Juliette’s call last night threw me, but in a good way. Sundays are about the only day I get to myself, so tonight seemed like the perfect chance to spend time with her.
Her suggestion of combining the lesson and dinner on the same night was kind of genius. I’ve already got an idea for something we can make together at my place. Everything is falling into place…until I remember one small problem, the same one that is currently glaring at me from the corner of my living room.
I’ve tried to put the damn cat back outside five times now. Each time, it manages to slip past me, darting back in before I can shut the door. And now, it’s just sitting there all smug, like it knows I’ve lost the battle.
I think it’s safe to say I have a cat now.
I have to grab groceries and, apparently, cat supplies, but there’s no way I’m leaving the creature alone in the house. Plus, it needs a vet check before I can let it near anyone else. I pull up Callan’s number, half expecting him to ignore me. Just as I’m about to hang up and send a text, hefinally picks up.
“Why in god’s name are you calling me this early?” he grumbles.
“Good morning to you, too,” I muse. “I have a situation. I need your help.”
“Knox needs me? This ought to be good.”
I drag a hand down my face with a sigh. “Long story short, I have a date and a cat.”
“I’m sorry, what? You have a date…with a cat?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “You know that’s not what I said. I have a date tonight with Juliette, but I’ve also ended up with a semi-feral beast that I can’t get rid of. Damn thing got in last night and won’t leave.”
“Hold the phone! A date with the American, aye? Good for you, brother!”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “I need your help with the cat, Cal. Can you bring over some cat stuff and sit with it while I get groceries?”
“On my way, brother. I can’t wait to meet my new niece or nephew.”
I should have called Lucy.
Less than an hour later, the sound of Cal’s truck rumbling up the gravel drive signals his arrival. Behind me, the kitten trots along, somehow always right underfoot. I glance down just as it stops beside me, gives Cal’s approaching truck a slow, suspicious look, and flicks its tail like it already knows this guy’s about to mess up whatever calm it had going. Smart little thing.
Sure enough, the second Cal’s boots hit the ground, that tiny scrap of fur puffs itself up like a lion in a housecat’s body. It plants its feet, squints, and lets out a hiss.
Yeah, this one’s got spirit. Definitely keeping it.
Cal slows mid step on the porch, raising a brow. “You’ve gotta be kidding me,” he mutters. “It’s already protective of you?”
I reach down, letting my fingers glide through velvety-soft fur. The kitten practically melts against my ankle, its whole body vibrating from its purrs. Fierce little thing.
“Can’t blame him,” I say, trying not to smile. “He’s got good instincts.”
Amusement flickers across Cal’s face. “Well, this is an interesting sight—you taking care of a cat.”
I step back into the house, giving Cal just enough space to slip in sideways. He avoids the kitten with the same level of carefulness as someone trying not to step on a landmine. I watch him, stifling a chuckle.
“It’s probably safe now,” I tease. “I don’t think he sees you as a threat anymore. Besides, he’s smaller than your foot.”
Cal sets the bags on the floor with a soft thud and bends down to pull off his shoes, all while giving the kitten a wary glance. Before I get a chance to dig through the supplies, I catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye.
He’s somehow already got the kitten scooped up in his arms, cradling it like a newborn. He sits down on the couch, the little ball of fur tucked close against his chest.
“Well, that didn’t take long,” I mutter under my breath, fighting a smile.
Cal coos at the kitten. “Look at you, you little fluff ball. Who’s a sweet baby? I could squish you all day.” His voice morphs into that ridiculous tone parents get when they talk to their baby, and I can’t help but laugh. “Aw, are you purring?” he continues. “Best nephew ever.”
Ridiculous.
“Hey, Cal. Is your friend still a vet? Would she be able to check him out for me?”
