Page 22 of Desired By Eros

“Yes,” he relented with a dramatic sigh. “But I’m warning you, I snore.”

She rolled her eyes. “I wear earplugs. Problem solved.”

By the time they reached the campsite and rushed to her tent, the rain had turned into a steady downpour. Psyche handed Erosa spare towel as soon as they dashed into the tent. She shook out her jacket, then gestured to the corner.

“You can set up there. Just, uh, don’t get water everywhere.”

Eros gave her an exaggerated salute. “Yes, ma’am. You run a tight ship.”

“It’s a tent,” she corrected.

He grinned as he settled in. “A cozy one.”

Psyche glanced at him and decided it felt surprisingly…nice to have him there.

She moved around the small space and explained her routine, mostly to fill the silence. “I always start by reviewing my checklist for the day,” she said, pulling out a small, neatly organized notebook. “It helps me keep track of what I’ve done and what needs to happen tomorrow. Then, I write down three good things that happened today. Even if it was just, like, good weather or finishing a task.”

Eros lay sprawled on his side, head propped up on one hand, watching her with an easy smile. “Three good things, huh? What’s on today’s list?”

She glanced at him briefly before returning to her notebook. “Dinner was one. That pizza was really good.”

“I’ll take credit for that,” Eros said with a grin.

She ignored his interruption, continuing, “Two, I had a really productive day at the site. And three, I managed to stay calm even though plans changed last minute with the rain and everything.”

He nodded. “Solid list. I’d add: you let me crash your tent instead of kicking me out into the storm. Definitely a highlight for me.”

She paused, looking at him. “That’s not how it works. You’re supposed to come up with your own three things, not steal someone else’s.”

Eros laughed, rolling onto his back, and folding his hands behind his head. “Fine. Let’s see…Number one: got to hang out with my new favorite paleontologist. Two: didn’t get struck by lightning while flying earlier. And three: this tent is surprisingly cozy.”

Psyche tilted her head, the faintest smile tugging at her lips. “That’s…a pretty decent list.”

“Thanks,” he said, smirking. “But I think I’m stealing the pizza thing. That was life-changing.”

Shaking her head, she returned to her routine. After writing in her notebook, she pulled out a small pouch with essential oil blends and dabbed a little lavender on her wrists. She noticed Eros watching her curiously.

“It helps me relax,” she explained, holding up the bottle. “As long as it’s just a little bit, otherwise it can be too much, especially with my enhanced senses.”

“Does it work?” he asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

“It works for me,” she said simply, tucking it away and pulling out her planner.

Eros stretched and yawned. “You’re really methodical about all this, huh?”

“It’s important,” she replied, without looking up. “Having a routine keeps me grounded. Without it, things get…overwhelming.”

“Got it,” he said softly. “I won’t mess it up.”

When she finally finished and turned off her lantern, she slid into her sleeping bag and lay still, staring up at the ceiling of the tent.

“Thanks for being patient,” she said into the quiet.

“Anytime, Psyche,” Eros’s voice was low and warm in the darkness.

The rain lashed against the tent, and a sharp flash of lightning lit up the inside before the thunder rumbled through.Psyche shivered involuntarily and sat up, rubbing her arms. “It’s getting a little cold,” she muttered, pulling on her sweater.

She looked over at Eros, who she could see in the dark because of her shifter senses. He seemed completely unfazed, lounging against the makeshift pillow he’d fashioned from his rolled-up towel. “You could just sleep next to me.”

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