Page 31 of Patching Over

“Motherfucker,” I yell before pushing between the two of them as I rush down the hallway, Phantom running behind me as he thrusts my heavy coat in my hands. Slipping off my cut, I give it to him, pull my jacket on then slip and slide to my truck, which someone has thankfully cleared off of snow.

Getting in, I crank it, wincing when it takes a few attempts before the engine starts, then turn the heat on high to defrost the windows as I slip on my beanie and leather gloves. “C’mon, c’mon,” I mutter, impatiently waiting for the windows to clear enough for me to be able to see. “I’m on my way, Sprite, hold on.”

The trip into town is treacherous, making me thankful I’ve got a four-wheel drive truck. I’ve tried calling her several times, but each time, the call goes directly to voicemail. While I try to consider the fact that her phone might have died due to the power outage, each time I hear her sweet voice say to leave a message, my panic grows. “She’s probably freaking out by now,” I muse out loud as I make the turn that will allow me to pull into the parking lot we use behind the bar. Thankfully, I have the keys to get into the bar on me and don’t have to worry about analarm going off. I rush up the stairs that are just outside the door to head into the bar’s kitchen and stand on her landing, banging on the door and calling her name.

Long minutes pass which has me considering breaking down the door before I hear the beautiful sound of locks turning before the door opens up a crack, the chain keeping it from fully opening. “Sprite?” I ask, peering into the darkened space. “Sweetheart, I didn’t know you had no power.”

The door closes then I hear the chain sliding before she opens the door once again. Stunned, I look at her, bundled up as though she’s ready to go outside. She must have at least three layers of clothes on, as well as a hat that’s pulled down so low, all I can see are her eyes, nose, and mouth. I slip my glove off then cup her face in my hand, biting back another curse when I feel just how cold her skin is right now despite being inside a building.

“Oh, baby, I’m so fucking sorry,” I whisper, moving closer and gathering her in my arms. “Let’s get you packed up and over to the clubhouse. We’ve got a generator, so you’ll be nice and warm again in no time.”

Despite her obvious shivering, she starts shaking her head before she says, “I can’t go anywhere, Brick, it’s not just me.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, looking down at her.

“I’ve got these guys too,” she replies, pulling her collar back slightly. Since I’m positive she’s not trying to flash me, I look closer then see two tiny faces staring up at me. “Calvin and Hobbes, meet Brick. Brick, these are my kitties. I can’t leave them to fend for themselves.”

“Fine, we’ll take them with us.”

She stares at me, slack jawed. “Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack. Why don’t you go pack your things and I’ll gather up what they have to have as soon as you tell me where it’s at.”

“I’ve got all their things set up in the kitchen. Their food is in the cabinet next to the trash can, litter is in the pantry closet on the floor, and I’ll have to get their carrier, which is in my closet,” she replies, stepping back further so I can fully enter the apartment.

I can see our breath plume out with each word spoken and guilt starts to ride me hard at what she’s dealt with all day long. “I’m so sorry,” I repeat, wrapping my arms around her once again.

“It’s not your fault, Brick, unless you caused the snowstorm to knock the power out,” she says, smiling up at me.

Without another thought, I lean down and capture her lips with mine, grateful that this time when I found her freezing, she wasn’t near death. She’s cold, of course, but definitely alive and well. She initially stiffens, then almost melts in my arms when I deepen the kiss. Based on her response, it dawns on me she’s never done this before, so I back off slightly, only to have her lean up and hesitantly place her lips on mine as she mimics my earlier actions.

This time, I allow her to set the pace, tracing her bottom lip with my tongue until she gasps. Slanting my head slightly, I find myself losing track of what we’re supposed to be doing the minute her tongue tentatively touches mine.

Fuck my life. Her innocent actions have my dick hardening, wanting to take this even further. When I finally pull back, both of us breathless, her face is even rosier and she’s moving her thighs together. With a smirk, I say, “Best kiss I’ve ever had, Rayleigh, but I’d much rather we were in a warmer place before we do it again.”

As her blush deepens, she lowers her head, the kittens now protesting at being held captive between the two of us. “Kind of wishing we were already there,” she shyly admits, before heading to her room, presumably to pack.

“Don’t forget your charger or your laptop!” I call out as I make my way to the kitchen using my flashlight app to keep me from stumbling in the dark. She seemed to have no problem, but other than the first day I brought her here to show her the apartment, I haven’t been back. Well, back inside, that is. Right now, I’m wishing I had grabbed my Maglite from behind the driver’s seat because despite its brightness, my flashlight is sorely lacking.

“My laptop’s next to the couch in the carrying bag Hawg gave me,” she returns, her voice muffled.

I quickly gather the supplies for her cats, then find the laptop bag as well as her e-reader and her obviously dead phone. After placing her devices inside the laptop bag and ensuring I have the power cords for both her laptop and e-reader, I move it to the door, then go in search of something to put the cats’ supplies in, nearly cheering when I find two reusable bags inside the small pantry. I dump out the milk, then rinse the sink, knowing by the time the power is restored, it’ll be spoiled. Then, grabbing her trash can, I quickly go through the refrigerator and freezer, and throw out everything so she’s not faced with a disgusting mess.

Not like I plan for her to return except to pack up the rest of her things. Nope, she’s coming home with me and that’s where she’s going to stay. My dick twitches in agreement, causing me to grin because I can’t wait to introduce her to all the things I’ve been dreaming about ever since she woke up in my bed.

“I think I got everything. Wait, what are you doing? I just went to the store, Brick!”

“Sweetheart, by the time the power comes back on, none of what’s in your fridge or freezer will be any good. It’s all going to spoil, except for maybe the butter. Have you ever smelled spoiled food before? It’s vomit inducing, I promise. I’m saving your stomach, Sprite.”

She giggles before asking, “Can you hold them? I want to get a couple of towels to put in the carrier to help keep them warm.” Without waiting for my reply, she hands me both kittens and leaves me staring at them cautiously as they meow and purr.

“What are their names?” I call out, pulling them closer to me so they stay warm.

“Calvin and Hobbes. Hobbes is the orange one, Calvin is the other by process of elimination.”

“Sassy, I like it,” I whisper to the two kittens, who are now kneading my jacket. She hurries back into the living room area by the door, the cat carrier in one hand and a throw in the other.

“I’m not sassy,” she replies, grinning at me. “I’m trying to use the vocabulary words I’ve been learning.”

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