Laurie's face lit up like it was Christmas morning. "Would I? Oh, my gosh, I'd love to. Go, go—I've got everything under control here."
"Thanks." I handed over the kitten.
Ashton touched my arm gently. "She'll be fine with Laurie. Let's go get what she needs."
I nodded, casting one last glance at Nyx, who seemed content in Laurie's arms. We stepped outside into the warm morning air, and I followed Ashton to his gray SUV. He opened the passenger door for me, and Iclimbed in, my thoughts lingering on the tiny creature we'd left behind.
As we drove toward town, the only pet store within miles coming into view, I felt an odd twist in my gut. It was silly to feel so attached so quickly, but Nyx had clawed her way into my heart with her tiny paws and needy meows. I resolved to make this trip quick; Nyx needed me, and I needed to make sure she had everything to start her new life right.
The aisles of the pet store were narrow, a maze of colorful packages and enticing squeaks from toys designed to delight any feline. Ashton led the way, his shoulders broad with an easy confidence in his step. I trailed just behind him, my fingertips brushing against the soft fabric of his shirt, tracing the muscles of his back as I walked around him to examine a row of plush mice.
"Think she'd like these?" I asked, my voice a murmur.
"Definitely." He turned to face me, his hand finding its way to my side, a light but possessive touch that sent warmth cascading through me.
We moved together, our bodies gravitating toward each other with an unspoken agreement. The casual touches evolved into something more; his fingers lingering a moment longer, my hand resting on his arm as we debated over collars and name tags. It was intimate in a way that shopping never had been before, yet there wewere, unable to keep our hands to ourselves, wrapped up in the newfound connection between us.
"Look at this one." I held up a tiny pink collar adorned with rhinestones. "Nyx would look adorable in it."
"I think she's more of a leather and spikes kind of girl," Ashton said with a grin, selecting a black collar with a single, shiny bell attached.
"Compromise?" I picked out a simple red collar.
"Perfect."
We filled our cart with an array of toys—a feather wand, a tunnel, and even a little motorized mouse that scurried when activated. Then came the essentials: clumping litter, a sleek litter box, and both wet and dry food tailored for kittens.
"Should we get some of this kitten milk?" I asked, holding up a carton. "Just to make sure Nyx gets all the nutrients she needs?"
"Good idea," Ashton said, and I tossed it into the cart. "She's probably old enough not to need it, but if she's been hungry, she might be a little malnourished."
"Feels like we're new parents stocking up for our first child," I said, but the thought made my heart flutter with a strange, unexpected joy.
"Seems like it." He chuckled, his hand brushing mine as we steered the cart toward the checkout line. Our eyesmet, and I saw the reflection of my own feelings mirrored there—the excitement, the tenderness, the sense of embarking on something new and wholly unexpected.
With our purchases made, we headed to the SUV, our steps in sync and the bags rustling between us. I was eager to return home, not just to Nyx, but to explore whatever was blossoming between Ashton and me.
We stepped out of the pet store, a slight breeze tousling my hair as I juggled the bags in my arms. Ashton reached over to help, but our movement halted at the sight of a familiar face.
"Hey, Ashton. Erin," a voice said. We turned to see Skye waving us over with a broad smile on her face. Beside her stood a man with a small bundle of fur wriggling in his arms.
"Drake, hey," Ashton said with equal warmth. "What do you have there?"
"Meet the newest member of the family." Drake lowered the puppy so we could get a better look. The little creature licked at my fingers, and I couldn't resist the coo that escaped my lips.
"Isn't she adorable?" I turned to Ashton, who nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"Erin, this is my best friend, Drake. Drake, Erin," Ashton introduced us, and Drake offeredme a hand, which I shook lightly, still distracted by the puppy's playful nips.
"Nice to meet you, Erin," Drake said. "I just adopted this little one from the shelter. I figured since I'm back in town for a while, I could get me a dog."
I glanced between Ashton and Drake, piecing together their shared history in my mind. "So, you both were out of town?" I asked, a bit puzzled.
"Sort of a joint adventure, you could say," Drake said with a chuckle, looking over at Ashton, who had an unreadable expression on his face.
"Interesting." Curiosity bubbled inside me, but something in Ashton's demeanor suggested he wasn't ready to dive into that story, so I let the conversation drift to the pets we'd each welcomed into our lives.
"Bye, Skye. Nice to meet you, Drake. Enjoy the puppy." I waved as they walked away with their new furry friend.
