Page 26

“Favorite book?” Scarlett read. “The Iliad.”

Makes sense. I wondered if he’d changed that for me or if he’d already listed it as his favorite.

Scarlett kept reading the questions and responses. “What exactly are you looking for? I’m searching high and low for my Aphrodite. Do you have any nicknames? Mere mortal. Do you have any hidden talents? Being Aphrodite’s favorite lover.”

I scoffed. “In his dreams.”

Scarlett ignored me and kept going. “Do you believe in God? No, I only worship one goddess. Would you ever ghost someone you’re dating? Not even if my girl causes another Trojan War. What is your biggest pet peeve? Women making very obvious mistakes, even if they’ve been warned not to.”

This guy had a lot of nerve.

“Favorite cuisine? Greek. What are you most grateful for? Aphrodite giving me the time of day. What is your ideal night? Curling up with Aphrodite on a couch watching a movie.”

I rolled my eyes.

“What holidays are important to you? The Aphrodisia festival. Do you have a hidden talent? Getting a goddess to fall in love with a mere mortal. Where do you live? NYC. What’s your love language? Physical touch.” Scarlett looked up. “Those last two seem like real answers.”

“At least he’s not from Jersey,” Jacob said.

I laughed. “Anything else?”

“So now you’re curious?” Scarlett waggled her eyebrows at me.

“No. I was just wondering if we were done so we could turn on the football game.”

Scarlett laughed, but it caught in her throat when her phone buzzed. “He sent another message.” She clicked on it and read it out loud: “Is this still Aphrodite? Or am I talking to Scarlett Hunter again?”

We all froze.

“How does he know my name?” Scarlett asked.

Axel grabbed Scarlett’s phone. “How do you know her name is Scarlett?”

“Is this the boyfriend?”

“Fiancé,” Axel corrected.

“Axel Stevens. Nice to meet you. Good luck in the game on Saturday. You’re going to need it.”

Axel frowned. “Who the fuck is this guy?” He looked at me.

I shrugged. “Why are you looking at me? I have no idea.”

“How does he know all our names?”

“I’ll ask him,” RJ said. He grabbed the phone and typed out the question.

My mystery man’s response came right away: “I recognized James Hunter on Saturday night. It didn’t take much to figure out that Scarlett was his daughter. And Aphrodite his niece. Not sure who I’m talking to now. A protective friend? Jacob Miller, perhaps? Wait. No. I’m guessing it’s the little brother.”

Jacob frowned.

“This guy is good,” RJ said. “Respect.”

“Maybe this was a bad idea,” Jacob said.

I stared at him. “Ya think?”

“I don’t know,” RJ said. “He seems kinda cool.”