“See you then.”
Since I have nothing else going on today, I stop by Dani and Matteo’s to see them and their adorable baby, and then I go over to the Pilates studio to get a workout in.
It’s going to take about thirty days for the sale to go through, and once it does, I’ll be closing it down for renovations.
Since this is my first time owning a small business, I’ve hiredan accountant who’s familiar with businesses like mine to walk me through everything, and the studio manager has agreed to stay on. She’s pregnant and due soon, so it was perfect timing. She should be ready to come back around the same time the studio is ready to reopen.
When I get out of my class, I shower and change out of the workout outfit I keep here, and then I check my phone, finding a text from Kane, asking when I’ll be home. I consider coming up with an excuse to stay out longer, but when I can’t think of one, I text back that I’ll be there soon.
I pull in and park in the garage and then head in through the mudroom, which leads into the kitchen, where I find Kane cooking dinner.
“Smells good.”
“I would hope so. It’s one of your favorites.” He lifts the lid, and the spices permeate the air, making my stomach growl in hunger.
“Cajun seafood pasta. How did you know?”
“Nicole.” He smirks. “She seems to be Team Kane.”
I roll my eyes. “She’s a romantic. You make this yourself?” I ask, quirking a brow.
Since I’ve moved in, all the complex meals are made and delivered by the chef he hired.
“I’m heating it up myself.” He smirks, making me laugh.
I stick my finger in the sauce and bring it to my lips, moaning at how good it is. I’m about to dip my finger in for another taste when I hear a meow, making me stop in my place.
“Did you hear that?”
“What?”
Another meow, and then Molly prances into the kitchen.
“Molly!” I bend down and scoop her into my arms.
She nuzzles into my neck, and tears prick my eyes as it hits me what Kane did.
“You adopted her for me,” I choke out, holding her closer to my chest.
Kane glances at me and smiles softly. “I’m starting to realize I would do pretty much anything for you. But, no, I didn’t adopt her …”
My heart sinks at the thought of having to give her back.
“You did,” he says, moving the pan off the burner and turning it off. “She’s yours. You were already approved from volunteering there. I just filled out the paperwork so I could surprise you. Her litter box and crap are in the guest bathroom, and they gave me the food they feed her so you have some until you decide on what you want to feed her.”
“Kane,” I breathe, tears sliding down my cheeks, “you’re making it really hard for me to hate you.”
His mouth curves into a playful grin as he steps toward me. “Good, because you’ve made it really hard for me to hate you.”
I stare at him for several seconds, and Molly squirms to get down, so I let her go, leaving nothing between Kane and me. He takes another step so our bodies are flush.
“You’re an Antonov, so by default, you’re supposed to be the enemy.” He clasps my jaw. “But I can’t find it in me to hate a single thing about you.”
“I don’t think I hate you either,” I admit.
Kane’s eyes descend to my mouth, and my heart lurches in my chest when I think he’s going to kiss me.
But instead of doing so, he tightens his hold on the side of my neck and murmurs, “Tell me I can kiss you, Princess,” once again proving how well he already knows me. He doesn’t even know what I’ve been through, yet he understands the control I crave.
