Page 9

Chapter 6

Eros

E ros flew in circles high above the sprawling Denali forest, his sharp eyes scanning the ground below for any signs of danger. The vast wilderness stretched endlessly in every direction under the soft glow of the morning sun. He didn’t need to take this long—it was safe enough—but he couldn’t help himself.

Psyche, nestled securely in his arms, had her face pressed against his chest, her arms loosely draped around his neck. Every time she did that, it stirred something deep inside him, something warm and oddly grounding. She wasn’t self-conscious about it and didn’t try to play coy or put on airs. She just…was. It felt real, natural, and he liked it far more than he cared to admit.

He tilted his head slightly to glance down at her. “You okay?” he asked, his voice cutting through the wind.

She shifted slightly, tilting her head back to look up at him. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”

He grinned, unable to help himself. “Just checking. You look pretty comfy.”

She smirked. “I am. You make a decent flying couch.”

Eros let out a laugh. “A flying couch? That’s the best you’ve got?”

“Well, you’re not exactly fluffy, but you’re warm, so you’ve got that going for you.”

“Good to know I have my uses,” he said, shaking his head as he began his descent.

Landing smoothly in the quiet clearing just outside Psyche’s worksite, the gentle thud of his boots was muffled by the soft forest floor. With a swift motion, he tucked away his wings as he set her on her feet. She immediately dissolved into giggles, her laughter light and infectious.

He kept his hands on her waist, unable to stop himself from smiling. “What’s so funny?” he asked, tilting his head to catch her eye.

“I just remembered the look on my sisters’ faces when they caught us kissing,” she tried to stifle her laughter but failed miserably.

He chuckled, his grip on her tightening briefly. “Oh yeah, that was priceless. I wish we could’ve taken a picture of it.”

Psyche stepped back, slipping out of his hold, and folding the blanket. Eros had to fight the instinct to pull her back, already missing the warmth of her body against his. Instead, he put on his shirt and shoved his hands into his pockets, watching as she hooked her arm through his. That small gesture struck something in him—a quiet intimacy that made his chest ache in the best way.

“So,” he said, his voice casual despite the thoughts swirling in his head, “what’s on your agenda for today?”

“A lot of work, obviously. But I was also wondering where we’re going to have dinner later.”

Her tone was matter-of-fact, but her words caught him off guard. He blinked, looking down at her. “Dinner?”

“Yeah,” she said, glancing up at him with a small smile. “I’ve been liking our dinners together.”

For a moment, he was too stunned to respond. Then he cleared his throat. “Yeah, me too. I’ll find us a place.”

“Sounds good,” she said, releasing his arm as they neared the site. “What about you? What are you going to do until then?”

He shrugged, trying to play it cool. “More hiking, I think. I’ll get the rental car and your stuff. And, you know, the very important job of finding the perfect dinner spot.”

She laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Very important, indeed. Okay, I’ll see you later, then.”

“Yeah, later,” he echoed, watching her retreat toward the site offices. The smile on his face lingered long after she disappeared inside.

He turned and made his way to the park entrance, to the small bakery nestled near the visitor center. The scent of freshly baked bread and coffee greeted him as he stepped inside, and he made his way to the counter.

Placing his order with an easy smile, he noticed the way the cashier immediately brightened, her demeanor shifting as if she couldn’t help but react to him. It was the same everywhere—except with Psyche. She was so different from anyone he’d ever met. His usual charm seemed to bounce right off her, and he found himself constantly trying to figure her out.

Food in hand, he chose a table by the window, the soft murmur of conversations around him fading into the background. He pulled out his phone, relieved to see a signal. He grumbled quietly to himself, remembering Hephaestus’s tinkering. The blacksmith god had ensured that Eros’s phone couldn’t be used for anything too “creative” or, as Hephaestus would put it, “chaotic.” It was a subtle dig, a reminder of the limitations placed on him for his own supposed “good.”

Sighing, he pushed the thought aside. Complaining wasn’t going to get him anywhere. Instead, he tapped on the search bar and typed: Autism.

A list of results appeared, and he began scrolling, absorbing the information. After a few minutes, he refined his search: Tips for interacting with people who have autism.

He leaned over his phone, his coffee cooling beside him as he read through the list of tips. Each one felt like a small clue to understanding Psyche better, a roadmap for navigating her world. He swiped through more pages, taking mental notes.

His eyes scanned the paragraph on his screen, soaking in the advice. It explained that connecting with someone like Psyche required understanding and care. Showing genuine interest in her passions was a great way to build a connection, as those interests were often deeply important to her. He should avoid making assumptions about what she might be feeling—just because she didn’t express something openly didn’t mean it wasn’t there.

Clear and direct language was key, as she might take idioms or vague phrases literally, leading to confusion. It also emphasized the importance of giving her space when she needed it. Social interactions could be draining, and needing a break didn’t mean she was upset. If he was ever unsure about her feelings or needs, the best approach was simple: ask her directly. Honesty and communication would go farther than guessing ever could.

He sat back, his thumb hovering over the screen as he processed everything. No sarcasm? That would be…challenging. He thrived on teasing and innuendo, but Psyche rarely reacted the way others did. She didn’t laugh at the same jokes or fall for his usual charm, and while it had thrown him at first, it was refreshing now.

Scrolling farther, he paused at a line that struck him: “Autistic people often appreciate authenticity. Be yourself, but be mindful.”

He let the words sink in. He could do that. Maybe that’s why Psyche was different—he didn’t have to play games with her. She didn’t expect anything from him except what was real. And he found himself wanting to rise to the occasion.

It was a lot to take in, but somehow, it felt like the right place to start. Time to figure out the perfect dinner spot. Something low-key but memorable, a place where Psyche could relax and just be herself.

Eros tapped the screen of his phone, quickly narrowing down options for dinner. He remembered Psyche and her sisters indulging in seafood over the weekend, so he added that to his search criteria. A promising spot popped up nearby, one that boasted fresh, local catches and was close enough to keep the travel time short—perfect, considering Psyche’s preference for convenience. He made a reservation with a few quick taps, feeling satisfied that she’d approve.

With dinner plans settled, Eros went to get the rental car, set up her tent at the camping site, and made sure her stuff was safely stored inside it before he returned the rental. Then he spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the Triple Lakes Trail, enjoying the quiet challenge of the hike and the breathtaking views it offered. The time alone helped him clear his head, though thoughts of Psyche kept creeping in. By the time he returned to the campsite, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

When he reached Psyche’s tent, he paused at the sight of her belongings neatly piled up outside. She was crouched by the tent, dismantling it.

“Hey,” he greeted, strolling closer. “What’s going on?”

Psyche straightened, brushing her hands on her pants. “A room opened up in the barracks, but I decided against it. It seemed really loud over there, and I’m not sure I’d be comfortable. But then I found out there’s a cabin available nearby, and I’d be much happier there.”

He tilted his head, watching her closely. “You feeling good about the move?”

“Yes,” she nodded firmly, a small smile tugging at her lips. “This is better for me. I know it.”

“Okay. Let’s get this tent down.”

Together, they worked in comfortable silence, dismantling the tent and hauling her belongings to the cabin. It was an open-layout space with a bed tucked against one wall and a compact kitchen and living area on the other side.

Eros surveyed the space as Psyche’s face lit up. “This is great,” she said, turning to take it all in. “I can actually make food here, and it’s so much more comfortable.”

He wandered to the back and peeked through the sliding glass door that led to a small fire pit. “This is definitely a step up from a tent,” he agreed, returning to find her arranging her things.

Suddenly, she turned to him. “What are we doing for dinner?”

He grinned. “You’ll see. Ready to go?”

It was a short flight, followed by a brief walk, and then they arrived at a quaint resort tucked among the trees.

“This place is nice,” Psyche observed, her eyes scanning the elegant surroundings as they made their way to the restaurant.

“Yeah, the restaurant’s in the back. It’s supposed to have a great view,” Eros explained, leading her to the host stand.

Once seated, Psyche glanced around the beautifully lit space and smiled. “I like this. I’m excited to see more of Denali while I’m here.”

Her enthusiasm tugged at something in him, and he was glad he didn’t have to guess whether she liked the place.

Psyche picked up the menu and began scanning it. Her eyes widened as she reached the seafood section, her fingers tracing over the listed options. “Oh, they have salmon! And scallops, too,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. “I was hoping for something fresh like this.” She glanced at Eros with a small smile.

Eros leaned back in his chair, watching her with quiet amusement. “You’re like a kid in a candy store.”

She chuckled softly, her focus still on the menu. “I can’t help it. Seafood is my favorite.”

After some deliberation, she made her decision. “I think I’ll go with the grilled salmon and vegetables. It sounds perfect.”

He raised a brow. “Perfect, huh? High praise already.”

“It’s just exciting to find a place with such a variety,” she admitted, looking up at him. “I bet it’s amazing.”

When the server came by, Psyche confidently placed her order, her tone bright and enthusiastic. Eros picked something heartier—the steak dish—and handed the menu back with a grin. “We’ll see if it lives up to your expectations,” he teased.

“I’m sure it will,” she said, her expression earnest. Eros couldn’t help but find her enthusiasm contagious, even as he made a mental note to bring her to more places like this in the future.

As they waited for their food to arrive, Eros focused on putting some of the tips he’d read into practice. He made sure his questions were clear and specific, avoiding any overly vague or figurative language.

“How was work?”

“It was good,” she replied, though her brow furrowed slightly. “But I was surprised. The site manager had an emergency, and there’s a new guy stepping in. I hope they’re easy to work with. Rebecca was very understanding about how I like to manage my work.”

“Do you think you’ll need to explain that to him?”

“Probably,” she replied, her voice steady. “I don’t mind as long as he’s open to listening. I’ve gotten better at explaining what I need.”

“That’s good,” he said, making a mental note to encourage her confidence. “You’re great at what you do. It’s only fair they give you the space to do it your way.”

Her lips curved into a small smile. “Thanks. I think I’ll be okay. It helps to prepare for things ahead of time.”

He nodded, recognizing the truth in her words. Psyche thrived on structure and forethought, something he was beginning to appreciate more deeply.

When their meals arrived, he noticed how her green eyes sparkled with excitement. “This looks amazing,” she murmured, picking up her fork with care. She took a bite, and her expression softened. “Oh, it is perfect.”

“I’m glad you like it,” he said, smiling.

They continued eating, with Eros asking simple, direct questions to keep the conversation flowing. “What’s your favorite part of working at the site?” he asked at one point.

Psyche tilted her head thoughtfully. “I like the solitude. Not that I don’t enjoy talking to people,” she quickly added, “but there’s something calming about focusing on the work without distractions.”

“Yeah, I get that,” he said. “Sometimes being around too many people can be…a lot.”

She nodded, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Exactly. It’s nice to be understood.”

He filed that moment away, pleased that his approach was working. When they finished dinner, she seemed genuinely at ease, and he found himself quietly proud of the effort he’d put into understanding her better.

He watched her as she spoke, noting how she lit up when she talked about things she enjoyed. Eros, for his part, was more subdued, but he couldn’t help teasing her about her enthusiasm for the food, which earned him playful smirks in return.

Eros paid the bill and led Psyche out into the cool evening air. After a short flight, their steps naturally fell in sync during the walk back to her cabin, their footsteps crunching against the gravel path. Psyche tilted her head back to look at the stars scattered across the sky, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“That was nice,” she said, breaking the silence.

He glanced at her, catching the contentment in her expression. “Yeah, it was.”

When they reached the cabin, Psyche paused by the door, her hand on the knob. “Thanks for dinner.”

He nodded. “Of course. Have a good night.”

She blinked, surprised. “Wait, you’re leaving?”

Eros raised an eyebrow. “It’s not raining, Psyche. No reason for me to stay.”

“Oh, right,” she said quickly, her gaze dropping before she added, “You probably have a date or something.”

He huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “No.” Though in his mind, he added, I haven’t had a date since we started this whole thing at Denali.

“Oh,” she said again, her brow furrowing. “Then you should just stay here. I mean, you don’t really sleep, right? So, you can do that here.”

He hesitated, then shrugged. “Okay.”

Once inside, Eros settled on the couch, watching her as she busied herself with her evening routine. He wasn’t sure what his plan was—sitting here all night wasn’t exactly thrilling—but something about being near her felt oddly…right.

When she finally joined him, she looked refreshed, her soft pajamas emphasizing the graceful curves of her frame. He averted his gaze, keeping his thoughts firmly in check.

Psyche sat down, tucking her legs beneath her. “What were your three things today?”

He leaned back, considering her question. “Helping you move, finding that dinner spot, and…” He smirked. “Hiking the Triple Lakes Trail. Again.”

She laughed softly. “Sounds productive.”

“What about you?” he asked.

She smiled. “Deciding to get this cabin, dinner, and…well, settling in. It feels good.”

He studied her relaxed posture, the soft look in her eyes. “What are you thinking?” she asked suddenly.

Without thinking, he blurted, “Our kiss.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Our kiss?”

He sighed inwardly but decided to own it. “Yes. I liked it.”

Her lips curled into a small, shy smile. “Oh. I liked it too.”

“Would you like another one?”

She nodded, and as he leaned in, he paused just before their lips met. “Just to be clear, you didn’t like it just because of your sisters’ reactions, right?”

She giggled, her breath brushing against his lips. “Yes, I liked it, Eros.”

He closed the space, their lips meeting in a kiss that felt as natural as breathing. Her response was immediate and warm, and he pulled her closer.

Eros felt her responding fully now, her lips moving against his with a tentative eagerness that sent a thrill through him. When a soft, breathy moan escaped her, it was almost his undoing. Instinctively, he deepened the kiss, and slid his hand up her back to cradle her closer. But just as the intensity built, reason broke through the haze, and he gently pulled away, breathing heavily.

Psyche looked back at him, her lips slightly parted, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. Her eyes were wide, and for a moment, she looked almost stunned, as though processing what had just happened. Then, to his utter delight, she touched her lips with her fingers, her expression softening into something curious and wonder-filled.

“Wow,” she whispered, barely audible, before meeting his gaze.

He grinned, but his usual cocky charm was tempered by a flicker of awe. “You okay?” he asked, his voice low and slightly hoarse.

Instead of answering, she leaned back in, brushing her lips against his in a soft, lingering kiss that made his pulse race. It wasn’t hurried or uncertain this time—just sweet, intentional, and completely her.

He froze for a beat, stunned by the softness of her boldness, then gave in entirely. He moved his hands from her waist to her hips, his fingers splaying over the curves he’d only admired from a distance until now. She felt warm and soft under his touch, grounding him even as his thoughts spun.

When she pulled back slightly, her lips hovering just a breath away from his, she whispered, “I liked that.”

“So did I,” he murmured.

He captured her lips in another kiss that left them both breathless. As her hands rested lightly on his shoulders, he let his lips wander down to her neck. He pressed soft, deliberate kisses along the delicate skin, feeling her warmth radiating against his lips and the subtle, quickened beat of her pulse beneath them. Her scent was intoxicating, a mix of her usual natural sweetness and something heightened, more primal.

“How do you know you like it?” he murmured against her neck.

She took a breath, her voice soft but steady as she answered. “Well, my heart rate is elevated, and my skin feels warmer. There’s also this?—”

He smiled against her skin as she began to analyze her reaction. The clinical way she spoke was so uniquely Psyche. She wasn’t trying to sound impressive or calculated; she was simply being honest, and it was endearing.

He pulled back slightly, lifting his gaze to her face, and sure enough, she wore that unmistakable expression: her nose wrinkled slightly, her lips parted, her eyes alight with thought. This time, her eyes gleamed with a warm hazel hue.

She caught him staring, her brows lifting. “What?”

His grin was unrepentant. “Go on, tell me. What else are you feeling?”

She hesitated for a moment, then continued, her tone growing softer. “There’s this…light, fluttery feeling in my chest. And my skin—” Her fingers brushed her own arm absently. “It’s like it’s more sensitive. Even small touches feel…” She trailed off, her cheeks turning pink.

Eros tilted his head, feigning innocence. “Feel what?”

Her lips twitched, and she shot him a mock glare. “You know what I mean.”

He chuckled, leaning forward to press another kiss just below her jaw. “I do,” he said softly, “but I like hearing you say it.”

Eros nipped at her neck playfully, and she shivered under his touch. Still, she kept talking, her voice growing softer as she continued to describe the sensations she was experiencing. Her words fascinated him, and he tightened his hold on her waist, his grip protective but deliberate.

“Psyche, are we going to have sex?”

“Oh,” her breath hitched, and she stilled.

Eros pulled back, immediately gauging her reaction. Her brow furrowed as she searched for the right words. “It’s just…” she began, her voice tentative. “This day has been a lot, and I’m exhausted. I can’t have sex on top of that too.”

He studied her for a moment, taking in her honesty and her nervousness. “Right,” he said, his tone gentle. He began to loosen his hold, but her hand reached out to touch his forearm.

Her eyes searched his face with worry. “Oh no, did I offend you?” she asked quickly. “I like sex—it’s good physically—but I just can’t right now.”

His expression softened, and a small smile tugged at his lips. “Don’t worry, Psyche. Never apologize for knowing what you want or need, especially when it comes to sex.”

She relaxed at his words, her shoulders easing. “Okay,” she said quietly, a small smile playing on her lips.

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “We don’t have to rush anything.”

Her smile widened slightly, and she leaned into his touch. “Okay.”

“I can take rejection, Psyche,” he teased, his grin softening for the moment. “But let’s not pretend my ego is foolproof. A few more ‘no’s, and I might need therapy.”

Psyche’s lips twitched as she tried not to laugh. “You? Therapy? That would be interesting,” she said, a playful gleam in her eye. “Do you think the therapist would survive you?”

“Survive?” he asked with mock indignation. “I’m a delight. But I guess I’d have to start every session with, ‘Hi, I’m Eros, and I’ve just discovered that I can, in fact, be told no.’”

She laughed, the sound light and genuine, and shook her head. “It’s not rejection,” she said, nudging his arm. “It’s just…pacing.”

“Ah,” he said, tilting his head in exaggerated contemplation. “Pacing. The polite version of rejection.”

“It’s not!” she insisted, trying to sound serious but failing as she grinned. “It’s me being honest. Would you prefer me to lie?”

“Never. If you lied, I wouldn’t get to see you do that adorable little thing you do when you’re trying to explain yourself.”

She blinked at him. “What thing?”

“That thing,” he said, pointing at her as she raised an eyebrow. “You wrinkle your nose just a little, like you’re trying to convince yourself as much as me.”

Psyche’s hand went to her face, and she laughed. “I do not!”

“You absolutely do,” he said with a grin. “And for the record, I think your pacing is smart. Keeps me on my toes.”

She shook her head, still smiling, and leaned back into the couch. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, here I am,” he said, spreading his arms with a dramatic flourish, “completely at your mercy.”

She laughed again, and Eros felt a wave of satisfaction. Keeping things light felt right. For now, anyway.