Isa's Secret (The Rise of Gods Book One) Read online

  Did he just say fret not? I pushed away from my car. “Sadly, I don’t. Never got one made.”

  As if he were disappointed in me, he shook his head and took a step back. “Silly girl. Come, I’ll take you home, and you can call a locksmith to unlock your car and make a new key.” Why had he been so amused by that?

  Why hadn’t I thought of a locksmith? Why the hell had I felt I had to tow the damn car? A blush crept up to my cheeks at my shame. Well, it just showed that I didn’t know crap about any of this. “Does it cost a lot?” I nervously asked as I followed behind him to his car, parked only three cars down.

  “Shouldn’t,” he answered, while unlocking the doors with the key fob.

  He opened the passenger door, and after I slid into the plush leather seat, he closed the door. There was a pleasant yet odd mixture of scents, I realized while I tried to calm my nerves. Leather and bubble gum. I swear that had to be it. Intriguing aroma preference. I found it peculiarly fitting for a man I knew nothing about. The car seemed nice as well. While I had no knowledge of cars, I knew this was a much nicer vehicle than mine.

  I glanced over at him as he closed his door, and I nervously buckled up. So um yeah, here I was, in a car, with a perfect stranger, who happened to look like a god, I might add, and I was the queen of awkward. Screaming fuck in my head, I took a deep breath, and turned to face this delicious man who had made me lose all rational thought process.

  “Where do you live?” he asked as he pulled out his phone and tapped at it. Awkward as ever, I just looked at him as if I heard nothing. God, what’s wrong with me?

  He showed me his phone screen, where he had a navigation app pulled up. Feeling like a complete moron, I quickly told him my address. I realized while watching him that even with his perfectly large masculine hands; he had deft fingers flying across the screen as he quickly got our destination located. Those hands and fingers handling that small phone were almost too much for my brain. I pondered what else his hands were skilled in. Where were these thoughts coming from?

  Once the address was in and the GPS told him directions, he buckled up, started the car, and put it in reverse.

  He seemed to look over his shoulder, but he kept glancing at me while backing up. Why was he glancing at me? Or maybe I saw things wrong. Perhaps he was looking out my window to see if anyone was coming. Yeah, that was it.

  “What’s your name?” he asked in that deep rumbling voice with the thick accent. The hell was he from, and why couldn’t I place that accent?

  “Isa.”

  He paused for a moment, but then put the car in drive and headed out. “Isa?” he asked, as if he were testing my name on his tongue. Or was he mocking me? But the way he rumbled it and curled my name in that heavy accent did wicked things to me.

  “I know, it’s a weird name, but my mom was pretty intent on naming me something fantastically odd, as she would say. She said I was a miracle baby and needed a name to show just how special I am.” I always had to explain this crap to people because they would laugh at my name or look at me bewildered. It was not an everyday name, and I had not met many people named Isa. In all my school years, people pronounced my name wrong. They’d always say eye-sah when it’s pronounced ee-sah. Some bitches in school gave me a hard time and pronounce it eye-sah because they knew how much it angered me.

  “It’s a beautiful name to match the beauty of the holder.”

  Quickly, my cheeks flushed, and my heart raced in my chest. Did he call me beautiful? Or well, that I was a beauty? No, no, I couldn’t think that. I couldn’t just believe he had called me that.

  I looked out the window and tapped my fingers nervously on my lap. What the hell was I supposed to say to all this? Thank you? That would be the right thing, but I didn’t want him to think I took it as a compliment if it weren’t meant as a compliment. He was attractive, and I was pretty sure he was used to better looking women falling all over him.

  “My name is Rune.”

  Now that was a strange name. Wasn’t Rune for witchy stuff or something? I’d have to look it up later. I liked his name though; it suited him.

  I looked over at him and watched as he drove. One hand was on the steering wheel in a loose grip, and the other rested on his coffee and would occasionally bring it to his lips and took a sip.

  Shit, my Frappuccino! I looked down at my lap, pulled my straw out of the paper, put it in the drink, and took a hesitant sip. It was pretty good. I took a bigger suck of it.

  “You’re not much of a talker, are you?” Amused again.

  I cringed and swallowed my drink, then looked at his face and saw his eyes on me, and then back on the road. His lips were curled up in a smile. “I… I am.”

  He chuckled and turned on the blinker, then turned with ease. “I don’t believe you, Isa.” pause. “How old are you?”

  He wanted to know my age! Guys who were usually interested always asked for age, right? Unless he saw me as a child, even though I was not. A far cry from it. “Twenty-nine. You?”

  We stopped at a light.

  “Twenty-nine, hm?” he looked over at me with a sparkle in his eye. “You’re so young.”

  “Wait, I’m not young at all. I’m practically ancient. How old are you? You can’t be much older than me,” I pushed.

  Amusement flashed across his face. “How old do you think I am?”

  He couldn’t be older than me. He had such a young face, not like a baby or anything, because it looked like gods chiseled his face, but still. “Thirty-something?”

  He laughed, a deep baritone sound that was so warm and so heavenly. My skin erupted in goosebumps, my toes curled, and I thought my ovaries exploded. Thank God I was a chick, and you couldn’t see a lady boner.

  “You color your hair? Cute,” he rumbled, amused, totally got off track of the age conversation.

  The light turned green, and we set off again.

  “My natural color isn’t something I like, so I change it. Your hair color can’t be natural either. There is no way that deep chocolate brown is mixed with that shade of gold without assistance.”

  More laughing ensued, and I assumed it was at my expense, again.

  I grumbled under my breath and looked away while I sipped on my drink. I’d shut up now. Rune obviously thought I was ignorant and that everything I said made me look foolish. That was why I didn’t like talking to people. That was why I sucked at flirting with men. I sucked at everything.

  “I’m sorry, Isa,” his voice was laced with amusement, “it’s been a while since I’ve laughed, and you are funny.”

  I narrowed my eyes out of my window and watched the view, not even looking at him. I couldn’t look at him because he’d see the shame. Of course, he found me funny, but horribly and embarrassingly. I just wanted to be home and away from this guy. I could cry in peace and curse myself. I was almost thirty and couldn’t even act normal around an attractive man? I could function normally around others that I found lacking, including those with good looks but shit personalities; I was almost aggressive towards their shortcomings. However, now, I was in a car with a man that I found to be lacking nothing, so of course, I forgot how to people.

  The rest of the ride was silent except for the GPS, telling him where to turn. By the time we got to my apartment complex, my Frappuccino was gone from my drinking it to keep quiet. When he parked in a spot, I unbuckled myself, opened the door, and climbed out while saying, “Thanks,” over my shoulder.

  Just try not to fall and do not cry, I chanted in my head while closing the car door gently and made my way to my first-floor apartment; luckily, no stairs were involved. I just wanted to get away from Rune into the sanctuary of my apartment and wallow in self-pity.

  “Isa.” his voice was right freaking behind me!

  My shoulders stiffened when I sucked in a breath. I glanced over with wide eyes and skeptically asked, “What are you doing?”

  “Mind if I get your number?” his bright eyes swept over my face. “I figu
red it would be better to get your number rather than come here unannounced. That seems creepy even to me.” his lip curled up.

  All the air in my lungs whooshed out, and my heart was literally in my throat. “You want my number?” I squeaked.

  That smirk had turned into a full-blown smile, flashing perfect white teeth. “Yes.”

  I nodded quickly and turned to face him and fumbled with my phone in my hand. “O-okay, umm,” and I stuttered through my number while he swiftly typed with those large hands, just perfect for dirty things. What the fuck Isa, where did that come from?

  “I just sent you a text, so you have my number. If you have any more issues with your car, be sure to give me a text or call, and I’ll help.” he tapped away at his phone, then put it back in his pocket after he sent that text.

  I swallowed nervously and nodded my head. My phone buzzed in my hand once. He wasn’t lying. He had sent me a text. A god-like man I had just met sent me a text! “Okay, well, have a good morning—Um, evening,” I stammered.

  He turned away chuckling, and with a wave and that deep baritone voice hit my core as he said, “Have a good day, Isa. I’ll be talking to you.” As he walked away, my eyes roamed his backside, noting the strong, broad shoulders gently tapering to show a perfectly fit waist that trailed to the most fantastic ass I think I had ever seen. That was the body of a well-kept secret that I would love to discover. Oh my oh my.

  Once he was out of sight, I turned back to my door and fumbled with the lock. Thank goodness I had a spare key in my purse pocket for emergencies. Why didn’t I do that with my car I guess I would never know.

  Now that I was safely tucked away in my apartment, I locked the deadbolt, set the chain, and took the deepest breath I think I had ever taken because this day had been one for sure. Starting my nightly ritual, I grabbed a coffee pod and got that started, kicked my shoes off and grabbed my phone from the table. On my way to the cup of goodness that was finishing up, I remembered the text message Rune had sent. I pulled pulled up the message and read.

  Rune: You like strawberries?

  What a weird question to be asked. I quickly typed out a message.

  Me: Yes, why?

  After I settled into my favorite spot on the couch, I awaited his response. My hands automatically reached up to verify that my messy bun was indeed still intact while locating my tablet on the side table. I needed to locate a locksmith, and Google seemed my best option. While that was powering up and pulling up businesses, I made my way into my cramped kitchen and tossed my rinsed Starbucks coffee cup into the recycling and pondered a snack. After a quick look, nothing really sounded great, so I’d skip that for now, I guess. Back in my living room, ha funny the rooms are all one open concept space to hide the lack of space. I started checking devices if Rune had texted back, but he hadn’t. He’s driving. Duh. Setting that down, I grabbed my tablet and found a locksmith; not only did I need to get into my damn car, I also needed at least two keys made so that didn’t happen again.

  I saw the search results come up with a whole two options. After I tapped on the first one and saw a high rating, it helped calm me. I entered the numbers in my cell and turned the speakerphone on. It rang a few times, then voicemail. Of course, they were closed for the day. Seeing it was after 8 P.M. I hung up without leaving a message and put my phone down with a sigh; I made a note to call them tomorrow morning when they opened. Shit, I still needed to find a ride to my car tomorrow. I didn’t know how long that would take, but I was not fond of standing in a busy parking lot alone all day. A wing woman was needed.

  My nerves were everywhere, and the thought that Rune could text me anytime had put me on edge. Maybe a good edge? I was excited for sure, but I was also nervous. I could be misinterpreting his intentions; he could have wanted a friendship or just knew that I would need a ride tomorrow and was being kind.

  I pushed aside the thought of him wanting anything more from this than simple kindness for a damsel in mild distress. Yup, that described me often. He seemed like a nice guy, genuinely concerned even, but I really knew nothing other than his name, he’s got a nice car, and everything about him set my feelings ablaze.

  But what if he was a horrible guy and had awful intentions? Like a lot of guys are pigs and just wanted to fuck around and leave. That’s not my thing, but regardless, there was no way that Rune wanted anything to do with me. No fucking way.

  With that happy thought, I decided to wallow in self-pity in the shower.

  I made my way into the bathroom and started the water to heat up. Grabbing my phone, I opened my music app and hit shuffle. When “Astronaut in The Ocean” by Masked Wolf played, I undressed and glanced at myself in the mirror.

  Pale blue hair that needed to be retouched piled in a messy bun at the top of my head. My eyes looked tired and dull, like dead moss, probably because I lacked any shine in them at all. They could be a stunning emerald color, but I had a lack of shine in my life too, so my eyes matched me, I guess. I glanced over my naked body and scrunched my nose and quickly climbed in the shower, hoping to wash off this melancholy bullshit in my head. I knew I was not some beautiful bombshell walking around in size six pencil-skirt with sky high heels on, but I would like to think I was at least close to average, even if on the lower side.

  I hated seeing my naked reflection. It seemed like I could find every tiny little thing wrong with myself. From the way my boobs sagged just a little more than they should to the way my ass appeared a bit too dimpled. I felt like I was overly pale and my nails were too short, and I did not know where my sense of style came from or went to. I hated it all today.

  Leaning my head away from the spray of water to prevent dealing with washing and drying the mop I called hair, I grabbed my favorite body wash. I didn’t splurge on myself often, but I firmly believed a woman loves the scents she’s surrounded by. I loved my Zum honey-lavender soap; it just made me happy. Although the water spray muffled the music some, I still made out the words to the song. Feeling a bit more relaxed, I hummed along. The shower was quick, but exactly what I needed. Once finished, I stepped out, wrapped a towel around myself, grabbed my phone, and headed to my bedroom for some comfy pajamas. I’ve earned them today. Once I got to my room, I flipped on the light and looked at my phone and saw a text from Rune. Abandoning all rational thought to getting dressed, I quickly opened it and read.

  Rune: You were drinking a strawberry Frappuccino. Was it good?

  Umm, what the, ah, yes, we were talking about strawberries. Again, weird way to strike a conversation, but I’d take what I could get. Besides my lack of skills, there was no way in hell I was going to text him on my own.

  Me: It was delicious. I’ve never had it before. I usually drink just something basic like a coffee, but I wanted something sweet.

  Realizing I was standing there in a towel, only by the chill on my skin, I put the phone down, slipped some boy shorts on, and a favorite blue and yellow oversized Henley shirt I found during a random thrift store run with my girlfriend. I’d never had the chance to wear a boyfriend’s shirt, so when I saw this shirt, I jumped all over the soft, slightly worn cotton. It was loose and airy, which was perfect since I hated being hot. With my boy shorts and loose shirt on, I decided that’s plenty of clothing; it hadn’t matter what I wore because no one lived with me.

  After I grabbed my phone, I wandered to the living room and folded myself into the couch and turned on Netflix to decide what to watch. My phone buzzed, which startled me, as I figured we were done texting.

  Rune: I’ll have to try it next time. I like sweet at times too.

  What the hell should I say back to him after that? There was no open-ended question or remark. I couldn’t just start texting him questions or comments about something else, especially after I just deemed that he wanted nothing to do with me other than helping me with my car.

  With a sigh, I set my phone down, focusing back on the TV, and turned on Bridgerton because I’d heard great things about it. After a
few minutes, my phone buzzed again.

  Rune: You really aren’t a talker, as I’ve suspected.

  My eyes narrowed at the message. Was he pissed? Was he amused? Why was it I could hear him laughing through the text at my expense? I bit my lip for a moment, then typed away a message. He couldn’t see me, so I could say whatever I wanted, and if he wanted to be a jerk about what I said, then I’d just block him. Simple as that.

  Me: I am so a talker. I’m watching a show, and I happen to be invested in it.

  I stared at the message bubble and noticed the read under my text. So, he had an iPhone too. Then the three dots appeared. Crap, he was writing something. If he was an ass, I’d just block him and find someone else to pick me up tomorrow to take me to my car. Not that I hadn’t asked Rune if he could take me tomorrow.

  Rune: What show are you watching then that you happen to be invested in… details and everything.

  He was challenging me! I knew a challenge when I saw it.

  I chewed on my lower lip as I glanced up at the first episode of the show that played. I’d never seen it before, and I didn’t know any details of it. Maybe I could tell him a show I’d already seen before. When I was about to type, the three dots appeared. Awesome, he’s typing.

  Rune: No lying.

  I narrowed my eyes. Okay. No lying. But how the hell was I supposed to tell him I was watching a romance show? That’s cheesy. I sighed nervously and started tapping away.

  Me: Some show called Bridgerton. I heard it’s good, but I just started the first episode, so I don’t know anything about it.

  Couldn’t lie in a damn text. This was horse crap. Why hadn’t I lied? Why hadn’t I just told him about a show I’d already watched and loved? The three dots appeared, then the message popped up.

  Rune: Never seen it. I’ll turn it on right now, and we can discuss this show along the way. Where is it on?

  Me: Netflix. I heard it’s fairly romantic with random sex scenes. You sure you want to watch some chick flick? Why don’t you just watch… football or something?