Page 79 of Pack Scratch Fever
“From my experience, it’s a number of things, not just scent. They see something in you,” Piper murmurs. “It’s a huge compliment, believe me. Our scents combined must be what is attracting him.”
Because we’re scent matches,I want to add.
Her lemon-mint and my earthy aromas create something so mouthwatering that even cats can’t resist it.
The irony.
Thankfully, the cat only nuzzles my hand one more time before jumping off the table and scampering away, while Piper watches me in disbelief.
“What?” I ask her, wiping cat fur off the table.
“Dinner and a show,” she chuckles. “What a night.”
I scowl and swat at her with my napkin. “What a night indeed.”
She giggles, and I commit the sound to memory.
I vow to make her laugh like that as often as I can.
15
PIPER
Dinner with Poeis better than I expected.
Not only did he confirm that he’s a cat whisperer, but my inner Omega is all but ready to jump him.
He opened up to me and showed me his vulnerable side, so I’m running out of reasons to be frustrated with him.
He’s much more than I thought he was.
He’s smart, thoughtful, and empathetic.
Even though he got too close to finding out certain things I’m not ready to discuss.
“So, how many cats do you have at your place?” he asks after we finish dinner. He cleared our plates, and now we’re sitting on a loveseat that overlooks the backyard. The tomcat from earlier perches on the top of the fence as the moon shines above us. Poe’s arm is slung around me, and his delicious scent envelops me.
“Oh.” I shift in my seat. “None, actually.”
“Really?”
I nod. “Really. I have enough at the rescue to take care of.”
That answer seems to pacify him, and I’m grateful he doesn’t push it.
If he had asked Blair, she would have given him a very different answer.
One that explains how I like to punish myself by depriving myself of what makes me happy.
In my mind, I haven’tearneda cat yet.
Just like I haven’t earned a bed frame or anything else that gives me extra comfort.
“What about you? Did you have any pets growing up?” I ask.
“Does a pet rock count?” The corner of his lip quirks, and I scoff.
“No, it doesn’t.” I give him a silly grin, and he matches it, making my breath catch.
