Cupid's Target

by J. T. Schultz

  Lovell Sighed. “She is in love with him."

  Stopping mid-step she turned to him. “You think so?"

  He laughed. “I'm a cupid, I know these things. Only, I don't think she realizes it yet. She actually asked me not to take away his trust fund."

  "I know she doesn't care about money, she has enough of her own, but why would she do that?"

  "Because she doesn't want him unhappy; she loves him. By the way our son is acting I'm almost positive he loves her too."

  "They looked happy.” She pointed to the glass table top. “They have no excuses not to become a couple and live happily ever after.” She lowered her arm and smiled sweetly. “I love happily ever after."

  He leaned back against the back of the sofa. “I know you do.” He thought for a moment. “I just hope that she doesn't get all logical and think that she has to go out with Eric and attempt to fall in love with him."

  Throwing her hands up, she rolled her eyes. “Why would she do that?"

  "To make sure that Zane doesn't lose his trust fund."

  "She's smart. Zane just had to find her love, and she's in love with him.” Her face lit up. “Maybe he will get his wings?"

  "Possibly, if he takes after my side. However, he may never get them if he takes after your side. It doesn't matter, either way. I just want him happy."

  Lusty sighed. “I believe that they will end up together."

  "You are such a romantic. That's why I married you."

  Her brows lifted. “Really? I thought you married me because of this.” She flicked the spaghetti straps off her shoulders with her thumbs. The silky fabric slid down and revealed all of her naked curves.

  He hoped his son had a good night. It wouldn't be nearly as good as his, unless he took Charity to the bedding department. He smiled at his lovely, vivacious wife. “Yes, you're right. Your body had a lot to do with it."

  * * * *

  Zane was still in a good mood as the store got ready to close. He was a little tired from hanging out with Charity most of the night, but he'd had fun and loved her company. He was happy. It was the first time in a long time that he could honestly say that. He never knew he was unhappy, or that anything was missing from his life. Not until Charity had come along.

  He noticed as he walked over from jewelry that they had sold out of all the bears from the pyramid at the bottom of the escalator that had been knocked over. He smiled over the reaction the stock people had when they found out they had to rebuild it. He never did answer their question as to what happened. Tomorrow was Valentine's Day and he had every intension of spending it with her. He wasn't going into work and was definitely giving her the night off.

  "Hey boss,” Eric greeted as he walked up. “I just wanted to let you know that I think I am going to take your advice from the other day and show Charity how much I appreciate all she's done to increase sales."

  He lifted his brows. “You're getting her a thank-you card?"

  Laughing, Eric shook his blonde head. “No, I'm going to see if she wants to join me for dinner tonight."

  His heart came to a stop. He remembered then that he was supposed to be setting Charity up with Eric. “Wow, I'm surprised. I didn't think Charity was your type."

  "Now that she is wearing great expensive clothes and looks really good, she is more than my type."

  "Of course.” He used to think like that. Now all he could think about was all the sweet things Charity did for other people. “She is pretty busy volunteering."

  "Well, to me that says she needs more in her life.” He winked. “Here she comes now."

  He turned and took in her shoes, they were designer and expensive. His gaze traveled up long, curvy, tanned legs beneath her short, denim skirt. The top beneath her coat was button-down and fitted enough to curve in at her small waist and accent her round breasts. She looked beautiful, and it was all Zane could do not to go running over to her.

  He looked to Eric. “I have to talk to Charity a second, can you excuse me?"

  "Sure thing. Send her my way when you're done. I want to talk to her.” He wiggled his brows and walked away as Charity approached.

  She glanced to Eric's back, then brought her dark eyes to his. “Is everything okay?"

  He wasn't sure what to say. No, not really, they were suddenly horrible. “Fine,” he whispered. The good mood he had carried all day had vanished away. He should tell her that Eric wanted to talk to her and that he wanted to go out with her. His parents had accused him of being selfish. By not telling her that Eric wanted to talk to her, he was being just that. Zane didn't want to share her. He wanted her for himself. Maybe this was why his parents had interfered, to see if he would be selfish or find her love.

  "Are you sure you're okay?” Her pretty face etched in concern. “You don't seem like you're in a good mood."

  He forced a smile and nodded. “No I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind.” Like holding you forever and never letting you go.

  She didn't look convinced and her full lips parted. “You know—"

  "Actually, before I forget.” He had to change the subject before he said something he would never be able to take back. “Eric said he needed to speak to you."

  Frowning, she glanced over at menswear then back to Zane. “About what?"

  "Not sure, why don't you go find out?"

  Sighing, she glanced again over and Eric waved at her. Zane was sick to his stomach. “Okay,” she whispered. “Don't move, though. I want to talk to you."

  "Sure thing.” It wasn't true. As soon as she turned her back, he was gone. He didn't want to see Eric lay on his charm. He turned and started towards the elevator away from menswear. He needed to get out of here. His stomach started to hurt, and the miserable sensation that had monopolized him a few days earlier returned.

  He stopped then turned to see Eric give Charity a light hug and rake his gaze over her. Zane hung his head. He should have told her how he felt about her. He was supposed to find her love, not fall in love with her. He had, though. If he had told her how he felt, would she still have wanted Eric? It didn't matter now. He took in the expression on her face. He got to keep his trust fund, and she got what she wanted. If Eric was what she wanted then why didn't she look happy or blush at his words? He turned away from where Eric was with Charity and walked out of the store into the night air.

  * * * *

  From the corner of her eye Charity saw Zane leave the store. Her heart tightened. He looked so good today. She loved him in that tie. She had picked that tie out with him last night, after they had passed the tie display several times, heading to the toy display window. She wasn't sure what was wrong with him. He had acted strange tonight when they had talked. He wasn't happy about something and that bothered her. She nodded her head at something Eric had said about maybe helping her with the display windows one night.

  She right away thought of the fun she had with Zane and the first time she had kissed him in the props storage room. She looked up at Eric, and she realized she wasn't blushing or feeling flustered. In truth, she didn't care what Eric thought or how he perceived her. When had she stopped caring?

  When Zane came along.

  Why wasn't she going after him? Why was she standing here? It wasn't like she was listening to Eric anyway. She glanced to the glass doors he had left through and realized Eric had stopped talking. She looked at him and snapped back to the conversation and out of her thoughts. “I'm sorry, I missed what you said?"

  "I want to take you for dinner.” Eric's blue eyes sparkled. He looked incredible. He was downright good-looking but didn't affect her. Not the way Zane did. Eric's sexy laugh cut into her thoughts. “Actually, tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and I would like to do something fun with you.” He paused and touched his fingers against her cheek. “Something romantic and intimate."

  As the words left his mouth and entered her ears, her heart stopped. Those words reminded her of Zane. He was the one she wanted to be romantic and intimate with. “I can'
t.” She stepped away from his touch.

  "I was thinking—"

  "It's okay.” Charity thought for a minute and smiled. “I appreciate the invite to dinner, but I have plans."

  "What about tomorrow?"

  "I'm busy. Actually, I don't think anytime would be a good time."

  The surprise was evident on his face. He leaned back and studied her. “With who?” He shook his head and waved his hands. “Wait, no, it doesn't matter. Why would you turn me down?"

  "Because I think I'm in love with someone else.” She paused and glanced at the tie display. She met his blue eyes again. “That's wrong, I mean, I'm wrong."

  "So, you will go out with me and spend Valentine's Day with me?"

  "No, I meant I was wrong thinking I was in love with him. I know I'm in love with him."

  "Charity, I am quite the catch."

  Could he possibly be any vainer? “Actually Eric, I'm in love with someone that noticed me before I slipped on a short skirt."

  His eyes widened. “I noticed you."

  She smiled. “No you didn't. I have to go, Eric. Have a good night and a good day tomorrow.” She turned on her trendy shoe heel.

  She never waited for his reply. She hurried off towards the glass entrance. She had to talk to Zane. She had to tell him how she felt. Of course she loved him. Why else would she have kissed him all those times? Their kisses had got hotter and more intense each time. Maybe the next time she kissed him it would land him in her bed. Before any kisses would happen, she had to find him.

  Stepping into the night air, she glanced around and didn't see any sign of him. She looked one way up the walk and then the other. She shook her head and debated about the parking garage. She rushed down the walk to the garage entrance. Careful not to trip in the cracks in the pavement, she made her way over to the pay booth. She knocked on the window and the older gentleman opened the window. “Can I help you, Miss?"

  She couldn't believe she was doing this. “I was wondering if Mr. Cupid had left."

  "I just started my shift. I haven't seen him, but I have only been here a few minutes."

  I missed him and have no clue where he lives. “Okay, well thank you so much.” She slowly turned away and walked at a snail's pace out of the garage. She slipped her hands in her pockets and glanced to her shoes. She should probably hail a cab. Her shoes were not really designed for a six block walk.

  "I shouldn't be sad, I shouldn't pout. I was waiting for him to make the first move. Maybe he's not interested in me that way.” Her heart tightened at the thought.

  Illness worked over her and she wondered why, if Zane was interested in her, did he continue to help her get Eric? “I'm an idiot. Why didn't I just tell him three days, no, four days ago, I was no longer interested in Eric?” She paced back and forth in front of the toys display window. “I kind of told him about not being interested in Eric then I said he looked appealing, but I forgot to mention to Zane that I was interested in him.” She stopped and sighed so hard her shoulders slumped. Defeat took over her entire body. “Now, I'm in love with him."

  She looked around and noticed a couple cast a strange look as they walked past her. They looked nervous, no doubt thinking she was a wacko. “Now I'm standing on a sidewalk talking to myself."

  She glanced to the road; she should hail a cab. No, she was too miserable, she needed to walk. No sooner did she take three steps—it started to rain. Oh, this was the last thing she needed. She glanced to the road again. Not a cab in sight as the rain came down and her hair started to get wet. Soon it would be soaked and plastered to her face. She might as well just walk fast. She picked up her pace and tried not to think she could be in a dry restaurant with Eric right now. Groaning, she pushed the thought aside with another. Where would she be if she had just told Zane the truth?

  Chapter Nine

  Zane moved back down the escalator. He had gotten all the way out to the car when he remembered the reports from the accountant for his mother. He had headed out to his car again. He glanced over to menswear and noticed Eric grab his coat. Charity was nowhere to be found.

  Maybe she went to fix her lipstick in the bathroom.

  He was jealous, despite his attempt not to be. He was failing miserably. He lowered his gaze to the marble tile floor. He didn't want to see her with Eric.

  "Hey Zane!” Eric called.

  Son of a bitch! Have I no luck?

  Looking up, he forced a smile to the menswear manager. “Hello Eric."

  Eric glanced at the report in his hand and met his eyes. “Forget reports?"

  "My mother asked for them and I almost had. Other things on my mind I guess.” Like Charity and how I was too stupid not to tell her that—

  "Are you in a hurry? I was thinking of grabbing a beer."

  Strange. He glanced around then looked back to Eric. “Where is Charity? I thought you were going to ask her out?"

  The menswear manger nodded and smiled a sardonic grin. “I did. And she turned me down flat."

  Oh! Hell! Zane thought for a moment. “What about tomorrow, with it being Valentine's Day and all?"

  "Nope, I guess you didn't know, or you wouldn't have told me to ask her out."

  "Know what?” His heart raced.

  "She is in love with someone else."

  He had misheard. He was positive of it. “What did you say?” He shook his head, thinking maybe he was hallucinating.

  "Yeah, I know, I was just as surprised, but she's in love with someone else, so my guess she is spending tomorrow with him.” Eric pulled on his over coat. “She's hot and seemed nice enough."

  "She's amazing.” Zane frowned. “Did she actually say she was in love?"

  Eric laughed as he did up the buttons on his coat. “Yeah, it was weird. First she said she thought she was in love, then she got this sweet little smile and told me she knew she loved him.” He shook his head and laughed. “Who would have known?"

  I should have by the way she kissed me and the way she melted into my body. I should've by the way she talked to me with ease and didn't blush. All the indicators had been there. It was all Zane could do not to run to his car. “Where is she now? Did she leave?"

  Eric laughed. “Oh yeah, she was in a hurry, too. So, what about the beer?"

  "Actually, I better go.” He held up the reports for good measure. He had to find her. He glanced out the heavy glass doors and noticed the rain coming down. “Have a good night."

  He hurried out to his car and quickly pulled towards the entrance of the parking garage. The attendant opened his window and smiled. Zane rolled down his window; he always said good night. “Good night,” he called.

  "Mr. Cupid. I didn't realize you were still here. There was a woman here about fifteen minutes ago asking if you had left."

  Zane's heart picked up speed. Charity!

  "She was a pretty thing too, and looked real disappointed that you were gone."

  Grinning, he nodded and clutched the wheel. “Thank you, you made my night. I have a feeling I know who it was."

  "I hope you get a hold of her. She seemed sweet."

  "Like no other. Have a good one.” He pushed the button and rolled up his window as the bar lifted. He would hang a left to head to Beverly Hills. Instead, he paused, checked for other cars and swung right. His eyes scanned the sidewalk while he drove. The rain was coming down and his wipers flicked on automatically. Where was she? He didn't see her and took another right turn towards her apartment. She was nowhere to be seen. He slowed as he came to a stop in front of her apartment building.

  His eyes fell to the doorman. Not so much the older and slightly plump gentleman, but the long legs in a denim skirt and light blue coat. His eyes fell on soaked chestnut hair. The light from the building picked up the lighter streaks in her hair, and he let out the breath he'd been holding. He threw his car in park and jumped out of the car. He left it running, but didn't care. He tugged the collar up on his coat to avoid the rain from sliding down his neck.


  The sound of his car door shutting caused her to turn. She was soaked, hair plastered to her face, but the best looking thing he had ever seen. “Charity!"

  She stepped towards him. “Zane, what are you doing here?"

  Her mascara was smudged and he worried about her getting sick. “I was looking for you."

  Her features broke into a smile. “Well, you found me."

  "I need to talk to you."

  Shivering, she nodded. “Can we do it somewhere drier?"

  "I have to park the car—"

  "Never mind, Miss Meadows. I'll bring it around for him and park it in the underground garage for you in visitor parking.” The door man assured. “If that's all right with you, sir?"

  He reached into his pocket and pulled out the money clip. “Perfect, I would appreciate that.” He passed the money to him. “I'll get the door for the lady."

  "Very good sir,” the doorman nodded and moved to towards the car. “I will leave your keys with the concierge in the front."

  Zane pulled open the door and motioned Charity through. She walked in and he moved behind her. He gently rested his hand at the small of her back. She paused and turned to him. “What did you need to talk to me about?"

  "We can talk about it upstairs."

  Her features fell. “Is everything okay?"

  Smiling, he nodded and rubbed her back slightly. “I think things are going to be incredible."

  * * * *

  Charity was surprised Zane was there. She opened her apartment door and flipped on the lights. Her stomach flipped. She had to tell him how she felt. Turning to him, he shut the door behind them and locked it. She brushed the wet strands of hair off her cheek. “What are you doing here?” She shivered, wet through to her underwear. “I mean, I know you need to talk to me but—?"

  "I should be asking you what you are doing home.” He crossed his arms across his chest and stepped towards her. The sexiest smile she had ever seen spread across his lips. “I thought Eric was going to ask you out?” He closed his eyes, his black lashes fluttered. He opened his eyes. “I heard he did, and you turned him down."