Cupid's Target

by J. T. Schultz

  Shooting his glance behind the other man, he again took in the swarm of customers. “I was about to ask you the same thing.” He returned his attention to Eric.

  He looked around and then smiled at Zane. “The new display window drew them all in. Charity really outdid herself."

  "The display window?” He thought a moment. “I understood you had concerns over it yesterday."

  "I did, it looked like a funeral. I noticed you talking to her yesterday, so I figure whatever you said to her, worked. The effect is amazing."

  I didn't discuss any business with her yesterday except getting your attention. Apparently it worked. “I haven't seen the window."

  "It's interesting. I never would have thought of it, but its working.” He glanced to the customers he had left and turned back. “I better go help these customers and work on some sales."

  Nodding, Zane agreed. “If you see Charity. maybe you could thank her."

  "When I see her I'll do that. Have a good day boss.” He walked over to the customers.

  Curiosity was getting the better of him. He pivoted on his dress shoe and headed back to the door. He had to see the window for himself. He exited the building and walked around the corner to where the window was. There were people standing around it. As politely as he could he worked himself to the front of the crowd. The site that met him stunned him.

  The sharply dressed menswear mannequins were surrounded by scantily dressed female mannequins on their arms and kneeling at their feet. The banner read ‘Have Success, Power and a Valentine'. His lips twitched into a smile. Apparently, she had applied the what-men-like chat to her work.

  "I think I need a suit like that.” A male voice noted from somewhere behind him.

  He worked his way through the crowd and headed back into the store. He was still smiling. Charity was an interesting lady and far from stupid. Her latest display bordered on brilliant, and he hoped she was still around. Again, he pulled open the heavy glass door and entered the store. Menswear was still busy. It almost looked busier.

  His eyes lifted, and he spotted Charity right away. Her eyes met his and he walked towards her. She met him half way by the pyramid of heart chocolate boxes. “Good morning Zane."

  "Good morning Charity. I saw the window. It's a little suggestive, but it seems to be causing a boom in menswear.” He turned his body slightly so she could look around him. He looked at her big brown eyes, chestnut hair that fell loose around her face. She was cute, complete with a sprinkle of freckles across the bridge of her nose. “I know Eric is very pleased with the window. Maybe you should quickly pop over and see him."

  "It would have to be quick. I was hoping to be out of here already, only Chloe in lingerie wanted to tell me about the new stock they are getting in. They are a little busy over the menswear window."

  Zane wasn't surprised. Well, he was, but shouldn't have been. “I see.” He watched her play her full lower lips between her teeth and noticed she was a little nervous, but she wasn't blushing like she had been yesterday when she was around him.

  Interesting. “I was thinking maybe—"

  "Oh Zane!” His mother's voice cut him off, and he turned as she walked over to him. Every man in the room followed his mother sway in her high heels and short skirt. She grinned as she approached. “That display window is amazing."

  He smiled and glanced to Charity. “Mom, this is Charity Meadows. Charity this is my mother, and the owner, Lusty Heartrings-Cupid."

  "It's a pleasure to meet you.” Charity extended a manicured hand. She did have nice nails.

  "You're just adorable.” His mother gushed and shook her hand. “I have to say that is one of the best displays we've had in years here."

  Charity smiled warmly. “Thank you, it was fun.” She withdrew her hand and never blushed or fumbled like she did when around a man. It was another interesting thing. Why was she so timid around me and so unsure of herself?

  "I have to show my thanks.” His mother insisted to Charity. “I would love to take you for something to eat and have a chat on your other ideas."

  An alarm went off in Zane's head. A) His mother was here socially and not shopping. B) She wanted to spend time with Charity. He knew she was up to something, the question was what?

  "I would love to, but I have to run an errand.” She smiled faintly. “I have to grab breakfast for my elderly neighbor and take it to him."

  His mother pursed her full lips and frowned slightly. If there was one thing she didn't take well, it was the word ‘no'. She smoothed her palms against her skirt and twitched her lips into a smile. Her features smoothed out.

  Oh hell, she has an idea.

  "Well, I have the perfect solution. Zane is only going to be doing paperwork anyway and hiding in that office of his. Why doesn't he pick up breakfast for your neighbor and deliver it, then we can have some girl time.” She slipped closer to Charity and stared at Zane. Her look was a silent challenge to him, daring him to say no.

  Oh yeah, she is definitely up to something.

  Charity lifted her fingers to her cheek and pulled back a strand of hair. “I would hate to put Zane out."

  Scoffing that off, his mother rolled her eyes and waved her hand. “Nonsense, you wouldn't mind at all would you dear?"

  Oh! Yeah he minded. Not so much doing the good deed, but the fact he had no clue what his mother was up to. Smiling, he turned to Charity. “I was hoping to talk to you this afternoon. Would you be able to swing by and see me when you're done with my mom?"

  "Of course. Are you sure you don't mind running breakfast to Mr. Samson?” She interlocked her slender fingers in front of her.

  "No, not at all.” He glanced to his mother and continued to wonder what she had up the sleeve of her Chanel suit. He turned his attention back to Charity. “So what's the address, and what should I get for him?"

  * * * *

  Charity was a little surprised Zane was willing to take breakfast to her widowed neighbor. It was sweet, just as it was for Lusty wanting to spend time with her. That too was surprising. She smiled to herself over how good Zane looked in his suit this morning. It was a different look from the jeans and shirt he had on yesterday. He was one of those gorgeous types, though, that probably would look sexy in anything he wore.

  She looked to her arm, where Lusty had linked her arm through hers. “I didn't want to say too much in front of Zane, but I thought since our sales are skyrocketing today over that incredible window, I could show my thanks and take you shopping."

  Stopping in her tracks, she was stunned. “Really?"

  The pretty store-owner smiled. “I know all about you Charity. I know about your education, I know about what you used to do, career-wise, before joining the Heartrings department store. I, personally, picked your resume out from the others. My husband agreed that you were meant to be part of our family."

  There was something in the tone of her last two words that had her wondering if that wasn't an entendre of sorts. In what way, Charity had no clue. “I'm really flattered.” She looked hesitant. “May I be bold?"

  Zane's mother nodded. “Of course."

  How to put my words politely and without sounding desperate? “I see how polished you look and a lot of men notice you. Since you want to take me shopping today...” Now, the part where I sound stupid. Oh dear, remember to breath. Her stomach knotted.

  "Did you want me to help you to be more noticeable?” Her eyes sparkled and her smile broadened. It wasn't rocket science that the beautiful woman before her loved the idea.

  "If it's not too much trouble."

  Lifting her perfectly arched brows, Lusty nodded. “I take it there's a man?"

  Charity felt a flip in her stomach. She thought of Eric, but she couldn't bring his face to mind. She could only see Zane's handsome smile and his perfect dimples. Was it a sign? Maybe, there was something about him. The weird thing was he wanted to help her land Eric. “Not yet, but there could be."

  Chapter Four

&nbs
p; Zane was restless. He had floated through the store and found that lingerie was just as busy as menswear. He had done all his paperwork and noticed all the departments were up slightly over last year. Apparently, the increased traffic had trickled throughout the store. He had also noticed that Eric was flirting with Chloe, the blonde he had checked out yesterday when talking with Charity. Honestly, as sweet as she was she could do better than someone like Eric.

  If he was where her interest laid then that was fine. He shoved his hands in his suit pocket and walked past the toy department. He noticed the new display of toy rockets. He eyed them slowly and smiled. He wished the store was closed so he could examine them closer. Of everything in the store, the toy department was his favorite, and after long days of stressful work he would often come up here and just play. It was childish, but he loved toys as much now as he did when he was a kid. He grew up in the department store. He had visited his grandfather in the office he now had and would come down here to play. He missed those days as much as he missed his grandfather.

  He sighed, thinking that he would have to sneak over here after closing and investigate the new rockets. He jumped on the escalator and headed up to his office. Where was Charity? Surely, she wasn't still with his mother. He sighed and thought about that. He was still curious what his mother's motives had been earlier. To think she didn't have any would be foolish.

  He unlocked his office door and walked in. He glanced around and threw himself down in his chair. He started rocking the expensive, leather, swivel chair back and forth. How was he ever going to help Charity land Eric if she didn't put time into things? She needed work and ... His nose picked up the expensive perfume she wore.

  "Wow! Are you ever deep in thought!” Charity's voice cut into his thoughts and pulled his attention to the entrance.

  "It's about time you...” He lost his voice and blinked. The chair he had been rocking flipped over, and he crashed to floor of his office. He was now as dazed as he was stunned.

  "My God, Zane?” Charity hurried over and knelt by his side. “Are you okay?"

  No, I almost knocked myself out. You weren't supposed to show up looking so hot. He struggled to find his voice. She was gorgeous. “Fine, just need a moment."

  Her big brown eyes held concern through long dark lashes. She had only a trace of make up on, but she looked stunning. Her chestnut hair was cut to her shoulders. She had soft bangs that framed her face and streaks the color of honey running through the strands. Her full lips were accented and dusted in a soft pink. They were shiny and their fullness even more evident than they had been yesterday. He realized he was staring at them and lifted his eyes to hers. She was so beautiful.

  He sat up and took in the designer jacket and the fitted sweater beneath it. “Let's get you up,” she said.

  He was ‘up’ the moment he smelled her perfume.

  She leaned back and hit her head on the corner of his desk. She flinched and leaned forward as she brought a hand up to her head. Her lashes were lowered and she opened her eyes. Their faces were inches apart and heat traveled over Zane's skin beneath his clothes. The urge to kiss her was overwhelming.

  "Are you all right?"

  Her beautiful face smiled. “Yeah, another clumsy maneuver on my part. I'm a born klutz."

  A warm chuckle filled the room, and he realized it came from his mouth. He had laughed. “You realize that you are saying this to a man that fell backward in his chair?"

  She giggled. It sounded incredible and her nose scrunched slightly. Her new haircut moved her hair to swing slightly. She had gone from cute to sexy in an afternoon. Carefully, he pulled himself to his feet and held out his hand to her. She took it, and heat sparked at her touch like it had yesterday. She stood and he took in the rest of her. Her sweater narrowed in at her slender waist, and her trendy jeans hugged her body, clinging to her hips like the hands of a lover. Charity was built for sin. Her shoes were even trendy and had a little heel. With her less than graceful tendencies, that maybe was a good thing.

  Her eyes scanned his face, and it took him a minute to realize that her hand was still in his. He released it and shoved his hands in his suit pockets to avoid from taking it again. “Did you and my mom grab something to eat?"

  "No, actually, we were too busy talking and...” she shook her head. “How did it go with Mr. Samson?"

  Nodding, Zane reached down and straightened his chair back to an upright position. “He is an amazing man.” It was true. He had gone in and visited with the man, which seemed please to see him. “He was telling me stories about growing up in early Hollywood. He had a lot good things to say about you."

  She brushed them off with a wave of her hand. “Rumors,” she teased, then laughed. “I really appreciate you bringing him breakfast. It meant a lot to me. I know you're busy."

  He couldn't stop his lips from twitching into a large grin. “Did you have a good time with my mom?"

  "I did.” Her breath caught and she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and nibbled it slowly. “What did you want to talk to me about?"

  "Can I take you for a late lunch?” He didn't mean to ask her out. “That way we can talk about how you can get Eric."

  Something flickered in her eyes for a moment. He couldn't make out what it was. “I would love to, but I haven't slept yet and I work tonight.” Her cheeks flushed slightly. It was the first time they had. “Thanks for the offer.” Something in her tone was off, and he wasn't sure what it was. “I should go, though."

  She turned to go and he caught her arm gently. Her heel caught on the carpet and she stumbled forward slightly. His arms went out and somehow ended up circled around her waist. Her hands rested against his chest and she looked up at him. Her breasts pressed against him and his cock stiffened. He loved the feel of her. His eyes dropped to her lips again.

  She wants Eric. He lifted his gaze and quickly released her from his arms.

  Again, something flickered in her face, and although it lingered seconds longer, he couldn't read her expression. “I'll catch you later Zane.” She didn't seem happy. What had changed?

  He was frustrated. He had a hard on. She had turned down his offer for a late lunch. What was wrong with him? “What time do you work tonight?"

  She bent at the hip, and he took in the curve of her round, firm ass. Scooping up the shopping bags she had dropped when he'd fallen, she turned and straightened. “I work at eleven.” Her voice was soft and she sounded unsure. What happened to the smile and the carefree attitude that had been there moments earlier?

  "Why don't I swing by and see you then?"

  She smiled, but it wasn't sincere. “Sure, you're the boss.” She turned and headed towards his office door and paused. She glanced back at him. “I'll look for you tonight.” She walked through the door and shut it behind her. Zane stared at the closed door a moment. He was about to set up the sweetest girl in a hot package, with a guy that would never appreciate her. What was he doing? And why did it feel so wrong?

  * * * *

  It was pushing midnight and Charity stood in the lingerie department. Somehow she was supposed to come up with something brilliant for the window. She wasn't in the mood for brilliance or romance. Instead, she was pouting. She had no business to pout. She had the attention of a gorgeous man, and he was going out of his way to set her up with another gorgeous guy. That's what the problem was. Eric was a nice piece of eye candy in Armani, but he didn't cause the same flutter in her stomach that Zane did. When he had laughed today while they were on his office floor, her body had heated and her thong had dampened. The rich timber of his sexy baritone was seductive. His laugh—well that was what erotic images were built on. Unfortunately, she had a few of those, after the way he kept looking to her lips. If only he had done something about it.

  "What a joke. Why would he?” She frowned. She was talking to herself again. This couldn't be healthy. She shot a look to the silk chemises she had hauled over yesterday and scowled. Maybe she should just tell Z
ane that she wasn't interested in Eric anymore. Then what? It wasn't like she could tell him she was more interested in him. Besides, if she told Zane that she wasn't interested in Eric, he maybe wouldn't spend time with her anymore.

  She should sneak across the street and grab a coffee. She was tired. She had been so sure that with his mom's help she would have sparked some interest out of him. Nope, he was still gung ho on shoving her off onto another guy. She covered her face in her hands. She had wanted him to kiss her. Now that's all she could think about. He was so hunky and smelled so good. She was highly educated, freshly made over and, even in her opinion, didn't look half bad, surely she could figure out how to win Zane over.

  You weren't smart enough to get Eric's attention. A voice inside her mind chastised. If you couldn't get the manager of a department to give you thirty seconds that didn't involve scolding, how can you land the owner of the entire store?

  Sighing, she was beyond frustrated. She was exhausted. Shopping with Lusty, when she should have been sleeping, was not a smart move. She had gone home and had tried to sleep. Instead, she had thought of Zane and ended up at Mr. Samson's to play a game of chess. That hadn't been effective, since all her elderly neighbor could do was talk about what a great visit he had with her gentleman friend. Gentleman friend, ha! What a joke.

  "I'm overreacting,” she whispered and surveyed the lingerie department. She shook her head. She needed that coffee and a breath of the outside air. The cool rush of night air in her lungs would energize her.

  She groaned and scanned the area for a security guard. Of course, none was around to let her out of the store and let her run across the street. Surprising, it was a Tuesday, because it felt like a Monday.

  Movement caught her eye, and her attention fell to a handsome smiling face. She was so tired that she was hallucinating, because the handsome face that was attached to the delicious body that walked toward her looked like Zane. She blinked and pushed her hair back. He drew close, and his expensive cologne reached her nose before he reached her. “Hi,” he greeted. His dimples worked like punctuation to his perfect smile.