Stupid Cupid

by Liz Hunter, Aka Mennen, Phyllis Campbell

  “Thank God. This will really help when we try to prove your father’s mental stability.”

  He squeezed her hand again. “Thanks for believing in me. I don’t know how to repay you for your kindness.”

  Emotion tugged at her heart. Repay me? He could stay by her side … forever. But if he was really a future-man—and she was beginning to think he was because he knew about Terrels’ dealings—that could never happen.

  “I want to visit your father.”

  Eli smiled, his heart jumping to his throat. He reached across the table and took hold of Kenya’s hands. Since they’d returned, they’d been at the kitchen table discussing what they found in Terrel’s office.

  “You will, eventually.”

  “I know, but I want to do it now.”

  He shook his head. “What are you going to say to him? Are you going to tell him you’re helping his son?” He chuckled. “He doesn’t know he has a son yet.”

  “No, of course I won’t tell him that. I thought about telling him I know he was put into the hospital under false pretenses, and I’m going to try to release him.”

  He squeezed her hands. “That’s a good idea, but I don’t know if you’ll be able to make it past the doctor. His particular doctor is being paid quite nicely to keep Joshua inside. Doctor Goodwin isn’t going to just let anyone in to see him.”

  She shrugged. “There’s got to be a way. Maybe I could go when the doctor leaves to return home.”

  “Only if you have a way to talk the nurses into letting you in.” He tightened his hold on her hand. “And remember, my father isn’t listed under Joshua Montgomery.”

  “He’s not?”

  “No. Terrel made sure every little thing was covered so people wouldn’t recognize him.”

  “Then what’s his name?”

  “He’s still Joshua, but they used Smith for his last name.”

  She scrunched her nose. “Smith? That’s a regular name, for heaven’s sake.”

  “Exactly. Harder to track that way.”

  She frowned and slumped her shoulders. “You’re not doing a great job of encouraging me, you know.”

  He laughed, pulled away from the table, and stood. Keeping her hands in his, he lifted her up with him. After wrapping his arms around her waist, he fit her body against his. “There are other ways to encourage you, my dear.”

  She smiled and stroked his goatee. “I just want to help you out any way I can before you leave.” The smile disappeared; even the sparkle left her eyes. “Which reminds me … when are you supposed to leave?”

  “I’ll be gone tomorrow morning.”

  She frowned. “Before Valentine’s Day?”

  “Yes.” He sighed. “I don’t want to leave yet, but I have to.”

  She nodded. “Then we have a few more things to do before you leave.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like contacting my father.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Why?”

  “Because my father will know what we need to do to get Doctor Goodwin checked out. Apparently he’s not a very good physician, and the mental hospital needs to know this.”

  “This is true.” He dropped his hands to her buttocks and squeezed. A small groan tore from her throat, making his libido kick in a notch higher. “Then let’s hurry and get a hold of him. There’s something I want to do, and I don’t know how much longer I can wait.”

  She tilted her head. “Hmmm … wonder what that is?”

  Bending his head, he pressed his lips to her neck. His tongue flickered against the sensitive spot, and she giggled.

  “I want to do naughty things to you,” he muttered. “I’d like to give you a Valentine’s Day gift early.”

  She pulled away and walked to the wall where her keys hung. “That will have to wait until after I talk to my father. It won’t take long, I promise.”

  He frowned, folding his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall. “I’m holding you to that promise, because if you’re not back here within an hour, I’m coming after you. And I don’t think your father will like the way I touch his little girl in front of him.”

  She laughed and blew him a kiss, then hurried out of the room.

  His heart tightened. How could he walk out of her life tomorrow? In the past week, she’d found a place in his heart, and he didn’t want to let it go. Since meeting her, life had more meaning, and to think that might be taken away nearly stopped his heart from beating—for she had somehow become his life.

  But, he had no other choice. He had to return.

  Kenya didn’t want to explain to her father about Eli, so she made it sound like she had come across some information that involved Terrel and his stepbrother, Joshua. Her father was understanding and said he’d get to work on it right away. He knew a few members of the state’s medical board, and he’d have Doctor Goodwin’s history researched thoroughly. She hesitated in telling him about her suspicions with Terrel and his previous drug usage, but her father could tell something was bothering her, so she confessed her feelings.

  She cried on his shoulder for a while, but he promised not to say anything until she could tell Terrel himself. Her father mentioned he had connections with the Feds, and he could get a tail put on Terrel if she thought he was still doing drugs. She told him no—at least not now.

  On the way home, the tight knot around her heart had disappeared. Ever since she’d doubted her feelings for Terrel, she’d been getting headaches. Now the stress had been relieved. She’d made the right decision.

  Eli greeted her at the door when she walked in. She didn’t have to say a word. Neither did he. They fell into each other’s arms as if kismet controlled everything.

  When his mouth captured hers, all problems ceased to exist. Tonight all that mattered was pleasing him … and receiving pleasure from him.

  Their lovemaking grew by the second, her heart expanding along with it. No doubt lingered in her mind any more. She loved him. There was so much emotion each time he kissed her and touched her that she wanted to cry with happiness.

  When they were finished, she slumped against him in pure, heavenly exhaustion. Together their breaths slowed and soon returned to a normal rhythm. He kissed the side of her head and wrapped his arms around her tightly.

  “That was the best I’ve ever had,” he whispered.

  She grinned. “Me, too.”

  “Nothing will ever compare to this feeling I’m experiencing right now.”

  She lifted her head and met his gaze. “I know.”

  “Kenya, in such a short time, you’ve created a permanent place in my heart.”

  Tears filled her eyes. “Once again, I feel the same.” She pushed his long hair out of his face, realizing that she didn’t care how shaggy and unkempt it was. He was still the most handsome man she’d ever known and ever loved. “I know I shouldn’t be feeling this so soon, but I think … I think I’m in love with you.”

  “God, Kenya—” He cupped her face and brought it down to his as his mouth captured hers.

  He didn’t kiss her passionately as they had before, but more meaningfully. Love burst in her chest, and tears fell from her eyes. She broke the kiss and held him tight.

  Why did the most wonderful man in the world come into her life for so short a time?

  Eight

  When Kenya awoke the next morning, Eli was gone. Even his belongings were missing. How could she go on without him? Knowing she would never see him again broke her down, and she sobbed into her pillow. Her heavy chest and throbbing head made it so she couldn’t go to work.

  The day passed slowly, and the night was just as bad. Memories from when they’d made love in this very bed came tumbling back, and the pain of missing him filled her greater than before. Although she didn’t think she had tears left to shed, she cried a bucket-full.

  The next morning she forced herself to go to work, even with puffy eyes. Today was Valentine’s Day, and it was nothing to celebrate.

  When sh
e entered through the front door, George’s eyes widened, his mouth gaping. “Good Lord, woman. What’s wrong?”

  She opened up and told him everything—even about Eli being from the future, and especially about Terrel. George remained supportive and encouraged her to continue in her pursuit in helping Joshua out.

  After a long day at work, she closed the shop and returned home. Loneliness overwhelmed her. She couldn’t stay in this apartment one minute longer without going crazy.

  Her gaze fell on the stack of papers she and Eli had copied from Terrel’s secret folder.

  Joshua Smith.

  Yes, she could go see him. The mental institution was only an hour’s drive away, so she still had time.

  She ran in to fix her hair and make-up, then hurried out to the car. Excitement made her heart leap and gave her a brighter outlook. She tried to tell herself she didn’t want to see Joshua just because Eli resembled him … but wasn’t that the main reason for her enthusiasm?

  No. Joshua was a completely different person. He wasn’t Eli.

  Although … what if he was just as charming as his son? She grinned. Eli certainly took the prize for sweeping her off her feet in such a short amount of time. Eli had even mentioned his father had been a sweet-talker in his younger years, which were really these years in her time.

  Moisture gathered in her palms the closer she came to the hospital. Joshua Smith. She had to remember this was the name they listed him under.

  When she parked her car and walked through the front doors, her legs shook. Even her knees knocked together. She wrung her hands against her stomach and held her shoulders straight as she made her way to the receptionist desk.

  An older, silver-haired woman looked up from the book she was reading and smiled.

  “Hello,” Kenya greeted. “I hope visiting hours are not over. I’ve traveled an hour to see someone.”

  The other woman shook her head. “There’s still another hour to go before we close the doors.”

  Kenya sighed, placing her hand on her chest. “Good.”

  “Who is it you’re here to see?”

  “Joshua Smith.”

  The lady’s white bushy eyebrows drew together, and she opened the patient logbook and thumbed through it. “Really? Joshua usually doesn’t get visitors.”

  Kenya’s heartbeat hammered against her ribs, the beat pounding through her head just as fast. “Why?”

  The woman met her stare. “I don’t know. I thought he didn’t have any family.” She smiled. “But I guess I was wrong. You are family, aren’t you?”

  Kenya tried not to let out a relived sigh. “Yes. I’m his first cousin on his mother’s side, Kenya Whitaker.”

  The other woman snapped the book closed and stood. “Then I’m certain Joshua will be thrilled to see someone.” She walked behind the desk. “Like I said, he hasn’t had any visitors for as long as I can remember.”

  Kenya held her shaky hands together and followed the nurse down the hall. The older woman withdrew a set of rings and inserted one in the keyhole of a door, then opened it. The large room looked to be a game room of sorts. She arched a brow. Probably where the patients spend most of their time. Five or so patients dressed in the hospital’s light gray colors were scattered in the room, and people dressed in street clothes sat beside them. If she could get Joshua in a corner, they could speak in private.

  Her heart quickened. What could she say? She couldn’t tell him about Eli. She chuckled. Joshua would think she had escaped from a mental hospital.

  The nurse stopped at a table and motioned to the chair. “Have a seat, and I will go get him.”

  She nodded and sat, clamping her hands between her knees. Damn her nerves.

  She glanced at the others. It was easy to identify the patients. Even if they hadn’t been wearing their gray, scrub-like clothes, the expressions on their faces were absent as they stared into space. A few played with checker pieces on the tables, or continually shook dice in a cup. Her heart went out to these poor, unfortunate souls.

  The squeaky hinges of the door drew her attention to the nurse coming through. Shuffling behind her came a tall man with very short, black hair. His head lowered as his eyes aimed toward his bare feet. His hands clasped together in back of him. Her heart leapt to her throat. Even from over here, she recognized the resemblances he had with Eli. Of course, they were father and son. Why wouldn’t they look alike?

  He didn’t meet her gaze even when the older woman led him to the chair across from Kenya and he sat.

  “Joshua,” the nurse said, touching his shoulder. “This is your cousin, Kenya Whitaker.” She looked at Kenya and nodded.

  Kenya cleared her throat. “Joshua, it’s good to see you again.”

  The man across from her kept his chin to his chest and didn’t say a word. Was this man insane? Eli seemed to think differently. Of course, after having this kind of treatment for five years, any sane person would go crazy.

  “Ma’am,” the nurse said. “If you need anything, there are several guards around the room who will be ready to assist.”

  Kenya took another glance. Why hadn’t she noticed them before? Four men stood around the room, each one at an exit, and a few others wandered through the room. She gritted her teeth. She wouldn’t have any chance to talk to him in private.

  After the nurse left, an awkward silence came between Kenya and Joshua while she struggled to find the right words. During this time, she studied him. Handsome, just like his son, he had muscles that bulged underneath his hospital attire. His hair was just as dark but much shorter, and she assumed they’d have the same color of eyes—if he’d just look at her. Instead of the shaggy, but sexy, goatee Eli had, Joshua was clean-shaven which emphasized his square jaw.

  Yes. It was easy to see where Eli had received his rugged good looks.

  A guard dressed in a black and gold uniform walked by, peering at her through narrowed eyes. She smiled and nodded, hoping to appear unaffected. When the man turned his back on her, she looked at Joshua. What could she say? She had to say something.

  She took a deep breath to begin, but didn’t get the chance.

  “You’re not my cousin.”

  Joshua’s voice was deeper than she’d expected and reminded her of Eli’s sexy tone. He lifted his gaze and met hers. Her heart flipped. Heaven help her, Joshua had Eli’s intoxicating green eyes.

  He took a quick glance at the guard then looked back at her. He placed his clasped hands on the table and leaned closer. “I don’t know you.”

  She smiled and resisted the urge to reach out and touch his hands. He’s not Eli. “I know. I had to say I was family or they wouldn’t let me see you.”

  He nodded. “Do you know who I am?”

  “Yes. You’re Joshua Montgomery,” she whispered. “Son of Adam Montgomery, former President of Montgomery Aisle.”

  His eyes misted over, and her heart tugged with emotion.

  “Be careful not to say that too loud.” His voice was low, also. “They might want to put you in here for being crazy.”

  “You’re not crazy.” She followed her instinct and touched his hands. In one smooth movement, his fingers gripped with hers. Once again, her heartbeat pounded lively, quickening her breath.

  “How do you know?” he asked.

  No way could she tell him about Eli. “Let’s just say I know someone who convinced me of your innocence.”

  The guard walked back their way, and Joshua lowered his head again. She continued to hold his hand, even used her other hand to stroke his arm, trying to look like the grieving relative.

  “…And my mom and dad say hi. Remember Cousin Billy?” She raised her voice for the guard’s affect. “He’ll be getting married next month. I feel sorry for his wife, though. Billy eats like a pig and probably out-weighs one, too.”

  Joshua’s mouth quirked at the corners, a dimple flashed in his chin. How adorable.

  The guard walked by, and Joshua met her gaze. His eyes sparkled, jus
t as sexy as his son’s had done. “Are you purposely trying to make me laugh?”

  She shrugged. “I had to say something in front of that guard so he doesn’t think we’re being secretive.” She tilted her head. “Why? Don’t you laugh in here?”

  “Rarely.” He glanced around the room. “What’s there to laugh at?”

  Once again, emotion suffocated her. No matter what, she must get him released.

  “Joshua, I have people looking into your case—”

  “Don’t,” he said roughly. “Terrel will do something awful to you just like he did to me and all my father’s servants. You shouldn’t put yourself in harm’s way for a man you have never met before.”

  She smiled. “But I feel as if I know you really well.” She squeezed his hands. “My father will help protect me if it comes down to needing it.”

  His forehead creased. “Why are you doing this?”

  “Because … I love the person who told me about you, and I want to get you out of here.”

  The guard came their way again, so she quickly changed the subject and lifted her voice. “…And Cousin Jill, well, she broke her arm the other day. She’s been interested in body-building and looking like Popeye, so she challenged a man three-times her size and lost.” She shook her head. “Poor, foolish idiot.”

  This time she noticed the guard hide a grin as he walked by. Once he passed, she looked back at Joshua. His smile had widened, as had the dimple in his chin.

  “Would you quit?” he asked.

  She chuckled. “Sorry. I like to make jokes when I’m nervous.”

  “Why are you nervous?”

  “Because I don’t want anything to go wrong. I want to be able to get you out and have everything fall right into place.”

  He shook his head. “If you know Terrel at all, you know it won’t work like that.”

  “I can dream, can’t I?”

  His thumb stroked over her knuckles, and the gentleness of his action caused tingles to shoot up her arm. Good grief. What’s wrong with her? Why was she getting these feelings from Joshua? She shook the crazy thoughts from her mind. This was Eli’s father, for hell’s sake. Yet, he was the same age and looked almost as Eli had. Could be why Joshua left her breathless.