Cowboy's Cupid

by Niki Mitchell

  “What’s wrong with this table? I had that,” the biker barked.

  “Sure you did.” The friend chuckled. None of these humans seemed aware of her presence.

  She floated near the ceiling, moved toward the long counter, hovered and searched for a glowing aura.

  A man in a dark cowboy hat laughed with friends at the bar. He had a wonderful laugh, full and hearty. The man, taller than his friends, captivated her. She guessed his height to be at least six feet.

  His stature and coloring made him different from the fair Cupid males in her town. She dropped down to examine the human closely, lingering inches from his face. His complexion tanned by the sun had a healthy glow. Coppery brown hair touched the top of his collared shirt. His spicy, masculine cologne filled her senses.

  Her heart began to quadruple its thumping.

  He turned, appearing to gaze directly at her. His eyes followed her as if he detected her presence. Impossible. Her fluttering wings should distort her visual image completely. As if in a trance, she slowed. Their eyes met, his whiskey colored, intense and wide with bewilderment.

  Unnerved, she flew forward and looked in front of her. Oh no! A wall loomed less than a foot away, and she veered right to keep from colliding. What was she supposed to be doing?

  Focus on the assignment. Do not get distracted. Find the couple needing a love infusement.

  She flittered over several round tables on the bar’s left. A muddy-yellow aura surrounded the man seated with his back to the bar. A woman’s lips pinched together, as she glared at the man across from her.

  Mr. and Mrs. Smith. According to the couple’s record, a year ago their marriage had been blissful. Lately, Mr. Smith withdrew. He barely spoke to his wife. The couple led separate lives. Presuming her husband no longer desired her, she’d contemplated divorcing him. This outing had been set to bring them closer. At the moment, their hearts’ love-light glowed faintly, close to becoming extinguished.

  “I can’t do this anymore,” Mrs. Smith groaned, her aura filled with gray sadness. The file said she wanted her loving husband back.

  Mr. Smith looked away, oblivious to the hurt in her eyes. “Figured this would be coming.” He winced. A memo said he’d failed to make a decent salary. He believed his wife deserved more, and she’d be better off without him.

  Sensing Mrs. Smith was about to leave, Cami floated next to a wagon wheel chandelier and tried to find the best angle. The husband folded his arms across his chest, blocking a clear shot at his heart. Over his shoulder, she had a distinct view of the guy at the bar.

  Cami floated close to the husband. Even if she moved in, she wouldn’t be able to hit his heart.

  “I’ll never please you.” Mr. Smith picked up his beer, took a sip and moved his arm.

  Cami had to hurry. She lowered down to the table’s level, nocked her arrow, aimed and drew the bowstring.

  The wife stood. “Figured you’d say that. Always quick to blame me for your own inadequacies.”

  As Cami’s fingers released the arrow, the husband groaned and leaned over to grab his wife’s hand. The arrow passed over his shoulders and hit the bar guy.

  Holy Zeus! What just happened?

  The bar guy stared at Cami again. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear he saw her. A spark of attraction sizzled through her veins.

  Ignore him. Concentrate. Think.

  What should she do now?

  Her heart thwacked hard and fast as dread filled her chest.

  She’d blown it, big time.

  Chapter Three

  Rhett’s head pounded like a sledgehammer hit his temples. He should’ve stuck with beer last night at the bar. He never should’ve downed a single whisky shooter much less four or five.

  The rooster cock-a-doodled and cock-a-doodled and cock-a-doodled.

  “I oughta butcher you for tonight’s supper!” he shouted to the damn bird.

  Throwing the covers off, he rubbed his eyes and headed for the bathroom. He picked up a T-shirt he’d left on the floor. It passed the sniff test, so he yanked it over his head and went into the dining room.

  His brother, Michael, leaned his chair back at the table, stopped scrolling on his phone and glanced up. “You look like hell.”

  “Aren’t you full of compliments?” Rhett pushed through the swinging doors to the kitchen. Every dish in the house was piled into the double-sinks. He washed a bowl, added Corn Flakes, snatched the milk container from the fridge, and found the carton exceptionally light. He poured. Less than a tablespoon of milk dribbled onto his breakfast.

  This is going to be a long day.

  He snagged a cup of coffee and joined his brother. “Don’t forget we’re interviewing housekeepers at three.”

  “Hope we find somebody who cooks. I’m tired of Top Ramen and canned soup.” Michael’s phone chirped with a text. “Gotta run. Promised Mom I’d help with the Valentine’s Party.”

  “Already? It’s not for over a week.” For as long as Rhett could remember, his parents hosted a Valentine’s Day party in their barn. If Rhett had his way, Valentine’s Day celebrations would be cancelled permanently. He dreaded another matchmaking scheme. Last year, his mother tried to set him up with a whiny neighbor whose hair reminded him of a scarecrow. At twenty-eight, he planned to stay single and avoid heartbreak again. Love meant spending money on useless doodads and sappy talk and losing beer night with your friends. As far as he was concerned, relationships weren’t worth the hassle.

  Three cups of coffee and too many aspirins later, Rhett fired up the hay truck and let it idle. A fleeting image of a female with pretty eyes like a blue sky tinted with dark thunderclouds came to mind. Had he really seen her? He recalled a pint-sized translucent woman had materialized as she slowed her fluttering wings and moved inches from his face, only to vanish a moment later. A ruler-sized flying female? He definitely needed to cut down on the booze.

  He drove past the stables his great-grandfather built, across the metal bridge to the south field and turned at the fork. On the ground, patches of snow interspersed with brown grass and pine trees. Close to a hundred cattle grazed. He stopped his truck. On cue, the Herefords mooed and ran close to the fencing. He jumped out and threw about a dozen hay bales over the barbed wire.

  In less than twenty minutes, he parked outside the stables and headed inside. His horse whinnied as he approached his stall. “You’re a good boy.” Reaching into his pocket, he held a carrot flat in his hand, and the horse chomped.

  Rhett mucked out the stall, piled the road apples into a wheelbarrow and hauled the smelly stuff outside to the manure pile. Based on his shadow, it was quarter to two. Because he smelled like cow dung, he’d better take a quick shower before the applicants arrived.

  ~ ~ ~

  Holy Zeus! Cami hit the wrong human. As her body propelled upward, her pulse ticked fast. She landed inside Cupid’s Corner Council Chambers with a thump. Bright lights shone in her eyes. She blinked to adjust her vision and stared up at a V-shaped marble table set on top of a three-foot tall pedestal. Five members glowered at her from their white leather chairs. Their elevated position had her knees knocking underneath her flowing gown.

  A virtual world map floated to the left side filled with pink connection dots. Pink for love. Except for the black dot, the flashing black dot that displayed her name in red. A thunderbolt of fear filled her veins. She was in trouble. Big trouble. Scandalously big trouble.

  The chief council member, Andre Eros glared at her. She’d known Zander’s uncle since she was little, but that didn’t make him any less intimidating.

  He pressed a red button on the table, and the screen disappeared. “Miss Calypso, why did you hit Mr. Holloway instead of Mr. Smith?”

  “Um, it was an accident.” The arrow Cami released connected her directly to the human she hit—making her the mortal’s guardian. She sucked in a deep breath and told her stomach to quit twisting.

  “An accident? More like a major blunder—one that
you are responsible for correcting.” Andre’s stare sent heartbumps shivering up and down her arms. “What exactly happened?”

  “You see, I had a clear shot of Mr. Smith and didn’t expect him to lean over and grab his wife’s hand. My arrow went over his shoulder and ... um ... hit the man behind him.” Darn it. Her impatience may end up ruining the couple and the other man’s love life.

  Andre’s eyes bored into hers. “Miss Calypso, at the Academy I believe you were given implicit instructions to show restraint.”

  “Yes, sir.” She tried not to shudder.

  His raised brows unnerved her. “When this arrow hit Mr. Holloway, did he make eye-contact with a female?”

  “Um ... I’m pretty sure he gazed at a brunette walking by.” She glanced at her silver slippers and curled her toes.

  “Did this man happened to look in your direction?”

  “I do not believe so, sir.” She shouldn’t have lied, but the words seemed to spill out on their own accord. The human’s whiskey-colored eyes danced with flecks of gold as he gazed right at her, but she doubted her arrow would bind their love. At least, she hoped it wouldn’t.

  “You hit the wrong human with a love boost. A boost intended for fixing fading relationships.”

  “Yes, sir.” She exhaled. Her situation might not be so bad. If she’d shot a powerful love potion arrow, she might have caused him to fall for the wrong woman.

  “Is it your opinion that Mr. Holloway required a relationship booster?”

  “Not that I noticed. He sat with a group of friends and ... um ... I don’t recall a fading love-light, but I didn’t really see him for long.” Another lie spilled out. Cami had fluttered close enough to notice his bronzed complexion and dark hair caressing the top of his collared shirt. She’d got an enticing whiff of his masculine scent. If she had mentioned that, she’d not only embarrass herself but might end up marring her family’s impeccable reputation.

  “Miss Calypso,” Andre said, “please wait outside in the foyer while the council discusses our next move.”

  “Yes, sir.” She hustled out of the chamber, and the cloud door sealed closed.

  Not desiring to anger the council any further, she sat at a marble bench and folded her hands.

  What would they do to her? No doubt, she’d be reprimanded. They might suspend her magic, restrict her to her apartment for a month, or even clip her wings. There was always the threat of banishment, but she had never heard of anyone actually being kicked out of Cupid’s Corner. Don’t become hysterical. Just breathe.

  While she continued to wait, she imagined a bluebird perched on her shoulder and whispering in her ear, saying, “Everything will be fine.” Her illusion failed to settle the knots tightening in her stomach.

  “Miss Calypso, the council is ready,” a young attendant said.

  Stepping inside, her feet dragged as if they were made of granite.

  “Approach.” Andre gave her a stern nod. “First off, your academy professor, Celeste, is attending to your intended recipient, Mr. Smith.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Whew! One problem was resolved.

  “As you are aware, your own magical dust was incorporated into the arrow that hit Mr. Holloway. Your arrow links you to the human. For the rest of his life, you connect with him as his liaison of love.” Andre gawked at her.

  She was well-aware of this link. Still, she stared back and tried not to flinch.

  Andre cracked his knuckles. “However, we believe an antidote may work to reverse your arrow’s effect.”

  “Okay. So, what do I need to do?”

  “We’ll be giving you two arrows, one as a backup. Our sorceress, Yuphenia, formulated the first part of the concoction. She’s used rose oil and laurel leaves to restore harmony and balance. Your own magical dust will bind this potion.”

  “This will cure him?” She crossed her fingers, but Andre’s sour expression implied there’d be more.

  “Not without an added love potion,” Andre said. “Because the male didn’t have a soulmate when you hit him with your love booster, he must find his soulmate and soon. It is your job to mediate and set him up with a proper match? Your task will not be easy. The antidote stipulates when the arrow connects, the couple must kiss for it to work.” The captain’s expression became solemn. “If their lips do not touch, their love will not be sealed.”

  “I will do my best.” Cami fought to keep her voice steady.

  “Do better than your best.” Andre cast the words at her without a hint of empathy. “If you fail, not only will that mortal lose the ability to love but his melancholy will affect our very community. Cupid’s Corner flourishes on the vitality of successful relationships. The last time an error of this magnitude occurred, the divorce rate rose on Earth. Do you understand your mission’s severity?”

  She gulped. “I do, sir.”

  Andre stretched his hands above his head. “While you waited outside, we investigated Mr. Holloway. According to his online advertisement, he is in need of a housekeeper.”

  “The human’s interviewing candidates this very afternoon.” The only woman council member took off her glitzy purple spectacles and twirled them.

  “I’m to be his employee?” Holy Aphrodite. A housekeeper’s position entailed cleaning and cooking. Relax. With my magical dust, it won’t be that hard.

  Andre gave a gruff, “Yes. We’ve already sent in your application to ensure your name is on the list. But you must secure the position by yourself.”

  She’d get the job.

  “It won’t be easy. For some unknown reason, all access to his past records are locked. You will have to go by instinct to find Mr. Holloway the right mate. This task must occur within a sixty-day window of time.” Andre and the other council members nodded.

  Cami had heard hushed conversations about a Cupid being sent to the chilly world high up in the cirrus cloud formations, but she doubted those rumors were true. The council might be strict, but they weren’t heartless.

  “Do you have any further questions?”

  “No, sir.”

  The attendant walked in. “Serenity Sands has arrived.”

  Serenity was Cami’s friend who lived in the same apartment building.

  “Very well.” He turned to Cami. “Serenity will prepare you for your mission and provide you with the proper mortal attire. You have one hour until you are expected at the interview on Earth.”

  Humiliated and remorseful, Cami refused to cry. She blamed herself. If only she could turn back time, she’d do things differently.

  “Miss Calypso, please follow me?” Serenity pressed her lips together in a stern line, as she led Cami to a room a few doors down. Dozens of garments spread on a table.

  “Oh, sweet ambrosia, do I have to dress like a human?” This ordeal was becoming too much to handle.

  “Sorry,” Serenity said quietly. “I know what you did wasn’t intentional.”

  “I totally botched up my assignment.”

  “We all make mistakes.” Serenity hugged her.

  “It means a lot to have you on my side.”

  “Always. You up for some more bad news.”

  “Worse than needing to rectify my error?”

  “Much. By living in human form, you know that the magic in your wrist emblem won’t last long.”

  “But I will be able to return to Cupid’s Corner and replenish my magic, right?”

  Serenity shook her head.

  It was as if someone stuck a hand in her chest and ripped out her heart. She struggled to remain standing. “If I can’t use magic, I’m doomed.”

  “You’re strong, much stronger than you realize.” Serenity placed her hand on her shoulders and led her to a chair at the side.

  “You’re sweet. Wrong, but sweet.”

  “I didn’t say you couldn’t use magic, just you’ll have to use it sparingly. If you’re conservative, the magic in your wrist emblem will last a few days, maybe a week. Once the heart turns white, all power will b
e depleted.”

  “Makes everything much better,” Cami snapped.

  “At least you’ll get to see how mortals live.” Serenity straightened her stance. “Pretend you’re acting in one of those movies we pirate up here to watch.”

  “Did someone give you wacky pills?” Joking didn’t pick up her spirit.

  “Nope. Tried to steal yours but the bottle’s empty.” Serenity sighed. “Back to business. Here are your arrows. Add your dust to them and this will bind the potion. Cami flicked her fingertips and fuchsia particles swirled and dissolved into the arrows.

  “You might as well fill these four vials with your dust now. I was only supposed to give you three but figured you might need an extra in case of an emergency. Use half the vial to change into a Cupid before you shoot your arrow and the other half to change back.”

  Cami flicked her fingers, watching her shimmering dust swirl inside the vials. “Thank you.” She hugged Serenity.

  “That’s what friends are for.”

  A tear slipped down Cami’s cheek. Would she and Serenity ever hang out again?

  “I suggest you change into your human shape while your magic is in full force before you take the sunbeam to leave this realm. Anything you’re holding will adjust to your new shape. You’ll need luggage.” She waved her hand and formed a pink polka-dot suitcase. “The lacy white dress should do for your interview. Wanna try it on?”

  “All right.”

  Serenity’s magic swirled the dress around Cami.

  It wasn’t bad, but she preferred glittery gowns.

  “Hmm ... you need shoes.” Serenity picked up a pair of white high heels from the middle table and used her dust to changed Cami shoes.

  Cami wobbled as she took a few steps. “How do you walk in these things?”

  Serenity shrugged. “Practice, I suppose. We’d better get busy packing the essentials. In less than an hour you leave. Anyway, it’s cold where you’re going. Pick out at least six pairs of pants. Find a good pair of boots. I’ll grab you some tops and underwear.”

  Serenity got busy folding sweaters, blouses, and T-shirts, and placing them into Cami’s bag. Cami quickly positioned four pairs of dark blue jeans, and a pair each of pink, red, and white pants inside her luggage. Serenity zipped the pink polka dot suitcase and set it to the side.