Page 8 of Claiming Rose

“A guess.”

“A good one.” She fished her keys out and unlocked the driver’s door.

“May I give you a kiss?”

His voice was soft and hopeful, not at all Dom-like and Rose found she liked it. She tilted her head back. “You may.”

Instead of lowering his head, Oliver curled one arm around her waist, and a hand behind her neck. “I had a great time tonight.” He brushed his lips over hers. “I’ll check for the momma cat tomorrow and let you know.” Another brush of the lips. “Maybe Friday night, we can take in some scenes together at the club.” One more time he brushed her lips, before he released her and stepped back.

Rose sighed. His lips had been soft and tender against hers. Part of her wanted him to grab her and really kiss her, and the other part appreciated his gentleness.

“I would love to watch some scenes with you.”

“Good.” He pulled her door open, shut it after she got in. He stood next to his vehicle until she pulled out and left the parking lot. It had been a long time since someone considered her safety and comfort like that. It felt good. Maybe Oliver was just the type of man she needed.

Chapter Four

Oliver smile at Kate, Rose’s receptionist at the vet clinic. “Hi Kate.”

“Oliver.” She returned his smile. “Go ahead and go back. Rose is with the kittens.”

“Thanks.” Oliver strode down the hallway. For three weeks he’d been courting Rose, there was no other way to say it. Dinners out and taking in scenes, but also he came to the clinic every morning and evening to help her with the kittens. The momma cat never showed back up. It was sad, but if she had he might not have the pleasure of being with Rose every day feeing the kittens. He’d bonded to those cute fur balls.

He passed the empty exam rooms and made his way into the back where Rose kept the overnight animals. Her heard her sweet voice before he saw her. She was crooning to one of the kittens. Her head came up from the task when she saw him.

“Hi Oliver. I told you, they don’t need to bottle fed anymore.”

“You did.” The kittens were eating solid food now and growing bigger by the day. “Doesn’t mean I can’t stop by for my kitten fix.” Rose’s laughter made him chuckle as well. He walked over to peek down at them.

Luna looked up and bounded directly for him, then started to climb up his leg. Oliver leaned over and detached her from his pants, then cradled her in his hand. “Well, hello there, Miss Luna.” He rubbed his nose against hers.

“I’m ready to find a foster for them, then allow them to be adopted.”

“Oh?” Oliver wasn’t sure how he felt about that. He’d gotten attached to the kittens.

“I can’t keep there here. They’re at the age where they need more human socialization than I can give them.”

“What does fostering entail?”

“No, Oliver.” Rose shook her head at him. “I’m sorry, but not you. I have several people who foster for me.”

“But—”

Rose put her hand on his arm and he closed his mouth.

“They need a lot of attention right now, especially without a momma.”

He nodded and wondered what he could do to keep seeing Rose every morning and night. Well, he could ask her to move in with him?

Whoa! Way too soon to be thinking about something like that. Even if his heart did speed up at the thought. Yes, they’d known each other at the club for a few years, but this was the first time they’d been in a relationship together, and technically, Rose didn’t think they were in a relationship. Yet.

“When would you allow them to be adopted?” Luna was now climbing up his arm onto his shoulder.

“After twelve weeks.”

Luna’s nose nudged his neck. “This one is a climber.”

“She is attached to you.”

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