She released a long shaky breath, trying to get herself under control.“What about Milo?”
He paused for a moment, considering.“Milo.It fits.”
“Well, thank goodness for that.”
He gently ran clean water over the cat’s fur to rinse away the soap.“There are towels in the closet behind me.”Ivy stepped past him, and he watched her reflection in the mirror.Full breasts were outlined by a modest long-sleeve cotton shirt, and her jeans hugged her perfect ass as she leaned into the closet.When she turned back and caught him staring, a blush rose on her cheeks.
“Just toss the sweatshirt on the floor and I’ll throw it in the laundry.”
She nodded and pushed it to the side before laying out the clean towel.Jude lifted the tiny kitten out of the water.The feline was like a frail baby bird in his hands.So small and vulnerable.He could see each rib separate when the animal drew in a breath and knew it needed hydration and nutrients.If Ivy didn’t spot Milo behind the dumpster, it probably wouldn’t have made it many more days on its own.Ivy folded the thick towel around Milo, quickly rubbing her hand over the makeshift swaddle to warm the kitten.It opened its mouth wide in another yawn, clearly exhausted.
“The kid from the pet store thought he might need a bottle of formula instead of typical cat food based on my description.”
“I think that’s a smart idea.Even if it can eat solid food, the milk might be easier on his tummy.”She smiled.
“Okay.I’ll go make up a bottle, then we can see about getting something delivered for us.I’m ashamed to say I usually grab something on my way home from work.I’m not the best cook.”
“Me neither.I’m sure Ash thought he’d died and gone to heaven when he tasted some of Jess’s Crock-Pot meals.When we fend for ourselves, we usually just do takeout, too.Sometimes, Jess takes pity on us and makes something to put in the freezer.She really is an angel.”
“Do you think they’ll get married someday?”He drained the sink and reached below the cabinet for some cleaning supplies to remove the dirt and fur from the basin.
“Ash has been looking at rings a lot lately, so I think there’s a good chance.”She was holding the kitten like it was a baby, slowly rocking back and forth.
Ivy was a natural nurturer.“Will you lose your roommate?”he asked spraying the sink with cleaner and wiping it with a towel.
“Maybe.”She planted a kiss on the kitten’s nose.The tiny thing was on its back, front paws angled so they rested on its chest.The animal’s eyes looked sleepy and content.“But I’ve already gained a sister so it will be okay.Jess owns her condo so it would make sense for Ash to move in with her.”
“So, you’ll be looking for a new roommate, then,” he stated and tucked the supplies beneath the sink.
“Why, are you interested?”she asked, stepping out of the bathroom and into the hallway.
“Might make sense.You know, until Junior here grows up and moves out of the house.”If Red and Sully could hear this conversation, they wouldn’t be able to recognize him.That’s what Ivy did for him.Lifted all the heaviness.Allowed him space to test long-forgotten emotions like contentment and joy.No matter what happened between them, he’d always feel grateful for this reprieve.In a couple of days, she’d given him more peace than he’d had in years.
Ivy laughed and the sound resonated through the apartment.It struck him that the space hadn’t seen a lot of laughter since he moved in.When Sully and Red visited, it was usually because of pressing business.If they met up for fun, they usually went to the bar across the street.His existence was lonely.He spent so much time pushing others away, he’d become a recluse.Spending time with Ivy, Jess, and Ash had underscored that isolation.What would it be like to come home to someone special and share their days?What would it be like to make plans beyond tomorrow?To look forward to things because you had someone to share it with?His line of thinking was dangerous—he knew that.
Ivy might not be looking for anything serious, and he wasn’t either.His stomach lurched at the thought of letting her go, but his lifestyle was fast and hard.He was rarely ever home.When he was, he usually fell asleep with the images of the horrible shit he’d seen playing through his head like a movie reel.She deserved a man who could work a nine-to-five job.Who could take her on whirlwind vacations.Who could buy her a house in the suburbs and raise the family without the fear that they’d be slaughtered some October evening.
Thoroughly annoyed with himself, he stalked into the kitchen and opened the can of cat formula.He poured it into the bottle, wishing that, somehow, things were different.He moved back to the living room and handed her the bottle, intent on putting some space between them.Not because he didn’t love seeing Ivy in his apartment, but because he was thinking of what was best for her.Then she tilted the bottom of the bottle and the kitten eagerly latched on, drinking deeply.He had to admit the little fur ball was fucking cute, and watching Ivy tenderly feed and hold Milo had warmth bleeding through his chest.It was one nice memory to filter around the much darker ones that resided alongside it in his mind.He’d cherish that.
Chapter Thirteen
Jude had laughedmore, smiled more that evening than he had since she’d met him.Maybe it was the setting.Being in his own space and knowing he was secure.Regardless, she couldn’t get enough of his deep, rumbling laugh.The way his cheeks lifted when he smiled.His teasing tone as they’d bantered about a name for Milo.The way he’d washed the kitten so gently in the sink had resonated deep inside her, making her heart feel fractured and whole all at once.Every so often she’d glance up to see Jude grappling with some internal struggle.It hadn’t missed her attention that his apartment was devoid of any personal artifacts.No pictures on the wall.No books or posters indicating the things he enjoyed.He poured himself into his work.Trying to find what?Repentance for surviving what the rest of his family hadn’t?A semblance of peace from the horrific memories?
“Is it normal for a kitten to sleep so much?”Jude’s brows drew together when he entered the living room and eyed them on the couch.He pursed his lips, the concern for the kitten showing clearly on his face while placing take-out containers on the coffee table.
“I think so.He ate well and he’s warm and safe.Who knows how long he’s been out there on his own.”
“We should take him to the vet as soon as possible.”
The way Jude used the word “we” made her hopeful for things she wasn’t sure he’d be willing to give.Mainly his time and a chance to see where things could go between them.
“Let me put him over here,” he said reaching toward her and tenderly taking the little animal in his strong arms.The kitten looked positively tiny tucked up against him and the sight made lightness fill her stomach and her pulse quicken.“There,” he said, wrapping another blanket around the kitten so it was in a protective nest of soft padding.“Now we can eat without disturbing him.”Her throat grew thick at the care he was showing to the abandoned animal.
Jude began to open the bags of food that had been delivered.“What can I do to help?”
“Not a thing.You relax, babe.”
Hearing the small endearment made her heart squeeze.He gave her a white take-out container and a fork, then went into the kitchen and came back holding two bottles of water.He passed one to her and then settled on the couch.
