Page 25 of Castleton Hearts Boxed Set

“He’s so cute. I’d love to get a cat, but I don’t think Stormy would like it. She’s too much of a drama queen. Maybe I could come visit your cat.” This was the second time she’d talked about coming over, and I didn’t think it was reading too much into things to make the leap that she actually did want to come over to my house.

“When’s your next day off?” I asked, after I finished my drink.

“Uhhhh, what is today?” she asked. I told her was Saturday. “Tuesday.”

I had a huge deadline for an annoying project on Wednesday that I had already blocked out most of the day to tackle. But, if I busted my butt a little bit tomorrow, and on Monday, I could squeeze in some free hours in the middle of the day.

“I have to work, but I can make some time in the afternoon,” I said, and she took my glass and made me another drink without even asking if I wanted one. I did.

“You don’t have to skip work for me,” she said, setting it down in front of me. I picked up the slippery glass and took another sip. So damn good.

“No, it’s cool, I always take a break in the early afternoon. Just come over whenever.” That sounded cool and casual, even though both my legs were trembling under the cover of the bar.

“You sure?” she asked as she wiped the bar in front of me with a warm rag that smelled faintly of bleach.

“Yeah, of course. Come on over. I’ll try and make sure Potato doesn’t bite you.” He’d better be nice to her, or I was going to be cross with him.

“Will he like me if I bring him treats?”

“He is the pickiest cat I’ve ever met, so let me just send you the exact kind. I get them at your dad’s store, actually.” I found the link and sent it to her.

“He’s not picky, he just knows what he wants,” she said, looking into my eyes. It was suddenly hard to swallow.

“Yeah,” I said, but I didn’t know what I was responding to. I’d completely forgotten what we’d been talking about.

She had to leave me again and go help Batman, so I sat and sipped my second drink. I couldn’t linger too long here. Mystery. Always leave with an air of mystery. Too bad I didn’t have a cape that I could swirl dramatically on my exit.

Batman shuffled over and gave me a smile and I told him I wanted to close out my tab. He ran my card as Esme dealt with a group down the end of the bar who was having a very good time, if I could judge by the volume of their laughter. She laughed along with them as she poured another round of shots. I gave her one last glance before I stood up and headed out to my car.

* * *

Where did you go? I turned around and you weren’t there anymore.

I got the text just as I was walking into the house and saying hello to Potato.

Sorry! You seemed busy and I had to come feed this monster. I took a picture of Potato screaming at me and sent it to her.

Well we can’t have a starving kitty! It was good to see you tonight, Paige.

Heat rushed to my face. I sat down and wondered what to say to that. Giving up on being creative, I went with simple.

It was good to see you too. I hope you get lots of tips tonight.

She sent a laughing emoji. Not likely, but thanks for the good vibes anyway.

Potato rolled onto his back and showed me his belly floof, begging for pets. I took a quick video of him while I gave him what he wanted and then sent it to Esme.

He doesn’t look like he’d bite anyone she sent back. As I was reading the text, Potato gently nipped at my hand to let me know I wasn’t petting him correctly.

I didn’t want to throw him under the bus, or make her scared of him, so I didn’t.

Goodnight, Paige.

‘Night, Esme.

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