Page 9 of Claiming Rose

“Is that a good thing?”

“Not sure.” Rose watched him with her clear blue eyes as if assessing him.

“What if I said I wanted to adopt her.”

“That’s a big step.”

“I know, but I can’t see losing this little one. I’ve become attached to her.” From day one Luna captured his heart, much like Rose. There he went again. Oliver tried to rein in his thoughts but it was difficult. He wanted to claim Rose.

“Rose,” Kate said walking into the back. “Marissa is here.”

“Great. Send her back.”

“Who is Marissa?”

“The foster mom I called. She’s fostered a lot of animals for the clinic.”

Oliver turned as an older woman walked into the room. She had white hair and a big smile on her face. “I’m so glad you called me, Rose.” Marissa stopped in her tracks when she saw Oliver. “Hello, young man.”

“Marissa, thanks for coming over. This is Oliver, a friend of mine. He’s the one who found the kittens.” Rose put Sunny and Star back into the crate, but when she reached for Luna, the kitten hissed and swiped at Rose.

“Hey, none of that young lady.” Oliver reached up and pulled Luna off his shoulder, then looked at her. “You are to be nice.” He carried Luna over and put her in the crate with her brother and sister.

“Aren’t you a sweetheart,” Marissa said. “They look about six weeks old.”

“Right on target.” Rose said her gaze on Oliver. “So you’ll have them for at least six weeks. Is that going to work out okay?”

“It’s fine.” Marissa waved her hand and peered inside the crate. “They’re so cute. You’re not going to have any trouble getting them adopted.”

“Luna is already adopted,” Oliver said and both women turned to him. “Sorry, but she’s mine.”

“Oh my,” Marissa said.

“Oliver,” Rose started.

He put up his hand. “No, Rose. I mean it. You can help me get my place cat proofed, but I want Luna.”

Rose bit her lip, but nodded. Marissa was grinning. “I’ll make sure to take good care of Luna. Rose, dear, give him my address so he can come visit.” Marissa picked up the crate and walked out the door.

“Do you think adopting Luna is a good idea?”

“Of course it is.” Oliver started making a mental list in his head. “With your help, I’ll be all set.”

“Oh Oliver.” Rose patted his cheek. “Such an optimist.”

“That I am.” He captured her hand and brought it to his lips. “Dinner before we go to the club?” It was Friday.

“Sure. But I need to run back to my place and get my club clothes.”

“No problem. You can drop your car off and ride with me, then we don’t have to worry about two cars.” Rose hesitated before nodding and Oliver wondered about the hesitation.

* * * *

Rose changed her clothes in the dressing room, her mind full of Oliver. The past few weeks had been fun and she was learning so much about him. While they hadn’t played together yet, they had kissed and had some foreplay.

She wondered if Oliver was going slow because of her breakup with Thomas. She could tell him he didn’t have to. Thomas was old news. Oliver was her future. Rose adjusted her short red skirt and the black camisole she wore.

Thankfully, Oliver didn’t mind her in ballet shoes. Sometimes she didn’t want to wear heels. Other subs loved being in them. For her, she only liked them for very special occasions.

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