“Not really. Do you have time to come to my place and talk?” Belle and Serenity were the only Cupids Cami trusted. If anyone could help her get over Rhett, it would be her friends.
“Sure.”
Serenity and Cami fluttered upstairs to her apartment. Cami parted the cloud door, and both went inside. “Anybody here?”
Her auburn-haired roommate zipped out from the kitchen. “Cami.”
Serenity furled her wings and headed for the couch. “After your ordeal, you want Ambrosia.”
Cami had drunk Ambrosia since she turned thirteen. The mild drink was served at family dinners. “Make it a Cupid’s Arrow.” Cami needed a sweet drink with a spirited punch.
“You’ve got it.” Serenity swirled coppery dust from her fingertips and three hurricane glasses filled with orange fluid floated to the coffee table.
Cami grabbed a glass, settled into a plush chair, and downed her cocktail. “Holy Aphrodite, this is heavenly.”
“Another two or three and you’ll forget all your troubles.” Serenity sipped her drink. “But before you do, you might as well tell us what happened.”
“I failed miserably.”
“I’m sorry,” Belle said.
“The initial antidote arrow never worked.”
“Who do you think discovered that the solution wasn’t right?” Serenity gave a Cheshire cat grin.
“When it comes to your talents, nothing surprises me.” Cami motioned to Serenity for another drink.
“Slow down. Finish your story first.”
“Are you dating Zander?” Belle gave her a questioning look.
“Holy Hades, no. I’ve always like Zander—as a friend. Did you know he visited me at the ranch?” Cami wished he hadn’t.
“Really. Why?” Belle asked
“Because Zander believes they belong together—as the Golden Archers.” Serenity flipped her strawberry blonde hair behind her shoulders.
“Zander made it clear he wants a relationship with me. I tried to tell him that we’re better off friends. Guess I’ll have to try harder.” The idea made Cami’s stomach twist. He could be a jerk, but she still thought of him as her sweet next-door neighbor. The little boy who used to chase dragonflies with her. As he got older, he bought into the idea that they should get married. He believed in the illusion of creating a family of excellent marksman. With her, he would have the perfect life. Now that she’d experienced how delicate love could be, she had to let him down easy. “He’s not going to be happy.”
“I have access to his calendar. You could avoid seeing him for the next few months.” Her emerald eyes lit up with a mischievous gleam.
“Thanks, but that will only delay the inevitable. Zander deserves to hear the truth.”
“If you change your mind, let me know.” Serenity smirked. “Anyway, what made you realized you two won’t work?”
“Because he has the listening skills of a flutterfish.”
“And you just noticed that?” Belle sipped from her straw. “He’s rather pretentious.”
“I assumed you liked him. Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
“We tried. Whenever we brought up his name, you changed the subject,” Serenity laughed.
“You once thought you’d grow to love him.” Belle said softly.
“I assumed love should grow like seeds do in a flower garden.” Cami shook her head. “And my father’s always expounding on Zander’s virtues. He thinks Zander is practically on par with Zeus.”
Serenity swirled her dust to refill everyone’s glasses. “You don’t have to please everyone. Please yourself first.”
An image of Rhett wearing nothing but a sheet passed through her mind. Yep, the man sure knew how to please her.
“You’re blushing. What aren’t you telling us?” Serenity gave an exaggerated sigh.
“That I fell in love with a human.” Cami’s eyes misted. “I know it’s wrong.”
“This is unbelievable.” Belle’s eyes widened. “My goody-two-shoes friend did something forbidden. Tell us more.”
“You’re not upset? I’ll understand if you never want to speak with me again.”
“Of course not. You’re my best friend.” Belle hugged her.
“I’m fascinated.” Serenity smiled. “Did you fall in love with the rancher? I saw his file. He’s cute.”
“I know. Couldn’t resist him.”
“Then what are you doing here?” Belle gazed at her with a dreamy expression. “I would’ve stayed.”
“When I showed him my true form, he was afraid of me. Repulsed.” What an idiot she’d been.
“If you never knew humans existed, you’d be in shock when you came face to face with one,” Serenity said in a soft, soothing tone. “I’m betting he still loves you.”
“Give him time,” Belle said. “I mean, how could he not love you?”
“I wish that were true. There’s more.”
“Are you talking about the elixir?” Serenity shrugged. “I eavesdropped on the council’s sessions.”
“You did what?” Belle’s eyes narrowed.
“Don’t act shocked. You guys know how I am.” Serenity swirled the liquid around her glass. “Now, Cami spill.”
“I was supposed to give him a drink that would erase all memories of me. I couldn’t do it. Not after he said he loved me. I didn’t want him to forget what we had.” Her tormented heart ached. “So I used a vial of dust to transform. It turns out seeing the real me was too much for him.”
“I think your wrong.” Belle’s hand covered Cami’s.
“A relationship with a mortal is wrong. If Rhett hadn’t broken my heart, I’m pretty sure fate would’ve intervened and split us up.”
“What if fate threw you two together?” Serenity created a milky white drink in a shot glass. “Drink this. It’ll ward off a hangover.”
Cami downed her shot.
“Things will work out. You’ll see,” Belle said, her smile sweet. “I’ll take the day off work tomorrow. Let’s pamper ourselves with a facial and have our wing feathers fluffed.”
Cami hugged her friend. “Another time, I promise.” She needed to be by herself.
The band on her communicator rubbed against her wrist. Why bother hoping Rhett might try to contact her. She tapped the button on the top to turn the device off, threw it on her dresser, got under her covers, and cried. Like Humpty-Dumpty when his shell cracked, no amount of glue could fix her shattered heart.
~ ~ ~
Robins chirped outside announcing daybreak, her favorite time at the ranch. She fingered silky sheets and reached for Rhett. His spot was empty. As she peeled her eyes open, she noticed a two-foot bed. A white comforter embroidered with red archers covered her. Gold and silver hearts glittered from the clouded wall covering. The bedroom’s Cupid theme—overkill.
She headed into the kitchen to heat water. No kettle. No burner. No stove. Flicking her fingertips, fuchsia-colored dust swirled. A steaming cup of orange blossom tea floated to the table. Magic used to bring her joy. Now she prefered the mortal way.
Her wings unfurled causing a weird contracting sensation. She wore a glitzy gown that came to her knees. She missed wearing jeans and a T-shirt.
Her doorbell rang.
Peeking through her peephole, she spotted Zander. Cursed Cyclops. Why’d he have to come now? She opened the door.
“Since I have the day off, I’m taking you out.” As usual, he ordered.
“Not today. I’m tired.” She needed more time to prepare her speech. As a Cupid archer, she had people’s fragile hearts at the tip of her arrow. She’d learned firsthand how much Rhett’s rejection crushed her own spirit.
“Nonsense. I’ll be back in an hour.” He flew off without giving her a chance to speak.
She should wear an onyx colored gown and dye her hair black to match her bleak mood but opted for a navy dress. Somehow, she had to get Zander to realize they would never be a couple.
He arrived an hour later. “You
’d look much prettier in magenta.” His dust swirled and changed her gown’s color.
What an ass!
Bestowing his smug signature smirk, he shoved a dozen red roses into her hand and a thorn stabbed into her palm. Not a good sign. She dropped the bouquet on the floor. Zander never noticed.
Inside his golden chariot, he said, “Got a pleasant surprise for you.” He flicked the reins.
His surprises never turned out pleasant. He landed near the shore of Aphrodite’s glassy crystal blue lake. His smooth hand clutched hers. He’d never done manual labor, never broken a sweat. Rhett’s hands were strong. She missed him, missed how his eyes danced as he watched her, missed his passionate kisses. Quit thinking about him. It’s over.
They stopped near a pond. A green dragonfly with periwinkle wings landed on her shoulder.
“Even as a little girl, creatures were drawn to you.” He gazed at her with admiration.
“Things were simpler then.” When they were friends without any romantic intentions.
“You know, I fell in love with you at this very spot.”
No-no-no declaration of love! Holy Aphrodite, she didn’t expect that.
“You flittered by a lily pad, snatched a surprised bullfrog, and kissed the warty croaker right on the mouth.”
“I remember.” She’d been young and naïve. “My mom read me The Frog Prince. Once I kissed the frog, I was certain I’d see my very own prince. We’d marry and live happily ever after.”
“You can still have that with me.”
“Honestly, Zander, I was a clueless five-year-old. I’m no longer that naïve Cupid.”
He dropped to one knee. “I love you, Cams. Marry me.” He opened a red velvet case. A diamond ring surrounded with rubies sparkled in the sunlight.
Zander was delusional.
Still, her pulse sped. “I can’t.” Not when Rhett would forever own her heart.
“Your mistake is fixed. Nothing hinders us from being together.” He swirled glittery dust into two cushioned wicker chairs. “Please sit.”
He actually said, “Please.” Not a natural word in his vocabulary.
She plunked onto a chair and searched for the right words. Nothing came.
He dragged his seat closer to hers and gripped her hand. “I love you, Cams, and you love me.”
“I don’t love—”
He cut her off. “So, you’ll marry me.” Still holding her hand—despite her attempting to tug free—he got back on one knee. Extracting the ring from its case, he jammed it on her finger and tugged it over her knuckle. “See. It fits perfectly.”
Typical Zander, he never listened for a reply. Assumed she’d accepted his offer.
“I can’t do this.” She tried to take off the band, but it wouldn’t budge over her swollen knuckle.
“We’re getting married!” He leaned to kiss her. She turned so his kiss landed on her cheek. “You’ll make a stunning June bride?”
“I’m not marrying you.”
“Yes, you are. You’re wearing my ring.”
She twisted and tugged until her finger hurt. “I can’t get your ring off. Did you put a binding spell on it?”
“No way. This is a sign we’re meant to be together.” He flicked his fingertips and his dust formed a bottle of ambrosia along with two crystal glasses. “To our own happily ever after,” he toasted. oblivious to her protests.
“You’re not listening. There will be no future for us.”
“I’ve got it. Toasting in the New Year with our nuptials will give you plenty of time to plan your fairytale wedding.” He reminded her of a pesky gnat, annoying her with his pointless chatter.
“We’re never getting married.” Why did she think she had to let this obstinate Cupid down easy? Zander wasn’t her neighborly friend. He had changed and not in a good way. “I never said, yes!” she shouted. “I don’t love you.”
“Love you, too, Cams.”
Why couldn’t he get it through his obtuse head that she didn’t love him?
Chapter Twenty-two
Five days. Five long, torturous days since Rhett had discovered the truth. The sexy blonde who rocked his world could transform into a pint-size pixie.
He grabbed the bottle of whiskey he’d left on his nightstand and took a swig. Empty. Empty like his life had become without Cami. Whiskey had become a poor substitute as a companion. His head pounded like a horse had trampled his brains. He went into the kitchen and downed a few aspirins, started a new pot of coffee, and watched the fluid as it dripped through the filter. The start of his day—pathetic.
He brought his coffee outside on the porch. Moths fluttering by the light were his only company. The darkness faded as dawn appeared. Daybreak used to set his thinking straight. His eyes drifted toward the dirt path to the apartment, half expecting to see Cami bounding toward the house and greeting him with her captivating smile. He had to forget her. Forget he’d ever sampled her lips. Forget about her hair in disarray after they made love. Forget how she left a hole the size of a horseshoe inside his heart.
Still, he waited until the sun shone through the clouds and took a sip of his stone-cold coffee. He stood, and liquid sloshed on the front of his denim shirt. A perfect welcome to another shitty day.
Inside the dining room, he found Michael eating a Pop Tart while scrolling his phone.
“Don’t you ever put that damn thing down?”
“God, you’re cantankerous. When’s Cami coming back?”
Rhett groaned, went into the kitchen, poured himself a bowl of Corn Flakes, topped it with milk, and ate the cereal standing at the counter.
The kitchen had been Cami’s domain. Reminders of her were everywhere. He needed to forget her. Figured his only option was to talk to his brother about his ex, not that it’d be easy. He slunk into his seat. “Mind if I ask you a question.”
“You can ask. Not promising an answer.”
“Fair enough.” Rhett paused. “When you and your wife broke up, how’d you keep yourself sane?”
“Mucked out stalls, chopped plenty of firewood. Hell, I built a new corral in less than a week.”
“And that worked?
“Not one bit.”
Rhett laughed the first laugh he’d emitted in days. “Aren’t you helpful?”
The corner of Michael’s mouth turned up. “You and Cami break up?”
“Yep.”
“So that’s why she left?” His brother’s brow furrowed.
Rhett shrugged.
“You’re miserable, and I’m betting Cami’s much the same. It wouldn’t hurt to call her.”
“Can’t,” Rhett said quickly. He’d tried to call her. After at least a dozen rings, he’d hung up. He’d texted her a few times. When she failed to respond, he assumed she didn’t have reception in her Cupid realm. He racked his brain for other options to contact her. Nothing surfaced.
“Violet’s worried about her. She’s texted a few times. Cami hasn’t responded.”
He’d always love her, but she’d left and that hurt. “I’m going for a ride.”
Snagging an apple from the basket on the sideboard, Rhett headed for the stables. Passing Buttercup, he recalled Cami riding the mare, her hips in sync with the horse’s gait. She’s gone. I have to forget her.
He grabbed his fishing pole and tackle box from the storage area, saddled Starlight, and headed for his favorite fishing hole. As he crossed the river and stopped near the shore, the crisp, cold air cleared his lungs. He took aim with a rock at a ground squirrel. It chittered and ducked under a bush. “Run you damn rodent.”
A flat, round rock fit in his palm. It had a bump in the middle. With the flick of his wrist, he threw the rock underhand into the water. It spun and skipped four or five hops. That felt good. The next stone made it to the middle of the river. He continued, must’ve thrown a dozen more.
A pair of ravens scouted the area from above, screeched, and swooped at something a hundred yards further.
Emptine
ss settled in the pit of his stomach. Hard work would keep him from thinking.
He mounted Starlight and kept on riding. The position of the sun proved it was close to nine. The slanted roof of his parent’s stable came into view. Might as well see how the demon stallion’s fairing.
From the back of his mount, he could see the jet-black stallion standing in its coral. Holy Terror didn’t snort, squeal, or run off. Quieter than usual, he reckoned the animal must be getting used to seeing him.
Rhett tied Starlight to a post, grabbed items from the tack room, and placed his saddle on the fence. Holding the halter, he waited outside the corral, pulled an apple from his coat pocket, unlatched the gate, and crooned, “Hey, big fella.” He closed the latch behind him.
The stallion approached Rhett and took the apple from his hand. A first. “That’s it,” Rhett said gently. He walked to the animal’s left side and slipped a bridle in place, secured the buckle, and attached the reins.
“Ready for a walk.” He led the stallion around the corral without any trouble.
“Easy boy.” He kept his voice soft as he grabbed a pad and placed it on the horses back. Waiting several seconds, he added the saddle and secured the cinch. Again, he used the lead rope to walk the stallion around.
“What’d ya say I take you to the ring like the other day? Maybe try to ride you?” Excitement thrilled through his veins, his pulse galloped, his adrenaline buzzed like a bee finding its first bit of nectar. Today, he’d ride Holy Terror.
The ring was about two hundred yards to the west. His Stetson kept the sun out of his eyes. A horsefly buzzed by his ear and landed on his neck, but he didn’t dare swat at it. Any sudden action could spook the horse.
The foreman spotted him, tipped his hat, and opened the gate. “Think you’ll ride him today?” He used a hushed voice and latched Rhett inside.
Rhett gave a lop-sided grin. “Hope so.” He walked the horse around the ring, then ran alongside him and said, “Good boy.”
Three ranch hands joined the foreman and watched from the railing.
If Rhett could gentle this horse, he might just find his purpose again. He slowed the animal to a stop, gradually pulled the lead rope, looped it around his arm and moved to the left side. Terror swished its tail and snorted.
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