“I like the idea of a cat having an official dresser. But I’m sure he’ll understand if you don’t have time to make him something.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to tell Leo about my secret social media account and how the fans would riot if they didn’t see Felix in costume, but I stopped myself. I couldn’t imagine Leo ridiculing me liketheyhad, but my fear held me back.
“I take my job as his dresser very seriously.”
Leo smiled. “I’m sure you do.”
Somehow, the space I’d created between us had disappeared. His thigh was firmly pressed against mine again, and I swore his eyes flitted to my lips.
“Are you doing anything now?”
“What?”
Why was I so nervous? He’d already said he’d forgiven me, but I was still braced for rejection. My recent track record was less than stellar. “Would you like to have our date now?”
“Yes,” he blurted out. He ruffled his hand through his hair again and his scent intensified. “I’d like that.”
I grinned. We were both trying and utterly failing to play it cool. My omega was practically dancing. I didn’t want to get my hopes up yet that this date would lead to anything else, but after months of trying to get Leo to hang out with me, I would take whatever he offered, even if it was just friendship.
“Do you want to go to the diner?” he asked. “I bet Char could be convinced to make pancakes for dinner.”
People were filing past us now to the exit, throwing curious looks our way. Summer and Olive walked down the aisle super slowly, clearly trying to get my attention while Ivy physically pushed them along. She was definitely getting a fancy latte delivery at school tomorrow.
“I have half a cake at my place that Summer made. I could grab it and we could find a spot to sit at the park or on the beach?” The diner was always crowded after a town meeting, and I would prefer to avoid the comments Leo and I would get if we showed up together.
“I’m honored you would share your cake with me.”
Don’t think dirty thoughts.
I stood and flipped my hair. “Who said I’m sharing? Maybe this is a Bring Your Own Cake date.”
Leo shrugged. “Sitting with you and watching you eat cake is still a great use of my evening.”
Ahhhh! How was I supposed to act normal after that?
He reached down and grabbed his cane off the floor before standing with a pained grimace. My heart ached for him and what his osteoarthritis had cost him. He seemed to be happy running his shop, but I couldn’t imagine how I would cope if an injury stopped me from sewing.
“Is your knee hurting?” I asked softly.
He cleared his throat. “It’s just stiff from sitting for so long.”
“Can I help? Do you need medication or something?”
His eyes shuttered and he shook his head. “No, it’s fine.” His words were clipped, his scent bitter. Oh god, he was obviously sensitive about this, and I’d made it worse. Regret sat heavily in my stomach. Was he going to cancel now?
“We should get going.” He gestured for me to go ahead.
He wasn’t canceling! I hadn’t ruined everything! And now I was determined to do everything I could to make him smile.
We were among the last of the stragglers to make our way outside. The sun had set, and there was a chill in the air.
“There are some benches in the town center, and the string lights are really pretty. How about I run and grab the cake and meet you there? That path there is actually a shortcut to the town square.” My voice was high pitched with anxiety. I didn’t want to make it too obvious that I was trying to prevent him from having to walk too far. If I had a car, I would offer to drive him.
Leo’s jaw clenched. “Yeah,” he finally answered. “Sounds like a plan.”
My smile felt slightly wobbly. “Okay, meet you there in a minute!”
“Wait.” His hand closed around my bicep. “What about your ankle? You shouldn’t be running around.”
