Page 51 of If You Give a CEO a Chance

“Yes, Mom, it was. How much did you hear?”

She shrugs. “Not much. Who’s Cat?”

Clearly, she heard more than she’d like to let on.

“A stray that somehow got into the penthouse.”

Mom covers her mouth with her hand to stifle a chuckle. “And Fallon named it Cat? I like her sense of humor.”

That makes two of us.

“That’s one way to look at it.”

“Are you keeping Cat?”

“No.”

Which is why I’ve decided to cut my trip short. I was supposed to stay in Aspen Grove until after the New Year, but I have to get back to the city and deal with this cat fiasco before Fallon decides to keep it as part of her personal vendetta.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to seeing Fallon. It’s been strange not seeing her every day after having shared my apartment with her for weeks. It must be the delicious food that I miss. My mom is a great cook, but Fallon has made it into an art. She has a gift of elevating gluten-free dishes, which are often mediocre, transforming them into flavorful masterpieces that leave me craving more, long after the meal is over.

“Do you mind if I go back to the city tonight?” I ask my mom. “I have some things to take care of that can’t wait until after the New Year.”

She nods with a wide smile. “It’s no trouble. Should I call to see if I can arrange the private jet here in a few hours?”

My eyes narrow, noting the sudden enthusiasm is a sharp contrast from when yesterday she begged me to extend my trip.

I clasp her hand in mine, making sure I have her full attention. “Mom, Fallon and I are never getting together.” It’s best to set expectations now rather than give her false hope later.

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous,” she scoffs with a dismissive laugh. “I’m only being supportive. Why are you so convinced I’m playing matchmaker?”

Because she has a track record a mile long.

“I should go check on the breakfast casserole I have in the oven,” she says, pausing at the door.

“Harrison, your father and I are incredibly proud of you. All we want is for you to be happy.”

She steps out, and I’m left alone, thinking about the one woman I shouldn’t want but can’t get out of my mind. The truth is the weekend Fallon and I spent together ten years ago was one of the best damn memories I’ve ever had, and my reasons for being resentful are fading, piece by piece.

“Cat, get down from there,” I snap with my hands on my hips. “I’m trying to make meatloaf for Walter, and the last thing he wants is your fur in his dinner.”

He yawns, lazily stretching out on the counter, unimpressed with my scolding.

“Would you rather be out in the cold?” I ask, gesturing toward the snow falling outside. “Because you’re making it hard to resist sending you on a little winter vacation.”

Cat gives me a bored meow, refusing to budge. He’s had plenty of time to size me up, coming to the conclusion that I’m not going to actually follow through on my threats, no matter how much I wish I could.

With a defeated sigh, I head to the fridge to pull out the chicken and rice I made earlier. Buying store-bought cat food didn’t sit right with me after reviewing the questionable ingredients of some of the most popular brands. So, I’m sticking to homemade meals, even though Cat hasn’t exactly shown his gratitude.

The second the container lid comes off, I glance over to see Cat lift his head, his eyes trained on the food in my hand.Aside from our shared affinity for horror films, meals are the only other area where we’ve found common ground. It’s also my secret weapon to getting the little rascal to cooperate.

I take a small glass dish from the cupboard, scoop some chicken and rice in it, and take it to the other side of the kitchen,away from where I’ll be cooking. After setting the bowl on the ground, I go about my business, putting the leftovers in the fridge.

Sure enough, Cat jumps off the counter and races to his dinner, not even bothering to acknowledge me.

I roll my eyes.Unbelievable.

I take out my phone, shooting a message to Lila.

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