The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #5)

by Rick Riordan

“You’ve waited too long,” Rachel said. “But I’m here now.”

“You are so not making this easy.” Then she laughed for real, and she put her hands around my neck. “I am never, ever going to make things easy for you, Seaweed Brain. Get used to it.” When she kissed me, I had the feeling my brain was melting right through my body.

Poseidon gave me one of his inside-joke winks, and I still didn’t know whether he was serious or not.

But she laced her fingers through mine. I remembered what she’d told me in New York, about building something permanent, and I thought—just maybe—we were off to a good start.

“I guess you’re right…Or maybe the prophecy won’t happen for years.” “Could be a problem for another generation of demigods,” I agreed. “Then we can kick back and enjoy.”

She took off down Half-Blood Hill and I sprinted after her. For once, I didn’t look back.