“Clover. My husband picked her up for the Pierce’s and has been looking after her.” I’m not entirely sure why she’s got such an attitude, and it’s only amplified by her southern accent. “She’s a menace to society.”
Before I have a chance to look into the crate that’s oddly large for a feline, the woman is pushing a set of keys in my face. “I made a spare.”
The instant I take them from her, she’s already in her car, slamming the door. I guess I can’t assume everyone here is nice, but damn, it’s like I pissed in her soup or something.
Given the chance, maybe I would.
“Thanks…”
I set the keys on top of the crate and step back as she pulls away. Her tires spit up rocks, and I have to move fast to avoid beingpelted. Heaven forbid they hit the cat, who already sounds pretty agitated.
Well... that was a fun way to start my time here.
That’s alright, I don’t expect to have too many interactions with the locals anyway.
I turn and head to the cabin, setting the crate down so I can open the front door.
I’m surprised when the place smells not just clean, but laced with whisky and pine. Outdoors meets fresh, then add sexy-man flavor—that’s the combination, and I don’t hate it. Maybe someone’s been coming in to tidy up.
Though, why’d someone not bring the cat back sooner?Oh shit, the cat.
Stopping myself from doing a full tour before letting out the very feisty-sounding feline, I grab the crate and carry it inside. I crouch, open the latch, and leave the door wide for it to come out if it wants.
My biological mom wasn’t a pet person, but she was outvoted three to one, so we grew up with a dog and a snake. I’ve never had a cat before, though, and truthfully, I’m not sure I’m in a position to take care of one now.
I take a deep breath and glance around the space. To the left, a set of stairs is tucked behind a half wall, beside a large L-shaped couch that faces a stone fireplace stretching up through the wood-paneled ceiling. Across the room is an open kitchen, and I’m just stepping toward it when my phone buzzes.
My heart stutters when I see who’s calling.
Deep breaths.
Hitting the green checkmark, I place it up to my ear and clear my throat. “Hey, Mike.”
His deep voice comes through the line quickly. “Hey, babe.” My neck prickles at the pet name, making me feel uncomfortably exposed. I wish he wouldn’t call me that, especially since wearen’ttogether. “You excited to come home?”
I wet my lips and slowly walk toward the couch. “Um, I was, yeah.”
He chuckles. “You miss me?”
I’m preparing to sit when I realize that’s probably not the best idea. Is pacing better? I’m not sure, but I do it anyway.
“Yeah.” I know it doesn’t sound convincing, so I force myself quickly to keep going. “I was thinking?—”
He cuts me off with a laugh. “Uh oh. That’s not good.”
I bring my hand to the back of my neck and rub at the nape. “I’ve decided to stay a little longer.”
For the rest of my life.
“What?” There’szeroplayfulness in his tone. “In Colorado?”
The loud meow has me turning toward the crate. She’s still inside, but it’s open, so I’m not surewhyshe sounds agitated.
“Yes. My parents left the cabin to me.” I strategically leave out it was given to me and my stepbrother. “I think this will be good for me.”
“Why?”
Deep breaths. I’ve got this.
