He lifted an eyebrow in awareness. ‘It’s fine’ was what his mother said to his father when she was pissed off. Even Gina had muttered that a few times under her breath at him recently.
You’re mad.
You’re changing the dynamics.
He didn’t have a response, well— he did, but it wouldn’t help his case. Neither of those comments was a question. They were statements designed not to continue a conversation, and that wouldn’t work. He wanted things to be okay between them, and if he had to bend, then so be it.
Could you please feed Mulligan for me, friend?
How convenient – FRIEND.
And yes.
Thank you.
He let out a breath he wasn’t aware he was holding as he realized that she was coming to his place to care for Mulligan. That was a relief, but she was texting him again.
I was going to anyway…
I knew it.
No, you didn’t – but I wouldn’t let that sweet kitten suffer just because you are pressing my buttons.
I enjoy pressing your buttons, Sticks.
I know you do, Cujo.
Tate chuckled softly as he hearted the comment. Honestly, he loved that she called him a pet name, even if it was a rabid dog from a movie that was on a drooling killing spree and had to be put down. A moment later, he saw her heart his comment, and smiled.
Sticks is growing on me – don’t let it go to your head.
It won’t. I promise.
Mulligan chose that moment to return, licking his chops and then scaling the couch before circling in his lap to find a comfortable spot. As the kitten settled down, he looked up at him with those bright blue eyes and began purring. Tate smoothed the tabby’s fur and sighed.
“I’m crazy about her… I think it’s time to take things to another level,” he whispered to the kitten, who hissed in agreement before Tate replied simply like they were speaking their own language. “I love you, too, Mulligan.”
CHAPTER 24
NETTIE
“Much better this time around…”
Nettie stepped inside and saw Mulligan sitting near the garage door, waiting for someone to enter the home. She was relieved to see the light was on… and chuckled at the Post-it note on the alarm pad that said, ‘HERE’ as a reminder of the last time when she came to feed the cat.
Sometimes Tate could be really weird – and other times, unexpectedly and incredibly sweet. As she walked in, she couldn’t help but look around again, this time without the anxiety she had been feeling the last time. That whole alarm, camera, and ‘possible bobcat’ comment had really thrown her for a loop.
This time, she felt— cozy.
“Your owner is…” Nettie began, scooping up the kitten into her arms and ignoring the hiss followed by loud purring. “So much like you, Mulligan. I swear he’s both wonderful and quite ‘hissy’ all the time – but in the best ways. I would never tell him that to his face, though…”
And Mulligan meowed in support.
Moving down the hallway to the open kitchen that separated the living room from the kitchen area by a breakfast bar,she hesitated – and smiled, spotting the envelope propped up against the faucet sticking up from the granite counters next to a single rose.
“What’s this?” she began and set the cat down on the counter, picking up the envelope. Swiping her finger underneath, she caught her breath as she saw all the pale pinks, oranges, and yellow shades mixed with the fragile sugary crystals that made it look textured and sparkly.
As she withdrew the card, she hesitated and looked over her shoulder almost as if she was expecting Tate’s booming voice to suddenly be there, like he was watching her or something.
