Page 67 of Flowers Near Me

The conversation with Charon about the photos and the way he spoke of her like she was worth more than his existence, made her heart skip. She could admit she liked having his attention—even if she shouldn’t.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

WHEN A GOD FALLS

HADES

Finally.

Sephy had agreed to go on a genuine date. Not a scheduled one to promote the app or a contracted event. Sure, Hades used a game that heslightlytipped in his favor to get her to agree, but she knew the terms.

What will she wear? Is she excited?The joy almost burst from his skin.

He’d unintentionally overheard Charon and Sephy’s conversation in the apartment earlier. Most mornings, Sephy went to the gym, so he hadn’t expected to find her there, sitting close to Charon. When he’d portaled into his apartment, he remained silent, watching the little goddess’ attention dart between Charon and her phone screen filled with photos of him from the past few years.

Charon’s calm voice spoke a carefully cultivated truth about each picture. Sephy’s stiff body slowly unwound with each explanation.

Did she have any idea how perfect the living room smelled when she was in it or how warmth spread from his chest when she was near?

After Charon left, Sephy cleaned her mug over the sink. He took a few deep breaths as he admired her concentrated face, squinting at the dish in her hand.

“I’ve been thinking about our date.” With a snap of his fingers, the mugs sparkled cleanly, taking Sephy by surprise.

Wide eyed, Sephy, backed away from the sink. “Thank you.”

“Leave the dishes to me.” Grinning, he offered his hand, curious to see what she’d do. “Come here.”

He’d tried so hard to not touch her when they were alone for fear that he’d scare her off. Yesterday at the restaurant, as he’d sat in his seat waiting for her to return from the bathroom, the thought of their first kiss being shared with others made his insides twist. He’d hoped she’d grown fond of him enough that he might kiss her in private. His urge to hold her was growing with each passing moment.

He stood close to her in the kitchen, and Sephy answered by reaching for his hand. He pulled her into a hug, wrapping one arm around her shoulders and placing his palm on her soft hair. She melted into his embrace, and his mouth bloomed into a smile. She seemed to be warming to him. How had he become so fortunate that the Fates would allow this? A faint earthy smell filled his nose mixed with the vanilla and jasmine notes he’d come to enjoy.

He released her and motioned with his head towards the couches.

Hades sat next to Sephy once she slid onto the couch. “For our date, I was thinking we could spend a few days outside of the city. Do a short trip to get away from Olympus. What do you think?”

Sephy’s brow furrowed, but her cheeks darkened to a rosy hue. “I thought we agreed to adate. Not a weekend getaway.”

Hades shrugged, unrepentant. “We never agreed to a certain length of time. Besides, we’re about to start the next phase of promotion and will need a break after a month of press tour interviews.”

“Where will we go?” she asked.

“I want to surprise you, but I will say it’s in the countryside but still near some great food places.”

He’d hoped she liked his choice of destination. The moment he’d asked his team to draft Sephy’s contract, he’d instructed them to prepare his retreat property for an eventual trip with her.

Sephy studied him before asking. “Is it off the grid?”

“There’s internet, temperature control, staff available as well. We’re not camping, if that’s what you’re wondering.” He laughed at the image of him sitting on a picnic chair, eating a s’more. Although picturing Sephy doing the same stirred desire low in his gut.

“How will I know what to pack?”

“Charon will prepare your bags.”

“Quite an elaborate date,” she said with a grin.

Hades loosened his tie. “When your soulmate finally agrees to a date, you take her on a proper one.”

Her nostrils flared as she glared back at him, restraining the smile tugging at her lips. “Oh, we’re soulmates now?”

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