“What the fuck!” Cutting off the engine, I throw open my door and jump out. Rounding to the front, my eyes bug out as I see the small furry ball whimpering on the floor. “Oh god, oh god, oh god.”
Scrambling to my knees, I cautiously lean toward the animal. At first, I think I hit a puppy until I gently graze its furry back. Its head lifts, making me realize it’s a beautiful baby kitten with the most vivid green eyes and the cutest whiskers.
“Oh, cutie-pie, I’m so sorry.” She jumps back as I pet and check her for injuries. She fell on my car really hard. “Not trying to hurt you. Come here, baby.”
She blinks at me, studying me closely as I remain still to not spook her.
Please, God, don’t let her be hurt.
“Let me see you.” I crook my fingers at her. “Where did you come from?”
I’ve never had a pet, so I’m acting on my instincts. We stare at each other until, in a surprising move, she crawls into my lap and makes the sweetest sound. I pick her up, cradling her against my chest. I melt into a puddle when she nuzzles the side of her face into my palm and blinks lovingly at me.
“Aww, you’re safe.” I rub behind her ear, earning a soft purr. “That’s it. I’m taking you home with me.”
She’s a stray cat, probably lost her mother. No way I’m abandoning her to fend for herself. With the way she’s clinging to me, I can’t leave her behind.
Holding her protectively, I rise to my full height.
Opening the door, I get inside the car and place her on the passenger seat. Making a noise of protest, she immediately tries to climb back into my lap. I urge her back down, keeping a hand on the middle of her back.
“Just stay there for a little while.”
Searching for the nearest vet, I type the address into the map and drive out of the parking lot. The city is buzzing with life, the streets are lit up with people walking up and down the sidewalk as I drive through the evening traffic. Everyone is in a hurry to get home.
The clinic’s sign flashes in the distance. Quickly finding a spot, I cut the ignition and park my car. The kitten eagerly jumps into my arms as I pick her up. I want to make sure she’s healthy before I bring her home. Along with buying things that she’ll need to be comfortable at my place. Thankfully, my apartment building allows pets.
As I step into the lobby, my little furball and I jolt when an aggressive rottweiler barks at her.
“Shhh,” I coo at her. Stopping by the reception, I greet the nurse behind the desk. “Hello, I need my cat looked at. She’s a stray, and she accidentally bumped into my car an hour ago. Will you please check if she’s injured? I’m unsure.”
“Of course. I’ll send you right away.”
“Thank you.”
“Have you named her by any chance?” she asks, pen poised to fill the admission form.
I glance at my baby, who purrs cutely. “Pihu.”
“Cute.”
We’re led into a room and told to place her on the examination table. I stay glued to Pihu’s side as the doctor inspects her and confirms she’s unharmed except for a few scratches. I ask about her food and the basics of caring for her.
An hour later, we reach my apartment. A homey feeling blossoms inside my chest as I carry Pihu inside the threshold. I’ve been missing the sense of belonging for months.
It’s fate we both met.
As if the universe knew we both needed someone to fill the loneliness.
While I order takeout for myself, I unwrap the bowl and feed her, her dinner. A pang hits my chest watching her gulp it down fast. How long has she been starving?
A text alert pulls my attention off her. Grabbing my phone off the counter, I see who it’s from. Heat and disbelief coil low in my belly as I read the message from Nathan.
Mr. Gentleman: We’ll meet here.
My lips curl at the nickname that he put when he saved his number in my phone. Until I read the address below, frowning that it’s a residential area.
Wait a sec… Is that his home?
