Rowan is a storm I can face.
When we enter the playroom, we’re immediately greeted by two small orange kittens who run circles around us, squeaking for food.
“That’s Ginger and Pumpkin,” I tell Rowan, and he crouches to pet them. “They’re both girls.”
“Two female orange cats?” Rowan asks. “Isn’t that rare?”
“Yup. They’re bonded sisters. Whoever adopts them has to take both of them.”
I watch fondly as Rowan pets them, each of the kittens nibbling on his fingers.
“I want them,” he says.
I laugh. “You already have four cats at home. And you haven’t even named the little ones yet.”
“Not true. They’re Josie, Posie, and Rosie now.”
“Really?”
“Yup.” Rowan grabs a tiny foam soccer ball and tosses it across the playroom, and Ginger and Pumpkin race after it. He stands and grins. “Pretty cute, right? It was Travis’s idea; I decided I liked it.”
The idea of Travis naming the kittens makes my chest ache in the best way.
He’s so damn sweet.
“Anyway,” Rowan says, placing his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “I ah…wanted to ask you something. Well, we both did.” He rocks back and forth on his heels, looking unsure.
I glance back through the door of the playroom. Ryland, Maddox, and Avery are still talking animatedly. “Ask away.”
“Do you want to come over tonight?”
I want to kiss him. The thought makes my brain stutter, and I stare at his full lips a little too long.
I wonder if his kisses would taste like the rain.
Earth to Blair. Get it together.
“You came to the rescue to ask if I wanted to hang out later?” I repeat, raising an eyebrow.
Rowan shrugs. “I mean, we also have some donations to drop off, too. It wasn’t just to seeyou,” he says.
“Uh-huh,” I deadpan. “I don’t believe you.”
“I swear, there’s special cat litter in the car. Ryland and I did a supply run.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t just to see me?” I tease him, and his eyes fall to my lips.
“I’d buy all the cat litter in the world if it meant I could spend a moment with you,” he murmurs, and I roll my eyes.
“So, you want to come over tonight, Blair Bear?” he asks.
I’m not sure how he found out about my secret nickname, but I punch him on the arm.
“You’re just seeingthe brothers tonight?” Maeve asks excitedly. She watches me finish running a flea comb through Ginger, double checking for any eggs. “No Travis?”
“Nope. He’s at Scents tonight.”
“So, what are you guys going to do?” She runs a comb through Pumpkin, who slow blinks contentedly on her lap.
