Counterfeit Cupid (Mt. Olympus Employment Agency: Cupid #2)(6)

I printed out the key card, wrote the room number on the inside of the envelope, and tucked the card inside. I gave him an insincere smile and handed it over. “The elevator is right across the lobby, and you’re on the third floor. Have a pleasant stay.”

I turned and walked into the back room before he could say another word.





3. Josh


By two in the morning, I was cranky, exhausted, and a little thirsty. I climbed out of bed and shuffled to the sink. As I unwrapped the disposable plastic cup next to the tiny shampoos, the couple in the room next to mine mercifully went quiet. They’d been at it non-stop for the last hour, and again a few hours before that.

I was happy for them. Really. But realistically, they were going to need some lotion or something for all the friction burns.

The hotel tap water wasn’t too bad, and I guzzled down a full cup before climbing back into bed. Now that it was quiet, I should fall straight to sleep.

Except I didn’t. I’d been fooling myself if I truly thought either thirst or noise was keeping me awake. I could usually sleep anywhere and under most any circumstances. It was the girl. The one in the lobby. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Well, not until that chick walked in from the restaurant. That threw me off.

Damn Cupid department. I was never off the clock, no matter what the timecards said. Okay, to be fair, if we went by my timecard, nobody would know what was going on.

Thinking about it, my wrist itched like crazy, and I tried to scratch underneath the plastic band fixed there. Before I’d left the office, Ellen had locked a Love-Meter Deluxe on me. It looked like a fitness counter, but it had a different purpose. It vibrated when in the presence of love that had fallen off the tracks. That could mean unrequited love, love lost, love dying of neglect…anything in need of a Cupid’s attention.

When the brunette had walked in, my wrist vibrated so hard I thought my hand might come loose. I checked her out, looking for clues in her aura, but all I could see was that she was sad. Was she the reason I’d been sent on this lame assignment? Could it be that easy?

Maybe. A twinge of regret gave me pause. If I sorted out the brunette tomorrow, I could go straight home. But I’d hate to leave before getting to know the girl who’d checked me in. She was…special. I couldn’t figure out what it was about her that wouldn’t let me sleep.

I closed my eyes, and her green eyes stared back at me. Green with flecks of amber. Her eyes were smiling at me, then turned cold and looked away. Just as they had at check-in.

I was charming. I could win her over. Yeah. I’d figure out what my real assignment was, then I’d milk it so I could stay until I won the girl over enough to at least get her to go out to dinner with me.

Annie. As I drifted off, I remember her name tag said her name was Annie.

The couple next door chose that minute to start on round three for the night. It sounded like they were going to mix it up a little this time. I couldn’t hear a lot of the words, but I made out the words “bronco,” “cowgirl,” and “yeehaw.” It sure sounded like somebody in there had actual spurs on.

Sighing, I turned over and buried my head under a pillow. It was going to be a long night.

*

After a shower to wake myself up, I hauled my groggy, sleep-deprived self into the elevator by 6:30 AM. After the night I’d had, if I went to sleep now that the folks next door had finally taken a long break, I’d probably sleep all day. I’d never find my target if I did that.

And I wanted to be done for the day in time to come back for Annie’s evening shift.

I emerged from the elevator feeling like a zombie. A starving zombie. The menu for the restaurant had been in my room, and through the long night I’d practically memorized it.

I knew Annie wouldn’t be working. She’d checked me in almost twelve hours earlier. That would have been an impossibly long shift. I glanced at the front desk and, despite knowing she wouldn’t be there, was disappointed to see a serious-looking guy in the same black-on-black color palette everyone who worked here wore. He was spraying down the counter with cleaner and wiping with a paper towel.

He looked up when I entered the lobby and smiled. “Good morning sir. I hope you slept well last night.”

I gave him a pained smile. “I slept as well as my neighbors would let me.”

The guy’s face went pale, which was kind of hilarious, since he was already looking like he didn’t get out in the sun a whole lot. “I’m sorry to hear that.” He paused a moment, as if he was afraid of my answer. “What room are you in?”

I pulled out my key tucked inside it’s envelope holder and showed him the number written there. His paleness turned pink. “I am so sorry, sir. Let me change your room for you.”

I waved my hand at him. “That’s alright. I’m fine.”

He made a series of harrumphing sounds that were meant for a man far older than he was. “Are you joining us for breakfast?”

“I was thinking about it, yes.” My stomach was making obnoxious sounds I might have been embarrassed about if I hadn’t felt I was being held hostage.

“I’ll have a word with your server. Eat anything you like. The whole meal is paid for.”

That was nice of him, but not necessary. Mt. Olympus was already comping my meals. But if I turned him down, he’d keep me there forever. “That’s very generous. Thank you.”