Page 19 of A Sudden Romance

He switched to the left lane. Shadows obscured the snow capped mountains as night replaced the waning daylight.

“Your friend’s daughter will love naming this cutie.”

Iris didn’t seem to mind that the cat was probably leaving fur on her cream-colored peacoat. He didn’t have to check to know that vibrant smile was lighting up her face, which made him want to give the cat to her rather than to the seven-year-old he was taking it to. He wouldn’t disappoint the little girl, but the thought still tempted him.

His heart hadn’t stopped racing since Iris got into town yesterday. But today, a different kind of heartbeat set the tempo, one not so much frantic-panic thumps but instead rushing with exhilaration. Something was happening between him and Iris.

Making breakfast with her and spending half a day in her presence as she spoke freely left him brimming with hope—as if another ‘new and glorious morn’ were rising in his life.

Iris might not be so far out of reach. She was easy to talk to and laugh with. He loved her sweet scent in his car, loved driving her, and loved this brief fantasy of a Christmas with her as his wife. In a flash in his head, they picked up a puppy or kitten from a shelter or breeder to surprise their son or daughter for Christmas.

“Is the family expecting you to bring the cat?” Her voice dragged him out of his fantasy.

“Yeah. I asked her parents’ permission first.”

“This is so sweet of you.” Her genuineness warmed him. “I’m glad she’s better now.”

“I should be careful what I promise a sick child next time.” He turned on the blinker to exit the highway and take the country road. “But Alba was so terrified and refusing to have her tonsils removed, I just didn’t think before blurting out the bribe.”

Iris nuzzled the kitten against her flawless cheek. “If I was promised a kitten, I’d have my tonsils removed in a heartbeat.”

Maybe he’d get her a cat for Christmas. The Stones had a German shepherd years ago, and before it died, he’d always seen her jog with the dog around their expansive property or play with him in the yard. But before he entertained buying her a pet, he’d better make sure she wanted one.

“Do you have a pet in Boston?” He glanced at her with the kitten curled on her chest.

“I wouldn’t be doing a pet any justice if I had one now. When I’m in Boston, I’m always working and traveling, except on Sundays.” She pressed a kiss between the kitten’s ears. “Saturdays used to be my days off too, but I end up working online drawing up projects or viewing project maps. If I had a nine-to-five, I’d have a little sweetie like this one. Wouldn’t I, precious?”

She talked to it before twisting in her seat, wafting a soft rose scent as she pinned him beneath her dewy brown eyes. “Why don’t you have a pet?”

While he could have a dog, which he’d entertained, he always assumed he was going to start a restaurant in two weeks, which turned into months and then years.

“I wish I had a good reason,” was all he could say.

When they pulled into a community of ranch-style homes, he parked on the street before Leo’s house and ran around to the passenger side to open Iris’s door.

Leo’s truck and Paulina’s Buick occupied the driveway.

Sabastian frowned. He should probably tell her about Paulina and her infatuation with him, especially since her car was in the driveway. But saying anything seemed... presumptuous? As if he were warning a girlfriend. He and Iris were just friends until something came out of it. If only something could come out of it!

“Let me give you this.” Iris lifted the kitten to him. Her warm hands brushed his, and he sucked in a breath as tingles shot through his body.

While he could use the excuse and hold her hand as he helped her step out of the car, he had a fragile animal in his hands.

The porch light was bright, flooding into the car. As he opened the back to get the vented carrier and nestled the cat inside, crisp air stung his ears. Iris didn’t have a hat, either. Her ears must be cold too.

“I have a hat in the compartment,” he said. “Would you like to use it?”

Her face glowed in the light as she patted her short hair. She’d painted her nails white, which complemented the burgundy knee-length dress beneath her coat. “I didn’t bring a comb to fix my hair if a hat messes it up.” She closed the door and thanked him for the offer before she reached her hand out. “I’ll carry this bundle.”

He couldn’t argue.

“I remember you mentioning Leo. What’s his wife’s name again?”

“Martina.” He placed his hand on her lower back, leading her toward the damp driveway as he purposefully moved his shoe in a circle to test if the cement was icy.

He didn’t have to see through the snow to know that underneath were pebbles landscaping the yard rather than grass. Everything was white including the short shrubs buried in snow, which made him think of the song “White Christmas.” Since they’d gone through songs earlier, he now connected each situation to music.

The driveway wasn’t icy, but since she didn’t seem bothered that he was touching her, he kept his hand on her back, savoring the moment as they walked around the cars in the short driveway.

---