Page 63 of Pack Scratch Fever
“Oh, let him, Piper,” Gary says. “Make sure he’s good for something.”
I still have my work cut out for me with Gary. He’s unsure about me, but I respect that he’s protective of Piper.
Somethinghappened to her, and everyone around her must have seen the aftermath.
Of course, they would be wary of anyone coming into her life.
“We appreciate it, Maddox,” Heidi says gently. “Any extra that we have will go to our fosters. Who are we to turn down cat food?”
Piper rolls her eyes but keeps a small smile on her face. “Alright,” she says to me. “Butno more.You’ve done more than enough today.”
“Like I told you, babe,” I say, “this is fun for me. This gives me something to do outside of staring at a computer all day.”
Piper bites her lip. “Fun?” she deadpans. “Sitting at a pet store all day was fun for you?”
“Of course. I got to look at you all day.”
She groans and punches me playfully on the arm. “You areimpossible.”
But I hear Gary let out a soft huff of laughter, and I know I’m one step closer to winning over an important person in Piper’s life.
“I think we’re got this, Pipe,” Heidi adds, motioning to the tables. “We only have to bring Coral and Henry back—we had a great adoption day.”
Piper beams, her hazel eyes brilliant, and I hesitantly reach my arm around her shoulders, waiting for her to stop me.
She doesn’t. She steps in closer, her delicious Omega perfume surrounding me, and my mouth waters.
Heidi smiles. “We can take care of this, Piper. You’re free for the day.”
Piper shakes her head. “No, it’s only five o’clock. You don’t have to do this all by yourself.”
“Piper,” Gary insists. “Just go have a fun rest of your evening, kiddo.”
I grin. “Yeah, Piper. Have a fun rest of your evening.”
She scowls at me, and I resist leaning down to kiss her.
She’d probably slap me, and I’d deserve it.
Or enjoy the slap too much.
“Fine,” she huffs. “But I’m not leaving just yet. I’ll be here if you need me.”
Gary sighs. “I figured you’d say that. Make your boyfriend take you to dinner or something.”
“He’s not my boyfriend.”
Not yet.
I squeeze her shoulders. “I’d be happy to take you to dinner,dear.”
“Ugh.” She moves away from me and scowls. “I’m not leaving until these cats leave. I’ll browse around and be here if you need me, Gary.” She walks away, leaving a trail of her sugary scent behind her.
Once she’s out of earshot, Gary points at me. “Be good to her. I mean it, son.”
I nod solemnly. “I will.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it. And you’ll come back and volunteer more?”
