Page 9 of Tameron

“I do, actually. It’s an emergency ladder, so not an aluminum one, and it’s perfect for situations like this.”

And off he went again to his truck, returning a minute later with the ladder. He showed off his experience as he expertly threw the rope over a low-hanging branch and then securely tied the ladder. “Can you stand on the bottom rung to keep it somewhat stabilized?” he asked.

“Sure. I mean, you’re doing all the hard work.”

That might have come out a little snappier than I had intended because he paused for a moment, looking puzzled. “Do you want to climb up yourself?”

“Hell no. My balance is shit after the accident. I’d probably fall off and break a leg or something.”

“Oh, okay. You sounded like…”

I sighed. “It didn’t come out right. I’m grateful you know how to do this, I swear.”

“Okay.”

I put my foot down on the lowest rung like he’d asked, and he stepped over me, holding on to both sides as he started climbing. Now I’d never been into men, but his ass was, like, right in my face, so I had a really good view. And it wasn’t bad. In fact, as asses went, it was pretty damn spectacular. I might not like the man, but even I couldn’t deny he was in excellent shape—especially considering his age.

“How old are you?” I asked, and he stopped climbing to look down in puzzlement.

“Forty-three, but why do you ask?”

Yeah, I hadn’t thought that one through, had I? Kinda hard to explain that I’d been admiring his ass. “It’s nothing. I realized you’re, you know, pretty fit for your age and all.”

“Pretty fit for my age, huh? Well, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

How else would he…? Oh. Of course. It could also be interpreted as a little dig at his age. “I didn’t mean it like that, I swear.”

“Okay, just checking.”

I deserved that one. He had no reason to assume I was being nice to him.

He refocused and started climbing again, and I studied him as he did. He was undeniably strong, with thick thighs and arms and a broad chest. Even Nash wasn’t in such excellent shape, and that was saying something because that man was religious about getting his workouts in.

Dayton had reached the branch and pulled himself up with ease, holding on to the tree trunk as he did. He climbed one branch up, then held out his hands to the kitten. “Come here, you little troublemaker.”

Did he really think that would work? That cat was gonna need a little more convincing, right? But without a second of hesitation, the kitten jumped into Dayton’s hands. He caught him with ease, cradling him against his chest. “There ya go, sweetheart. Now, hold on, okay? I gotta get us back down.”

I steadied the ladder for him as he climbed down, holding on to the kitten with one hand. When he was back on solid ground, I breathed out with relief. “Well done.”

“Two compliments in one day? Be careful, Tameron, or I may start to think you like me.”

“I don’t… That’s not what I… I was being nice,” I spluttered. “I’m not into men.”

“And I was kidding,” he said as he shook his head. “Jesus, dude, don’t take everything so personally, okay?”

Fuck. He was right. I’d overreacted to what had clearly been a joke. “Sorry. I’m…” What excuse could I possibly use for this? Nothing came to mind. “Sorry,” I repeated.

“No harm done. Take a look at this cutie,” Dayton said, and to my embarrassment, it took me a second to realize he was referring to the kitten, not himself.

I immediately focused my attention on the kitten, who looked exhausted as it nestled against Dayton’s chest. He was a beautiful gray, though a little skinny for my taste. “How old do you think he is?”

Dayton pressed his lips together. “I wanna say ten weeks? He could be older but malnourished.”

I couldn’t resist and petted the kitten’s little head. “He’s adorable. What are you gonna do with him?”

Dayton sighed. “Take him to the vet, probably, and have him checked. I don’t see any evidence of a microchip, but the vet will be able to tell. And if no one claims him, which I suspect, I’ll drop him off at the shelter.”

I scratched the little thing behind its ears, and it started purring. Which made me smile. “He’s bound to get adopted. He’s so cute and sweet.”

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