Page 24 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“But she’s trying to push you.” Liam’s eyes glittered.

“No, she’s not trying.” He cuddled Champ closer. “She is full-on doing it.” He closed his eyes. Damn, he’d embarrassed himself. Liam was there for a chat, not to observe. “I wanted to chat with you, not make you watch me care for the animals.”

“You’ve got a special case.” Liam shrugged. “I’m good. We’re chatting. I’ve gotten to see you and know you better.” He nodded once. “When are you done for the night? Or do you stay here?”

“I’ll let Jake handle the desk until nine, but I usually clock out around ten, unless something big happens. Why? It’s late to go out and I have to worry about this guy—who might be a girl. I don’t know yet.”Christ.If Liam wanted to get together, he’d done a lot to push him away.

“Would you mind some company for a while longer?” Liam asked. “You mentioned rocking in the cattery.”

“I’d like it,” Stone said. “If you want, I can give you a tour. You can learn how to care for the animals and volunteer.”Oh, boy.He’d really pushed this time.

“I’d like that.” Liam grinned. He hadn’t paused or hedged.

Stone relaxed a bit. He’d made some progress with Liam and convinced him to consider volunteering. They could spend more time together. They might even have a chance at another kiss. Liam bringing coffee and chatting this long had to mean something.Right?He wasn’t giving up hope, despite what his brother wanted. He needed to have hope—with Champ and his life.

Liam spent the next hour following Stone around. He learned how to clean the cages, feed the dogs, cats, rabbits and the two ducks, plus add litter to the small litter boxes. He made a mental list of which dogs were available for walks and which were still adjusting to their surroundings. Some of the dogs needed extra patience due to being abused.

He never realized how much time and care went into dealing with animals. He respected Stone’s ability to keep his spirits up, despite some of the crazy conditions.

Stone carried Champ to the cattery. “I try to stay here rather than hiding in my office. I’d rather be out and visible. I want visitors to approach me and I can do more when they see me.”

“You do.” He settled on the other rocking chair and took in the view. For a place to keep cats, the room was rather cheery. An orange tabby climbed into his lap. “Well, hello.” Five cats occupied the room. Two black ones, a tuxedo version and a white one with orange spots. The plump orange tabby sniffed Liam before settling on his thighs.

“That’s Big Orange. We can’t seem to settle on a name for him and he’s a little thick, so…Big Orange it is for now.” Stone grinned. “He likes you.”

“Seems he does.” Liam petted the cat. He’d paid the extra deposit for an animal at the duplex. Would it be okay to bring Big Orange home? What would he do with the cat when he had to leave? Bring him along as his mascot? “Has he traveled? I know some cats get into being leashed.”

“I don’t know. I guess you’d have to work with him.” Stone grinned. “Are you considering adopting him?”

“I’m thinking about it.” He nodded to Stone. “How’s Champ?” He’d expected more barking in the shelter. More noise and action. The place was rather sedate. He liked the images of dogs and cats on the walls, plus the little gift shop. If someone couldn’t adopt, they could support the shelter by buying merch.Clever.

“I’ve got a bottle and I’ll try to offer him a little formula in a bit.” Stone jostled the blanket. “He’s in rough shape and might not make it through the night.”

“Stone.” He didn’t want to consider that possibility. Yes, this wasn’t the movies, but the kitten deserved a happy ending. “What if Aubrey came back?”

“He can’t reverse the damage done already—not this fast.” Pain shimmered in Stone’s eyes. “I hate it, but this is what happens sometimes.”

“No.” He barely knew the critter, but he couldn’t bear to see the kitten hurt. “I want to fix it.”

“Me, too.” Stone met Liam’s gaze. “He’s so small and if he wasn’t being fed, then that would be two strikes against him. I want to fix it, but right now, it’s a game of wait and see.”

“Will you take him home?” Not that he could care for the animal. He didn’t know the first thing about special care for cats.

Stone nodded. “Amy’s got Dolly keeping an eye on the kittens and I’ll bring him home to Missy. She’ll care for him there. I’ll be close by, but Missy loves her strays.” He half-smiled. “Did I tell you she brought me a skunk kit? She thought it was her baby. I had to keep them in the barn until I could have Aubrey rehome the kit. Missy was so mad.”

“You never said that.” There were a lot of things they hadn’t said to each other. “I’m coming with you tonight.” He couldn’t not keep tabs on Champ. In the morning, he’d buy the supplies for Big Orange and adopt him, too. Mostly, he wanted to keep an eye on Stone.

“Liam?” Stone’s lips parted, but he said nothing else.

“I’m attached.” Stone didn’t know it, but he should be cherished. He’d done the impossible, too. He’d forced Liam to climb out of his comfort zone. Stone, Big Orange and a sickly kitten had made him think about more than himself. It was a huge step. “I insist.”

“I won’t argue.” Stone smiled and touched Liam’s arm. “I should argue with you, but you’re determined.”

The gesture warmed Liam to his core. He wanted more of these smiles and touches. “You haven’t seen determined yet.”

Stone shook his head and laughed. The throaty sound filled the room. “Well, okay.”

“I’ll drive—if that’s okay with you?” He hadn’t thought through the details. “Your truck will be okay here overnight, right?”

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