Page 39 of Flowers Near Me

Find out who Demeter’s been talking to.

Returning to his computer screen, he opened a document on his desktop labeled “Marriage License.” The words washed over him, but his chest tightened at the blank line next to his signature. Underneath in black text read: “Persephone Ioulo” and he tried to imagine the swirls of her signature decorating that line.

Charon’s reply lit his phone.

Charon

Will do.

Hades

Good. Hecate thinks Demeter’s on the move.

Marrying Persephone would devastate Demeter, but that wasn’t why he wanted to. This six-month contract was a temporary fix until he could convince her to love him. If she left him at the end of it, he’d be the one gutted. Desperate for whatever foothold he could gain with her, he was using the contract to give himself time to show his interest. And his interest had become longing quicker than Cerberus could devour Helena’s cookie crumbs from the floor.

It only took one chance sighting of Persephone, accompanying Demeter to lunch, for his obsession to bloom. Fates, he’d bought the restaurant Narcisi outright because it was the first place he saw her. The goddess sat tall at the table, with the most beautiful smirk and smart green eyes. Where Demeter exuded arrogance throwing annoyed looks at who he assumed were Demeter’s Bounty middle management, Persephone emanated power. Her understated confidence entranced him and after this short time together, there was no way he’d let her go.

Deep in his being, he knew they’d be together—the Fates had promised him as much. But given the duplicity of the Fates and the fact that Persephone’s continued professionalism proved her immunity to his charms, he had no clue how to make it happen. Women typically adored him. So why wouldn’t this siren start flirting back? It was maddening.

Inside his Underworld Unlimited office,Hades listened to Charon rattle off team reports as they each ate their salad and talked between bites.

“Legal took issue with marketing’s phrasing and now they’re reworking the ads. There are concerns regarding the app’s use of users’ locations when setting up meeting spots,” explained Charon.

“How much more time?”

“Four weeks,” Charon replied in a strained tone. “They know it’ll push the release date as well. They can’t record anything with Persephone until they finish the scripts.”

Hades glanced at Charon, then nodded. “Push the gala back one month.”

“Will do. But it’ll fall after the end of Persephone’s current contract. Do you think she’d agree to a new one?” Charon put a small bite of salmon in her mouth.

“I’ll check with her. Keep the invite list the same.”

Charon finished a few more bites of salad, then asked, “Have you told her you want to marry her?”

How could he? “It’s still too soon.”

Charon nodded. What he’d give to be as unbothered as her about the situation.

Hades grabbed his phone. “What’s my day like tomorrow?”

“Well, itwaspacked with meetings forFlowers Near Me, but seeing that things are delayed…” Charon scooted her chair towards the laptop she’d set on the other side of Hades’ desk. “Your day is mostly free.”

Hades was no longer hungry. This meant he’d have more time to spend with his little goddess.

“Book a tee time at Artemis’ manor tomorrow afternoon for Persephone and me.”

“Of course.” Charon typed on her keyboard. Was that a smile lighting her face? “Weather should be perfect. Do you want me to reach out to any reporters?”

Hades stood up and paced by the windows near his desk. “No, keep this a secret. Don’t tell Persephone either. I want to surprise her.”

“Alright…” Charon’s voice trailed off. She was focused on her laptop, but the cheery glint coloring her cheek was unmistakable. Charon must’ve enjoyed booking these dates. “You’re set for tomorrow.”

“Excellent. And setup an annual contribution to Mount Olympus Academy.” He sat back down at his desk.

“The school Persephone’s niece attends?” Charon cocked her brow with a slanted smile.

Hades nodded.

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