Page 57 of The Reluctant Flirt

“I was waiting for you.”

She shuddered at his stark tone, stripped of smart banter or pretty prose meant to entertain and seduce. No, this was spoken from the deeper, darker places in his soul, and her insides melted with the need to go to him, slide her arms around his neck, lean her head against his chest, and ask for his secrets; for his trust.

Frozen in place, a rush of emotions hit full force. Her fingers curled into fists. All she had to do was walk around and give in to the moment, and Kane Masterson would be hers.

Suddenly, a low hiss filled the air, startling them both.

Sierra blinked and focused on Montgomery, who’d finally made his way out to meet the new visitor. She’d been careful about giving the cat space and time to settle into his new home, but found after a few hours of exploration, he settled in like he belonged. She was able to handle him without issues, and after only two days, Sierra was already smitten with her new companion.

Aspen came over to meet him, and after a bit of hesitation over his size and demeanor, they’d taken to each other easily. If things continued, Sierra planned to bring him to Flirt and get slowly acquainted with the space and being around people.

But right now?

He looked like a demon cat ready to rip apart his greatest enemy.

Fur prickling, massive body crouched as if ready to attack, the hiss sounded deadly and made Kane still immediately.

Kane raised his hands in surrender. “Umm, Sierra? Is that your…cat?”

Startled at the reaction, she frowned and came around the island. “Montgomery? It’s okay. He’s a friend.”

She figured he was protecting her and once she showed Kane wasn’t threatening, the cat would relax. With slow, careful motions, she knelt down, putting herself in between them. “He even brought you toys and treats. Did he scare you, baby?” she crooned.

The cat’s giant golden eyes met hers, as if needing reassurance. Sierra’s heart melted.

“Mommy’s okay. Kane won’t hurt me. Wanna meet him?”

She reached out and patted Kane’s knee. Kane grit out in a whisper. “That’s not a cat. It’s a monster.”

Sierra shot him a glare. “Don’t say that about him. Montgomery was a stray and had a hard time of it. He just needs to know he’s safe.”

“What about my safety? ‘Cause he’s going to try to kill me.”

She rolled her eyes, putting out her other hand to stroke the cat’s prickly fur. Slowly, Montgomery began to settle, but his gaze stayed on Kane with a blatant warning. “You’re being ridiculous. He’s been a sweetheart. He just needs time. Some relationships aren’t love at first sight.”

Kane snorted. “Nice analogy. He must’ve had to be drugged to get him into that shelter. He’s a Cujo in cat form.”

“He was hurt by a car, and the shelter got him medical help. He was alone in a crate for a while so he’s not used to people.” She arched a brow. “I’m surprised at you. I thought you liked animals.”

“Domesticated, cute, furry animals. Brick’s got a rat creature masquerading as a dog, and now you have a pet who looks like the orange gorilla from Jungle Book.”

Montgomery crouched back and hissed again.

“Don’t say things like that. He doesn’t like it,” she said.

“Sorry. Umm, listen, Mo, I’m not here to cause trouble. Wanna take a look at some of your presents?”

Sierra rose the same time as Kane. Moving carefully, they eased into the living room where the bags and boxes were spread out. The cat turned to keep him in sight.

“Try giving him a treat,” Sierra suggested.

“Here you go, buddy. These are amazing. The most expensive ones on the shelf.” Kane opened the pouch, knelt to the ground, and held out the tidbit. “What do you say? Wanna give it a try? I’ve got more where that came from. Anything you want.”

Montgomery took a tentative step forward. His ears and nose twitched. Regarded the man and his treat before him, offering the bribe. Then with a sudden leap through the air, he landed in front of Kane’s outstretched hand. With one swift movement, the cat’s giant paw smacked out with a mighty strike.

Kane fell back, the treat falling out of his grip.

Montgomery gave a threatening hiss, then turned away, swishing his tail in dismissal at the whole charade. Nose stuck up, he stalked away and settled in front of Sierra as if guarding her from a man unworthy of her attention.

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