Page 60 of Daddy's Little Farmer

“That’s not the type of daddy I’m talking about, and you know it,” Alex said.

Mara tensed and looked away. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“All right. Don’t get upset.”

She relaxed.

“By the way, you’re an awful liar.”

She gasped and tilted her head back. “I am not.”

Alex just grinned. “I think your feet have soaked enough. I want to examine them in the bedroom. You’ll have to be facedown on the bed, okay?”

She nodded. She relaxed when he set her down on her stomach with her head on her hands.

“I’ll be right back with what I’ll need.”

“Okay”

He left the room before she felt soft fur brush against her arm. She lifted her head to see a cat that had been in one fight too many. He had half of one ear gone and a scar over one eye. She was amazed he still had it. There were puffs of fur missing, but he was still the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen.

“Hi, kitty. My name is Mara, and I’m having a really bad day. Will you come to cuddle with me?”

The cat tucked his body against her side and purred.

“Thank you. You make me feel better.”

“Holy shit,” Alex said, making her raise her head and the cat hiss.

“What’s wrong?”

“That cat won’t let anyone, including me, touch him.”

She petted the cat that curled back up to her.

“We both feel unloved,” she said.

“Well, I can guarantee you’re both loved. I took him in when he was about half dead. He looks much better than he did.”

She smiled and rubbed the cat’s head. “He’s very handsome.”

Alex sputtered, making the cat hiss at him.

“Don’t get startled when I touch your feet. Tell me if anything hurts.”

“Okay. What’s his name?”

“Cat.”

“Yeah, the cat?”

“That’s his name.”

“Well, that’s why he isn’t settled in yet,” Mara said. “He needs a name to feel like he’s part of the family.”

She looked over her shoulder when Alex made a sound. “You’re not laughing at us, are you, Alex?”

Alex snorted. “Nope. I’m too busy taking care of you.”

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