Total pages in book: 167
Estimated words: 164838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 824(@200wpm)___ 659(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 824(@200wpm)___ 659(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
Stroking him, I murmured, “It’s okay, little man, it’s only Nana come to check on us.”
The TV kept blaring. It might start on its own, but it never turned off by itself. Sighing, I climbed to my feet and carried my little ginger-ninja into the living room. His fur bristled, but he stopped growling.
I flicked the old switch dial. “There. Silence.”
The curtains rustled with no breeze. Warmth filled me instead of ice. It felt like Nana was checking on me. That she approved of the new freeloader living in her home.
Kissing Peng on his head, I carried him into the kitchen for a final snack.
My cell phone pinged as I placed him on the counter and filled up a saucer with some more formula. Already he didn’t feel as ribby. His fur not as coarse.
Leaving him to slurp up his fifth and final meal of the day, I returned to the snug and grabbed my phone off the floor.
X: I didn’t mean to leave it this long to reply. I’m sorry. That was cruel of me to leave you hanging on such a sensitive subject. I’ve tried to reply numerous times, but I keep failing on an appropriate response.
My heart kicked as I tapped the keyboard.
Me: What response do you want to give me?
X: It doesn’t matter what I want. But I will be honest and say I want you. I’d be a liar if I didn’t. Falling asleep with you last night was one of the best experiences of my life, and we only hugged. I find you absolutely gorgeous, and of course I’d love to take you up on the offer, but…
Me: But?
X: I’m not going to take advantage of you.
Me: Even though I’m asking you to? Technically, I’m the one taking advantage of you.
X: As much as I want to, I can’t, Lori. Not yet.
My chest squeezed as if he’d strapped me into a corset.
Me: Not yet?
X: I mean. Shit. I didn’t mean to type that last bit.
Me: I’m happy with not yet. I can wait.
Before he could reply and deny that there was any chance between us, I changed the subject.
Me: I’m thinking of adopting a stray kitten. Tell me why that’s a bad idea and why I shouldn’t do it.
X: I think that’s a fabulous idea and you should definitely do it.
Me: Gee, thanks for being the voice of reason.
X: I am being the voice of reason. I’d love a pet myself if I had the time.
Me: You can come meet mine if you want? See if we’re a suitable match? In fact, I’d love your opinion on whether I’m making the right choice. Maybe I’ll make a terrible cat carer.
X: You won’t. He’ll already be in love with you. And I can’t tonight. I’m away, remember. I’ll be gone for a few days.
Me: Oh. Okay. Have a safe trip.
X: I’ll still be watching you.
Me: On the cameras you installed in my garden?
X: Yes.
Me: What if I told you to take them down? That I don’t want you watching me anymore?
X: Then I’d respect your wishes and do what you asked.
I chewed the inside of my cheek.
Damn you, X. Damn you for being such a gentleman.
A stalker who was a gentleman. What an oxymoron.
Me: Keep the cameras where they are. Message me tomorrow. Goodnight.
X: Sweet dreams, Lori. Xx
Focusing on the two little kisses he’d sent, I accepted that was enough for now and went to retrieve my new best friend. And for the first time since coming back from the hospital, bruised and traumatised, I went to bed without panic, without memories, and slept with a tiny guardian on my pillow.
* * * * *
Grabbing the oblong box that’d been delivered into my gingerbread letterbox, I looked up just as Zander closed his front door and strolled toward me. Ten a.m. Far too early to claim the little beast who had captured my heart.
Dressed in dark jeans and a white t-shirt, he’d traded his everyday glasses for sunglasses and his rich red hair glittered with fire streaks under the already hot summer sunshine.
My heart skittered in a totally different panic than usual.
Strange that my fear where Zander was concerned now centred around wanting to keep Peng and not just the triggers Milton had instilled in me.
Hugging the box—another gift from Lily most likely because I didn’t order it—I braced myself not to run and lock the door. “Good morning, Zander.”
He gave me his typical reserved smile. Not able to see his eyes, I couldn’t judge if he’d caught up on sleep or if running a stray cat to the shelter annoyed him.
“Morning, Sailor.” He tipped his chin and stopped by my letterbox. His attention dropped to the package in my arms. One second, he stood loose with his hands by his sides. The next, he was as stiff as a tree with his fists clenched.