Page 41 of Backdraft
Cinder was lying on the pillow next to me and looked at me with half closed eyes.
“I agree. Maybe a few more minutes then we can get up and make some coffee.”
He stretched his paws out to me and I stroked his silky ear. We lay there for a while longer in the quiet house. I’d been here almost three weeks now and we were settling in quite well.
I’d not gotten any new notes since being here. Hopefully the person forgot about me, but I remained cautious.
“Okay buddy. Time to rise and shine.”
I forced myself out of bed and went into the bathroom and came out a few moments later feeling more alive but still dragging my ass. Cinder still lay on the pillows and watched me get dressed.
“You can stay here as long as you want.” I told him as I left the bedroom.
Taylor's bedroom door was closed, and I quietly went down the stairs with Cinder hot on my heels.
After making coffee, I put some ready-made dough for muffins in the oven. Then sat at the kitchen table with my phone beside the mug and Cinder curled up inside my arm with his back next to the warm cup. He was never far from my side when I was home.
Home.
I shook my head and smiled. It did feel like home, but I was cognizant of getting too comfortable. You never knew what would transpire and shake things upside down.
I absently stroked his head and twirled his ears while I scrolled through Insta. He moved onto his back, baring his belly. He was a real cute boy with a white spot on his chest and a lovely white heart on his belly. He was purring like an engine, loud and deep. He made me happy.
“I’m glad we found each other.” I told him and he let out a quiet meow. I decided he agreed with me.
He'd adapted well to his new living arrangements. I had as well, but I was still acutely aware of the fact Taylor and I were under one roof. In separate bedrooms only a hall away.
We'd seen each other a few times since I moved in. It was a bit awkward after the kiss and all. Which, I couldn't forget by the way, and it was easy to let myself get lost in the fantasy of more happening between us. He was such a damn good kisser.
Today was the first time we were in the house all day together. I looked at the ceiling. Was he sleeping? Did he still sleep naked like he had in Denver? I closed my eyes and relived the image of him in my bed, the sheet slung low over his hips, his powerful chest tanned against the white sheets. My mouth went dry, and I picked up my mug. Cinder voiced his complaint.
“Sorry, bud, but I need this more than you.” If my thoughts continued down that path, I was doomed.
Cinder rolled over and stretched. His paws flexed, showing his very impressive claws. I'd have to either take him back to Wags & Whiskers for a trim or figure out how to do it myself. I wonder how he would behave if I used nail clippers?
I took another drink of coffee and the lingering image of Taylor still forefront in my mind. I moaned in delight. Both were perfect. Hot, flavorful, and creamy. I blushed and then rubbed my cheeks. How dumb.
My phone pinged. I opened the notification app that advised crews of fire calls within the region. I didn't have to go to this one, thank goodness. I was looking forward to the weekend off and thought I might explore Oak Creek. I wanted to buy Cinder some toys, do some grocery shopping, and maybe bake some more. The muffins were starting to smell very yummy. I preferred making them from scratch, but the premix would do for now. I did feel a sense of obligation to contribute, it was only right, so I started a grocery list of what we needed.
Taylor's house was comfortable and a thousand times better than the hotel. I could definitely get used to living here.
The floor creaked above me, and my heart leapt into my throat. He was moving around and would probably come down soon. It would be the first morning he'd see me au natural, still bleary eyed, with messy hair and very slow moving. Not that I used a lot of cosmetics, but I hadn't even brushed my hair.
I forced myself to stay put and not jump up and check my look in the powder-room mirror. Instead, I focused on my phone, and held the mug to my mouth.
What did it matter how I looked anyway? But deep down, it did matter.
I heard his feet on the stairs, the front door open and then close.
"Morning, sunshine," he said brightly and tossed the newspaper on the table. "What is that delicious aroma I smell?"
Again, Cinder voiced his disapproval at the intrusion of the newspaper. Taylor rubbed his belly when he walked past to the coffee machine.
"Morning. There are muffins in the oven. You're chipper today." Even though I wanted to get things done, the thought of crawling back into bed for a little while was a sweet temptation.
"The sun is shining and it's a beautiful day," he replied, filling his mug.
"I remember now. You're a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed morning person." I groaned. He didn't reply, and I glanced at him from behind a hank of messy hair.
