“Yep. Everyone likes me. Well, except for my folks. And Xavier. And apparently Ben Templeton, and I have no idea why. But everyone else, yeah.”
“Does it matter thatIlike you?” She cupped his cheeks, careful of his bruised one, and kissed him again.
“It sure the hell does. I know it feels like we just met and it’s sudden. But you get me better than anyone else. And I get you. I’m a single father now. I need help supporting my kittens.”
She laughed. “So you did adopt after all.”
“Officially, I did. I’m also keeping you. And if you must know, I decided that after you nearly killed me at soccer the first time.”
“It was a legal slide tackle, you big whiner.”
“Keep thinking that. I’m sure the sight of your bare legs and clingy top—”
“It was a sweatshirt.”
“—didn’t affect that ref with the crush on you at all.”
They started walking back to the car, him with his hands in his pockets to stop from hugging her, all the way to Jed. They continued to argue about who had the better team.
“You’re just so darn cute when you’re wrong.”
She laughed. “Moron.” She paused by the passenger door to her patrol car.
“Hurry up, Cass,” Jed called, his window rolled down. “We need to do another drive by Mrs. Cleary’s.”
“Hold on.” She glanced around, seeing the many people in and round the pet store. “Nice adoption going on.”
“Yep. They come to see Reggie flex and leave with an animal.” He nodded to Reggie inside, who could be seen laughing and holding a mature cat in his big old arms.
“And Sam, hmm?” She stared at the tattooed giant also holding some animals and being very careful as he showed a few small children how to properly pet the rattled dog.
“Eyes up here, woman.” Mack poked her in the shoulder and pointed at himself, smiling. “That’s better. I’m told I can be a possessive kind of guy.”
“Well, apparently, I’m clingy.” She smiled.
“Will I ever see you again? Or is this it? Do I have to take a mental picture of you in that uniform for use at night?” He ignored Jed’s groan.Big ears.“Or can I expect to see you at my place tomorrow after your shift? You know, for the kids and all.”
“For the kits, you mean.” She grinned. “The sacrifices I make for this city. Okay.” She kissed him, right there in front of everyone. “I love you, Mack. See you tomorrow at noon.” She leaned closer and whispered, “Clothing is optional.”
She got in the car, and they left.
Mack stood there, grinning like a fool, until Reggie clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Put your tongue back in your mouth, Mack. I could see your panting from inside. The kiss looked good. Your desperation, not so much.”
“She loves me.” He turned that silly grin on Reggie. “She told me.”
“I’m glad.” Reggie’s sincere smile only added to Mack’s joy. Until the big guy slapped him in the back of the head. “Of course she loves you, dumbass. You’re Mack Revere. Now get that scrawny butt inside and help us adopt out some animals. And pretend you’re still available. I’m pretty sure we get more older dogs adopted when you handle them with all the single moms.”
“Why don’t you do it?” Mack said with a laugh.
“Maggie’s in there watching me like a hawk. No way I’m getting some poor women hurt when my gal lights into them.”
They both looked at sweet, petite, innocent-looking Maggie.
Mack knew better. It was the quiet ones you had to look out for. Well, and the ones in uniform.
He grinned. “How about we just let the animals sell themselves, so to speak?”
Noodle sat in an older man’s arms, looking delighted with himself.
