Page 14 of Sincerely Not Yours

“Supplies?”

“Yeah, I’m going to call some local rescues, but I was thinking he could stay with me until he gets a permanent home. I don’t want him to have to stay in a shelter. I’ll need supplies for home and for the office. I don’t want to leave him at home all day by himself.”

Gigi’s knees went weak at his admission. She wobbled on her heels. One ankle gave way, and she shuffled forward, steading herself with a hand on the edge of Harris’s desk.

“You okay?” Alarm captured Harris’s features.

“Yeah, yeah. Totally.” She stood up straight, bracing her traitorous legs. “That’s . . . that’s really nice of you.”

He shrugged a shoulder, brushing off her compliment. “I just want him to be safe and find a good home.”

She smiled at Harris, and he returned it. It was probably the first genuine smile she’d shared with him since their introduction in the elevator.

“You wouldn’t be interested in another cat, would you?” he asked.

Gigi’s heart squeezed. “I wish I could take him.” She stood up straight, tugging at the edge of her sweater, which was purple with green polka dots. No embroidered cats today. “My apartment building doesn’t allow pets.”

“Oh,” Harris replied. “I just assumed you had a cat or two.”

She grinned. “I’ll gladly be a crazy cat lady someday.”

Harris raised his brow, like he should stuff a foot in his mouth. “I didn’t mean that offensively.”

“I didn’t take offense. I can’t wait until I can have cats. But right now, I don’t spend enough time at home. It wouldn’t be fair to any animal. But I spoil my friend Alice’s cat, Tux.”

The sharp angles of Harris’s expression eased. “That’s nice.” He looked at her with something that resembled adoration. It wasn’t the typical response she received when she told men about her love of cats. “I was never allowed any pets growing up.”

“Ever?”

Harris shook his head. “My dad liked the house to stay spotless. Having a pet was never an option.”

Gigi’s curiosity piqued at this break in Harris’s all-business demeanor. She wanted to know more, and started to ask him if he had any pets now, but the little orange fluff woke. The kitten raised his head and let out a pitiful meow.

“Oh, my.” Gigi pressed her hand to her chest, her heart expanding for the little stray. “Can I hold him?”

“Sure.” Harris carefully gathered the little guy. “How do you know it’s a ‘him’?”

“Over eighty percent of orange cats are male.” Gigi swept around the side of his desk, beyond excited for the little ball of sunshine that was brightening her day.

“Interesting,” Harris said, offering up the kitten.

“Look at your little face,” she said between tight lips, bending toward the adorable furball, not able to contain her excitement. The kitten squeaked again.

Harris chuckled and gently handed the bundle of fur to Gigi. She held the kitten up before her, staring into his sweet, pleading blue eyes. “You’re okay now. We’re going to find you a wonderful home. No more cold nights on the street. Your life will be filled with so many treats, plush cat beds set in warm sunshine, and endless snuggles.” The kitten meowed at her, a little less pathetic this time, and she pulled him to her chest. He clung to her sweater, clawing up to nestle next to her neck. She pressed him close, and he purred. Gigi gasped at the sweetness of it all, catching Harris’s gaze to share the moment.

“He likes you,” he said, with a tenderness that gave her pause.

Gigi scratched behind the kitten’s ears, and the purring increased. “I like him too.”

Harris smiled at her. Something lighter replaced the tension that had lingered between them in the boardroom. Gigi felt a shift, a truce of sorts. Maybe they weren’t destined to be at each other’s throats all the time?

“I should probably get him some supplies.” Harris broke the momentary silence.

“Right,” Gigi agreed, her mind still catching up with the unexpected turn of events.

“Can you help me with that? I’m not sure what he all needs.”

“Sure. I know a great pet store nearby. I could run over there now, if you’d like.”

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