A moment of silence passes, and then Eros suddenly sits both of us up.
Tomorrow...
My heart starts to pound, and it's my turn to tense against him. Make or break, I think numbly. That's how this moment feels to me for some reason. Whatever he has to say, it's make or break for us, and all I can do is suck my breath in as my god's words slowly unfold in my mind.
Would you...
I bite my lip hard. This is it. This is my worst fears coming true. He's going to ask me to—-
...like to go on a date with me?
Uh...
Did I really get that right?
Is that your answer, little bird?
Uh?
A smile of relief breaks over my lips at the note of teasing I sense in his voice. Uh huh, I quickly improvise while my heartbeat gradually settles back to normal. A date, for heaven’s sake. That's all my god wants, and here I am, almost about to drive myself out of my mind with worry.
I would love to go on a date with you, I tell him eagerly. Do you want me to make plans—-
Leave that to me, moraki mou.
All you need to do tomorrow is show up.
Chapter Six
Autumn in Vermont turns tree-canopied roads into a paradise of vivid colors, and it's a delight to watch my boot-covered feet sink under leaves of scarlet maples, bronze-tinged oaks, and bright yellow aspens.
Today, I tell myself determinedly, must be perfect. My god has likely gone out with countless women over the centuries, and even if he doesn't mean to, he probably wouldn't be able to help comparing a dating noob like me—-
Is that so?
A yelp of surprise escapes me as Eros' words slide into my mind without warning, and I can feel my god's broad shoulders shaking with mirth as invisible arms pull me close.
I did not mean to startle you.
Yeah...right. My words end in a whimper in my mind as he pulls me closer, and I feel my breasts start to swell against the hard wall of his chest. I'm just so damn sensitive around this god, I'm starting to think his divine pheromones might be a spell all on its own.
Did I make you wait long?
I answer him with a faint shake of my head. We're still in public, after all, and it's only going to be more trouble than it's worth to give other people a reason to think I've lost my mind because I've started talking to myself.
You look beautiful, moraki mou.
Words like that used to traumatize me, but when it's from Eros I almost feel like preening and begging for more, more, more. I usually avoid looking at myself in the mirror, but since it is our first date, I've made the effort to check my reflection, just to be sure I look okay.
For today's date, I have a black off-shoulder shirt tucked into pants that match the smoky shade of my eyes, and completing the look is my trusty pair of Chelsea boots and a fancy-looking top coat with Rosethorne's logo discreetly stitched on its breast pocket. Say what you want about my new school, but one thing's for certain: every piece making up my school "wardrobe" is absolutely date-worthy.
This is new...
It's my first time to try weaving my long blonde hair in a single braid, and I can't help feeling a little nervous as I feel Eros' fingers drift over the plaited locks. Do you like it?
I like it...
But?
It is not safe for other men to see you this way.
There's something about this look of yours that will draw out a man's inner beast.
While I appreciate his use of flowery speech, it's not exactly effective when the words also make me imagine just how big and hard Eros can get when his, err, inner beast is out, and shit, shit, shit, that is so not what I should be thinking about on our first date, dammit.
Did your parents ask why you were leaving home early?
The change in subject is a welcomed distraction, and I nod ever so subtly in answer. I told them I had to catch up on schoolwork. Eros moves me to his side as I speak, and his hand covers mine as we start to walk.
Did they believe you?
His question unfolds in my mind while another couple joins us as we're crossing the street, and I make myself wait until we're alone again before answering my god. They didn't stop me from leaving or anything like that...
But you think they knew you were lying?
Kinda?
Perhaps they suspect you've gotten yourself a boyfriend?
I move my shoulders in a careless shrug. I guess?
Then maybe I should introduce myself—-
I nearly choke. There's no need to meet my parents.
Why not?
Because that's so Pre-3rd, I answer breezily, and I'm a modern woman—-
Who also happens to be dating a primordial god.