Page 16 of Fall at Once

“Ah, I see. You’re sweetening the pot with the new décor, cats, lasagna last night, and coffee cake this morning. You’re trying to get me to stay in Cozy Creek. Am I right?”

Her grin was infectious. “Perhaps.”

“Well, you’re scoring points left and right. I already love it here, and I always have. And I love you so much; you’re my favorite thing about Cozy Creek. You know that, don’t you?”

“I do know it, and I love you too, my sweetheart. And listen, I’ve taken them to the vet. They’re perfectly healthy, have had all their shots and flea treatments, and I got them fixed. There’s nothing for you to do. I’ve taken care of everything.”

By this time, I was already cuddling Sage against my chest, grinning as she purred and butted the top of her head beneath my chin. “We’re going to be just fine, aren’t we, sweet girl?”

“You have to keep an eye on her,” she warned. “That one likes to get out and run around the neighborhood sometimes. She has a wild soul. Victor will be on this couch all day long. And Kenny,he’s not all there, if you know what I mean.”

“What?”

She patted the top of his head and then scratched beneath his chin. I could hear him purring from across the room. “He’s an idiot, honey. He’s the dumbest cat I’ve ever met. He’s sweet as can be, though.”

“Oh, gotcha. I feel like I should take notes or something.”

“You’ll be great. You’re a cat lady with no cats. We both know this.”

“Ha, you’re right about that. I might be in heaven right now. I love how you decorated in here.”

“I knew you would. The kitchen is stocked with all your favorites, and the bathroom has all kinds of goodies. I know you’ve always coveted that big bathtub. You have everything you’ll need for a nice, long soak.”

“Thank you. I might have to keep crying for a few more minutes. But I’m trying so hard not to.”

“Don’t fight your feelings around me, honey. I’m so happy you’re here. But beyond that, you’re doing me a huge favor. I can’t spend one more day at the shop. I need to sit down on my couch with my foot up. I’m supposed to keep it elevated. Speaking of which, I need to get back down there. Kenzie needs to finish decorating the cookies in the back, and my afternoon helper is off today.”

“I should get started now. There is no need for me to hang out up here with nothing to do but get lost in my feels. You join your friends for tea, then go home and get some rest, and I’ll take overfor you at the Confectionery for the day.”

“You’re sure?”

“Absolutely. Let’s go. I can get to know my new kitty cat besties later.” I gave Sage one last cuddle before setting her on the floor, and then I found a box of tissue on the shelf, grabbed one, and dabbed it beneath my eyes. “I’m okay. I got this.”

Even if Cole was still down there when I arrived.

Chapter 6

Cole

She was cute. She was beautiful. Too fucking irresistible is what she was.I didn’t know whether to love it or hate how attracted to her I had become.

I shifted my gaze to the window and away from her curvy hips and spectacular heart-shaped ass as she walked up the rear staircase with Gigi. Those heels were going to be the death of me. Her legs went on forever, and I couldn’t look away.

“You’re different around her,” Tate accused in a whisper. “Almost like you are around your kids or Mom or Gigi. You’renice. Did you actually smile at her? Did it hurt? Is your face going to be okay?”

“Shut the fuck up,” I grumbled before stuffing the rest of my breakfast sandwich into my mouth.

I was glad the other guys weren’t here today to witness this. Tate was born giving me shit. The rest of the guys from the firehouse should know better, but they didn’t.

He burst into laughter before reaching for his drink. “Thank you for making my point for me.” He raised it in a silent toast before taking a sip.

“This stays here.” I tapped a fingertip on the table for emphasis. “I’ve had enough gossip for ten lifetimes surrounding me lately. I don’t need anymore.”

“Yeah, he doesn’t need any more gossip, Tate.” Kenzie’s laughing voice startled me as she passed by our table on her way back to the counter. “Especially about my cousin,” she added under her breath as she pointed to both her eyes, then back at him. “I have my eye on the two of you. I’ll be back.”

“This is great,” I muttered. “Just fucking perfect.”

He waited until she was out of earshot to continue. “Hey, I won’t try to set you up with Madi. I wouldn’t do that to you, or the kids, for that matter. Dating after divorce is tricky. I know that better than anyone.”

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