shuddered at the sudden change. Hades cleared his throat. “It’s in your professional best interest to comply with these new contract terms, Persephone. Your ability to sell this app reflects on your reputation, and it’d be a pity to see Demeter’s top executive fail when she’s no longer under the protection of her mother.”

There it was. Revenge after Demeter’s Bounty’s recent success. Why would he do the work of embarrassing her when she could make a fool of herself?

The worst part? He wasn’t wrong.Painful as it was to admit, her reputation was on the line, as was the public’s perception of Demeter’s Bounty. That didn’t mean she had to put him at ease, assured that she’d do a good job. She half-grinned, forcing the epitome of innocence through a rounded-eye look.

“Of course.”

Hades pointed his pinched fingers at her. “This resignation…” He hummed low in his throat, then shook his head. “I don’t buy it.”

Persephone leaned back in her seat and clasped her hands, trying to hold back a smile. Maybe he wasn’t getting the frantic reaction he’d hoped for? Thank the Fates he couldn’t read her mind or he’d know just how rattled she was.

Shifting forward, Hades held her gaze. What felt like a century passed, but she didn’t crack under his scrutiny. He settled back into his seat.

“Once we get you set up in the apartment, you’ll have time to review the documents that have been signed on your behalf,” said Hades.

She tightened her jaw.Signed on your behalf?

He crossed an ankle over his knee, looking every bit the arrogant mogul he was. “While the brand team plans the marketing campaign, you and I will attend a few events together.”

Persephone took in a slow breath.Enough time to figure out an exit.

Hades had yet to look away from her. Like he knew she’d snap if he just stared long enough. His full lips tipped up on one side as he said, “To kick things off, we’re going to start to do things together that a couple would as they enter a courtship.”

Persephone almost snorted. “Courtship? If this is all about dating, why the business partnership? There are plenty of sites where you can find an escort.”

“I’m glad you’re asking. You see, this teasing comes so naturally because we’re a great pair.” He gestured his hand between the two of them.

She pinched the bridge of her nose. “What are you talking about?”

“Romance sells flowers,” Hades said, leaning in. “We pretend to date, and the app becomes irresistible. People crave a love story.”

She squinted as her upper lip curled. “Sounds manipulative.”And phony, and borderline idiotic.But she’d keep those descriptions to herself.

“All good marketing is.” Hades’ mouth curved up in a devilish grin.

Rubbing her brow, Persephone asked, “We’ll pretend to date so that when I promote the app, people will be more excited?”

“Yes, that’s basically it.” Was that contentment painting his face? Would he still look pleased if she shoved him out of his moving car?

“And what does this false romance look like?” He intended to embarrass her, but she’d get ahead of his scheme. He had no clue of the emotional control she’d honed working for her mom.

Hades leaned forward within arm’s reach. “Whatever you want it to look like.”

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