Page 7 of A Cuddly Christmas
"I get that. I haven't dated much either. It’s all the same people or tourists that are only passing through."
"Like kissing cousins around here?"
I snort a laugh. "Yeah, it’s kinda gross. Plus, I've seen half the men in this town eat glue or something equally as stupid."
"Don’t eat glue in front of you. Got it." Is he teasing me or flirting? No, he’s not flirting with me. I feel myself getting flustered, and I’m not used to that.
“You could try a dating app. I got one today.”
“You’re on a dating app?”
Why does his question sound like an accusation? I shouldn’t have brought it up. I don’t need to talk about his dating because that shit hurts my feelings.
“So you’re keeping her?” I put my focus back on the kitten in my hands.
“I’d like to, but I hate leaving her by herself while she’s so young.” My finger itches to brush his hair off his forehead and to the side.
“I could take her whenever you need to work.” What the hell, Tilly! Why do you keep offering yourself up like a little shameless slut?
“We could co-parent,” he suggests. “I mean, only if you want to.”
“Oh, I want to,” I rush to say.
“Great.” He’s equally as quick to respond, like he wants to get the deal done before I change my mind.
Why does it feel like I’ve agreed to way more than taking care of a kitten?
Chapter Four
PAXTON
I was excited as soon as I woke up this morning. At one point, I even found myself singing while I was feeding Dominick. He seemed to be in a good mood too and even hopped around a little in the fresh snow. There’s a big storm coming, so I made sure he was stocked up on feed and blankets in case we’re snowed in for a few days.
After Tilly left yesterday, I kept thinking of ways to get her back out here. Co-parenting a kitten was a good move, and I could tell she was really excited to spend more time with baby Paprika. When Dominick finally comes around, I know she’ll fall in love with him just like I have.
Today, I’m taking Paprika with me to work since Tilly said she can watch her at the hardware store. I wouldn’t mind her being at the vet office with me, but I’m afraid too many animals being around her at once would overwhelm her, and I’ve got a lot of patients to see today. Yesterday I was only away from her for a few hours, but even that was too long. Tilly watching her while I work is not only a huge help but a huge excuse for me to flirt with her again. Maybe this time she’ll tell me what dating app she’s on so I can find a way to match with her.
“Morning, Tilly,” I say when I walk into the hardware store with Paprika in her crate.
Tilly is behind the counter in her trademark overalls that are somehow so fucking cute and sexy at the same time. Her red curls are piled high, and she’s got them twisted in a messy bun. It’s somehow cute and beautiful at the same time.
“Well, if it isn’t another ginger to make my life difficult,” the old man beside her says.
“Hey, Paxton, this is Gramps, but don’t pay him any attention. He’s going into a nursing home any day now. A bad one.”
“Is she mean to you too?” I ask him, and he hoots with laughter.
“I knew I liked this guy,” Gramps says, and Tilly scowls.
“I’m not mean to anyone,” Tilly grumbles, but then she takes one look at baby Paprika, and her whole expression softens. “Hello sweet girl, are you ready to spend the day with me?”
Is it wrong to be jealous of a kitten, because right now I’d do anything to have her look at me like that.
“I’ve got her food all ready to go in this bag, and then I packed a portable litter box in this one. Obviously if you need anything, I’m right across the street, but she’ll probably sleep for most of the day.”
“A sleeping kitten.” Tilly sighs and closes her eyes. “Almost as good as a sleeping baby.”
“From what I hear, it’s the same high.” I laugh, and she smiles up at me like she forgot she's not supposed to. “You look really pretty today.”
