Read Online Apollo's Gift (The Greek Gods Series) by Sandy Rowland - Free Book Online Page A

displayed on the far wall and shuddered. “It’s unique.”
    “I thought you’d like it.” John grinned and crumbled peanut shells between his fingers, littering the table with fine dust. “You’re not like other girls.”
    She felt another of his flirtatious lines coming on. It was flattering that he bothered, but she preferred honesty and a direct approach. “How am I different?”
    “I’m not sure, but there’s something about you.” He tossed a shelled nut into his mouth. “You’re sweet, for one thing, and you know how to dress for a first date. None of that fancy outfit ‘I’m trying to impress you’ garbage. Jeans say ‘take me as I am’. I like that.”
    What a dichotomy, an ambitious man that avoided pretension. “I didn’t realize I was making a statement.” She scanned John’s green marine t-shirt. His tan biceps bulged beneath the short sleeves. “What are you saying with your shirt, that you’re an ex-marine?”
    His lips widened to that lopsided grin. “Nope. That I need to do laundry.”
    Cassie couldn’t help but smile. John’s teasing fed her need to play. It had been far too long since she’d relaxed with a man and had a good time. Who said it had to become a relationship ?
    The server brought their salads and the band started up.
    “These guys are perfect,” said John. “What they lack in talent they make up for in volume.”
    “You like them?”
    “Sure.” The twang of country guitar reverberated from the small stage.
    “What?” This wouldn’t work. “I can’t hear you,” she mouthed.
    John snatched his plate, left his side of the booth, and scooted in beside her. “How’s this?”
    His hot breath tickled her ear, sending shivers down to her toes. John was cute, fun, and a lifeline to normal. She nodded, afraid her voice would squeak a reply. His clean scent wrapped around her like a warm towel fresh from the drier. Breathing in, she filled her lungs with him and memorized the perfume of rugged man and soap. Cassie stared at his eyes, but her gaze drifted to the space between his firm jaw and straight nose. His mouth intrigued her as he spoke, but she couldn’t focus on the words. Each movement of his delectable lips distracted her mind. Imagination took over and she visualized how his mouth would feel on hers. Would his kiss be soft or firm and demanding?
    “Well?” John stared at her, apparently expecting an answer.
    Damn. In her stupor she’d missed everything he’d said. Heat crept up her neck. “Say again?”
    He blew out a frustrated breath. “You didn’t hear anything I said, did you? My bad. The music is too loud. If it’s okay with you, we can get the food to go and enjoy a quiet dinner at my apartment.”
    He had her full attention. “Your place?” Imaginings of his soft lips pressing hers, crowded her mind. She swallowed. Visions of his strong arms around her and that longed for moment when he took her to his bed. Damn, she was doing it again. Focus. Hadn’t she been hurt enough by men? Did she have to act like an out of control teenager? Get a grip.
    She shouldn’t consider a relationship with John. Somehow she’d drive him away just as she’d done with every other guy. He’d leave her with a fresh, gaping wound to her self-esteem.  Did she have a talent for picking men unable to commit? Not a pleasant thought. And there was that red flag, his need to make connections. He’d denied that his objective was to meet her dad, but she’d been lied to before. Eric had lied. Or could her mom be right, and men wanted a goddess that looked like sex on stilettos rather than someone real to build a life with?  Her stomach sank. She hoped not.
    Cassie took a long look at Mr. Hottie. He was ambitious. Ambition didn’t guarantee that he wasn’t interested in her. What if John was different from the men in her past? She could give him a chance. If he were still around in another month, she could sum up her feelings and see if a relationship added