Page 32 of Resisting the Grump

“What’s her name?” I asked.

“His name is Simba.”

“He’s not one of those naked monkey cats, is he?”

He blinked at me.

“You know. The hairless ones that supposedly don’t act like cats at all.”

He shook his head. “No. He’s a normal cat. Spends most of his time sleeping and acting smug. Only thing unusual about him is that he’s more grateful than the average cat.”

“Grateful?”

“He used to live in an alley next to my ex’s favorite burrito place, and he followed us home one day.”

My eyes widened.

“We assumed he wouldn’t stick around, but he started leaving birds outside the building for us, and eventually the neighbors told us to get our cat under control. So we took him to the vet, earned his affection, and he and I are a packaged deal now.”

Well, it was official. Monsters didn’t rescue smelly cats from the street. Maybe this guy was worthy of meeting my neglected pussy someday. “Wow.”

“I know. We’re really cute together. I can’t believe Hollywood hasn’t called about turning our story into a movie.”

I bit back a smile, amused at the idea that this intimidating man melted when he was met with whiskers.

“I’m convinced he remembers his old life because he won’t eat Mexican food anymore. Can’t even stand the smell of it.”

“So what do you do when you want Mexican food?”

“I sneak out to eat it in secret and hope he doesn’t smell it on my clothes.”

I laughed.

“It happens more than you’d think,” he said. “I adore spicy food.”

“Me too.”

He smiled graciously at our server as she removed the plate between us, which was empty apart from the shells of our oysters. “In that case, there’s a Nepalese place nearby that I’ve been meaning to try, if you’d like to join me some night?”

“Would you be working?”

“Only on wooing you,” he said. “Otherwise it would be strictly for pleasure.”

“Like a second date?”

“If we don’t squeeze one in before then.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” I said, reaching for my wine.

“I’m glad you’re as fun to talk to as you are to look at.”

Heat bloomed across my cheeks. How was this guy single?

“Thanks again for joining me tonight. I know you had some reservations initially, but I hope you don’t have any regrets about accepting my invitation.”

“None whatsoever,” I said. “Though I could’ve done without the manipulation.”

His brows drew together. “What manipulation?”

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