Date with Destiny Collection: Angel Romance Series: Books 1 - 4 Read online

  “Do you want to ride with me?” Zeph asked as the group approached the school van.

  Eve nodded eagerly and followed him over to his car. Zeph hadn’t thought about her riding in it, but fortunately it wasn’t too embarrassing. Risse got on his case if he left it a mess, and for once he was grateful for it.

  “Are you having a good time, Zeph?” Eve asked, reluctantly releasing his hand so she could climb in. “Math is probably pretty boring to watch.” Her face was pinched with worry.

  “It’s actually more fun than I expected,” he assured her.

  “Think you might want to join the team then?” She raised an eyebrow.

  Zeph laughed. “I don’t think they’d want me. I stink at math. I’ll stick to cheerleading. In fact, it’s too bad they make the audience be quiet. Otherwise, I could distract the other team with a little sis-boom-bah!” His eyes twinkled with amusement as he waved imaginary pompoms.

  Eve giggled and gifted him with a dazzling smile.

  They sat with the others at the restaurant, and the conversation centered on the competition and the strengths and weakness of the other teams. Zeph didn’t have anything to contribute, so he just concentrated on his burger and watched Eve’s face light up with excitement as she talked about her passion.

  “So, is this your first time at a meet?” Cameron asked, equally out of place in the conversation.

  “Yeah, I just wanted to see what Eve was into. You?”

  “Same here. These guys have always been so friendly to us, even though we weren’t really part of their group. We thought it would be nice if we came to cheer for them.”

  “How’d you hook up with them, then?”

  Rachel answered for him. “I was new last year, and I sat next to Tara on the school bus. She befriended me, and the rest of the group just sort of adopted me,” she explained, a grin warming her face. She looked like she would fit in better with the more popular kids, so Zeph was surprised she’d stuck around the Mathletes.

  “Rachel befriended me after… well, it’s kind of a long story, but anyway, we started going out, so I just joined her and her friends. Turns out geeks are pretty nice.” Cameron gave a wry smile.

  Cameron’s comment piqued Zeph’s curiosity, and he wanted to ask for the details, but Mr. Volnar stood and told the group to wrap it up before Zeph had a chance to question him.

  “Time to go, Reggie!” Garrett squawked. Reggie had gotten in line again for a second helping.

  “Man, these Blizzards are da bomb! If I worked here, I’d eat one every day,” he said around a giant spoonful of Oreo ice cream. “Hey, that’s a good idea! You got an employee discount, right? You all hiring?”

  The girl behind the counter nodded and handed him an application.

  “Best idea I ever had,” he said, folding up the piece of paper and sticking it in his pocket.

  Zeph took his and Eve’s trays and dumped the trash, frowning at Eve’s leftovers. “You didn’t get any ice cream?”

  “I wasn’t sure I’d be hungry enough for it, so I wanted to wait till I was done, but I ran out of time.”

  “You’re not allergic to peanuts, are you?”

  Eve shook her head.

  “Good. Then you can help me finish this. It’s too much for one person, anyway.” Zeph handed her his half-empty sundae cup, and Eve grinned up at him, taking a bite of it.

  When they got back, there were only two rounds left of the competition, and Eve’s team was in high spirits, confident that they could take the trophy. The scurried into their assigned room, laughing and joking, high on ice cream and lofty expectations. The other team was already at their table, scribbling away at practice problems in complete silence.

  They wore starched white dress shirts with red ties instead of the typical polo shirts, and they shot daggers from serious eyes as they raised their heads in reaction to the other team’s noisy entrance. Even Garrett silenced his jabbering at the stare down.

  A few rogue giggles punctuated the sudden quiet as they settled on their side of the tables. The opposing team didn’t hide their dismissive stares and whispers as they checked out the competition. It was obvious they found them lacking.

  Mr. Volnar glared at them and directed the four worst-performing team members to sit at the table. A rumble arose from the others, but he silenced them with a slash of his hand.

  “What’s he doing?” Zeph whispered to Eve, confused by the strategy.

  “This team is notoriously egotistical. They put their best players in first and intimidate the other team into thinking they don’t have a chance. Mr. Volnar wants to give them what they expect… at first.” Eve smirked a wicked grin.

  When the round started, the other team took the first several questions, racking up an almost unbeatable score. Eve reached for Zeph’s hand and squeezed it nervously as she watched, and he’d never been so happy to see their team losing.

  As the score neared the point of no return, Mr. Volnar called a time out and substituted in Eve, Tara, and Garrett — their very best players. The other team scoffed, and Zeph overhead one of them say, “They really think they can beat us with two little girls and a hyperactive Asian kid?”

  Zeph narrowed his eyes at the offending player, and the kid made a face at him. Zeph leaned in next to Eve and whispered, “Kill ‘em, tiger!” then planted a kiss on her cheek.

  Eve giggled and stroked her cheek with her hand, rubbing in the kiss for good luck, then turned back to the table, morphing into game mode.

  Ten seconds after the first question flashed, Eve slammed her hand on the buzzer and answered it, gaining the team’s first point of the match. A nervous thrill coursed through Zeph, and he clenched the seat as he stared intently at Eve, trying to will the right answers into her head with his own brain power.

  The next five questions flew by in similar fashion, with the Indy High teammates taking turns pounding the buzzer. The other team dropped their jaws in surprise as they watched them surge into the lead, and they scrambled to work the problems faster. They were no match for Eve and the others, though, and when the final question was answered, Indy High had won, taking every question of the second half.

  “Yeah! Take that you stuck-up wannabes!” Zeph hollered, throwing his hands in the air as he jumped from his seat in an unexpected outburst.

  “My girlfriend just whupped your butts! That’s right! You got beat by a girl! My girl!” He slung his arm around Eve and yanked her from the chair, kissing her solidly on the lips.

  “To infinity and beyond!” Garrett exclaimed and the rest of the team burst out laughing.

  The win sent them to the final round, which they won just as easily, and by the end of the meet Zeph was hooked on Mathletes — or at least hooked on watching Eve dominate at it. When her team took the trophy, he gave them a standing ovation, clapping and hooting. She climbed from the stage and he rushed to meet her, grabbing her in an embrace.

  “Eve, that was amazing. You’re amazing!”

  A blush lit her cheeks, and she dropped her head, but Zeph lifted her chin with a finger, insisting on eye contact. He wanted to see the sparkle in her emerald irises, and she didn’t disappoint him.

  “Thank you for coming, Zeph. It was really great to have you here. You made it the best day ever.”

  Zeph tilted his head. Did she really enjoy his company that much? He hadn’t done anything but watch and cheer. Was it possible she got as much thrill out of being with him as he did from her?

  “Thanks for inviting me. Are we still on for dinner at my house tonight?”

  Eve nodded eagerly. “Definitely! I need to pick up my brothers from karate and drop them off at home, maybe change my clothes,” she looked down at her uniform with distaste, “but then I’ll be right over.”

  Zeph smiled, thrilled that their time together wasn’t over. “Well, I guess I’ll see you in a little bit, then.”

  Chapter 10

  Zeph paced the house Saturday evening like a caged animal, waiting f
or Eve to arrive. He’d already made a half-hearted attempt to clean his room. It was still a disaster compared with Eve’s meticulously maintained sanctuary, but he had no idea what to do with anything, so he just shoved things in his closet and under his bed till at least it no longer looked like the wake of a hurricane.

  He wished Risse had been home; he probably could’ve talked her into helping him clean, but she was hanging out with friends all day. Their mom made her promise to be home for dinner, though, so Zeph knew she’d come racing in any minute.

  The savory scent of beef wafted from the kitchen, and it pulled Zeph like a leash. “Hey Mom, smells good. What are we having?” He poked his head in the oven and got a face full of steam.

  “Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas, and apple pie with ice cream. Sound okay?” Faith glanced up from her apple peeling.

  “Sounds awesome. Thanks, Mom.” Zeph gave her shoulders a squeeze.

  “Uh, do you need me to do anything?” he blurted, remembering his admission to Eve about how little he did around the house.

  Faith stopped her peeling to look at him in astonishment. “How about setting the table?” She wasn’t sure she trusted him in the kitchen, but hopefully he could lay out a few plates.

  “Sure, okay.” Zeph nodded and grabbed a stack of china from the cupboard, careful to avoid clanking them together.

  Geoff emerged from the bedroom dressed in stiff khakis and a long sleeve dress shirt so unlike his normal Saturday attire that Zeph did a double take. His father usually wore one of two outfits, his police uniform or his pjs. Zeph’s mom must have laid out something nicer in honor of their company.

  “Daddy, you look so niiiiccee!” Charisse squealed, traipsing in through the back door and giving her father’s round middle a squeeze.

  “Hhrrummphh. I don’t know why I have to dress up in my own home for some teenager.”

  “You’re not, honey; you’re doing it for me, remember? Your loving wife.” Faith grinned and patted his cheek.

  Geoff wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck. “What will you give me?”

  Faith turned into his embrace, and her lips brushed his ear. “I’ll show you later.” She winked as she pulled away.

  Zeph and Risse wrinkled their noses, and Zeph changed the subject.

  “Hey Dad, can you be nice to Eve? She’s really sweet and I don’t want you to scare her off with your police chief machismo.”

  “Nonsense, Zephaniah. Women like strong men. Nobody’s impressed by a wimp.” The way his eyes raked over his son made it obvious what he was thinking.

  “I read an article in Seventeen that said that women are initially attracted to macho guys, but the sensitive ones make the best husbands.” Charisse grabbed a knife and began slicing the peeled apples.

  “Who says a man can’t be both — macho on the outside but tender on the inside?” Faith suggested.

  “Women.” Geoff rolled his eyes. “Isn’t it enough if a man pays the bills and doesn’t cheat? No, you all want Disney princes.”

  The others giggled as Geoff stomped off to the living room and turned on the TV.

  “Just be yourself, Zeph. It’s too hard to try to be anything else. And what women really want is sincerity.” Faith ruffled her son’s hair and returned to her peeling.

  Zeph sighed and carried the plates to the dining room. It didn’t matter how he acted, Eve was bound to think his family was crazy.

  By the time the doorbell rang half an hour later, the meatloaf was resting, the apple pie was in the oven, and Zeph’s hands were so sweaty he had to go wash them while his sister answered the door.

  “I have to tell you how much I love your hair!” Risse was running her fingers through Eve’s locks when Zeph joined her in the entryway moments later.

  “Thank you.” Eve bowed her head and tugged on her dress. “Yours is beautiful, too.”

  “Oh, thanks, but it’s totally not natural like yours is.” Risse giggled and twirled a strand around her finger.

  “Hey, Eve.” Zeph wiped his hands on his pants and reached out awkwardly to Eve, taking first one hand and then the other in his. He held her like that for a minute, their hands swaying between them as they shared a smile, and Risse looked on, pleased.

  “Come on in and meet the rest of my family.” Zeph dropped one of her hands so they could walk together.

  Should he introduce her to his mom first, since she was the nicest? Or would meeting his dad last leave a bad taste in her mouth? The choice was taken from him when Faith came out of the kitchen.

  “Well, hello, sweetheart! You must be Eve!” Faith grabbed her in a full-on embrace then stepped back to take her in.

  “Aren’t you a doll! I’m Zeph’s mom, Faith.” Her cheeks glowed rosy red and matched her frilly apron.

  “Hi Mrs. Arella.”

  Faith led the kids into the living room where her husband was climbing out of his recliner. “This is Zeph’s dad, Geoffrey.”

  “Hi, Chief Arella. It’s an honor to meet you.” Eve curtsied. Geoff blinked in surprise, and his face softened into a smile.

  “Is everyone hungry? Dinner is ready.” Faith ushered the group into the dining room where Zeph pulled out a chair for Eve. His mother and sister nodded their approval and took their seats.

  Eve startled when Geoffrey’s deep voice began to belt out a prayer, but she quickly recovered and bowed her head. She wasn’t used to saying grace, but she thought it was kind of nice to be thankful.

  “This looks great, Mrs. Arella,” Eve complimented as she carefully passed the platter of meat, trying not to spill anything on the embroidered, linen tablecloth. At her house, if they used a tablecloth it was plastic.

  Faith smiled and gave Zeph a wink. “Tell us about yourself, Eve.”

  Zeph and Eve exchanged amused glances at the similarity of the conversation. Now it was Eve’s turn to get the third degree.

  As she confidently rattled off a resume of interests and activities, Zeph’s parents grew more and more impressed, and Zeph felt himself sinking into obscurity. Why was everyone around him so much better at everything than he? He didn’t even know why Eve liked him; she was miles out of his league.

  Depression steam-rolled over him, and Zeph grew quiet as the chatter and laughter swirled around him. He imagined what his life would be like with Eve. She’d be this beautiful trophy, shining like a sunbeam, and he’d still be pathetic.

  What would he even do for a living? Every other Celestia had their gift to guide them towards a perfect career, but Zeph couldn’t find one thing that truly interested him, let alone something he could succeed at. Maybe Eve would have a high-level career, and he’d be a stay-at-home dad. He probably couldn’t even handle taking care of kids.

  He ought to break it off with Eve now, before they got too close. He was no good for her; he’d only bring her down. She deserved so much better than a loser like him.

  For some crazy reason, she didn’t seem to recognize her own incredibleness, though. Her low self-confidence must have kept her from seeking out other boys. She probably only liked him because he gave her the attention she was craving.

  In fact, their relationship would probably give her enough confidence in herself to go after someone better. As soon as she realized how great she was, she’d trade him in for someone cooler, smarter, someone with at least one discernible talent.

  A nudge to his leg interrupted his self-deprecating musings, and he turned his head towards Eve. “Why so quiet?” she whispered.

  Her smile was so genuine, her face so warm and caring, for a moment Zeph forgot all the reasons she shouldn’t like him and instead got lost in her eyes. Even if she dumped him later, it was worth it to be with her today.

  “I don’t usually have much to add to the conversation.” Zeph shrugged.

  “Well, I want to hear what you have to say.” Eve nudged him with her shoulder, and Zeph felt his self-loathing melt under the warmth of her smile.

  “Maybe we can go for a walk
or something after dinner? Your neighborhood is really pretty.”

  “Who’s ready for some apple pie?” Faith popped up from the table and started taking plates. A collective groan circled the table as everyone patted their overstuffed bellies.

  “How about a little bit later?” Zeph grabbed Eve’s hand and helped her from the table. “I think Eve and I are going to go for a walk around the neighborhood.”

  “That sounds nice! I remember when your father and I used to go for walks. Maybe we should join them, Geoffrey?”

  Zeph bugged his eyes at his mother. She didn’t notice, but his father nixed the idea anyway. “If I go for a walk, everyone and his brother will be wanting to chat about their suggestions for the community. I get enough of that at the meetings. I’m staying right here and putting my feet up.”

  Zeph breathed a sigh of relief and led Eve towards the door. He grabbed her jacket off the coatrack and held it out for her, and Eve smiled as she slid her arms into the sleeves. It was nice to see a boy her age with decent manners.

  They followed Zeph’s driveway to the sidewalk, and Zeph itched to take Eve’s hand, but she had it in her pocket.

  “I love your neighborhood; it’s so welcoming. Have you lived here all your life?”

  Eve admired the historical homes, painted like Victorian ladies, that were nestled amongst groves of oaks and maples. The mature trees branched over the sidewalk, creating a cozy canopy.

  “Yeah, it’s a nice place to grow up.”

  After 17 years, Zeph had grown bored of the scenery, so he admired Eve instead. The golden hour light caressed her body like a halo, making her skin and hair glow with warmth.

  “Everything looks so perfect and beautiful, like nothing bad could ever happen here.” Eve turned her head to watch a tiny yellow tabby stretch out on a warm driveway and caught Zeph’s stare instead.

  They locked eyes, and Zeph leaned in closer till her soft perfume reached his nostrils. “You’re perfect and beautiful.”