AllFreeNovel
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“In time.” Eros gathers stuff to make a sandwich. “All this okay to use?”
“Uh... It used to be, but I’m not sure how Carl will be about sharing our food now.”
Eros tosses it all back into the fridge but hands me a slice of bread. “Eat up, we are heading out again.”
“Sure, but I’m brushing my hair and teeth before we go,” I state and leave for my room.
I brush my long, light brown hair back and pull it up into a ponytail, then I brush my teeth and apply some deodorant. Staring into the mirror, I wonder if I can see the auras on my own, but even after a long, concentrated effort, eye strain is the only result.
Eros is swinging my car keys in his hand and has my purse on his shoulder, waiting at the front door. “I forgot how much maintenance goes into being a mortal.”
“Just be happy I’m rated on the low side of maintenance,” I say as we leave the house.
“I suppose you are.” Eros opens the car’s passenger side door for me and then pops into the driver's side.
I jump at his sudden appearance. The popping thing is disturbing for my mortal senses to register, but I shake it off. “Where are we going?”
“More training.” He pulls out onto the street.
“Do Carl and I have those pink swirls or a cord between us?” I ask and resist wincing because I’m not sure if I want to know.
Eros eyes me without looking directly at me. “From what I can see, your side of the connection is older, similar to a bonded pair of many years, but hazy. More like old friends.”
“You say you sensed my heart—the pure love and my grief.” I focus on Eros to see his reaction. “Can’t you tell me what is in Carl’s heart instead of me going through all this?”
Eros sighs. “No. For some reason, Carl’s heart is blocking my powers. It happens sometimes. Some people have a kind ofshield around them, and not even a god can get inside their walls.”
His answer sounds truthful to my ears. If anyone could have a shield like that, it would be Carl, just like he blocks everyone out of his home… everyone except for me. “Is it a bad sign that he has a shield around his heart? I mean, will he even be able to love me or show me if he does? Is that why we never got together?”
“To answer all of your questions… I don’t know.” Eros frowns. “He doesn’t read as a psychopath or being incapable of emotions. I have seen jealousy and caring for you in his behavior.”
Eros turns into the local grocery store parking lot.
“Here?” I ask with surprise.
“Yes, and I thought we could get some stuff for us to eat without upsetting Carl. Two birds and all that.”
Eros picks out a shopping cart and heads over to the produce section. He fills up the cart with strawberries, grapes, and then items for a hearty salad. I want to chuckle at the very domestic vibe the god is giving off.
I pull my camera out of my oversized bag to document a love god’s adventures in a grocery store. Eros plays along and poses for some shots, like overthinking a choice between two melons, or flexing when he picks up an obviously lightweight box of croutons.
Other people notice our impromptu photo shoot.
An older woman smiles dreamily at him and asks me, “Is he a professional model?”
“I think after this photo shoot, he should be.” I waggle my eyebrows.
“She’s putting together my portfolio.” Eros winks.
“I’d buy whatever he’s selling,” she mumbles as she walks away with a long look over her shoulder.
As we travel through the store, he drops a couple of filet mignons, fancy chocolates, gourmet popcorn, and expensive chips into the cart.
I frown as I tally up the bill in my head. “I don’t have a lot of money to spend on food at the moment.”
Eros pulls me to his side, grinning a brilliant smile that almost blinds me. “I’ve got you, my love. Remember, I’m still trying to woo you.”
“Speaking of which, I was wondering… do I get a stipend?” I wince since it doesn’t feel right to ask about money. “Because I will have more expenses soon, living on my own. I’m barely scraping by as it is. I don’t see how I can do what you’ll need me to and make ends meet.”
