Cowboy's Cupid

by Niki Mitchell

  “You.”

  He scrambled to get a condom from his wallet. She undid his belt buckle and buttons. His pants dropped. He kicked them off. Aroused and wanting to be inside her, he struggled to take things slow.

  He glanced at the single bed. “This won’t do.” Wrapping her in the bedspread, he placed it on the floor, dropped next to her, his weight on his elbow allowed him to gaze at her soft eyes. They were welcoming pools. Her well-kissed mouth nibbled his chin and seared kisses down to his neck. He rolled her onto her back, kneed her thighs apart, and entered her at a slow pace.

  She wiggled her hips. He slid in and out of her, his breathing shallow, the friction felt unreal. “How’s that?”

  “Faster.”

  Her little moans drove him to change the pace, he flexed his hips and thrust deeper.

  Her body shook, her core squeezed his shaft, and her orgasm washed over her, wave after wave after wave. His own intense release racketed through him.

  Happy and sated, he rolled to her side and drifted to sleep.

  ~ ~ ~

  The grandfather clock chimed three times. Cami woke to a soft humming sound. Rhett snored. He lay on his back next to her, totally naked, stirring places she’d never knew existed. Still on the floor, she ran her hand over his massive chest. His muscles twitched, but he didn’t open his eyes. If only he could be her happily ever after like Cupids provided to others. If only she could remain here forever. Maybe if she convinced him she was a Cupid, he’d accept her and ask her to stay.

  Or not.

  She turned to her back, to her side, and onto her stomach.

  “What’s wrong?” Rhett’s voice startled her.

  “Nothing.” Except once he saw her in her natural form, his desire would die.

  “Don’t give me that. You’re more fidgety than a rabbit caught in a snare.” He held her captive in his arms, “You fretting about us.”

  “I like waking up in your arms,” she whispered.

  He outlined her wrist emblem with his finger. “Why’d you pick a heart tattoo?”

  “It-it connects me to my home.” She wished her voice hadn’t come out choppy.

  “Where’s home?”

  “Cupid’s Corner. It’s up north.”

  “Washington?” He played with a strand of her hair, curling it around his finger. “Canada?”

  “Yeah, somewhere like that.” Not ready to force the issue of her true identity, she caressed him on the cheek, the lips, and kept on kissing until her mind turned to mush. She climbed on top of him, deciding to convince him she’s a Cupid another time.

  Twenty minutes later, his phone’s alarm went off. “You gave me quite a sendoff,” he chuckled.

  That’s when she remembered he’d be out of town for an auction. “How long will you be gone?” She wrapped the comforter around her naked body.

  “A long couple of days.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I’ll miss you.”

  “Me too.” She traced his cheek with her hand, imprinting his face into her memory.

  Chapter Nineteen

  For two days, Cami’s life lost purpose. She had no reason to get up early, no reason to cook, no Rhett. Sitting on the sofa in her apartment, she flipped through a fashion magazine and admired a short, low-cut dress. She could imagine wearing this dress for Rhett, his whiskey-colored eyes darkening as he pulled her into his arms.

  She heard two taps on her door. Excitement soared through her. Rhett must’ve finished his trip early. Wearing a T-shirt, she wished she had time to change into a sexier blouse. Why? She smiled. He’d probably strip all her clothes off in minutes anyway.

  She swung open the door.

  Instead of glancing up to meet Rhett’s brown eyes, she stared straight into the artic blue eyes of Zander.

  Holy Chaos. What was he doing here? She struggled to breathe.

  “Cams.” He adjusted his bow tie and shoved a bouquet of roses in her hand. “Bet you’re surprised I’m here?”

  Not happily surprised. “How’d you find me?”

  “Uncle Andre gave me your Earth coordinates.”

  “And why would he do that?” That would be a breach of protocol. Unless ... Andre suspected something with her and Rhett.

  “He said you’ve been having a difficult time. Thought my visit might cheer you up.”

  She stopped holding her breath. His uncle would come himself and bring her before the council if he’d discovered she had unlawful interaction with a target, i.e.—sex with a mortal.

  Crisis averted for the moment.

  Now to get Zander to leave, but that could be problematic. The Cupid was like a cantankerous bull when he wanted something. If only she’d spoken her mind a long time ago. She should have stood up to her father, should have told Zander she’d never love him, should have been courageous. Well, she had changed. She refused to be a woman who wouldn’t speak up for herself.

  He eyed her jeans and T-shirt. “I’ve got reservations for dinner. Wear a fancy dress.”

  That’s when she noticed his suit.

  “What I’m wearing is just fine.”

  “Nonsense.” He flicked ruby dust from his fingertips. Sparkles swirled around her body and replaced her outfit with a silky pink dress.

  “I’m not going anywhere tonight.” She stared down to pink leather flats. The darn Cupid had replaced her favorite boots.

  “But you must, Cams.”

  “Says who?” For several weeks, she’d had the freedom to think for herself.

  “I promise we’ll have fun.” His voice had the same demanding tone her father often used.

  She thought back to when she was about five. Her father said he was grooming her to be the best archer in their world. He had mentioned fun. Fun to him meant precision shooting.

  “Got us a Porsche convertible.”

  Us—he meant himself.

  “It’s quite fast.” He spoke in a firm voice. “You’ve always loved speed, the faster the better.”

  Her friends, Belle and Serenity, adored racing and fast chariots. Cami preferred horseback riding.

  He checked out her apartment and eyed the bed she’d shared with Rhett. “We could stay here if you’d prefer. It’s cozy.”

  Her jaw dropped, and she snapped her mouth shut. No way would she spend an evening alone with Zander in the same room where she and Rhett made love.

  “Let’s go,” she said sweetly and stepped outside, wanting him away from here and thankful that Rhett was out of town. The last thing she’d want would be for the two to meet, and for Zander to say Cami was dating him.

  Zander walked her to a flashy sports car. She practically dropped into the low vehicle, deciding she preferred the higher view she had from the seat of Rhett’s truck.

  “Hold on.” Zander hopped in and revved the engine. “Listen to this baby purr.”

  The car didn’t purr, it gave a beastly roar and zoomed off, the noise most likely scared the livestock.

  She coughed. “Please put up the top.”

  “Relax, babe. Once we get on the road, you’ll love the feel of the wind on your face.”

  At the main drag, he turned right toward the neighboring Rolling Heights community. He floored the car. She closed her eyes and gripped the armrest.

  “Isn’t this great?”

  “Not for me.” She didn’t bother to conceal her sarcastic tone.

  Zander failed to listen as he careened around the curves of the winding road.

  The tires scatter stones down a steep embankment, and she shuddered. “Slow down!”

  “I’m only going seventy.” He kept his foot pegged. “If I didn’t have to be in human form to see you, we’d be traveling in a chariot at twice this speed.”

  “So, don’t spend time with me,” she whispered.

  The car turned in front of the Log Cabin Resort. A dozen private cottages lined the curved sidewalks. He parked near the restaurant’s entrance in the middle of two spaces.

  He offered his arm. She didn’t
take it, walking beside him as he escorted her inside. A saxophone player began the medley for “In the Mood.” The trumpet, trombone and piano player joined in.

  “You look ravishing, Cams.”

  “It’s Cami.”

  “Cams suits you better.” He glided his fingers along her arm. “You’re enchanting in that dress. Reminds me of Aphrodite’s Ball when you wore that sparkling rose-colored gown.”

  He may have noticed her clothing, but he failed in the listening department. Zander was attracted to the package, but not who she was as a person. Love went much deeper.

  The hostess led them to a table with a view of the valley. She gazed out and squinted, trying to pick out the Double H Ranch but couldn’t.

  All the other tables were empty. Knowing Zander, he’d conjured up this place to impress her. A server brought out a chilled bottle of ambrosia, popped the cork, and poured them each a glass.

  “To our future,” he toasted.

  Future, she didn’t want a future with him. She ignored her drink.

  “Are you ready to order?” The waitress eyed Zander like he were a dreamboat, and she his adoring admirer.

  “Yes. My lady will have the pasta primavera,” he ordered for her.

  Cami would love to cram, my lady, down his throat and make him choke on it. Never once did he think to ask what she wanted.

  “I’ve missed you. We should be celebrating our successes together.” What he meant was he’d had successful missions, and she hadn’t. He grasped her hand tightly. “How are you handling your dreadful ordeal?”

  “It’s not dreadful. In fact, I actually enjoy cooking without magic.”

  “Once you’re back where you belong, I’ll have you cook for me.” He wore a smug smirk, leaned over, and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. It was as enticing as kissing a turtle. No exploding fireworks like she had with Rhett.

  Zander was part of her real life in Cupid’s Corner, but the idea of him as a future lover had no appeal. She finished her drink. “Have you seen Belle or Serenity?”

  “No time, babe. I’ve been blitzed with assignments.” He said this to make himself feel important, but it seemed like a subconscious jab at Cami’s mistake. He was a successful archer, whereas she failed on her first Earthly attempt.

  “Uncle Andre discovered a loophole to resolve your issue.”

  “What do you mean?” She took a bite of pasta. The rich sauce clumped in her throat.

  “One of our alchemists found a remarkable potion in an ancient book of spells. This potion erases a mortal’s connection to a Cupid’s arrow.”

  Did he mean the potion would erase Rhett’s memory of her? Her stomach clenched. “How does it work?”

  “All he has to do is drink an elixir.” His exuberant tone was opposite to her utter despair. “For him, your mistake will be erased forever. You’ll be forgotten.”

  Apprehension squeezed her heart. Rhett would have no memory of her and their relationship. No recollections of ever meeting her. No recollections of their shared kisses. No recollections of ever making love with her. Tears pooled and threatened to spill. She bit her bottom lip hard enough to make it bleed. She loved Rhett.

  “I don’t like this idea. You do know the original arrow antidote I used was corrupted. What’s to stop something worse from happening with the elixir?”

  The server brought dessert.

  What if Rhett’s desire for her had been due to the arrow? The thought was too painful. She quickly shook it away.

  Not interested in food, she used her fork to make designs on the top.

  “Babe, you tend to overthink things, but it’s not necessary.” He gave her an impish grin that looked idiotic. “Why aren’t you eating? It’s your favorite, cherry cheesecake.”

  “Cherry cheesecake is your favorite, not mine,” she said.

  He shoveled his last bite of cheesecake in his mouth and ignored her statement. “Just think, soon our childhood dreams will become a reality. Once the elixir is administered, everything will go back to normal.”

  Normal, as in her and both of their families expected them to start dating, and then marriage would follow.

  “We should go.” He stood and offered his arm, and again she refused it.

  “Yes.” Once she was alone in her ranch apartment, she’d be able to think clearly.

  As they walked to the car, he secured his arm around her shoulder. His arm reminded her of a boa about to constrict. He opened her door, and she recalled Rhett leaning her against his truck and kissing her senseless. Her body tingled at the thought of Rhett’s mouth on hers. Thank the stars Zander didn’t try to kiss her. Getting in, she tugged on her gown’s silky skirt. Jeans were much more practical.

  The engine roared. A country song about a cheating heart twanged on the radio as the sports car raced along. “How can anyone stand this drivel?” Zander grumbled.

  “I like this song.” The past month, she’d learned to appreciate country music.

  “Let’s see what else is on?” He swirled ruby dust from his fingertips, and “Stairway to Heaven” played. “Much Better.”

  It irked her that he didn’t listen to anything she said. He drove straight instead of turning right.

  “What are you doing?” She was supposed to go to her Earthly apartment.

  “Taking you to the council for the elixir.” He chuckled. Scratch that, it reminded her of a sinister snort.

  “I’m exhausted. Take me there early tomorrow morning.”

  “Sorry, babe. The council expects to see you tonight.”

  Now she was his captive. She couldn’t flee, couldn’t run, couldn’t get away.

  His magical dust swirled around them. She shrunk to fourteen inches wearing a flowing gown. Zander shrunk, donning a silvery toga. The car shrunk proportionally to their new size.

  “You’re gonna love how fast this car goes now. Hold on.” He pushed a button, they were in a chariot jetting upward. It landed in front of the Cupid Council Headquarters.

  Not about to allow his assistance, she unfurled her wings and fluttered toward the building. He flew next to her up the steps, between two pillars, and inside the front door.

  Flying used to give her the illusion of being free, but never as free as she’d been riding horses on Earth. She turned right, landed on the floor, and floated down to the mausoleum-like waiting area.

  “Miss Cami Calypso has arrived,” Zander informed the attendant guarding the council’s chambers.

  “The council is ready for you.” A young intern parted the cloud-covered door.

  Zander followed her, but she put her hand up to stop him. “I can handle this alone.”

  “If that’s what you want, but I’ll be out here if you need me.” His hovering irritated her. She could take care of her own matters. At least he took a seat on the marble bench.

  Trepidations clenched her stomach as she strutted inside the chambers. She did her best tall-and-confident stance, while five pairs of eyes stared.

  “Good evening, Miss Calypso. The council is quite distressed the replacement antidote did not give you the desired results,” Zander’s uncle said.

  “So am I.” She had used the tainted arrows, not the newest one. “I hit Rhett directly in his heart. I can’t understand why the male’s not totally smitten with the woman.”

  “Neither can we, but all is not lost. The Annulment Elixir will remedy your predicament.” Andre clasped his hands together and gave her a reassuring smile.

  Did she wince? She hoped not.

  His fingertips swirled magical dust and produced a small bottle glittering with red liquid. “The instructions are quite simple. Mix in a pinch of your own dust before you add the contents to the subject’s drink. It is tasteless and colorless to humans.”

  “What should I expect to see?”

  “Nothing until the final drop is drunk. Then the human goes into a trance. You must place your hands on the side of his face and make sure he stares into your eyes. Then you say this i
ncantation.” He handed her a sheet of paper.

  The binding of my arrow shall be set free.

  All memory of my presence permanently erased.

  My guardianship released for all eternity.

  Permanently erased the memories. They might as well rip out her heart and feed it to a gryphon. She let out a long sigh.

  She had to think about Rhett. Once he drank the elixir, he would be able to find his true love. As much as it hurt, she wanted him to be happy.

  “Miss Calypso, you’re rather pale. Is there a concern?” Andre’s tone almost sounded empathetic.

  “No, sir.”

  “Once you’ve completed the incantation, wait ten seconds and leave. The human shall wake fully within three minutes. Since he will no longer recognize you, your presence may confuse him.” Andre continued by explaining that the elixir would erase all of her time on Earth with Rhett.

  She thought about Michael, Violet, Heather, and the parents. “What about the others? Will they remember I worked at the ranch as a housekeeper?” She had to know.

  “I’m not certain. Let me check.” Andre floated the book in front of him and flipped pages. “It says here: This elixir voids the effects of the arrow, thus annulling the connection between the archer and recipient. Time itself shall not be altered, but any events that occurred with you will be forgotten by all mortal participants.”

  If she used the elixir, Rhett’s life would go on as if she’d never existed, while her memories would live on.

  Still, she must quit being selfish and do what was best for Rhett.

  “The contents must be given within forty-eight hours of creation. After that time, the substance reverts to water. Do you have any more questions?” Andre asked.

  “No, sir.” Giving Rhett the elixir was the right thing to do—for him. For her, she’d give up the only male she’d ever truly loved.

  “The clock’s ticking. Once the task has been completed, we expect a full report.”

  “I have everything under control.” Cami had nothing under control.

  Andre pressed the button. Pop. She landed in her Earthly apartment wearing that ridiculous dress Zander created, collapsed on her bed, and cried.