Page 13 of More Than a Blind Date

The look of shock on Mrs. Potts’s face signals that she was expecting someone else, probably Rose, to be at the door. “Officer, how can I help you?”

“I’m Deputy Nico Gomez. I’m responding to a call about a stolen cat.”

Mrs. Potts releases a satisfying gasp and slaps a hand to her chest. “Stolen? What? Who said that? My daughter wasneglecting the fragile little thing. She goes to work, and that tiny little creature spends the day all alone. It’s not right.”

And that’s my cue. “Deputy, hi. I’m Dallas.” I extend my hand.

Nico gives it a shake, his expression unchanged. He and I have met several times throughout the years. But based on the way he’s acting, no one would guess.

“Evening, Dallas. I’m Deputy Gomez. Were you the one who called in the stolen cat?”

“Yes, a black kitten. From the apartment above the garage. There were no signs of forced entry.” I stay focused on the deputy, ignoring Mrs. Potts’s huff of frustration.

Nico looks from me to Rose, then back to Mrs. Potts. “Do you know where the cat is?”

Rose’s mom crosses her arms. “Rose, tell him there isn’t a problem.”

I reach down and clasp Rose’s hand. Her grip is tight, and I make a mental note not to hold her hand during a horror movie… ever.

Still cutting off circulation to my fingers, Rose steps closer to her mom. “Thereisa problem. I don’t know where to find Floofy.”

Nico shoots me a glance, eyebrows raised. I choose not to react. My reputation as a perpetual grump is well known among my circle of friends. And kittens really aren’t my thing. And maybe if the kitten were named Tiger or Scout, it wouldn’t seem so funny to Nico. My friends are definitely going to rib me about a kitten named Floofy.

Mrs. Potts seems flustered and irritated. “I can’t believe you called the police on your own mother.”

I shift in front of Rose. “I’m the one who called it in.”

After giving me a disapproving once-over, Mrs. Potts asks, “And who are you?”

It’s a stretch to believe she hasn’t figured out who I am, but I extend my hand, the one that isn’t tethering me to Rose. “Dallas, your daughter’s fiancé.”

Instead of shaking my hand, she crosses her arms. “Your interference isn’t really wanted.”

Nico matches her stance. “We can wrap this up quickly if you’ll tell us where the kitten is.”

Mrs. Potts throws up her hands in frustration, then pushes open her front door. “He’s in the bathroom. The pound was closed when I tried to drop him off.”

Rose rushes into the house.

But I stay on the porch, preferring to keep Mrs. Potts in my sight.

Things are quiet and very awkward while we wait for Rose. I haven’t made a good first impression, which probably is going to make a bad situation worse for Rose. I’ve disturbed the hive, and the queen bee is giving me death glares. Being stared down by Rose’s mother is uncomfortable but telling. I’ve met people like her before. Almost married one. Perfectly sweet until they don’t get their way.

Years ago, I might’ve gotten dumped, but in reality, I dodged a bullet. It took me a few years to recognize that fact though.

Rose walks outside, cuddling a lanky black kitten. “Thanks, Mom.”

Her mother steps back into the house. “I want him out of that apartment by tomorrow.” Then she closes the door, leaving the three of us on the porch.

I rub Rose’s back. “Why don’t you gather his things? I’ll meet you inside in a minute or two.”

She nods, then turns her focus toward Nico. “Thank you so much.”

“I’m glad I could help.” He gives a nod. “But you probably don’t want to keep the kitten on her property any longer than you have to.”

“Yeah. I need to move, but until then, I’m not sure where this little one will be safe.” She nuzzles Floofy.

I know that the words I’m about to say will make their way to my friends before I even get back to the ranch. “Floofy can stay with me.”

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