“I heard that,” Apollo said, huffing. “And it makes me want to ensure that starting over leads nowhere for you.”

“Oh my God,” Josie whispered.

I rolled my eyes as I snatched up my shirt and pulled it on. “Ready?”

She looked like she wanted to say no, but she nodded. She was still getting used to the whole Apollo being her dad thing. It had to be weird for her, especially since she had known him briefly as a child. He’d gone by the name Bob then. Bob. For real. And used to bring her dolls and candy. Apparently Apollo wasn’t aware that he’d rate high on the “stranger danger” scale.

It also couldn’t help that Apollo didn’t look old enough to be her father, since he appeared to be in his mid to late twenties.

Placing my hand on her lower back, I walked with her into the living room. Apollo’s large frame took up the entire couch. He was a big guy. Almost seven feet tall and broad. He looked like himself today. Blond hair. Blue eyes identical to Josie’s.

In other words, he didn’t look like a freak.

Josie gave him an awkward little wave. “Hey.”

He smiled at her, and I was struck once more by the genuine warmth in his gaze and expression. Until Josie, I honestly didn’t think Apollo had a large emotional compass. It was obvious he cared about Alex, but even then it didn’t appear to run that deep.

Apollo rose fluidly. “I have not been able to visit you as much as I have wanted,” he said in way of an apology for his continued absentee parenting style.

“I understand.” Josie clasped her hands together. “I know being around me weakens you. And I . . . I know you’re busy doing, um, god stuff.”

I smirked. I was sure Apollo was busy screwing everything that walked, which was also how most of the gods spent their time, because if they were actually doing something useful, the world would end.

Then he looked at me, and his expression returned to the bored indifference I was familiar with. “Is there something you’d like to add, Seth?”

I arched a brow. “Nope.”

He eyed me in a way that made it obvious he was briefly considering knocking me through the wall. “I would love to stay, but I cannot be here for very long.” He turned his attention back to his daughter. “I do have news.”

That was surprising. Usually he just popped in and out for no real reason whatsoever.

“Good news or bad news?” Josie asked.

Apollo smiled faintly. “I would say it is good news.”

Tension eased out of her as she exhaled softly. “Well, that’s good to hear.”

“What’s up?” I asked, folding my arms and thinking it better be awesome good news considering what he interrupted.