Page 86 of No Rings Attached
The baleful look Stormy gave me was clearly cat speak for, ‘I’ll do what I want.’
I hated turning away and leaving her there. While the puppies burrowed their way into my heart with their sweet yips and nips, and their cuddles and bumbling around, Stormy held a piece of me in a deeper way.
She yowled as I walked away and a part of me stayed curled up in that cage with her.
I wiped at the tears trailing down my cheeks. I could relate to her—no, Iunderstoodher. No one wanted her. No one loved her. They didn’t choose her, and she was the one who kept getting left behind.
Chapter Twenty
ELLIE
The second we entered The Sweet Spot,the delicious smell of baked goods overloaded my senses in the best way possible. Behind the counter, the now-empty pastry case had probably held a variety of cupcakes, cookies, and other sugary delights earlier in the day. A subtle scent of rich coffee led my nose to the fancy espresso machine gleaming on the counter.
“I think I need to stop by here more.” My stomach growled, reminding me we hadn’t had time for dinner between leaving the shelter and running home to get changed.
Celia would be furious if I showed up with dog fur all over me while she was being filmed.
Drew linked his hand with mine. “I’ve always loved their graham cracker cupcake, with its chocolate ganache center and burnt marshmallow frosting.”
I groaned. “Do not tempt me with sweets that are not available when I’m getting hangry.”
He cupped my jaw and kissed me. “I’ll go talk to Penny and see if she has anything left over.”
Oh, this man! I loved that he did stuff like this even without an audience, but I also hated it because it was making me crave his touch in so many ways that would mess up a fake relationship.
I checked my watch. 5:03 pm. So much for my sister being on time.
Not that I was surprised. The only thing Celia had ever been on time for was her birth.
“Hey, Pen!” Drew called out as he got to the counter.
A pretty blonde with voluptuous curves burst through the swinging door like it had been holding her captive. Flour dusted her cheek, chocolate streaked her apron, and her grin glowed so bright it could power the whole block.
“Drew! Look at you sneaking in like you’re on a sugar heist. What are you doing here?” Her voice fizzed with energy, like every sentence came with its own exclamation point.
“This is my girlfriend, Ellie.” He pointed my way. I gave a little wave. “Her sister has the cake tasting appointment.”
Penny’s bright eyes flicked to me, then widened. “Oh, my gosh, hi! Celia only mentioned bringing her mom, but the more tastebuds, the merrier. I’ve got plenty of samples.”
Drew leaned his elbow on the counter. “Any chance you might have a few things left over I can buy from you? We missed dinner.”
Penny gave us a sassy grin, practically bouncing on her toes. “Oh, you poor, sugar-deprived souls—don’t worry, Penny to the rescue! You two are officially my guinea pigs. I’ve been experimenting, and my sister says if I eat one more test batch, I’ll turn into a cookie.” She disappeared into the back, calling over her shoulder, “Don’t let Drew steal your plate, Ellie. He’s a cupcake and cookie thief, through and through!”
Drew chuckled. “One time, Penny. It was just that one time.”
I couldn’t help smiling. Penny’s energy drew me in like she was a living sunbeam. It wasn’t just what she said—it was the sparkle in her eyes and the way her laughter fizzed like champagne bubbles.
Drew slipped back to my side, sliding his arm around my waist. I instantly relaxed, though a little voice in my head wondered if he and Penny had ever been more than friends. The thought made something sharp twist in my chest. “So you and Penny … ”
He squeezed my hip firmly, and shook his head. “What? No!”
“That was a pretty firmno,”I remarked.
Drew leaned in, his breath tickling my ear. “We grew up together, but she’s always been like a sister to me. She and Grace are best friends.”
Penny came out as Drew finished speaking, juggling cookie trays. “Speaking of Grace! How is she? I miss her face.”
“She misses you too, Pen. You’ve been the one who’s canceled a hundred times, according to her.”
