Just soft gray fur and a tiny, vibrating purr.
“You don’t belong out here all alone,” I murmur.
The kitten meows again, louder this time, and I feel its little ribs against my palm.
“You must be hungry,” I whisper.
I glance toward the back door of the bar, then back at the kitten.
If I had my own place, I’d bring it inside without even thinking.
But I don’t. I live in Dex’s apartment.
The little gray bundle looks up at me again and meows like it already knows I’m about to abandon it.
I sigh.
“Okay, okay,” I mumble, rubbing the tiny head with my thumb.
“I’m going to ask him.”
The kitten blinks.
“But I make no promises,” I warn it.
Another soft meow.
And somehow I get the feeling this little traitor already knows it won.
I push the back door open with my shoulder, carefully cradling the tiny bundle in my arms.
“Dex?” I call hesitantly.
The bar is quiet again.
I walk toward his office and find him inside, head down as he studies tonight’s receipts spread across the desk.
At my voice, he looks up. His eyes land on mine. Then…
“Meow.”
His gaze drops to my folded arms, and he cocks his head.
“What do you have there, Tinker?”
He stands and walks over, leaning in to inspect the kitten.
“I found her… or…” I glance down at the tiny ball of fur. “…him behind the dumpster and…”
I hesitate.
“Can I keep him? I promise I’ll clean up after him and make sure he doesn’t get in your way, and I’ll take him with me when I leave. I…”
“Tinker?” Dex cuts me off.
A wicked smile spreads across his face as he straightens.
“What?”
