Page 46 of Always You

Jazz was coming in the front door when I reached the final step. His jacket pockets were bulging suspiciously, and one furry face peeked over the top of one of them. He held up both hands. “Before you say anything?—”

Consumed with relief that he was still here; I kissed him hard. “Please fight, please don't ever leave.”

“Alex?”

I stumbled back in horror, staring at his confused and then, concerned expression. Before I could second-guess what he was thinking or why I'd kissed him where anyone could see, I went into my office, shut the door, and hoped to hell I hadn't messed up everything.

Chapter Twenty-Three

JAZZ

I stoodoutside Alex's office, staring at the closed door and gathering my thoughts. The image of Alex's distress lingered in my mind, urging me to act. After a brief moment of staring like an idiot, I pushed the door open with a quick knock, not waiting for permission to enter.

Alex was at his desk, his head buried in his hands. As I entered, he straightened up, trying to mask his emotions. He rubbed his eyes, trying to clear away any sign of distress, but I could still see the remnants of tears sparkling in his eyes.

“The kittens are staying for a while,” I announced, trying to keep my voice steady and give Alex a moment to compose himself further. “I need your help with them.”

I lifted the bag to indicate I had some of what I needed, but not everything. “I've got milk and stuff, but I need a box and some blankets to make them a proper bed in my room. Can you help me out?”

Alex nodded; his expression professional as he focused on the task. “Of course,” he replied, “one minute.” He picked up the radio and his phone from his desk and pocketed them both before he ushered me back and locked the door.

His quick acceptance and shift to action eased the tension a little, but I knew we weren't done talking about whatever had upset him so deeply. Once the kittens were settled, I planned to come back to that. For now, though, getting the kittens comfortable was enough to keep us both occupied.

“Is it okay if I keep them in my room?” I asked, unsure whether this would be allowed.

“Sure, just keep theminthe room? I'll find a box.” He headed to the kitchen. I went to my room and waited until Alex arrived. I closed the door behind him, then placed the sturdy box he'd found on the floor.

“That should be okay,” he murmured, dropping a blanket next to it, which he curled into a temporary nest.

I fished out the three kittens, tiny little things, and placed them in the nest. Then, we used the other blanket to start making their temporary home and set up the litter box. Each day, they would return to the shelter, but each night, they would stay with me so I could feed them, love them, and be their hero—Abby's words, not mine.

I'm no hero.

“Is it wrong that I named them?”

“No,” Alex said as I picked up the nearest tabby, trying to climb the blanket wall.

“That's Scout.” I gently placed the first, most adventurous kitten into the nest. “Always scouting ahead, you know? Then, there's Mischief,” I continued, pointing to another who was pawing at his brother as soon as his toe beans hit the blanket. “True to his name, always causing trouble.”

“And the third?” Alex asked.

“Rascal,” I chuckled, placing the last kitten next to its siblings. “Seems like he's always up to something sly.”

Alex smiled, watching the kittens settle into the soft blanket. The warmth enveloped them, and they began to calm down. “Good names,” he said.

Together, we arranged the box in a quiet corner of my room, ensuring it was away from any drafts and secluded enough to give them a sense of security. Alex fetched an extra towel and draped it over the side of the box to add more insulation.

As we worked, Alex's desperate emotions seemed to melt away.

“It's strange how something so small can need so much.”

“Yeah,” Alex agreed. “It's a big world out there for such little ones.”

I nodded. “Makes me want to protect them.”

The room was quiet for a moment, and the only sound was soft, steady purring as they explored their new temporary home, then huddled into a kitten pile, Scout yawning.

“Thanks for helping me with this, Alex,” I said, breaking the silence.

---