Page 46 of Flowers Near Me

“What were you just thinking about a moment ago? You looked euphoric.”

Not willing to admit she was thinking about him, she stammered, “I-um…”

Hecate groaned. “Yes, yes. She’s lovely to look at but keep it to yourself so she can work.”

Thank the Fates for Hecate. She met Hecate’s eyes, and the goddess gave her a sly wink.

Hades chuckled. “Hecate, did you know that attractive people are less likely to receive compliments? Everyone assumes they’re used to admiration, but it’s often the words left unsaid that matter most.”

“Speaking from experience? That’s why no one compliments you?” Hecate cocked one brow, and Persephone held in her giggle as the corners of her mouth lifted.

“Such wit.” Hades adjusted his watch. “Sephy,”—his gaze lingered on her—“is Hecate bothering you? Say the word, and I’ll remove her. I’d much rather have you all to myself.”

Hecate rolled her eyes and a light purple mist surrounded her. “I came here to invite her to lunch, not flirt with her.”

“She’s been keeping me company on set,” added Persephone.

“Persephone, I’ll text you later when your guard dog isn’t around.” The hissing of falling sand sounded, and Hecate disappeared from her chair.

“Sir, want us to take a break?” the director asked Hades.

“Please. I need your star for a moment.” Hades strode onto the set and offered his hand with an unmistakably possessive intensity in his eyes.

They walked together to her dressing room and Persephone closed the door.

“What does Hecate’s magic smell like to you?” she asked.

Hades furrowed his brow then inclined his head. “Hm, something akin to herbaceous pastries. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious. It smelled like lavender cookies to me.”

“Do you know how your power smells?”

What did it smell like? Did it have a noticeable presence?If there was a scent, would it have notes reminiscent of her mom’s?

“Faintly floral? I’m not sure I have enough power for it to smell at all.”

Shaking his head, Hades said, “If you picked up Hecate’s, then you’d have enough to emit a scent. If you had no power, you’d onlyfeelher magic and your other senses wouldn’t pick it up.”

Persephone considered his statement. Interrupting her pondering, Hades said, “Yours is jasmine and vanilla. It’s the best thing I’ve ever smelled.”

Persephone held him with a glare. “The best thing you’veeversmelled?” She shook her head. “Anyway, why are you here? I thought you’d be stuck in meetings.” It came out harsher than intended but perhaps that was for the best. She disliked how much she was softening towards him.

“I was,” he admitted, his voice a low rumble, “but I needed to see you.” He reached out, his fingers trailing gently along her ear before tucking a stray lock of hair behind it. The touch lingered, sending shivers down her spine. “What were you thinking about on set? You looked… radiant. Almost blissful.”

“Don’t remember. Probably thinking about food.” No way would she tell him the truth. Instead, she gave him a slanted smile. “How are things with the app?”

He leaned back against the vanity, backlit by the bulbed lights, his eyes narrowing at her change of subject. “The dev team is having issues with a bug, but they’re making progress.”

She could still feel the trail of his touch around her ear. “Is Eurydice worried?”

He raised his shoulders and crossed his arms. “Can’t tell. She’s always skittish so I don’t know if I’d recognize worry in her.”

“If I were her, I’d be skittish too. She’s trusting you with her own creation.”

Amusement glinted in his eyes. “Charon said you’ve earned a few days off.” He put his hands on the edge of the table at his sides.

“Yes, as long as they get what they need recorded today. Why don’t I use the time to help with this tech issue? I’m familiar with QA testing and app launches.”

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