Goddess of Love (Goddess Summoning #5)(61)

Venus gave Pea a panicked look.

"No, no, no. You don't have to worry about that tonight. Sorry, I shouldn't have even mentioned it. Here's what you do tonight - you let go of that famous control of yours and see what he has planned for you two. All you have to concentrate on is relaxing and having a good time."

"Relaxing and having a good time," Venus repeated. Were her palms moist? Impossible. The Goddess of Love simply did not get sweaty palms. She rubbed them down the thighs of her slacks just to be safe.

The doorbell rang and Venus felt her nervous heartbeat flutter in her throat. Pea winked at her, yelled at Chloe to quit her barking and opened the door.

By Hermes's flamingly g*y gonads, he looked delicious! He had on black slacks, a black sweater and a camel-colored cashmere jacket. He was freshly shaven. Venus knew if she leaned into him she'd be able to smell the scent of warm man mixed with just a hint of the soap he used. And she very much wanted to lean into him.

"Hi again, Griffin," Pea said.

"Hello, Pea." Griffin squatted down and held his hand out to the grumbling Chloe. "Remember me, Scottie cat? Remember me, kitty-kitty-kitty?" Apparently Chloe did because her grumbles turned to a tail-wagging wiggle and she allowed Griffin to scratch her on the head. When he stood up his eyes met hers. "Good evening, Venus."

"Griffin." She just said his name, but it came out as an audible caress and she watched his lips curve up in response.

"Where are you two kids going tonight?" Pea asked cheekily.

Griffin laughed. "It's a surprise."

Venus started to frown, but before she could tell him she didn't like surprises, especially from mortal men, Pea was already chattering happily away.

"A surprise! That's perfect. Venus loves a good surprise - it's so out of control. Isn't that right, Venus?"

"Yes, that's right," Venus said reluctantly, getting the message Pea was telegraphing perfectly.

"Good," Griffin said. "Then are you ready to go? I'm cutting it kinda close as it is."

"Yes, ready," Venus said, thinking, No, not ready.

As she walked past him to the door, he said, "Do you want to grab a coat?"

Venus threw Pea a look over her shoulder. "No, I'm fine. I am warm natured."

Pea grinned back at her as she closed the door.

Venus walked confidently to the vehicle in Pea's driveway - until it registered on her mind what her eyes were seeing.

"Why is it so big?"

"Well, I need it to haul my...ur...things around."

"What is it?"

"A Dodge Ram Dooley," he said, opening the passenger's door for her. "Sorry about the step up."

Venus looked at the inside of the huge black truck, which was a ridiculous height off the ground.

"By Hermes's flaming ass...hat." Remembering Persephone's comment about modern mortals not appreciating her divine genitalia curses, Venus faltered, mixing the ancient with one of the modern profanities she remembered from the Smart Bitches Trashy Books site. "How am I supposed to climb up into that creature?"

Griffin laughed. "By Hermes's flaming asshat?"

"Everyone knows how g*y he is and that he wears that winged hat all the time as his own personal fashion statement."

"Everyone knows this?"

Venus's eyes shifted from the truck to Griffin. "My hobby is mythology," she said quickly.

"Your name is Venus, you're a sex therapist, and your hobby is mythology. Are you sure you're not really a goddess?" he teased.

"If I was I could just zap myself up into that thing," she muttered. He laughed again and held out his hand to her. "Come on. I'll help you."

As his strong hands steadied her, and the jolt of reconnecting with his warm flesh tingled teasingly through her body, Venus was suddenly grateful for the huge truck and the need for his assistance. "Thank you," she said.

"My pleasure, ma'am." He reached up and pulled her seat belt down and across her, securing it in its holder. His face was very near hers and she could smell the scent of warm man and soap she had fantasied about earlier. He looked into her eyes and gave her his slow, sexy smile. "I want to be sure you stay safe," he murmured, his breath warm and sweet against her cheek. Unfortunately he didn't kiss her. Instead he climbed down out of the truck and hurried around to his own side.

Venus was surprised by how smooth the big truck drove, and she decided she liked the feeling of sitting up above just about everyone else on the roadway. Griffin pressed some buttons and soft music floated between them, which called to mind the slow dance they'd shared, which in turn brought back her nerves. She blurted, "Where are we going?" in a voice that sounded much too abrupt. She drew a calming breath. "I mean, you said it was a surprise, but can't you give me some hint or clue?"

"Sorry, didn't mean to sound so mysterious. I was really just kidding around with Pea." He glanced sideways at her and she thought that he, too, suddenly looked a little nervous. "We're going to an art opening. If you don't mind."

Venus's brows lifted. "You're taking me to an art opening?"

He looked at her silently before turning his eyes back to the road. "Sounds like you find it hard to believe I appreciate art."