Page 8 of Legally Binding
Chapter Five
PIPER
I roam up and down the aisles of the pet store, and everything is so expensive. After checking multiple items, I wonder if the Dollar Tree has a pet supply section. This might be a sign telling me I can’t afford this kitten and that I should take him to a shelter. Reaching into my purse, I pull out the little guy. As soon as he looks up at me, I’m certain I’d never be able to give him up. And I’m pretty sure we’re trauma bonded after that meeting.
"Can I help you find something?" a guy around my age asks. He’s wearing a vest with the pet store's logo on it.
"I was?—"
"I've got her." I turn at the sound of a familiar voice, thinking it can't be him.
"Okay, yeah," the store clerk sputters, stepping back. "If you need anything?—"
"We're good," Mr. Adair says, dismissing him. I watch the guy quickly leave the aisle, but I can't judge. I did the same thing.
"You followed me," I blurt out.
He’s ditched his suit jacket and tie and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, revealing a tattoo on his forearm. How is he more intimidating now than before?
"You ran out."
"I didn't run.” I haven't done that since freshman gym class. “It was a brisk walk."
"Right." He smirks, shaking his head.
"Did you chase me down to make me go back?" I shift on my feet.
"No, I wanted to check on you."
"Really?" I eye him suspiciously. How could he possibly care how I’m doing?
"Yes." He steps closer. "And I wanted to let you know that you don't have to worry about Bob Wilson any longer."
"Really?" I say again.
"Yes, really. What he’s asking you to do isn't legal."
"But does that matter when you have money?" It’s a genuine question, because in my experience, people like Mr. Wilson can get away with whatever they want.
"I suppose you're right." As I thought. "But on this, I've got you."
He's got me? What does that mean? I’m sure I’m looking too deeply into it because I often do, but he seems certain.
"Okay, well, I guess in that case, thanks.” He ignores my subtle goodbye and reaches out to pet the kitten.
"Who do we have here?" He bends down a little as he gently rubs behind the kitten's ear.
"No name yet. I found him this morning," I respond, unable to be rude. He might be Mr. Wilson's lawyer, which likely makes him a bloodsucker, but so far he's been nothing but nice to me. In my experience, when people are nice to me, they have an angle. I'm not sure what his is yet, but I’m not letting my guard down completely.
“He’s cute.” Mr. Adair takes him from me and pulls him close to his chest. Holy hell, the man was already hot, but now he's cuddling a kitten, and it’s too much. He's a bloodsucker, I remind myself.
“I’m actually not sure if he’s a he. I tried to check, but I couldn’t tell.”
“Probably needs to see a vet. I think there’s one next door.” Mr. Adair looks down like he’s checking him over.
“I’m sure you need an appointment.” Not to mention I can’t afford that. Hell, I haven't been to a doctor in a few years.
“I bet we could get in.”
