Ares' Temptation by Aubrie Dionne

her. Syrinx had said she’d never seen him with another woman. Maybe he was telling the truth. “So I’ll pick you up on Friday?”
    Ares folded his hands in front of his gold belt and nodded. “I look forward to it.”
    Hadn’t she taught him that phrase? She smiled proudly. “Very good. You learn fast.”
    “I have a good teacher.”
    The room heated by a few degrees. The thought of staying for dinner, or even staying the night danced through her head. Kaye reminded herself she’d only met him a few days ago, and her impulsive urges had never gotten her anywhere good in the past. “I really should be going.”
    “Of course.” Ares glanced at the floor. Was that disappointment crossing his face?
    He ushered her toward the main hall. The mess with the vase had been cleaned, and the scent of roses lingered in the air.
    She paused at the door. “So, Friday, around nine a.m.?” She hoped Pan had some type of alarm clock.
    Ares nodded. “Nine a.m.”
    Before she could turn away, he swooped down and brushed her cheek with his lips. Kaye’s knees weakened, and she held herself up with sheer will power as she said good-bye and stumbled to her car. No matter his intentions, she’d already fallen hard.
    He would be even harder to resist while sharing the same room. She sighed, running her hand through her curls. She’d bought the tickets and emailed her mom. Her family already planned for one more seat.
    There was no turning back now.

Chapter Seven
    Puppet and Swan
    “You’re bringing Ares where?” Syrinx bent over a marigold, inspecting the soil.
    Kaye had assumed her friend would be pleased with the state of the greenhouse and her new love life. Despite the distractions, she’d managed to get all of her work done and score the hottest guy of the century. Too bad Syrinx didn’t see it the same way.
    “It’s only a family reunion. It’s not like we’re getting married.”
    Syrinx gave her the crazy eyes she usually reserved for ludicrous stories on the news.
    Kaye stopped and placed both hands on her hips. “What?”
    Her best friend shrugged. “He doesn’t strike me as a meet-the-fam type of guy.”
    She was right there. “All I need is a hot date to get my family off my back. It doesn’t matter if he beheads warriors and slays mythological beasts for a living.”
    Syrinx tapped her fingers on her chin. “I know he left you hanging at the party and wants to make it up to you. But to leave his army unattended for over a week? Something doesn’t add up.”
    Hurt panged Kaye’s chest. They’d been friends for so long, and Syrinx had wanted her to find someone. So why was she so against Ares? Was it because he was a god? “You don’t think he could like a clumsy mortal like me?”
    “No. It’s not that.” Syrinx placed a curl behind Kaye’s ear lovingly. “More like I’m not sure he deserves you . Reading chick lit and wearing Banana Republic shirts just doesn’t sound like the Ares I know.”
    Kaye sighed, wishing Syrinx could just be happy for her. Instead, she was reaffirming Kaye’s own doubts. “Maybe I shouldn’t have asked him.”
    Syrinx squeezed her hand. “Oh, Kaye. I want you to find someone so badly. I’m probably being paranoid. Take him to the party and have a great time. Just be careful, that’s all.”
    “So you’ll manage without me?”
    “Of course I will. I may not be able to balance all the accounts or track profits, but they’ll still be here when you get back.”
    Kaye threw her arms around her best friend. “Thank you! I’ll tell you all about it.”
    Syrinx squeezed back. “I hope you do! I can’t wait to hear about the look on your family’s faces when they meet him.”
    Kaye put both elbows on the countertop and dreamed. “Neither can I.”

    When Kaye reached her car after work, she realized she’d forgotten to tell Syrinx about her newfound athletic skills. All of the excitement about Ares had taken every moment of conversation.
    Kaye turned back to