Page 21 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

Chapter Five

Stone’s heart hammered as he started down the lane. He had Liam on the other end of the line. Liam, the guy he couldn’t forget and the one he’d been warned to stay away from, had called him. The longer he kept silent, the more he wanted to kick himself. He should be talking. “Sorry. I had to get out to the truck.”

“Don’t apologize.”

“Force of habit.” He sped down the gravel path to the road. “I’m sorry I can’t meet you. I haven’t been to a concert in the park in a long time. Maybe one of your friends from the gym might be able to go.” He hated pushing, but if Liam wasn’t interested, then he wasn’t. But he’d asked him to go along… God, he was bad at dating and figuring people out.

“I wanted to hang out with you.”

“Oh.” He almost apologized again. “I wish I could help you.” Could he screw this up any more?

“Next time,” Liam said.

“Yeah,” Stone replied. “Have you visited the stores downtown? The second-hand record store is fun. I get records there every couple weeks. I like the consignment store, too. I’ve scored some great furniture there.” He hadn’t gone shopping for fun things in almost a year.

“I’ll check them out.”

He had little else to discuss. If he pestered Liam about writing, he’d be pushy. If he ignored his feelings for Liam, he’d be second-guessing himself. “Who’d you work out with at the gym? Besides Donnie?”

“Isaac someone or another. He played football in high school, but claimed he’d lost his muscle years ago. Norbert Barr was the other one. He kept asking if I was gay.”

He suppressed a groan. “Norbert’s part of the Coalition. Be nice, but keep him at a distance. He can be a dick.”

“Good to know,” Liam said. “I’ll let you go. I’m guessing you’re at the shelter by now.”

“I’m just pulling into the lot.” His heart squeezed. He wanted to talk more, even if he had nothing exciting to say. He enjoyed their conversation. “Since I have your number now, I’ll call you tomorrow or on my break. Maybe on your break from writing tomorrow, we can get together for coffee.”

“Sure. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye.” He disconnected the call and blew out a long breath.Christ.He wanted a date, had a chance at one and couldn’t take it. Maybe he did spend too much time at the shelter.

He spotted a box by the front door of the shelter.Odd.He ventured over to the box. If someone had brought up supplies, they should’ve taken them into the building. The box could be an explosive device. The notion was a long shot, but he’d pissed off enough people by having them fined for mistreatment of animals that they’d threatened retribution.

He opened the box flaps. Four kittens were snuggled in a blanket. None were moving. He touched the tiny animals. Three of the four responded. The fourth kitten didn’t.Jesus.“Erik.” He banged on the door. “Call the vet. We need Aubrey here now. We’ve got kittens.” He carried the box into the lobby. “Someone left them outside. There’s a blanket, but I don’t see a mother and the box was closed when I walked up.”

“Shit.” Erik held the landline phone. “Yeah, it’s an emergency. Kittens. Dumped.”

Stone placed the box and a dog pillow on the counter. He lifted the kittens and blanket out of the box. Three of the tiny animals appeared sleepy, but otherwise okay. One black one and two orange and white babies. The last kitten, a gray tiger, was limp. “Come on, baby. Don’t quit.” He held the kitten to his chest as Amy cared for the other kittens. “We’re getting you help,” Stone murmured. He stroked the kitten’s head. “I’ve got you.” He warmed the tiny body and retrieved a bottle of formula from the infirmary room. He placed the nipple in front of the kitten’s mouth and offered nourishment.

“Come on, Champ. You can do it. Take the milk.” He dribbled a little into the kitten’s mouth. “You need to drink, baby. You’ve got to get big and strong.” The kitten mewled, then accepted the nipple.

Relief washed over him. They weren’t out of trouble yet, but he’d made progress. “Is Aubrey on his way?”

“Yep. Said to do what you’re doing. Should be here in about five minutes.” Erik held on to one of the tabby kittens. “Amy’s got the other two in the exam room. Dolly will love having kittens.”

He nodded. Dolly hadn’t been able to have kittens and adopted each litter that landed at the shelter. She loved to mother the strays. He stayed with the kitten he’d now named Champ. The poor little critter’s eyes weren’t open and he was small, even for a baby.Not good.

Light flashed across the front of the shelter. A moment later, Aubrey strode into the lobby. “What do you have?”

“Champ. He’s tiny. Eyes aren’t open. He’s underweight.” He offered up the kitten, despite wanting to keep holding him. “I gave him formula in a bottle. Not a lot, but some.”

“I’ll handle it, but thank you.” Aubrey offered a tight smile. “I have the feeling you’re about to adopt another kitty. You named this one.”

“He’s so small.” No doubt he’d bring the little guy home. He could do a special push to get him adopted, but not this time. He wanted to be sure this kitten made it to adulthood.

Another light flashed across the lobby. Stone didn’t look over his shoulder when the door creaked. “We’re open for adoptions for another half hour.” He forced a smile and faced the door. Animals needed homes and the more who were adopted, the better.

Liam strode into the lobby, holding on to two cups of coffee. “Hi.”

---