Stupid Cupid

by Liz Hunter, Aka Mennen, Phyllis Campbell

  Shaking her head, she put the car in drive and headed toward her destination further into the city. As she drove, her mind filled with questions that needed answering before she went completely insane. Hopefully, he would give her reassuring answers. His intoxicating presence bothered her, almost as much as her confusion.

  “Eli?”

  “Yes?”

  “Can you kindly explain what you meant last night when you suggested Terrel was using me for the prestige my family’s name will bring him?”

  He chuckled. “Your father was the Senator of New York a couple of years ago.”

  She scowled, tightening her hands on the steering wheel. “I don’t see how my father has anything to do with Terrel Montgomery. Terrel is a powerful man in his own right. Why would he need my father?”

  “Because the state of New York loved your father when he was Senator. Your father has certain connections Terrel will never possess.”

  “It still doesn’t make sense.”

  “Believe me, Kenya, it will in a few years when Terrel befriends some of the connections through your father, and it’s through them that he gains more power.”

  Rolling her eyes, she concentrated on driving in silence. During the fifteen minutes to the store, Eli played with the radio stations. The constant flipping of channels grated on her nerves, but finally he settled on classic rock. He hummed along and tapped his toe. She couldn’t believe how well she enjoyed his deep voice.

  One thing that bothered her was the way he kept his eyes on the road … and on the other cars passing. Whenever a car would stop beside them as they waited for a traffic light, Eli would scrunch in the seat and put his hand to his face as if he didn’t want anyone to look at him. Perhaps he didn’t like crowds. So, instead of taking him to Montgomery Aisle, she took him to a smaller men’s clothing store. One not so elaborate.

  When she pulled into a parking stall and killed the engine, he leaned over and touched her arm. “Thanks.”

  “For what?”

  “For not deserting me.” He stroked her cheek. “You’re an exceptional woman.”

  His attention dropped to her lips, and an irregular pound began in her heart. Would he kiss her? But he pulled away, opened his door and climbed out. She remained seated only until she could control her quick breaths, but soon he opened her door again.

  He held out his hand for her to take, which she did. She couldn’t tear her attention away from his eyes when his warm hand encompassed hers; the warmth from his body blended with hers and caused havoc to her system. Eli had literally hypnotized her.

  “Tell me, do all the men from your time possess such superb manners?”

  His chest shook with silent laughter. “No.”

  “Then why are you so different?”

  “Where I come from, it’s not often I see a real lady. Believe me when I say it’s an honor to treat you like this.” He gave her a wink. “I enjoy giving attention to such a beautiful woman.”

  Her cheeks tingled with a familiar burning and she looked away. “Okay, Eli, if anybody asks, you are my cousin from … from…”

  “Minnesota? Just off the farm?”

  He poked her in the ribs and she jumped. The mere touch of his finger sparked something incredible in her body that she didn’t want to think about.

  She let out a shaky laugh. “Okay, from Minnesota.”

  He stayed right by her side as they walked through the small store. Her elbow continued to bump into his, causing greater confusion when heat spread all over her. She didn’t exactly like it—or maybe she liked it more than she should. When most of the women in the store gazed upon Eli as if he were the hunk-of-the-month, Kenya grinned. They must be looking past his outdated clothes and hideous sandals.

  She was used to walking beside a good-looking man; Terrel was extremely handsome. But there was something different about Eli. He was as dark as Terrel was light—both in skin and hair color, and Eli’s copper skin looked very good on him. He wasn’t as tall as Terrel, but somehow because of this, she was more relaxed around him. The future-man wasn’t as cocky and assured as Terrel, and Eli was more easy-going. Secretly, she wished Terrel were more like Eli.

  Eli turned into a totally different man once he started trying on clothes. His zany personality came forth, and he made her laugh too many times to count, especially when he chose a style of clothing that made him look like George.

  He walked out of the dressing room, swinging his hips in a feminine rhythm, then posed right in front of her with his hands at his waist. “Tell me, Kenya. Do you think George would approve?”

  Laughter burst from her. “Oh, yes. You’d be George’s hero for sure. Forget about Mel what’s-his-name.”

  His smile relaxed as he touched his finger to his chin, slowly tapping as he looked over his shoulder at his side profile in the full-length mirror. “Umm, I don’t know.” His hands slid down the leather tight pants, bringing Kenya’s attention to his very powerful legs and buttocks, not to mention the ever-present bulge behind the zipper that didn’t seem to disappear.

  “These pants might work, but where will I be able to wear them?” He switched his gaze back to her. “And how will I sit without them ripping my crotch and showing off my lacey thong underwear?”

  Once again, she let out a bark of laughter. Without another word, he shrugged and sashayed back into the dressing room.

  What was it about this man that could make her heart sing not even twelve hours after meeting him? And why couldn’t Terrel make her heart leap as Eli had done? This man was still a stranger to her, yet she was more comfortable with him than her own fiancé. The new feeling scared her. Why would she feel this way about a man who was obviously insane? At least his time-travel story was.

  She breathed a heavy sigh. Hopefully, she’d figure out his real story and get rid of him. She wasn’t supposed to be having feelings like this. She was engaged, for heaven’s sake. She must remember Terrel was real, Eli wasn’t.

  After another hour, Eli picked out three full outfits—some she had to tell him to put back because they didn’t match—and had the purchases charged to his credit card. Men! She didn’t want to ask in front of the cashier, but she wondered where he’d gotten the card.

  She tried to help him with his bags, but he refused. As they walked to her car, he was just enough in front of her that she could see his bulging biceps—and oh, what wonderful bunches of muscles he had. Dare she say his body looked harder than her own fiancé‘s?

  Once again, he tried not to be noticed as he held the bags close to his face, or turned his back to the traffic. Very strange. She opened the trunk for him and he piled the bags inside. When he bent, his new pants accented his nicely shaped rump, and suddenly her palms itched to slide over his backside. When the urge threatened to get out of control, she pushed her hands into the pockets of her jeans.

  He closed the trunk and stepped in front of her, draping his arms over her shoulders. “Okay, cuz, what other forms of entertainment do you have in store for me today?”

  Her heart hammered. If he only knew. But no, she must not even think of such things. She was engaged to the perfect man. She just had to remember that.

  Three

  Kenya unlocked the door to her apartment and walked inside, Eli a close second behind her. His attention roamed around her tidy front room. He walked in further, running his fingers along the back of the sofa. “So, this is home-sweet-home, huh?”

  She threw him a glare. “Eli, this is not your home, this is mine. Remember that, will you?” A slight pound started in her forehead, threatening to ruin her afternoon. She marched into the kitchen toward the medicine cupboard to get some aspirins.

  This morning’s shopping trip went well. Too well. Eli had been the most charming, the most fun man she’d had the pleasure to spend time with. How could she be more comfortable with him in just a few hours than the many months of being with Terrel? Of course, that could explain why she’d allowed a strange man to convince h
er to let him stay at her apartment. Those irresistible puppy eyes of his could melt an iceberg. They’d certainly melted her defenses.

  “Which room is mine?” He followed her into the kitchen and to the window, closing the blinds.

  She scowled. “The room you’ll be staying in is at the end of the hallway to your left.”

  He flashed his wicked smile on her again before picking up his shopping bags and walking that direction. Her gaze dropped to his rear. She had the urge to reach out and grab, to glide her hands over his muscles and feel the ripple down each leg.

  Cursing to herself, she yanked a cup off the shelf and filled it with water. Very cold water. She took two pills and gulped down the liquid, choking on the last swallow. She wiped the back of her hand across her mouth. What’s wrong with me? I’m acting like a teenager whose hormones are running out of control.

  “Kenya?” Eli asked from the extra bedroom.

  She stepped into the hallway. “Yes?”

  He walked out of the room, his shirt unbuttoned, hanging open. Dryness consumed her throat, making it impossible to swallow. She needed another drink—stronger this time.

  “You sure keep an immaculate home. Everything has its place, and there’s not a speck of dust anywhere.”

  “So.”

  “So doesn’t that get annoying?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Just about as annoying as a man who doesn’t know how to groom his goatee or comb his hair.”

  He chuckled and ran his fingers through his long hair. “How’s that?”

  She shrugged.

  “Do you have rules for when I’m supposed to use the bathroom?”

  “Hopefully when you get the urge to go.”

  His grin widened. “You know what I mean.”

  “Well … I usually take my showers in the morning, if that’s what you’re referring to.”

  He leaned against the doorframe, folding his arms over his chest. “Do you mind if I put my toothbrush next to yours?”

  Her heart lifted to her throat. She couldn’t speak, let alone think. Especially when his finger lazily drew circles on his chest. The urge to add her fingers to the invisible drawing overwhelmed her. She also wouldn’t mind doing a little hands-on work like a sculptor does with clay.

  Dismissing the tempting thoughts, she shook her head. “Eli, you’re only going to be here a week. Didn’t you tell me that was how long you were going to stay?”

  “Yes.”

  She nodded. “Good. Just don’t get too comfortable.”

  “Okay.”

  His crooked grin gave away his playfulness, and damn if she didn’t want to play right back. But she wouldn’t. After all, he was crazy—and she’d soon be in a straightjacket if she kept this up.

  “I need to go back to the office. Are you going to be all right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you need my number at work?”

  “I know how to use the phonebook.”

  She took in slower breaths. “Good. I’ll see you later tonight.”

  “Have a nice day at work.”

  She didn’t remember stepping out to her car or even driving to Terrel’s office until she walked into the building. Eli was constantly on her mind and she wanted to boot him out. She blamed Terrel. It was her fiancé‘s fault for ignoring her. Well … she’d force him to take her into his arms and make her forget the new man in her life. It would also be reassuring if he could tell her that everything Eli said about his family was false.

  Terrel stood by his secretary’s desk when Kenya approached. He looked at her and smiled.

  “What are you doing here?” He took a step away from Betty.

  “I need to talk to you if you have a few minutes.”

  He glanced down at his watch. “Yes, but only a few. I have another meeting in a little while.”

  They walked into his room and he shut the door. His eyes scanned up and down her length, and his gaze darkened. It’d been so long since he’d looked at her this way, yet why didn’t it make her heart pound the way it did when Eli looked at her?

  “What’s with the get-up?” He strode toward her. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look so casual, yet mouth-watering desirable at the same time.”

  He pulled her into his arms and nibbled on her neck. She sighed and smiled. “I really need this right now.”

  Just as tingles began dancing across her skin, he pulled away, and they disappeared. The familiar lonely feeling returned.

  “What do you need to talk to me about? Betty mentioned you’d called earlier today.”

  She exhaled and moved to sit on his leather-covered chair. “Yes. I had somebody come in the shop today who knew your father.”

  His eyes widened as he took his seat behind his desk. “Oh, really? Who?”

  Her mind scrambled to think of a wealthy name. “Elijah Cavanaugh.”

  Terrel’s brows drew together. “I don’t think I’ve heard of him.”

  She shrugged. “Probably not. He said he’s been out of the country for a few years. I guess he knew your father and your brother quite well.”

  “How did he know to look you up?”

  Her mind scrambled again. Thankfully, she was better prepared than she’d been this morning when Eli made her forget things. “He saw our engagement announcement in the paper, and since he’d passed by my shop a time or two, he decided to come in and make my acquaintance.” She waited for his reaction, but his face remained impassive.

  “How nice. Did you invite him to the wedding?”

  “Of course.” She leaned forward on Terrel’s desk, resting her elbows on the smooth wood. “But he said something that made me curious.”

  “What’d he say?”

  “He mentioned you were not Adam Montgomery’s biological son. Is this true?”

  Her heart hammered as she waited for his reaction. Terrel didn’t seem the least bit surprised. Once again, he kept an all-to-familiar business expression.

  “Yes. Most everybody knows my mother married Adam when I was four years old. A year and a half later, Adam decided to adopt me, so my last name was changed.”

  She chuckled and shook her head. “I was shocked to hear him say that because you hadn’t mentioned it before.”

  He shrugged. “I’m a Montgomery now. In my mind, I’ve always been a Montgomery. My life began the day my mother married Adam.”

  She smiled. “I wish I’d known Adam. He sounds like such a remarkable man.”

  “He was.”

  “What was Joshua like?”

  This time, Terrel’s expression did change. Hard lines crossed his face, his brown eyes turned dark. Obviously, this topic wasn’t welcome. She squirmed in her chair, awaiting his response.

  “Joshua and Adam were exactly opposite. Even now, I wondered if Joshua had been a legitimate son. I was more like Adam than Joshua.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  He flipped his hand through the air and relaxed in his chair. “But it doesn’t matter now. Joshua’s death was a relief to both my mother and me. We didn’t know what would have happened to Montgomery’s Aisle if Joshua had taken over.”

  “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but what was wrong with Joshua?”

  “He was crazy. Loony. Not to mention a very wicked man. In fact, I think it was Joshua who’d given Adam the heart-attack that finally killed him.”

  She gasped. “Why, what happened?”

  “Adam found out about Joshua’s gambling habits. That wasn’t too bad, but the next day Adam discovered another one of Joshua’s bad vices.” He paused, but only for a moment. “Joshua was heavily into cocaine, and he was depleting his inheritance.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Very. Mother knew about it, but she kept it from Adam in fear of what the news would do to his bad heart. Adam confronted Joshua, and Joshua laughingly admitted to his drug problem. Right then, Adam had an attack. The next day, he died.”

  A sob tore loose from he
r throat, and she covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

  He scrubbed his hand around his neck. “You didn’t know. Right after the funeral, Joshua’s habit got out of control and so mother had him put in a drug rehabilitation clinic. Joshua escaped and came home. While we were at work, Joshua had a little party in the kitchen and overdosed.”

  She reached across the table and touched Terrel’s hand. “I’m sorry to make you talk about it. I’ll never bring it up again.”

  He turned his hand over and clasped her fingers. “You didn’t know, but the memories are so painful I’d rather forget.”

  She nodded. Now she couldn’t wait to get home and kick that lying so-called future-man out of her house.

  Kenya stepped into her apartment and slammed the door. All the curtains had been pulled closed on the windows, only a few lights were on in the front room.

  She stood in the hallway, listening for Eli’s movement. A heavenly aroma wafted from the kitchen and pots clanked together. After throwing her keys and purse on the small table, she marched into the kitchen—and stopped dead in her tracks. He stood by the stove, stirring a wooden spoon around inside a pan. She sucked in a quick breath. My kitchen’s dirty! But when she studied him more, that thought vanished.

  From his appearance, he looked as if he’d just taken a shower. His wet hair swept away from his face and hung down his neck. Although he wore a new pair of jeans and a shirt—that actually matched—and his feet were bare, once again. He looked so damn cozy standing in her kitchen … so damn cozy she wanted to cuddle him next to her. She should be cuddling him right out of her apartment!

  He turned toward her and her gaze dropped. His opened shirt showed the ripples of muscles on his hard chest and stomach. His skin looked naturally golden; touched by the sun, and not a hair was visible.

  Her mouth grew cotton dry and she wished to hell that he didn’t look so incredibly sexy right now. She forced her gaze to meet his eyes, reminding herself how angry she’d been. He smiled, and her traitorous heart started to melt. No. Can’t let that happen!

  “Hi,” he said. “I hope you like Fettuccine Alfredo and chicken.”