Page 28 of Offsides Attraction

From the streetlight’s faint glow, it looked like she might be considering his offer. He’d intentionally not defined companionship, letting her make her own conclusions. Bash would let whatever this was run its natural course, but he wouldn’t break his playing season celibacy rule.

“Deal?” he asked, tired of her staring at him and feeling like a fool.

“You’re asking a lot for a kiss I barely remember,” she teased, and Bash smiled as he leaned closer to her.

“Liar,” he whispered against her lips. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. She traced his jawline before sinking her fingers into his hair and pulling his head closer. She whimpered. Bash would have smiled, except he didn’t want to break the kiss and end this peaceful feeling. His brain wasn’t chattering with a million thoughts at once. Instead, it hummed.

Bash snaked his hand underneath her sweater, and she gasped and pulled away. He’d pushed too far too soon. He should apologize, but doing so was disingenuous. He’d work to improve his people skills, but he wouldn’t lie to make anyone comfortable. Bash didn’t regret touching her warm skin, but he regretted startling her and ending the moment.

“Deal,” she whispered, looking at him with a slight smile as she tucked her hands into his. Harper’s front light flickered on, and Penny stepped away from him. “Um, Harper’s home. I should go say hi.”

Bash gave her a quick kiss on the lips and a gentle shove. He chuckled as she scurried toward the safety of her sister’s house. Bash wasn’t reckless, but he wondered what the hell he’d gotten himself into. He always researched, planned, and executed his actions, but Penny would challenge him and make him think on his feet. I’m playing without a playbook.

Chapter 13

Help! Help! George cried, sounding like pathetic meows to anyone else. Talking to George was one of their gifts, a gift they sometimes wished they could return. Maggie could talk to any animal, but the rest of them only had George.

You’re such a drama queen, Penny said to him as she unlocked Maggie’s apartment. He instantly wound his body around her legs, getting orange and white cat hair on her black dress pants. Guess I won’t be wearing these tonight.

He rolled his eyes. Another hot date with the ball thrower?

It’s not a date. What was your emergency?

My bowl is empty.

It’s not. And it never was. A motorist had found George alongside the road and dropped him off at the shelter. He was in terrible shape, but they’d called Nanna to treat him. He’d made it through surgery, and after several intensive days of care, he came around. When it was obvious he’d survive, Nanna had introduced Maggie to him, and she’d fallen in love with the one-eyed, cantankerous cat.

Empty and old are the same. He walked to the food cupboard with his tail held high, assuming she’d follow and obey. Penny scraped the remains from the bowl down the garbage disposal and grabbed him a fresh bowl. A fishy one, he suggested, as she stared at the options.

You can’t be that hungry if you’re being particular. She popped the lid on a whitefish in gravy and spooned it into the bowl. He dove into it as if he hadn’t eaten in days. After a few bites, he gave her the side-eye with his good one. I’m not sharing this. Get your own can or eat one of Maggie’s cookies.

I need to go, George.

He sat and stared at her, food forgotten. Just for a little bit? Maggie’s working all day and she picked up an evening shift. Last night he was here, and she cuddled with him on the couch. Penny knew he was Lucas, and she couldn’t be happier for her sister, but it sounded like His Royal Feline was lonely.

A cookie sounds good. Thanks, George. Penny eyed the oversized cookies filled with peanut butter, oats, coconut, and chocolate chips. She hoped Maggie wouldn’t miss one, because the giant cookie was now Penny’s dinner. George nodded his head and resumed eating as she bit into it and came up with Plan B since cat hair on Plan A wouldn’t look good at the art exhibit.

How was your day? he asked, and she nearly choked on her cookie. George wasn’t known for being interested in others unless it involved him. Hmm, a bit like Bash, actually, she thought, not sharing the comparison with George.

Since when are you interested in my day?

I’m not.

Then why did you ask?

It will keep you here talking to me.

George, I need to go get ready.

For your date, he said, sounding abandoned and batting away his bowl with half of his food left.

It’s not a date, Penny said.

Is he picking you up?

No, we’re meeting at the art museum. There’s a new exhibit on loan from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in California. George yawned.

Are you going to dinner after? he asked.

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