“You can wait in here and I’ll go get Zucchini for you. You can take as long as you want. We want to make sure it’s a good fit before you take her home.”
“Thanks.” I smile at Ashley before she walks out the door.
“She was checking you out,” Noah says.
“What?” I whip around to look at him. “No, she wasn’t.”
“She totally was,” Graham confirms. “A stud like you wanting to take home a cat? That’s like…well, catnip.”
“Please. I don’t need anyone,” I clarify.
“Aren’t you getting a cat because you’re lonely?” Graham asks.
“Did I say that?” I cross my arms, glaring at the two of them. “No one said I was lonely.”
Except I know I am. With every single one of my teammates pairing off and finding their someones, I go home. By myself.
It’s just me. My parents died about ten years ago, and now I’m alone in the world.
If a cat and a woman on the phone is all I have, so be it.
“Here is Zucchini,” Ashley says, walking back into the room. “Take your time. If you need me, I’ll be out at the desk.”
“Thank you.”
The small, grayish brown cat sits on its hind legs, staring me down. It’s like being out on the ice and staring down an opponent. Except this one is studying me more than any defender would.
“Hey, sweet girl.”
I hold the back of my hand out to her to sniff.
“Her name is Zucchini?” Noah laughs.
“What’s wrong with that?” I ask as she comes closer. She licks the back of my fingers before burrowing into my hand.
It’s the cutest fucking thing ever.
“Why not Carrot or Onion?” Noah asks. “I mean, is she a Zucchini?”
“Are you a Noah?” I fire back.
“Ouch.” Graham looks between us as I drop down onto my ass for Zucchini to come closer.
A few toys are strewn about the room and I grab one to entice her closer. According to her profile online, Zucchini likes playing with toys, snuggling, and curling up in your lap to sleep.
Grabbing one of the teaser toys, I hold it out to her as she paws it. She swats at it immediately. It’s the cutest fucking thing I’ve ever seen as she rolls onto her back to play with it.
“She likes me.”
“You or the toy?” Noah fires back.
“Do you have to be such a dick?” Graham asks before I can.
“I’m just making sure that you like her. I mean, it’s a big commitment. She’s the only one that would suffer if you decide you don’t like her.”
The cat in question swats the toy away before settling onto her haunches and staring me down. It’s like she’s trying to decide whether she can trust me or not.
There wasn’t much online about why she’s here, but I was drawn in by her sweet face. Those big brown eyes staring me down.
