The doorbell chimes.
“Can I help you?” Haven questions the patron as I maneuver past them.
“I’m here to adopt a pussy…cat,” a gravelly voice sounds.
I don’t know how I know it’s him, but I do. I dare to glance at the owner of the voice.
My heart once again is in my throat. All the blood in my body drains to my feet as those steely eyes meet mine.
Not only is he dangerously good looking he has a voice that sends a shiver down my spine in a good way. Not in the scary way that it should.
“I’ve got this one,” I find the words rolling off my tongue before they register with my brain.
“Weren’t you…” she trails off as I cut her a sharp look.
I stick my purse behind the counter. “Have you filled out an application?”
He shoots me a menacing smile. “No.”
“Well, we have a process. What did you say your name was?”
“I didn’t.”
“You’ll need to fill out the application.”
“Isn’t the point to adopt them out?”
“The point is to find them a safe and loving home.”
“Are you saying I’m not safe?”
“I-I wouldn’t know, sir.”
“Sir,” he smiles that jokeresque grin.
“Fill out the paperwork. Are there any other animals in the home?”
“Why?”
“Because a home visit may be necessary.”
“Seems pretty invasive.”
“If there are other animals in the home, we need to make sure the adoption will be a good fit.” I smile sweetly at him.
“Fine,” he snatches the clipboard from me. I fold my arms across my chest.
My cell phone chirps from inside my purse. Shoot. It’s probably Alex offering me a ride again.
I pull my phone out and fire off a text.
Me: Raincheck on lunch. Something came up at work.
Alex: Dinner?
Me: Can’t have plans tonight.
Alex: Lunch tomorrow? I really want to talk.
