“Uh…”
“This is good,” Kitty announced, pointing at the tray with her fork. “You should sell it.”
Ethan grinned. “I might do that.”
“After you adopt a cat,” Kitty added for good measure because she was Kitty and of course she did.
“Stop trying to adopt out all the homeless cats in the greater Denver area to my guests.” April pried the fork from Kitty’s hand, tossing it in the sink. She pulled the tray away as well, because she didn’t trust that Kitty wouldn’t just dig in with her hands.
Some of this needed to make it to dinner tonight. Her kids would actually eat it, and they’d enjoy it, and she really wanted there to be some left when they got home.
“Cats need families.” Kitty lifted her arms likewhatcha gonna do?“Doesn’t hurt to ask. If he’s such a celebrity, then he can have his butler take care of it for him.”
“Actually,” Ethan said, embracing an air of seriousness, “I’ve been considering adopting a pet for my kid. I only started to take a gander at the adoption sites. We should continue this conversation.”
“I changed my mind,” Kitty announced abruptly. She turned to April.
“About what?” April muttered. “This time.”
“I like him.” Kitty jerked her thumb toward the “him” in question. The “him” being Ethan.
April glowered at her friendly neighborhood busybody. “That’s good, because he’s a very nicecelebritychef.”
“Well, he’ll do,” Kitty said, turning to Ethan. “You get yourself an air fryer named after you and I guarantee things will start looking up.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Ethan said with the crooked smile that used to melt the lingerie right off millions of Nosh Network viewers.
Since Kitty had Beast now, apparently she was impervious to the charms of Ethan Greene. Because she didn’t even give him a Kitty purr in response to his smolder.
“And you can’t have Captain Jack,” Kitty added.
“I have no idea who or what that is, but I am perfectly fine not…having him.” Ethan began to unbutton his chef’s jacket. The move was certainly for comfort, but he exposed a T-shirt that stretched taut across his chest, and even April had to appreciate that the guy took care of himself.
Kitty stopped. Stared. “I might be willing to share Captain Jack.”
“You have Beast, Kitty,” Rachel reminded her, nudging Kitty’s arm.
Kitty’d been going on and on and on about her new special friend.
“I didn’t say I’d shareme.” Kitty huffed. “Though—”
“Mom,” Harmony called. “I’m back.” She trotted into the kitchen, not even pausing to take in the scene. “We watched your thing. Why didn’t you make cookies?”
“Because cookies weren’t on the menu today, sweets,” April said, leaning in so Harmony could give her a hug.
Harmony scowled. “Cookies should always be on the menu.”
April didn’t disagree with that.
“Where’s your aunt Simone?” April craned her neck around Harmony, but there was no Simone. No Lola or Rohan, either.
“I’m guessing Aunt Simone is missing a kid and probably hasn’t realized it yet,” Rachel said, reaching for Harmony’s hand. “I should probably return you before she gets worried.”
“Aunt Simone had to go potty and your thing was over. I don’t see what’s the big deal.” Harmony pressed her hands on her hips. “I live here, too.”
“I’ve got this.” Rachel scooted a reluctant Harmony toward the door. “Kitty, why don’t you come help me? I bet Simone has those Capri Suns.”
Kitty sighed. “Fine.” She pressed her hands on her hips just like Harmony and, thank all the cheesy crackers, she followed. “I hope she has the rum, too.”
