Page 25 of Whispered Promises

Me

Hey Nate, it’s Rosy. I just wanted to ask what time dinner will be. I need to spend some time with the kitten I’m fostering first, but I would still love to come over for dinner. If that’s okay? But no worries if you need to eat now.

I quickly send the message, trying not to overthink it as I feel the familiar anxiety build over letting someone down and changing plans. Bubbles appear as he types a response.

GymAlpha

Hey you. There’s no rush. Bry is still cooking, and you can eat whenever you get here.

Before I can respond, more typing bubbles appear, and the following message makes me laugh out loud.

GymAlpha

Maxi’s being nosy. He’s on his way over to see the kitten. You don’t need to open the door. He needs to learn to mind his own business. Sorry, Rosy. Looking forward to seeing you when you get here.

Cupping my hand over my mouth, I stifle a laugh. I can imagine Nate’s scowl as Max read the message over his shoulder, before rushing out in excitement…and my heart can’t help but skip over the last part of his message. We only just saw each other, and we only live next door, but I feel the same too.

A loud knocking on the front door has me standing in a panic.

Shitsticks.

I didn’t think about Max actually coming here. Everything's messy. Rushing around, I try to hide away anything that isn’t neatly in its place. Thankfully, there’s no dirty washing on the floor, and my bed’s still made, since I did it this morning. Quickly leaving my room, I head to the front door and open it before I can give myself any more time to worry.

“Hey beautiful, I hear you have something cute and cuddly for me to snuggle with.” His hands clasp beneath his chin as he begs sweetly.

I snigger. “Hi Max, you can come and meet him. But he’s definitely not cuddly or snuggly right now. More feisty and scared, but with time, I’m hoping he becomes friendly.”

“Say no more. I am the world’s best pussycat tamer,” he answers with an exaggerated wink.

Rolling my eyes at him, I can’t help but chuckle again at his antics, because somehow his terrible jokes and pick-up lines seem less cheesy than they would be coming from anyone else.

“Come on through, Romeo. But don’t say I didn’t warn you if you get any love bites.”

Leading the way back through to my bedroom, I open the secured mesh doorway and usher him in before re-securing it. Dropping to my knees, I grab his wrist and tug him down with me, ignoring the tingles the contact between us gives.

“So he’s mainly in hiding mode, but it helps to talk to him and get him used to our presence. He likes food, so trying to get slowly closer whilst offering snacks can help too.”

“Look at this cute little ball of fur. How can you be so feisty when you're so teeny?” he croons.

Max is almost horizontal beside me, his chest on the floor, butt up in the air, and his arms stretched out towards the cat igloo bed Moshi hides in. Smothering a giggle behind my hand, I can’t help but feel a warmth over this handsome man who cares enough to be on the floor trying to befriend a kitten.

I shake the tin of cat snacks. “Here, if you throw a couple of these into his bed, we can see if he’s relaxed enough to have a snack.”

I hand some over to Max, who sits back on his heels and gently throws some of the treats in front of Moshi. His aim is so much better than mine ever is. Most of the time, they fly past the bed or occasionally shock both Moshi and me by hitting him in the face. The guilt every time has me spilling out countless apologies as he unapologetically swallows down the treat.

Max sits statue-still as he watches Moshi intently, waiting for him to take the offering. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him stay so still and quiet since we’ve met, and again, that fuzzy feeling swirls around inside me over him caring.

My gaze is drawn back to Moshi, as we watch his nose slowly twitch, scenting the tasty treats in front of him. His eyes remain locked on us as he ever so slowly creeps forward, following his nose rather than risk taking his eyes off us. As he tentatively takes the treat, Max releases the breath he was holding and flashes me a wide, infectious smile.

“He took it. Look, he’s eating it,” he whispers. I can’t help my body’s reaction to him as I reach and squeeze his hand in mine. Again, ignoring those pesky tingles.

“He’s doing so well. It helps that he’s still a kitten, as they tend to find it easier to learn to trust humans than adult cats do. It’s really lovely that you’re here and taking the time to be here for him too. I really appreciate it,” I whisper, bumping my shoulder softly into his. I don’t want to startle Moshi, who’s finishing up the last treat whilst watching us steadily.

“What’s his name? He’s honestly the cutest thing I’ve ever seen…well, other than you.” He nudges my shoulder again and flashes those heart-stopping dimples.

Swallowing roughly, I drag my gaze up to his eyes, licking my lips to try to ease my suddenly parched mouth. Being so close to him has my pulse feeling jittery, as if all the blood in my body has been replaced with carbonated water.

“Mo—er—Moshi,” I croak out, and embarrassment heats my cheeks. All other words fail me, and I quickly go back to facing the cautious feline in front of us. He seems a little curious, his nose still twitching as his ears and eyes stay fixed on us.