“I’ll call,” he said. He kissed the palm of my hand.
I tried to clear my head, shooing the butterflies in my stomach and reminding myself to breathe. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Just keep your phone on you.” He smiled seductively.
“You know what I mean,” I said, finally breaking eye contact.
“I’ll be fine,” he said, releasing my hand.
“Okay. I guess I’ll go then,” I stammered. “Sorry I burst in yelling and everything,” I added sheepishly.
“It’s okay,” he laughed. “I deserved it.”
I reached the door as he finished talking and opened it.
“Karly?”
I turned to look at him again.
“Thank you. For listening.”
I smiled and nodded my head. I closed the doors behind me as I left. I smiled apologetically to the girl behind the counter as well. I also made sure to tip the valet, even though he hadn’t touched my car.
Chapter Nine
I was deeply ashamed of how I’d acted. Never before had I decided to call someone out and then actually done it. It was my luck there would be a good reason for him not calling. In fact, I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t call now. I still kept my phone close, waiting for it to ring.
I didn’t have to wait long.
Bright and early the next morning, my alarm was replaced with a ringtone. Groggily, I pulled the buzzing phone out from under my pillow.
“Hello?” I found the time on the clock across the room. It was five thirty. I groaned.
“Well, that’s no way to say hello.” Zeus’s voice came through the earpiece happy and loud. I was going to kill him.
“Do you have any idea what time it is?” I whispered, not wanting to wake Jessie.
“Time to wake up?” He was entirely too chipper.
“I thought boys didn’t get up until noon,” I teased, getting out of bed and slipping into the hallway.
“They don’t if they have a business to run—and a pretty girl to call, of course.” I could hear the teasing in his voice, as well as the smile that was sure to be accompanying it.
“I’m not very pretty right now,” I teased back, going into the living room and sitting cross legged on the couch.
“I wouldn’t say that,” his voice purred. “I think you look good enough to eat.”
I froze. “How do you know what I look like?”
“I like the way your hair is sticking up, very sexy—almost like we spent the night together. Also love the green tank top with the black shorts. It complements the rosy color your face is turning.”
My eyes felt as wide as saucers, and I curled in on myself, quickly readjusting my bed-head ponytail.
“Where are you? How can see me?” I was never leaving my room without being ready again.
“Check the window, my dear,” his cocky voice came through.
I did and, sure enough, the blinds were open just enough that I could make out Zeus standing on the other side, watching me.
“Are you stalking me?” I teased, trying to cover up the mortification at my appearance.
“Maybe,” came the seductive reply.
“Oh, then maybe I’ll call the cops,” I whispered dangerously.
“Hey now,” he laughed. “I don’t have any weapons on me, just coffee. I thought you might be up for a cup this morning.”
“Well, I’m up, that’s for sure,” I laughed. “Hang on a sec, I’ll unlock the door.”
I hung up the phone and ran back to the bathroom to drag a brush through my hair. When I finally got to him, Zeus was pretending to be asleep, leaning on the siding. He was wearing a long sleeve, black shirt and faded jeans. If I looked good enough to eat, then he looked good enough to kill for.
“Huh? Oh, sorry,” he yawned, continuing with the ruse. “You took so long I thought I would take a little nap while I waited.” He grinned devilishly at me and stepped across the threshold.
“So this is where you live,” he said, studying the apartment. “It’s so tiny! That sucks, I’m sorry.” He laughed some more, protesting when I punched him in the arm.
“It’s no fancy resort,” I retorted. “But I love it, so there.”
“That’s good enough for me.” He smiled and held out a paper cup. “I thought if I came early enough, you wouldn’t say no to my coffee this time.”
I snorted and rolled my eyes. “That depends on how good it is,” I said, switching to mock seriousness. My face the perfect mirror of concentration, I took a large gulp of the coffee and promptly spit it out.
“Oh my gosh! I didn’t think you were serious!” He grabbed the cup from me as I coughed, bent over with my hands on my knees.
“No, it’s good!” I coughed out. “Just a lot hotter than I was expecting!” My eyes watered as I tried to breathe normally. Zeus sounded like he was ready to cough up a lung himself, he was laughing so hard.
“What’s going on?” a groggy voice said behind me. I turned around to see Jessie, yawning and rubbing her eyes. “What time is it?”
“Sorry Jessie,” I coughed. “I didn’t mean to wake you up, it’s still early.”
She seemed to suddenly realize who was standing in the room with me and her eyes narrowed.
“What is he doing here?” Her voice displayed her distrust.
“He brought me some coffee. I really was trying to be quiet; I’m sorry.” I hadn’t told any of my roommates I’d even been out on a date since I’d moved here, let alone one with Zeus. “We went out a couple weeks ago,” I added sheepishly. “I forgot to tell you.”
“Well,” she said thoughtfully. “Good for you guys. I’m going back to bed.” She winked at me, and Zeus chuckled.
“That went a lot better than I expected,” I whispered as our bedroom door closed.
“So, I had another reason for coming over,” Zeus said, setting our coffee on the table as I turned around.
“What’s that?”
“I want to go out again, tonight maybe? I thought we could go out to the mountains and do some stargazing.”
“How about,” I said, mulling it over, “we go out to the mountains tomorrow. I don’t have anything going on because it’s Saturday. We could make a day out of it if you wanted.” I passed by him and picked up my coffee, being careful not to burn myself as I sipped it.
“That sounds awesome,” he said. “But I was hoping for something to distract myself with tonight. No one’s heard from Niki still.” He picked up his own cup and gripped it tightly, staring down at it.
“So come over tonight. We can watch a movie or something.”
“Alright, cool.” He smiled at me and leaned up against the table. “So will the nightcap be here or at my place?”
“Get out!” I pretended to throw my coffee at him and he laughed. “No seriously, get out. I have to get ready for school.”
“You have got to be kidding me,” Zeus groaned, as I held up the “movie” we were going to watch.
“What? You’re Greek. I thought you’d get a kick out of it.” I smiled as I pulled the disc out of its case and put it in the player.
“It’s not even a movie, it’s a television show! You said we were going to watch a movie.”
“Come on,” I said, rolling my eyes. “It’s Hercules. Everyone loves him.” I shot a wink his way as I sat down on the couch.
“Not everyone,” he grumbled, moving to join me.
“Oh, really?” I said skeptically. “Who doesn’t like Hercules?”
“Hera,” he shot back, sitting next to me and folding his arms.
“Touché,” I laughed. “Either way, this is what I want to watch tonight. I thought we might be able to get a couple dates out of the series—if you wanted.”
“Fine,” he sighed. “But only because I like the idea of more dates!”
“It’ll be fun, you’ll see,” I said, picking up the remote and scooting closer. “The graphics are awesome. And by awesome, I mean nowhere near
as good as what we have today.”
I pressed play, and the first episode started.
“That is not how they dressed! Or talked! And why is that short guy with Hercules? Who is he supposed to be?”
“Calm down!” I laughed. “It’s just a show; relax a little.” I slipped my hand into his and snuggled closer to his side, resting my head lightly on his shoulder. I was rewarded with a smile and a slight hand squeeze. When we reached the part where Hera killed Hercules’ family, Zeus spoke softly again.
“That isn’t how it really happened.”
“Really?” I asked. His voice was full of pain reflected in his eyes. “How did it happen then, according to the actual myth?”
“Hera caused a deep sleep to come over Hercules. In the dream she gave him, he was slaying beasts to protect his family. She tricked him, though; while he slayed the monsters in his slumber, he slaughtered his family in real life.” His face had gone pale, and I could see how much this hurt him.
“How terrible,” I said, horrified.
“Yes,” he whispered back.
“Why would she do that?”
“She hated Hercules because he was the product of one of her husband’s affairs.”
“Why didn’t Zeus stop her?” I studied the grave look on his face, amazed at how deeply his country’s ancient religion affected him.
“He was with another woman,” he said mournfully. “Hercules’ family was dead before . . . Zeus even knew what had happened. I don’t think he ever felt more guilt over anything in his life.”
“I’m sorry this upsets you so much,” I said, noticing a slight shining in his eyes. I paused the show. “We can watch something else if you’d like.”
“No,” he said, clearing his throat. “This is fine. I didn’t mean to turn into a big baby about it. Real macho, right?” He laughed at himself and shook his head. “Let’s make some popcorn. You were right, these graphics are awesome!”
I laughed at his enthusiasm. All the sides I’d seen of him lately fascinated me—the annoying one I could do without, as well as the player and the jerk. But I liked this side of him—the one that was always laughing and getting me to laugh along. He was cocky, but sometimes that wasn’t so bad. It made for good banter, something I had always hoped for in a relationship.
I blushed as I got up and put the popcorn in the microwave. Neither of us had said anything about being in a relationship, but we’d both said we’d like to go out more, didn’t we? He had been making up for his first impression quite nicely. I almost forgot that I’d never wanted to see him again. It seemed odd—to be so happy spending time with a guy who’d made me feel like dirt.
There was something different about him now. I could see it in the way he looked at me and spoke with me. He wasn’t treating me like he had at the club, not that I was complaining. I really enjoyed the change.
“Well, hello you two!” Julie said as she came through the front door. “I didn’t know we were going to have company tonight,” she said nicely. “You must be Zeus,” she held her hand out and he shook it, laughing. “Pleased to meet you.”
“You as well,” he said, smiling. “And you are Jessie’s sister, I’m assuming?”
“Julie,” she said promptly. “Jessie and Jenny are my sisters.”
“Ah, triplets,” he said, making the connection.
“Yes! I’m actually going to be meeting them at a friends’ in a few minutes. Sorry to barge in!” She smiled at me and then halfway turned to Zeus. “Don’t screw it up,” she said so softly I almost didn’t hear her. A nearly unperceivable acknowledgment passed over his face and he nodded slightly. She turned and walked down the hall to her room, closing the door behind her.
“That was odd,” I said.
“What was?” Zeus turned around on the couch to look at me.
“What she said to you.” I pulled the popcorn out of the microwave and poured it into a bowl.
“She was probably just saying not to be a tool,” he laughed. “Watching your back for you.”
“If you think so,” I said skeptically. “It didn’t seem like it to me.”
“Come here,” he said, starting the show back up. “That popcorn smells divine!”
He pulled me down next to him, throwing an arm over my shoulders. With his free hand, he placed the popcorn on the coffee table in front of us then wrapped that arm around me as well, effectively making me feel like I was in a cocoon. I squirmed a little to get comfortable and we stayed that way for several, laughter-filled episodes.
Chapter Ten
At seven in the morning, Zeus arrived to pick me up. He’d stayed until after midnight planning our hike for today, but we’d decided to leave early for the Valley of Fire State Park to get some hiking in before the worst of the fall heat hit. He was wearing a white t-shirt and jean shorts, complete with hiking boots. I had gone for a tank top and Daisy Duke Style shorts—I didn’t want to risk roasting to death in the desert.
“Did you remember to pack a pair of long pants too?” he asked, picking up my backpack from beside the door.
“Yes. But I don’t want to die of heat stroke, so I didn’t put them on,” I laughed.
“We’re probably going rock climbing, that’s why I wanted you to bring them. It’d be a shame if you cut your legs up. Also, it gets cold in the desert at night.”
“I know,” I smiled. “I have lived in the desert my whole life!” He gave me a dazzling smile in return.
“I got everything for lunch and dinner in the car, are you ready to go?”
“Yes,” I grinned again. I had a feeling today was going to be one I’d remember for the rest of my life.
“Let’s go then!” He reached and grabbed my hand, tossing my bag over his shoulder.
I was surprised when he threw everything into the back of a Jeep. I should have known he had more than one car. I shook my head and rolled my eyes.
“What?” He opened the passenger door and helped me in.
“Nothing,” I laughed as he ran around the front and got in the driver’s side.
“I like cars, so what,” he joked. “There is a car for every occasion, and I think I should have one for each of them.”
“If you say so.”
“I do! Don’t you like it? This Jeep will be awesome in the park, you wait.”
“A car is just that, Zeus—a car. I don’t understand men’s obsessions with them.”
“You will after today, baby,” he crooned, peering at me over the top of the sunglasses he’d just put on.
“Baby?” I questioned, one eyebrow raised.
“Yeah. I like it, don’t you?”
“We’ll see,” I laughed.
The park proved to be as amazing as Zeus promised. Everything was a brilliant red, thus the fire reference. I kept having giggle fits because some of the sandstone was wavy and resembled bacon sizzling on the cliff face. There were ancient dwellings throughout the park, as well as cool rock formations.
We went rock climbing in one area of the park, analyzed some interesting petroglyphs after a small walk to another site, barbequed at the campground, and walked through the visitor’s center during the hottest part of the day. Once it hit about six, we started our hike. We’d be finished by sunset and then head back to the city, stopping in the mountains to star gaze. I was especially excited about the last part. I’d been able to see the stars every night in my hometown, but here the city lights washed them away.
The trail we walked had legends that went with the whole valley and all sorts of cool rock formations. One even looked like a piano! It seemed impossible for some of them to exist—they should have crumbled millions of years ago—but somehow they had stayed strong. Zeus impressed me once again by displaying his knowledge of the area; everything from dinosaurs to ancient basket-weavers. It sounded a lot like history class, but felt a lot like art class. I had more fun than I thought possible.
The air was still dry and hot as we drove back towards the city, although the
sun was beginning to set. The mountains rose up in front of us, the only barrier between us and home, but even with the wind blowing through the open vehicle, I still had to pull my sticky, damp shirt off my stomach.
“It would be so fantastic, if there was a little rain, don’t you think?” I looked out the top of the Jeep, glad I’d worn my hair back and it wasn’t blowing in my face.
“Rain, huh?” Zeus smiled and reached one hand out to hold mine. “Maybe it will rain, you never know.” He glanced up at the sky quickly and then returned his gaze to the road, concentration etched on his face.
“What are you doing?” I laughed.
“Nothing,” he grumbled, giving the empty sky a death glare.
“You are so peculiar!” I laughed and tightened my grip on his hand.
We were soon situated a little ways off the road, huddled next to a cliff face. Several rocks created a semicircle, effectively making it feel like we were closed in. It was apparent people had stopped here before since there was a fire pit and lots of tire marks on the side where we had parked. Zeus had a fire going with a couple of chairs set beside it. He had even brought a couple of blankets. It was simple really, more of a natural pullout from the road, but it was perfect. I’d never enjoyed plain dirt and rocks so much.
“Surprise!” Zeus pulled a bag of marshmallows out of one of his packs, followed by chocolate and graham crackers. “I brought hot coco mix too, if we want some.” A small saucepan and a bottle of water were pulled out of the bag as well.
“How thoughtful of you!” I smiled and looked up at the sky. The sun had just finished setting, and several stars shone through the dim light. “It’s beautiful up here. How did you find this spot?”
“Remember how I told you I planned where we were going?” He pulled out a radio and got up to set it on top of the car behind us.
“Mmhhmm.”
“I lied.” He laughed as he plugged his phone into the player. “I just kept driving until I found a place I thought was good enough.”
Zeus (Book One of The God Chronicles) Page 7
