Jade had barely put the plate on the ground when the stray pounced on the meal, eating it at a fast speed. Then it attacked the water. When all was finished, it licked the plate and meowed, looking at Jade with eyes that said please sir, I want some more. Just like in the movie Oliver. How could she refuse that sweet face?
“I’ll fix you another plate.” Jade raced back to the kitchen to get more food.
Again, the cat devoured it super quick. This time, when he finished, he must’ve been content because he yawned, stretched, and found a spot under the coffee table and fell asleep.
When she looked at Nate, she found him smiling at her. “What?” she asked.
“Most people would have shooed the fleabag away. I know I would.” He screwed up his nose as he stared at the cat. “If I have to fumigate for bugs, I’m sending you the bill.”
“I couldn’t let it starve, and neither could you.” Making herself at home, she sat on the big, cushioned lounge, kicked off her shoes, and tucked her feet under her. “Spray insect repellent once he leaves. I’m sure it will be fine.”
Nate sat down on the couch next to her. “I’ve never met a woman who rides a yellow moped and saves a kitten all in one day.”
“I’m full of surprises.” She grinned.
“I haven’t had a dull moment since meeting you, that’s for sure.” His voice dropped to a huskier tone and his eyes hooded.
Her insides quivered, and a drumbeat banged against her chest. If he kept looking at her like she was dessert—wanting to lick and eat every last crumb—she’d let him take a bite.
So not to fall into temptation, she glanced around the sparse room. The only furniture was the couch they were sitting on, and a scarred timber coffee table that Dorito—yes, she’d named the cat—was sleeping under. A big, flat screen TV was mounted on the wall, and an old record player sat in the corner. There were no photos, artwork, or any personal touches.
“I’m loving your decorating skills,” she commented sarcastically.
“No point doing more, it’s only a rental. I’m never home long enough to buy anything.”
“When was the last time you were home?” she asked.
He rubbed his chin. “Three years.”
“Your grandmother must miss you when you’re away. Do you have any other family here?”
“No, only Toby. We’re not related, but he’s like a brother.”
She could tell Toby felt the same way about Nate. “What about family in America?”
“I’m an only child, my parents were too.”
Jade thought how sad it was that Nate didn’t have a lot of family in his life. She was lucky to have her grandparents, mother, siblings, and cousins constantly around. Even her father, although not as often, was present. She couldn’t imagine not having them. Even when they stuck their noses into her business.
“I’m assuming being the only child of rich and famous parents, you would’ve inherited a fortune. How did you not turn out to be a spoiled rich kid?”
“Fi-Fi was my guardian and had control over the money. She made sure I couldn’t touch it until I was mature enough to use it. And she often threatened that if I didn’t behave, I’d never see it again. And whenever I tried my holier-than-thou bullshit, I’d cop a flick across the ear.”
Jade chuckled. “She sounds tough. Although I think it was a smart move.”
“She was. But she also gave me the love and affection I craved. I have her to thank for my great life living out of the shadow of celebrity parents.”
“You don’t use your parents’ surname. Where did Miller come from?” Jade asked.
“It’s Fi-Fi’s maiden name. She kept it when she married my grandfather. He died when he was young, and no one ever figured out the connection.”
What a crazy life Nate had led. After the trauma as a young boy, Jade was happy he’d had somewhere safe and loving to land.
Her leg stiffened from having it folded under her, and she shifted on the couch to stretch. Nate took hold of her foot and placed it on his lap. Startled, she went to pull away, but he held tight and pressed his thumbs against the arch and gently massaged. Groaning, she slumped in her seat and closed her eyes. It felt like heaven.
His magical hands paused, and when he didn’t continue, she cracked open an eye. If she thought he looked hungry for dessert earlier, she’d been wrong. Now he stared at her like she was three courses rolled into one. Heat coiled in her belly and simmered down to her toes.
The hands holding her foot slowly slid under her skirt and up to her calf, then he stopped, meeting her gaze like he was silently asking for permission to go further. God yes! Nothing would upset her more than if he stopped. And to show him her consent, her free foot glided up his thigh and ever so gently rubbed just below his arousal she could see straining behind his denim jeans.
