Page 24 of Heart to Heart

Liam didn’t say a word. He just watched, glaring at Jared as he tried to get a conversation started with me before finally giving up.

“Well, I have to run. Business to attend to—you know how it is. Don’t forget about the Sweetbriar Street Festival, Holly. We’ll chat about it later.”

“Okay. Bye.”

We watched him walk away. “I do not like that guy. Something is off about him,” Liam finally said as he helped me into his truck and shut the door.

I didn’t either, to be honest. And now it seemed like he was going to be a problem. I got the feeling he had expectations when it came to me, and I didn’t like it one bit.

I let out a sigh.

“Is everything okay? Did he say something to upset you?”

I hesitated. “No. He’s fine, just a bit overeager. I can handle him. I’ve been doing it for years.”

He looked at me doubtfully. “Let me know if he gives you any trouble. Big or small, it doesn’t matter, say the word and I’ll step in. The offer still stands.”

“Thanks, but I’m fine.” A change of subject was imperative. Liam was giving off major protective vibes and I couldn’t have him jumping the gun and going after Jared. I decided to keep the questionable nature of our interaction to myself for now. I had no proof he was threatening me other than how I had felt. And I couldn’t trust that anymore, not when everything made me suspicious and I was so easily spooked.

“Would your smile come back if we forget about that prick and got back to Waffle Day, Tolkien, and cat stuff?” His lips turned up at the corner as he started the truck.

“Yes, definitely.” I smiled, relieved he was letting the run-in with Jared go.

He pulled out and drove us to the food truck lot, then to his place.

Three trips from the truck to the house later and we’d unloaded all of Cheddar’s new stuff. “I went overboard.” Liam scanned the pile of boxes and bags with a frown. “He’s a baby, he doesn’t need a six-foot cat tree.”

“Sure he does. He needs to set goals for himself, Liam. Think of how he’ll feel when he finally climbs to the top.”

“Okay, you could have a point there. But I’m not setting up the water fountain yet. What if he falls in?”

“That’s a good call. Wait on that.”

“I bought too many toys. And is catnip really good for cats? Isn’t it the equivalent of giving him drugs? Maybe I’m spoiling him? I don’t know about all this. My grandmother took care of our cats. All I did was pet them and let them sleep on me.”

I found myself caught up in a fantasy of sitting on his lap while he stroked my hair. I would definitely purr if he did that. I blinked the image out of my head.

Focus, dummy. Waffle Day is not an excuse to act like an idiot. Holiday hall passes are not a real thing, no matter what you keep telling yourself. Feelings are real and can be way too easily hurt.

Back to the task at hand. I got hold of myself. “You have nothing to worry about. Tess is an expert. She almost became a veterinarian, but dumbass got her pregnant and she dropped out of college and opened the pet shop instead.”

His eyes flicked to mine in disgust. “I do not want to meet him.”

“Dude, I wish I didn’t know him. But forget about all that. You’re going to be a great cat dad. Look at how much he already loves you.” Cheddar was curled up against Liam’s neck and I was once again jealous of a freaking cat. “You rescued him from a wood pile. You’re his hero.”

He chuckled. “That’s a bit of an overstatement, but I’ll take it. I’ll be fine. Just food, water, and a litter box to take care of, right?”

“Exactly. And the most important part—you already love him. I can tell.”

We unpacked enough stuff for Cheddar to be comfortable, leaving the cat tree and most of the toys for Liam to deal with later.

Now we were sitting on his couch withThe Lord of the Ringsplaying on the TV and chicken and waffles on the coffee table ready to eat as we watched Cheddar wear himself out running circles around the rug.

“I love this.” I tilted my head to the side and stole a look at him. I was relaxed. I was at ease. I hadn’t felt either in a long time.

He slid his hand along the couch and covered mine. “What do you love? Tell me.”

My cheeks heated. I was the queen of too much information and giving myself away, but Liam felt safe, so I went with it. “Making friends with you. Getting to know you better. I never do this. I always jump in headfirst to uh, dating, friendships, everything really, and mess it all up. You’re different. You’re too—”

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