Page 14 of More Than a Blind Date

Rose throws an arm around my neck. “You’re the best, Dallas. Thank you.” After saying another thank you to Nico, she hurries up the stairs to her apartment.

“Nico, I really appreciate you coming out. Calling you was a bit of a Hail Mary.”

He grins. “She got you, didn’t she? Happened to me too. One day you’re single and fairly content. Then she crashes into your life. And nothing is the same. Congratulations and good luck. I don’t think her mother likes you.”

“Pretty sure she doesn’t. And thanks.”

“Dag is never going to believe this.” He steps away, chuckling. “Floofy.” The laughter continues as he walks to his vehicle.

The name isn’t that funny.

When I step into the apartment, Rose holds out the kitten to me. “Will you take him a second while I pack up the rest of his stuff?”

“Sure.” I take Floofy and hold him far from my face because cats have claws, and I don’t know this cat. “Hey there.”

Floofy starts purring, which, admittedly, is very cute.

“You’re getting a new home, but it’s temporary. And the place is new to me too, so please don’t destroy it.”

Rose pokes her head in from the hall. “You moved recently?”

“Yeah. I’m changing jobs. I’m still working at Stargazer Springs, but I’m also working for my aunt on her ranch.”

“That’s cool. I truly appreciate your letting Floofy stay with you. I’ll do my best to find a place quickly. It’s just hard to find rentals in this area, you know?”

“If I hear of anything in Stadtburg, I’ll let you know.” I have an idea forming, but saying anything to Rose now would just get her hopes up. I need to speak with my Aunt Tandy first.

When we walk outside, the used litter box is sitting on the hood of my truck. Now, we don’t have to stop and buy one.

“Ugh. I’m so sorry, Dallas. When she doesn’t?—”

“When she doesn’t get her way, she throws tantrums or generally makes life difficult, I’m guessing.” I load the cat carrier into the back seat.

“You’re right. Spot on. You’ve known someone like that.” The last part is a statement and not a question. But it’s clear from her expression that she wants more information.

I nod. “But we’ll table that conversation for a later date.”

“Okay. I’m going to grab a trash bag for the litter box. Then it can ride in the bed of the truck without getting yuck everywhere.”

The bed of my truck isn’t exactly clean, but I appreciate the gesture.

The rideto the ranch is quiet. We’ve agreed to drop off kitty and go get dinner, but there has been no other conversation. I’m trying to think of questions to ask to engage her, but I’m still spitting mad. She probably is too.

When I pull through the main gate, Rose leans forward. “Wow. This is really pretty.”

“It is. My aunt has made a lot of changes, and it’s turning out to be a really cool place.”

Colt waves as we drive past the horse barn, and Rose and I respond in kind.

“That’s the wrangler. He lives out here and takes care of the horses. And if after today, you need a new fake fiancé, we could try talking him into it.” This gives Rose the out if she wants it.

Grinning at me, she shakes her head. “I don’t want anyone else. But I do understand if you didn’t expect this level of crazy and want to change your mind.”

“I haven’t changed my mind.” I’m relieved that my Aunt Tandy’s truck isn’t around because I haven’t had time to mention my new fiancée, and I’d rather talk to my aunt when Rose isn’t around.

We park, and Rose carries the bag with Floofy’s stuff to the door. And I get Floofy.

“Just open it. It’s unlocked.”

---