He probably didn’t want to know. I wasn’t even sure how to voice the thoughts that were going through my head as it was. There was too much swirling inside my brain. Added on by Asher’s words weren’t helping me sort things out any.
So instead of answering, I ate my ice cream, hoping to bide my time away. I’d end up telling Sir, eventually. Maybe.
“Did you have a good time with Asher?” Sir asked after we both finished our treats.
“Yes. Thank you for letting him come over.” Maybe if I showed more manners, he’d allow Asher to visit more often.
“Of course. He needs friends. Scarlett said he’s not doing well at making those.”
I shrugged. I didn’t think it was my place to say anything about it.
Finished with the ice cream, I placed the bowl on the table. I’d have gotten up and taken care of it, but I already did the one chore I was allowed to do for the day. Even though seeing the dirty dishes there for however long they’d stay was going to bug me.
As I tried to force my attention to the screen and do the best I could to ignore the bowls, I shifted, trying to get somewhat comfortable. I wanted to be in Sir’s arms, but then my thoughts would find a voice. And I wasn’t sure I was ready to get all that out yet, if at all.
Before I could figure out what to do, the doorbell rang, startling me. I looked at Sir wide-eyed. No one ever came here at this time. At least, not while I was here.
“Be right back, boy.” He gave me a smile. So, maybe he knew who was here.
As he stood, I quickly did, too, grabbing the two bowls and spoons. I took them to the kitchen andplaced them in the dishwasher, then started that too. Instantly, I felt better, knowing there weren't dirty things out.
“Dakota? What did I say about taking care of those?”
“I was…coming in here anyway?” Sir saw through my lie. “Sorry, Sir.”
“What am I going to do with you?” Before I could answer, he pulled me into a hug, where I instantly wrapped my arms around him and all but shoved my face into his chest. “I know the mess bothers you.”
I nodded. “Please, let me do more to serve you, Sir.”
“I’ll think about it.” He pulled back, taking hold of my hand. “I have a gift. Come on.”
I followed Sir back to the living room, where he sat on the couch before pulling me to sit beside him. On the coffee table was a box a little bigger than what a show box would be. But this one had cut-out holes on the top.
“A friend had a few extras and couldn’t find a place to give this thing to. He asked me to take it.”
I tilted my head, confused.
“Open it.”
After a long glance at Sir, I shifted to reach the box better. Opening the top, I couldn’t stop the smile that spread across my face.
No way.
Sir had said he never wanted a pet, yet one of the tiniest black kittens sat in the box, looking up at me.
“She’s small, but I was told, litter box trained. He’s the runt and not expected to get all that big.”
My mouth opened and closed. When I didn’t take the kitten out of the box, Sir was the one to do it. He then put the animal in my lap, where it curled up into a ball and laid down.
“She’s all yours.”
“Why?” The kitten’s fur was soft and warm as I ran a hand across it. The thing was so little.
“To see that smile, mostly. But also, so you have someone to keep you company when I’m busy working. But you’ll have to clean the litter box and feed her.”
“I will. Promise, Sir.” I sniffed, trying not to get emotional over such a thing. “Thank you. Thank you, Sir.” I kissed his cheek, letting my lips linger against his skin momentarily.
I already loved the critter more than anything else. I finally picked up the kitty, bringing it up to my face and rubbing my cheek against its soft fur.
