Page 2 of Wishing for the Lumbersnack
I parkedmy truck directly in front of the small storefront, the wordsSera’s Furry Friends Cat Rescuelisted on the door. I’d stopped at the pet store on my way over, my passenger seat full of bags of supplies ranging from kitten chow to a litter box,treats, and toys. I even got a fluffy cat bed to place on the floor next to mine.
With a deep breath, I climbed out of my truck and headed inside, a string of bells jingling above me when I opened the door.
Inside was a small lobby area with two chairs and a couple of side tables, different pamphlets lying across them. A large wrap around desk sat on one side, with a chair behind it, scattered pens and papers lay about. A bulletin board on the wall displayed several photos with the wordsAdoptions 2025listed on top. I smiled at the different cats who’d found their forever home with the help of this cat rescue and hoped my picture would be next.
“Can I help you?” A soft voice said from behind me.
I turned to find a gorgeous curvy woman, standing behind me, a timid look etched across her soft features. Long, dark brown wavy hair flowed down her back, held away from her face by a thick black headband. Her light brown eyes twinkled, yet she didn’t hold my gaze for long as she moved behind the desk. I couldn’t tear my eyes off her, my insides twisting and turning in a way I’d never felt before.Who is she?
“Yes, I’d like to adopt a cat, but I’m not sure what the first step is.”
She looked me up and down and I wondered what she was thinking. A big burly guy like me wanted a cat?
“I know I probably don’t look like the typical person who adopts a cat, but trust me, I’ll love him or her like they’re my child.” I grinned.
A small giggle erupted from her pretty lips. “Okay. Follow me.”
“Thanks.” I tried not to stare at her ass as she brought me to the back and into a room with several cat cages, each with aname tag and description on the front, but I failed. I couldn’t help myself.
She looked like a perfect little treat. And I didn’t even know her name yet.
“I’m Serafina, by the way. Take your time looking around. If you see any you’re interested in, we can set up a meeting.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Deke.” I peered into the first cage and saw three black kittens curled up together in a ball. My big burly heart instantly melted.
“I’ll be out front if you need anything.”
“Wait, you’re not staying?” I blurted.
Her eyebrow rose and a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Um, did you want me to?”
I was an idiot.
“No, sorry. I’m new at all of this.” I scrambled for any words that would make some sort of sense. “I’ll come out when I’m ready.”
Serafina smiled and turned to go, my eyes falling to her ass once more.
I’m in trouble.
CHAPTER TWO
Serafina
Oh my God,oh my God, oh my God.
I fanned myself with a brochure on the desk as I paced back and forth in the small lobby area.
Sure, good-looking men walked in here from time to time, but usually with a beautiful woman on their arm or children on their shoulders.
But not him. Not Deke.
He strutted in, not ashamed in any way that a big burly guy like him wanted to adopt a cat.
A tight button-down flannel shirt hugged his torso, the sleeves rolled up halfway, exposing taut, tatted forearms. I pictured both of his arms covered in ink up to the outline of his biceps and wondered what his washboard stomach looked like, igniting long hidden fantasies from deep inside my subconscious.
It had been a long time since I’d been with anyone and he awakened something inside me, something I didn’t want tothink about only because I could never fulfill that aching need. At least, not how I wanted to.
But I need to focus. He was here to adopt, and I didn’t take that lightly. I had a strict adoption process, nothing too crazy, but I wanted to ensure my kitties go to loving families. Families that don’t give up when it gets hard or move and don’t bring their pets along or those that neglect. I worked hard to ensure they had good homes, and I wanted to follow through on that promise to myself.
