Cowboy's Cupid

by Niki Mitchell

  “Next month we’re heading to Bear Mountain. Could use your help with the cooking. While we’re snowboarding, you’d have plenty of time to take lessons.”

  Hopefully, she’d be back in Cupid’s Corner by then.

  “Weird, you grew up in Heavenly Valley and don’t like snow?”

  “Never said I grew up there.”

  “Where you from?” He focused on the road.

  “A small town to the north.”

  “I’m curious.”

  Please don't ask where?

  “Why’d you leave my favorite mountain town?”

  “For a change of scenery.” She assumed that sounded plausible.

  “You chose our ranch?” His voice rose a bit higher.

  “I’d like to ride one of your horses. Think I’ll get a chance?” Over the years, she and Belle would gallop on unicorns in the meadows near the lake.

  “Tell Michael. Bet he’ll give you a riding lesson on your next day off.”

  “I’d like that.” She focused on the shops and buildings lining the street.

  “We’re in downtown Cedar Springs. Ralph’s is up ahead. Target’s to the right.” He parked and walked around to help her down. His mere touch made her insides quiver.

  The sooner she finished this job, the better.

  “You bring the shopping list?”

  “Forgot it.” She never even thought to create one. “I know we need flour, coffee, milk.”

  He grabbed a metal cart and pushed it toward the glass doors. The cloud-like doors for her apartment required her to wave her magical dust to part them. The doors at the store magically opened. Amazing. She followed him to a section rainbowed with fruits and vegetables.

  Picking up a dark purple object, he asked, “Ever try eggplant?”

  “Can't say I have?”

  “Me neither. Seems to me, a vegetable that purple can't be good.”

  “I happen to like purple.” She flipped her braid behind her.

  “Along with pink.”

  Uh-oh. He should be noticing details about his future soulmate’s clothing, not hers. Her pulse grew faster.

  “You want any other lettuce besides iceberg?” He placed a head in a plastic bag and set it in the cart.

  “Romaine, red leaf, and cabbage.”

  He added one of each into the wire basket and pushed the cart forward. “If you see anything you like, grab it.”

  She picked mushrooms, celery stalks, garlic.

  “You’re not much of a talker.” He rewarded her with a brief smile and hefted a ten-pound bag of potatoes into the cart.

  “I suppose not.” She concentrated on reading the labels. “I can’t believe they have red dragon fruit.”

  Rhett came up behind her. “What’s that?”

  “Really sweet. It’s delicious in a tart?”

  “If your tarts are as good as your muffins, I’m in.” His eyes danced.

  She could get lost in his whiskey-colored eyes.

  He picked up a tomato. “Do you prefer roma or vine grown?”

  “Depends on what I’m making.” As if she had a clue about the difference.

  He stood inches from her and helped her bag several varieties. His nearness undermined her ability to reason rationally, aware only of him.

  In the next section, he lifted a thirty pack of Budweiser, King of Beer, and stuffed it under the cart.

  Heart-shaped cookies, angel food cake, and cherry cheesecake were on a table under the bakery sign. He grabbed loaves of sourdough and wheat bread from a nearby shelf.

  They stepped to a glass counter filled with assorted meats. He ordered sirloin, ground beef, and ham. A man wrapped the items in white paper and handed them to Rhett. “You need anything here?”

  “None for me. I don't eat meat.”

  “You all right cooking it?”

  “I’ll manage.” She moved in close to an enormous glass tank. A dozen clawed creatures crawled along the bottom.

  They slowly ambled through the aisles. “What do you like to eat?”

  “Cheese, nuts, vegetables, fruit, eggs.” In her community, they had goat’s milk, robin’s eggs, various nuts, and lots of fruits and vegetables.

  “Eggs. That’s good. Had a vegan girlfriend who drove me insane. Wouldn’t eat anything even closely related to animals.”

  Don’t set him up with a vegan.

  “Is there something specific your diet requires?” he asked.

  “Almonds, walnuts for protein.” She found his concern sweet as he brought her to the nut bins and helped her fill baggies with different varieties.

  “Let’s check out.” At the register, he took his phone and held it up to a device in front of the cashier. “Love this shopping app.”

  They loaded the bags into the backseat of his truck. He checked the time on his cell. “It’s still early. Can I buy you ice cream?”

  “I’d like that.” She followed him to a shop kitty-corner to the truck.

  They stepped up a curb, and he held the door for her. Behind a glass counter were round containers with dozens of choices. Rocky Road. The name resembled her life lately.

  The girl behind the counter recognized Rhett. “The usual, cherry vanilla on a sugar cone?” she asked.

  “You bet.” He turned to Cami. “What’ll it be?”

  “Chocolate fudge.”

  “A safe choice.” His hand touched the middle of her back and heat shimmered across her shoulder blades.

  The clerk made the cones.

  “Here you go?” He handed her one.

  She licked the ice cream. “This is exquisite.”

  They took a round table with red and white cushioned chairs. On the wall, she appreciated the old-fashioned painting of a couple sharing a milkshake with a straw.

  Rhett stared at her. “Why do you seem so familiar?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “It’s your eyes. They’re such a unique blue shade.”

  “Lots of people have turquoise eyes.”

  “Well, they’re pretty.”

  His attention made her a little bit lightheaded.

  Chapter Seven

  Cami snagged her puffy pink jacket from a hook on the wall, stuffed her arms into the sleeves, and stepped out the sliding glass door to her apartment balcony. Rays of sunlight slipped between the mountains as she sat on a plastic chair. The black shadows lightened into dark green pine trees and shrubs, angular and rugged compared to the lush fauna surrounding Aphrodite Lake. The sky turned blue with a splattering of white clouds, as the Earth awakened with its colorful spectrum.

  The market experience piqued her curiosity about the human lifestyle. It amazed her that so many choices were available on Earth. None were created with a single speck of magic. And that chocolate ice cream had tasted heavenly. Earth was a marvelous place, but a place she’d have to leave once she’d found Rhett his soulmate.

  So far, she hadn't met any eligible women to match with him. Where did single women hang out? The saloon, not that she ever planned to go inside there again if she could help it.

  As she headed for the house, her boots stepped on the ground in a rhythmic tempo. Rhett leaned against the railing along the front porch. Steam rose from the cup in his hand.

  He tipped his hat. “Mornin’.” A smile lifted the corner of his lips.

  A fluttering rippled inside her stomach. “Hello,” she said, and quickly went inside. Her thoughts jumbled. Rhett’s smile shouldn’t be turning her mind to mush. She opened the fridge and spotted the dragon fruit.

  “If your tarts are as good as your muffins, I’m in,” he’d said at the store. By golly, she wanted to impress him.

  “Find tart recipes,” she spoke into her communicator watch. She opted for a page with 4.5 stars. In no time, she kneaded the dough, formed it into greased muffin tins, and let them bake. As she prepared instant vanilla pudding, she folded in the fruit.

  While the eggs and bacon cooked, the timer dinged. She pulled out the tins from th
e oven to cool on the counter. Flipping the bacon, she divided the eggs into two plates. Using a spatula to get the tarts out, she placed three on each plate, spooned the fruit filling inside, and added the cooked bacon in an empty space on the plate. She’d orchestrated the meal perfectly.

  She brought their in breakfast, humming.

  “Tarts. You used the devil’s fruit we bought yesterday.” Rhett’s eyes met hers, and she could’ve sworn they twinkled.

  “It’s dragon’s fruit.” She giggled.

  “I get points for being close, don’t I?” He popped one in his mouth.

  “I suppose. You are the boss.”

  Once the men left, she washed the dishes.

  Now, for the laundry. Inside the cramped room, jeans overflowed in one of the baskets on the floor. She picked out six pairs caked with mud, threw them in the washer. Since the pants were extra dirty, she filled the powdered detergent cup to the line and added two more cups into the machine. Twisting the knob, she remembered to push in the center like Rhett had shown her.

  A flawless morning so far, and it was only ten. Might as well vacuum. “How to vacuum?” she asked into her communicator.

  A picture of a square machine with a long thin handle appeared on a virtual screen in front of her. Hadn’t she seen something like that in the hall closet? She quickly read the instructions and closed the screen. Finding a red and silver Hoover, she wheeled it out and brought it to the living room. The instructions said to push the power button near the bottom. Nothing happened. She tried three more times. Still nothing.

  “How to turn on a Hoover vacuum?” The screen popped up. She’d missed the cord that wound around the side with a prongy plug at the end. She spotted an outlet in the wall and pushed it in. The vacuumed roared louder than a gryphon’s call. She moved it back and forth, but nothing seemed to happen, so she called into her communicator. How brainless—she needed to release the foot pedal and recline the handle back.

  Pieces of debris were sucked into the chamber. She ran the machine over a sock and it groaned to a stop. Not good. It smoked and smelled like burning leaves. She yanked the plug to shut the power off. It took all her strength to tug the sock out of the bottom.

  By this time, sweat dripped into her eyes. “So much for vacuuming.” She put the machine back in its place, went into the bathroom, washed her face, took several deep breaths, and collected herself.

  Then she started on lunch.

  ~ ~ ~

  At precisely noon, Rhett strutted into the dining room. An odd burning scented the air. He hoped it wasn’t lunch, but as hungry as he was, he could eat just about anything.

  Cami brought in two plates with sandwiches and chips and set one in front of him. “You want milk with that.”

  “Please. Michael’s gonna get lunch at my folks. Since it’s just the two of us, why don’t you join me? Give me a chance to know you a little better.”

  “Okay.” She hurried into the kitchen and came back with his milk and a glass of water for herself, took the chair at the end of the table, and folded her arms.

  “Aren’t you eating?”

  “I already did.”

  “At least have the chips on Michael’s plate. Then I can pretend to be having lunch with you.” He wondered what it’d be like to take her out, but since she was his employee, he nixed that idea. “I’d offer you his sandwich, but I know you don't eat meat.”

  “You remembered.” Her eyes glittered as blue as the center of a peacock’s feathers.

  “Plus, you like plain boring chocolate ice cream.”

  Her smile wavered, reminding him to stick to work topics. “You make a dent in our laundry?”

  “Since yesterday, four loads.” Why wouldn’t she look him in the eye? He took a bite of his ham sandwich. Dry, it could use more mayonnaise, but he liked that she’d toasted the bread.

  “I forgot to make soup, sorry.” She took a gulp of water.

  “That’s fine.”

  She crossed her leg and jiggled her foot. Her boots were bitty compared to his.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “I broke your vacuum.” Her shoulders slumped, and she gazed at him with wide eyes. “It started smoking.”

  He couldn't help chuckling. “My sister borrowed our good one last week. The one in the closet isn’t worth shit. Should’ve tossed it out years ago.”

  “Oh.” Her eyes remained downcast.

  “You think I’d fire you for breaking a machine?” He covered her hand with his and a spark arced to his fingertips. Must be static electricity.

  “I guess not.”

  “I’m not an ogre.”

  “No?” she giggled. Cute.

  And off limits he reminded himself. “Besides dealing with our messy home, what do you think of the ranch so far?”

  “I haven’t seen much of it, but I like the open feeling. Does anyone else live nearby?”

  “My parents and sister have separate houses on the property, and there’s the bunkhouse for our wranglers.”

  “Are you close with your family?” Her eyes got wide. “Sorry. I know it’s not my place to ask.”

  “It’s fine. We’ve all been busy preparing for a party my folks are hosting next week. I imagine you’ll meet most of the town then. Mom’s already planning on recruiting you to help out, so beware.”

  “A Valentine’s Party, here, really?” Her voice sounded dreamy, opposite to his own opinion.

  “Unfortunately, there’s been one every year for as long as I can remember.” He finished his sandwich and Michael’s, too. “Take your break now, and I’ll give you a tour of the stables.”

  “I still haven’t decided what to make for dinner?”

  “We’ll discuss options as we walk.” He wasn't ready to give up his time alone with her yet.

  “Works for me.” She took off her apron, put on her pink jacket, and followed him outside. He glanced sideways at her, appreciating her profile. She had a pert nose. Her bow-shaped lips appeared devoid of lipstick. Her blonde hair looked natural.

  “You must love working here.”

  “At times. It’s hard work, but ranching’s always been in my blood.”

  “What’s your favorite part of the job?”

  “Working with horses? I’ve been told I’m better with them than people.”

  “That’s funny.”

  He led her to the stables and held the door open for her. “We’re holding the first few stalls empty for our expecting mares.”

  A palomino hung her huge triangular head over a stall gate and whinnied.

  “Hello, sweetie.” The horse nudged his shoulder. “Sorry, girl. I forgot to pack an apple.” He turned to Cami. “When you go riding, we’ll put you on Buttercup.”

  “She’s divine.” Cami gazed at the mare with adoration.

  Forget his brother taking her out riding. He wanted the job.

  “Have you decided what I should make for dinner?” Her hand went to her hip.

  “Stew or soup should suffice.” What he wanted to say was, kiss me and forget about cooking.

  ~ ~ ~

  A week later, Rhett brought Cami to his parent’s home for dinner to discuss her duties at the Valentine’s party. The fact he still couldn’t figure where he’d seen her before annoyed him. She gazed out the window, her posture stiff.

  “You okay?”

  “I get nervous meeting new people.”

  “Don’t be. My mom’s ecstatic to have another set of hands to help.” If only she could replace him at the party.

  Another dumb love song played on the radio. He parked his truck behind Michael’s on his parent’s circular drive. The massive ranch style house had been his home growing up. He’d always liked the hunter green color. He glanced sideways at Cami. Her shoulders stiffened. “You'll do fine.”

  “I hope so.”

  They walked up the two wide steps to the front door. He didn’t knock but opened the door and held it for her. Country music twanged from speakers sprea
d throughout the house.

  He took her jacket, hung it on the entry coat rack and added his own. Her pink sweater molded to her petite frame. Sexy, hot, and his employee.

  Voices chattered in the living room. Michael and his brother-in-law, Jason, shot pool at the table toward the back. His sister, Heather, held her toddler son on her lap. Her four-year-old twin girls colored at the coffee table. Dad sat in his chair with Rhett’s five-year-old nephew on his lap, reading a picture book.

  His mom walked over. “I’m Lilly. You must be Cami.” She extended her hand.

  “Hello.” Cami gave a guarded smile as she shook hands with his mother.

  “Are my boys treating you right?”

  Cami nodded.

  “You’re brave taking on that messy bachelor pad.” His mom ushered her over to the group as if Rhett were invisible. At least the focus was off him. “Cami’s helping with the party,” she stated.

  “We’ll keep you busy,” his dad said. “But not so busy you can’t sneak in plenty of dances.”

  “Okay,” Cami spoke with a soft tone.

  The group walked into the dining room. The narrow room filled with people. Cami would’ve been last if Rhett hadn’t been behind her. He took his usual spot to the right of Mom and Michael. Cami next to his brother. The twins’ chairs with booster seats were on the end.

  “What brings you to the area?” Heather spoke as she added mashed potatoes to her toddler’s plate.

  “I thought working on a ranch would be exciting,” Cami said, without taking a slice of ham from the platter and handed it to Michael.

  “You don’t like ham?” his niece, Zoe, asked Cami.

  “Mom says we’re ’sposed to try everything,” the other twin, Zia, whined.

  He could see Cami squirm. “I’m a vegetarian. That means I eat vegetables, fruit, nuts.”

  “Supposedly, it’s a healthier diet.” His mom chimed in.

  “Don’t be getting any ideas, dear,” his dad groaned. “Stop serving me beef and you’ll have a mutiny.”

  “Not if I season tofu the right way”

  Rhett had an urge to sweep Cami away from this nonsense. Instead, he concentrated on his meal.

  “What’s your name?” his niece asked.