So I got the sweetest message from a reader last week. They reached out to tell me they missed Eros, and how excited they are for the next book(s) in the series.

You guys, that really, really made my day.

In fact, it might have made my whole month because I had just recently been wondering if I’d started book one in the wrong place. I was driving myself cray-cray with all the woulda, coulda, shoulda.

But then this lovely little ray of sunshine took the time to tell me they missed my gooey cinnamon roll beta bae, Eros, and how I’ve become one of their favorite authors. I swear to you I almost fell over. Me? Someone’s favorite? How is that even possible? I’m not sure, but I’ll take it.

So, Nath… thank you. Here is a sneak peek of the prequel novella to The Business of Love you’ve been patiently waiting for. Also? It’s (mostly) unedited… and my first attempt at an omniscient narrator… who breaks the fourth wall…

BEHIND SCHEDULE

The beginning of the end for Cupid

This is a story about a boy and a girl, fated to be together. Is it a love story? Yes, most definitely. In fact, it’s three. Is there a happily ever after? Not yet. Not for a long time. Centuries, I’m afraid, and although the two souls in this tale are granted a new life each time, love can never quite hit the mark. 

Love, what a precious thing . . . horrible timing, though.  

Indulge me one question before I begin. I’m curious. Do you believe in fate? Oh, I know that look. You’re not quite sure. I admit, it’s not a concept most can hang their hat on. But I feel you’re a trustworthy soul, so I’m going to share a secret with you.

Life is a tapestry, and Fate—the youngest, if you believe in that sort of thing—knots the strands of will, intention, and choice together to give one’s destiny shape. What most don’t understand is, although the threads of why and when that are cast upon the cosmic loom aren’t your decision, the patterns that emerge are—the how can be whatever you make it.

But I digress, and I can see you’re growing impatient. You’re a hopeless romantic, aren’t you? I can tell. I am, too. I like stories with happy endings, and I always root for love. Still, there are some who aren’t so moved by matters of the heart as you or I. The jealous types, and I’d bet donuts to dollars they’re also the ones who think Fate is a cruel mistress.

Well, if you ask me, I’ll tell you Fate isn’t cruel at all. She just can’t bring order to chaos alone. It’s too heavy a load. She’s got three sides, you know, and wears more than one face to carry out what has to be done. All things must have balance, and while one face doles out endings, another hands out beginnings. Then there’s the face that has to be conscious of time. Calculations, measurements, numbers—how long before this happens or that. It’s necessary, you see, because time is precious. Lives must be limited, so that other souls can have a chance.

Yes, so many souls, so little time . . . but enough of my rambling, let’s get on with the first story.

A long, long time ago, two brand new souls were fated to be bound together by love. But the powers that be decided, against The Fates’ orders, mind you, that love was not to have a fair shot…