But before Seb can answer, Sasha rejoins us, phone held triumphantly in the air. “Got the license plate,” she announces with a big grin. “Just in case we’ll need it.”
“Do you think he’ll actually call the cops?” The thought makes me queasy even though I know I did nothing wrong. Seb, on the other hand…his family probably has an army of lawyers at their disposal, but the last thing he needs is another problem on his shoulders.
“Pfff, let him,” he huffs, his fingers still shaking when he reaches up to interlace them behind his head, staring up at the sky. He’s trying to come across as unbothered, but his chest is heaving.
Sasha shrugs. “No. Animal cruelty is a crime in Vermont, so I’m pretty sure the only one in trouble here is him. Also, from whatIremember, Davenport was extremely calm and collected and did nothing wrong.” She winks at us, and my shoulders sag as relief washes through me.
“Thanks.” I nudge Seb’s shoulder with mine. “Come on, man. Let’s save your kittens.”
Seb exhales, long and rough, then stuffs his trembling hands into his pockets.
“Let’s.”
Linden, June 25th
Abuzz remains in the air in the days after our visit to the beach. And not just because there’s now a cardboard box of little fluffs living in Olli’s room. Our adventure at the lakeside keeps creeping back into my mind when I least expect it.
And it must be on Micah’s as well because I catch him looking at me more often than before. Even when the others are around, at the dinner table or in the mornings when everyone sets out to their training sessions and work.
I enjoy the attention. But even more than that, I enjoy the tingle of our shared secret, the way it lingers inside of me for hours after we’ve parted. So it’s no surprise when, while I’m washing the cups and glasses I let pile up in my room, Micah steps up behind me.
Flinching, I quickly look over my shoulder into the empty living room, as if our roommates could teleport in from wherever they are. At least I know exactly where Olli is—upstairs in his room with his tiny patients, along with Davenport, who, surprisingly, seems deeply invested in the kittens. Coming over at least once a day to check on them.
There had been a few hours, right after we had gotten the kittens off the beach and hurried to the pound, all five of us—a grim-looking Sasha, a murderous Davenport, Olli with the kittens, and Micah and me—crammed into my truck, that I was worried the tiny animals might not make it.
But Barb assured us that as long as they were fed every two hours, kept warm and dry, they would be fine. I know there’s always a risk with young animals, but it’s what Davenport and Olli especially needed to hear. And they both have come to a silent agreement to protect their rescues with their lives. Though in Olli’s case, it’s more with his life and quarters, since our landlord wasveryclear about not allowing any animals when Nicko and I first established the Nook.
So, in a couple of weeks, once the kittens are old enough, they’ll have to quickly find new homes before any of us get thrown out.
“Don’t worry, they’re still upstairs,” Micah whispers next to my ear, his breath tickling my neck. “And they probably will be for the next hour if we let them.”
I chuckle, allowing myself to lean back against Micah’s chest while I polish the last glass, setting it carefully into the drying rack before I wipe my hands on a towel. Only then do I reach behind myself to run a hand down his thigh.
“Wasn’t there enough excitement for you this week?” I quip. I can't deny the gentle tug on my nerves to be this close out in the open.
Micah laughs, then nudges my cheek with his nose. “I mean…it's kinda hot.”
My eyebrows fly up and I twist at the waist to look at him. His lips are curling with a teasing but honest grin, and his eyes are glowing with real heat.
“Are…you're serious.”
“Absolutely!” Micah’s hands wander over my hips, to my sides, one coming up to feel up my chest.
I bite my lip, feeling heat follow his motions, but my stomach still flutters, unable to forget that we’re not alone in the house.
Micah must sense it, because he slows down. He doesn’t break contact, though. “Honestly, I just really wanted to remind you that we said we were going to do a repeat since I didn’t get to do a certain thing…”
There isn’t a lot of room for shame under the intensity of his gaze, but I still blush.
“Oh yeah? I mean, I got off just fine without you.” The teasing comes lightly and freely, surprising me. “Guess I really underestimated my skills.” I turn for a moment to dry my hands on a dish towel, making sure to appear entirely consumed by the task before I look up at him.
Micah just raises a brow at my smirk and then grabs the counter left and right from me, boxing me in. “And how am I supposed to learn anything like this?”
I laugh at Micah’s pout, arching my back to lean away just a bit.
“Ah, right, I knew I was forge—” I break off when Micah presses close, so we’re chest to chest. Heat radiates through his clothes and seeps right into me. My eyes involuntarily stray over to the stairs. Everything stays quiet except for my heart pounding in my ears.
When I look back, I find Micah’s eyes waiting for me. He winks with the blue one, then tips my chin up to kiss me.
