Whiskers & Wings

It’s true. I’m Cupid. You know the God of Love.

Humans love to portray me as the cute baby angel flying around shooting arrows at those looking for love. They couldn’t be more wrong. I’m not cute. I don’t wear a diaper. And I’ve never been big on shooting things. I am forced to hide my gorgeous wings under stuffy, business suits while following my grouchy bosses' commands. When The Fates’ give me orders, I arrange for soulmates to meet. What fun would it be if I didn’t throw a few curveballs at the happy couples?

Business is great and life is good. I have a perfect track record joining true loves and I love to celebrate my success. Until I screw up royally. I mean, it all ends up working out in the end but my grouchy bosses aren’t satisfied. The Fates turn on me, and now, I’m the one in the love hot seat.

I never expected love and passion to affect me but one look at her and I’m blown away. My eternal bosses make sure I can’t fight my feelings. One look at the curvy little cougar and I’m done. Caught. There’s only one problem, my intended mate doesn’t want anything to do with me. I guess The Fates had one more little surprise in store for me. That’s okay, I’ll do whatever it takes to make my uninterested mate mine.

Look out Whiskers, the God of Love has you in his sights and he won’t take no for an answer.

I’m not surprised. Not at all. After my horrible first day at Morrison Interiors, nothing shocks me anymore. When the elevator doors open to reveal the hottest man I’ve ever seen glaring daggers at me, I ignore the little voice in my mind shouting for me to wait for the next one and step inside. My usually silent inner cougar senses danger and stretches under my skin, trying to hold me back. Needing to escape the office from hell, I blow off the warnings.
I realize my mistake when the metal doors slide closed, trapping us in the small elevator. My dislike for tight spaces takes a backseat to the electricity flowing around us. His spicy scent reaches my nose, causing an unexpected flash of hunger to roar through me, and I stumble back against the dark, wood-paneled wall. While taking slow, deep breaths, I attempt to bring my racing heart under control. His smell tells me he isn’t a shifter, but there’s a tiny hint of supernatural spice surrounding him, and I have no idea what type of paranormal being I’m sharing the elevator with. Deciding to get through this short ride and forget him, I stare at the marble floor, attempting to ignore him. For the first few seconds, I’m able to tune him out while assuring myself everything is fine.
When the gorgeous nutcase gasps and tugs on his collar, I wonder if he’s okay. Then he glares at me and begins talking to himself, and I realize getting into this claustrophobic box with him was a mistake. Sweat rolls down my back as I pray this elevator gets a freaking move on. My shitty luck continues. The small car comes to a shuddering stop and the lights flicker. My heart races as I wonder what else can go wrong this evening.
“What the fuck?” The insane hottie growls, “Mother, the old broads can’t do this.” He slams a hand against the dark wall, causing me to jump. While he ignores me and rants to himself, I use the opportunity to check him out. Wow. Why are all the gorgeous dudes nuts?
My fingers itch to mess up his thick, perfectly styled ash blond hair. I’m unable to stop myself from taking him in. The black, designer suit he’s wearing probably cost more than my car. It hugs his tall, lithe body, giving a little hint at the powerful physique hidden beneath the fabric. Looking way up past his chiseled jaw, I find icy blue eyes staring intently at me and realize he’s gone quiet. We check each other out silently for several moments. For the first time in my life, I feel dainty.
Dirty thoughts come out of nowhere, causing my blood to heat. He swallows before extending his hand. “Valentino Amor. We should get to know each other since it looks like we may be trapped here a while.” I vaguely recognize his name but can’t place where I’ve heard it.
Knowing I’m stuck with him, I decide it’s in my best interest to make friends with the hot nutcase. “Layla Andes.” I smile and reach for his hand. An arc of electricity fills the air around us, and I almost drop to my knees as intense hunger flows through me. The emotion disappears quickly, leaving me feeling bereft.
What is happening here? Swallowing, I ignore the weird sensation. Suddenly, I realize where I’ve heard his name. Holy hell. I’m trapped in an elevator with Cupid, the God of Love.
“A pleasure,” he snarls, and I doubt he means his words.
“Nice to meet you,” I lie, too. “Do you think they’ll get us out soon?” That’s it. Keep up a normal conversation.
“I’m sure they’re working on it.” He steps over and presses the lighted button with a telephone on it.