Page 31 of A Love Like Pumpkin Spice
“It’s fine,” I assure him and get up, cradling the kitten in the crook of my arm. “Also, I’m starving. Can I buy you dinner as a thank you for saving me from total emotional collapse and also for not immediately mocking me for that whole ‘hot’ comment?” I watch him, gauging his reaction. He glances at me quickly, almost sheepishly, his fingers drumming against the couch. “Which, for the record, I still stand by.”
There it is. The tiniest blush creeping into his cheeks and the corners of his mouth twitching, ever so slightly. He likes that I find him hot. That’s good to know.
Before Henry can answer, Jensen butts in.Awoo-woo!
“Well, apparently it’s decided,” Henry says with a chuckle. “Jokes aside”—goosebumps rise on my skin at the way he’s looking at me—“I’d love that. And for the record, I’m honored by the hot comment. Truly. I might get it engraved on something.”
“Hope it’s on something dramatic. Maybe a sword or a marble bust.”
He rolls his eyes, but his smile certainly says he’s not opposed to the idea.
“I can’t believe you have emergency dog food in your car.” I shake my head in awe when he enters the kitchen with the packet in hand and the sound of Jensen wolfing down his dinner coming from the hallway.
“Sometimes I get called further out—for example, if one of my cousins has issues with his farm animals,” he explains, leaning against the kitchen counter. “Anyways, what are you making?”
“Pasta and tomato sauce—it’s quick and easy, and the only thing my kitchen’s stocked for.” I shrug as if it’s no big deal. “An Italian grandma taught me how to make it when I was shooting a movie in Rome,” I add nonchalantly, biting back a grin when I see him freeze from the corner of my eye.
“Oh, please. Don’t act as if you don’t know I used to be an actress. It was written all over Kieran’s face, and he doesn’t seem the type who would keep that kind of information to himself.”
“You’re right,” he admits sheepishly, and I pretend to pout. “Why did you keep it a secret?”
“I didn’t.” I shrug. My phone buzzes on the counter, and I subtly decline the call and push it behind some containers. I don’t need a reminder of a certain someone complaining about my cooking. Or memories of him ordering takeout after I spent two hours in the kitchen for our meal flashing through my head.
“I don’t exactly go around and advertise it. Lauren and I moved here for peace and quiet. Why would we introduce ourselves with, ‘Hi, I’m Nic, world-famous actress, please don’t call the paparazzi. And by the way, that means I’m rich, please don’t rob me either, okay?’”
He tilts his head as he thinks it over, then hides a chuckle behind his hand. “So you don’t need to hit me over the head with a shovel, hoping I’ll get just enough amnesia to forget about it?”
“Do youwantme to hit you over the head with a shovel?” I raise my eyebrow at him and shake my head. “Then again, I already have a ghost cat; I don’t need a ghost human either. You’re safe from the shovel or any other sharp or hard objects.”
“Thank God.”
“Anyway—” I change the topic and point toward the little orange fluff ball trying to climb Henry’s jeans, a constant stream ofmeowscoming from her. At least she’s using her indoor voice now. “Now that it’s been a while, do I need to change anything for her?”
“I can release you of the ‘every few hours’ feedings.”
My head whips around, and I stare at him with wide eyes. “Seriously?”
“Seriously,” he confirms with a nod and reaches for Pumpkin.
“That’s the best news I’ve had in”—I take a moment to think—“at least two months!”
“Three times a day should be enough. She is a good weight, meaning you can add solids to her food now. Just mix in more and more with the milk until she eats the regular cat food and burp her after eating. Like you would a human baby, with gentle pats on her back. I also saw a litter box in the hallway—you might want to put that up. She should start using it oninstinct, and if she doesn’t, put her in there after she eats and reward her with treats when she uses it.”
“Okay, that sounds doable.” I nod and add the pasta into the now-boiling water, then squish the softened tomatoes in my pan.
“Don’t get too excited too early. She’s getting into her toddler phase. Meaning, she’ll explore and might get stuck in places you would never expect her to be. Make sure to double-check your fridge, oven, washing machine, and microwave before using them. She’ll also get more energy, meaning you might want to get her some toys and play with her a lot. A bored cat might become destructive, and your couch is pretty.” He leans closer. I freeze when his face is suddenly only a breath away from mine. “Would be a shame if someone”—he suddenly holds the kitty in front of my face—“were to scratch it up.”
“Right.” I gulp and turn to the stove, my heart beating into my throat.
This was not part of my plan. I planned to build a life here, lick my wounds, drown in self-pity, and romanticize the hell out of my single life.
It was definitely not to fall for the hot town vet.
Chapter 10
Nic
“And then? Did you kiss?”
