Page 85 of No Rings Attached
I scrunched up my nose. “The Sweet Spot for my sister’s cake tasting at five.”
“That sounds yummy and full of drama. Don’t let me keep you.” She gave us the shooing motion.
As we hurried inside, I looked back at Glamma, who was following at a slower pace. She tossed me a sly grin. One that immediately had me wondering what she was up to.
“Do you need any help getting the dogs back inside?” Drew asked Theo once we reached the front desk.
As I leaned against the counter, a large, fluffy feline launched itself in front of me with the drama of a Broadway diva.
“Stormy!” Theo warned. “She’s been pacing in front of the door while you played outside.”
The cat’s gold eyes fixed on me like lasers. She gave a sharp, indignantmerp, tail lashing.
“Oh, I see,” I cooed. “You’re mad I didn’t come say hello first.”
Stormy’s whiskers twitched, unimpressed.
“Would a chin scratchy make up for my grievous betrayal?” I offered.
She tilted her head, then head-butted my hand with enough force to push me back. Her motor-like purr blared as she laid spread out on the counter and let me scratch under her chin. When I stopped, she stood and playfully batted at my hand.
“Listen, if you’re a good girl, when I come back I’ll only play with you next time.”
“Looks like you’ve been chosen,” Drew chuckled.
“Tell me about it.” I rubbed Stormy’s chin, and she melted against me, all rumble and warmth. When I stopped, she smacked my hand with a velvet paw.
“I know sweet kitty, but I have to go. I’m sorry.” I looked at Theo who was hovering nearby, eyeing Stormy.
“She only does that with you. Honestly, you could adopt her today, and my blood pressure would thank you.”
The words hit me harder than they should have. I gathered Stormy up, her paws looping over my shoulder, her head burrowing into my neck. She purred like I was the safest place she’d ever found.
My chest tightened. She wasn’t sweet like the puppies, all wagging tails and unconditional joy. No, Stormy was prickly, demanding, and hard to love unless you were patient.
And God, did I get that.
Her constant fear of being left behind was mine too.
“I really wish I could,” I whispered as I rubbed at her furry back.
Theo eyed the two of us. “Let me go get some gloves or a towel. I don’t want her to fight me or have her get hurt when I bring her back.”
Stormy hissed at Theo.
“Stormy, come on. Not today,” Theo pleaded with her to no avail. She just hissed louder.
“I’ll bring her back,” I offered.
Theo placed his hands together, like prayer hands. “Thank you.”
“Want me to meet you outside?” I asked Drew.
“Sure. I’ll pull up out front.” He kissed my forehead before he left, making my heart turn over. I don’t even think he realized he’d done it, which made it even better.
Theo led me to the room where the cats were housed. “If you change your mind, let us know. With her temperament, I’m not sure we’ll find anyone to adopt her.”
He opened her cage, and when I lowered her into it, she let out a yowl so mournful it cut right through me. Tears pricked my eyes. I closed the door and I stuck my fingers between the bars. “Be a good girl,” I whispered. “Don’t give up on people yet. And try to be nice to Theo. He’s just trying to help you.”
