Page 95 of Texting Dr. Stalker

Stroking him, I murmured, “It’s okay, little man, it’s only Nana come to check on us.”

The TV kept blaring. It might start on its own, but it never turned off by itself. Sighing, I climbed to my feet and carried my little ginger-ninja into the living room. His fur bristled, but he stopped growling.

I flicked the old switch dial. “There. Silence.”

The curtains rustled with no breeze. Warmth filled me instead of ice. It felt like Nana was checking on me. That she approved of the new freeloader living in her home.

Kissing Peng on his head, I carried him into the kitchen for a final snack.

My cell phone pinged as I placed him on the counter and filled up a saucer with some more formula. Already he didn’t feel as ribby. His fur not as coarse.

Leaving him to slurp up his fifth and final meal of the day, I returned to the snug and grabbed my phone off the floor.

X:I didn’t mean to leave it this long to reply. I’m sorry. That was cruel of me to leave you hanging on such a sensitive subject. I’ve tried to reply numerous times, but I keep failing on an appropriate response.

My heart kicked as I tapped the keyboard.

Me:What response do you want to give me?

X:It doesn’t matter what I want. But I will be honest and say I wantyou.I’d be a liar if I didn’t. Falling asleep with you last night was one of the best experiences of my life, and we only hugged. I find you absolutely gorgeous, and of course I’d love to take you up on the offer, but…

Me:But?

X:I’m not going to take advantage of you.

Me:Even though I’m asking you to? Technically, I’m the one taking advantage of you.

X:As much as I want to, I can’t, Lori. Not yet.

My chest squeezed as if he’d strapped me into a corset.

Me:Not yet?

X:I mean. Shit. I didn’t mean to type that last bit.

Me:I’m happy with not yet. I can wait.

Before he could reply and deny that there was any chance between us, I changed the subject.

Me:I’m thinking of adopting a stray kitten. Tell me why that’s a bad idea and why I shouldn’t do it.

X:I think that’s a fabulous idea and you should definitely do it.

Me: Gee, thanks for being the voice of reason.

X:I am being the voice of reason. I’d love a pet myself if I had the time.

Me:You can come meet mine if you want? See if we’re a suitable match? In fact, I’d love your opinion on whether I’m making the right choice. Maybe I’ll make a terrible cat carer.

X:You won’t. He’ll already be in love with you. And I can’t tonight. I’m away, remember. I’ll be gone for a few days.

Me:Oh. Okay. Have a safe trip.

X:I’ll still be watching you.

Me:On the cameras you installed in my garden?

X:Yes.

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