Page 37 of Cupid's Last Arrow

“Nope.” His warm, firm fingers lift my chin up so I look at him again. “Eye contact. You need to work on holding someone’s gaze. It promotes bonding, connection, and confidence. It shows interest in that other person.”

I gulp but hold his piercing gaze. I feel vulnerable, naked. I’m sure Eros can see right into my soul, god powers or not.

His hand grazes my forearm, and I flinch slightly, surprised by his touch.

“Second lesson, this is a flirty touch. When you are a matchmaker, you will influence your target to feel compelled to do this, signaling their interest to the other person.” Eros touches key points as he explains. “The forearm is the most neutral area, but it’s effective to initiate first contact and test the waters. You can touch the shoulder, lower back, and upper back.” His strong hands move and caress each spot as he demonstrates.

My skin erupts with goosebumps, and I shiver under his rapt attention. Why does it feel like I’m the only person who exists when he focuses on me?

His knee gently bumps mine. “Or even a brush of the legs or thighs will work.”

He reaches out and tucks a loose lock of hair behind my ear, and my breath hitches as he skims his fingers along my jaw.

“Hair tucking and jaw touching are a bit more progressive. They should only be used after the other touches are well received. Placing a hand on the knee or thigh amps things up too.” He rests his large, warm hand on my thigh. His thumb strokes my inner thigh, and I squirm under all his affection.

“Breathe, and just feel any emotion that comes up,” he says gently, and I follow his instruction, taking a deep breath. “Dee,I want you to be comfortable with touch so you will be ready for Carl and you can know how it feels to be cherished. This understanding will make you better at your job.”

“I suppose I need to be comfortable. I don’t want him to think I’m frigid or lose him because I’m unaffectionate.”

He removes his hand. “Now, touch me.” I hesitate, and he encourages, “You’ve touched me before.”

“I…” I clench my hands, feeling nervous and awkward.

“Dee? Why are you resistant to touch? Did something happen in your life?” His voice is filled with concern.

“Uh, well, I’m just not comfortable with it. What if I do it wrong?”

“Why do you think you could do it wrong?”

“From what I remember, before my dad took off, my parents weren’t very affectionate with each other or with me. I didn’t get a lot of hugs growing up.”

“Your father left?” Eros tilts his head, studying me. “How old were you?”

“Twelve.” I frown. “I’ve only seen him a handful of times since then. The only time he really showed up was to pay for things, like a big chunk of my schooling.”

“That must have been hard for you to have him leave at a vulnerable age. You lost trust in people being there for you when you needed them, didn’t you?”

Tears well up in my eyes. Eros nailed my insecurity, even if I don’t want to acknowledge it. “I guess so.”

“Do you think that might be why you haven’t pursued Carl in all these years?” Eros asks. “You were afraid he would disappear on you, afraid to be emotionally vulnerable, but you could count on him to help with money.”

Dammit. He’s rooting out my emotional damage now. “Yeah. I suppose. Losing my dad probably didn’t help me when it comesto taking risks. As you know, I haven’t had a lot of boyfriends. I was never a pursuer of relationships.”

“I get it. It’s scary to put yourself out there and possibly get rejected.” He smiles gently. “You have confidence in your art, so why not in your appeal? If you had more confidence in your wonderful personality and your enticing looks, you could get almost anyone you wanted. Even someone like me.”

“Like you? A god?” I chuckle, but then I understand his point. “Well, I could stand to be kinder to myself. I just don’t get much attention like other women do.”

“Because you don’t send out vibes that you’re interested in something.” Eros arches his brow. “But if you did… whoa, you would have a line of suitors.”

I blush at the idea and shake my head.

“Back to the topic of affection…” Eros says, then asks, “When you were in a relationship, how did you react to their touch?”

“I liked it well enough… usually. I could have been more physically affectionate.”

“You don’thaveto be anything, but do youwantmore physical affection in your life?”

“Yes, I do,” I answer with determination. I don’t want to miss out on love anymore.

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