Page 54 of Meowy & Bright

“You live here?” I gasp.

“Yep, like it?”

“Like it? I freaking love it.” I turn my gaze away from the house to him. “You’re trying to seduce me with pink Christmas lights!”

It’s totally working.

11

KNOX

She yawns as we walk in. Traveling and working at the bakery must’ve worn her out.

“It smells like Christmas in here.” She takes a deep breath, then squeals as Greasy comes trotting down the hall. “Hi!”

“Greasy, this is Ruby. Ruby, meet Greasy.” I pull her luggage in then close the door.

She’s already on her knees as Greasy soaks up every bit of her attention. “Oh, what a good little kitty. How handsome! Not Greasy at all. More like a dark angel. AChristmasangel!”

I give Greasy a hard look, but his purrs quickly melt my jealousy. I guess I can share Ruby for a brief moment with him. After all, I never bring anyone home, so he’s probably over the moon with relief that I do, in fact, like other humans from time to time. Though Ruby is much more than just a ‘like.’ I can admit she’s an obsession. Ever since high school, I’ve wanted her. But there were too many barriers in my way—ones I never should’ve let stand in the first place. I can’t change the past, but I can show Ruby I’m different now, here in the present.

“I never would’ve pictured you as a cat person.” She looks up, her face lit by the sparkling Christmas tree in the living room.

“It’s not like I got the chance to choose. Greasy showed up one day and decided I was his human. He doesn’t allow takesies backsies, I can assure you. Not on treats, not on toys, and definitely not on me.”

“Well, he’s a kitty who knows what he wants.” She scratches under his chin, and he melts into a puddle in her lap. “You think you might be in the market for another human to add to your collection?”

He gives her a love nip on her arm for an answer.

My jealousy tries to kick in, which is ridiculous. Greasy is a cat—and my best friend. “Easy, Greasy. She’s not up for grabs.”

He purrs louder and rolls over, showing her his belly.

“Why you little—”

Ruby yawns again.

I take her arm and help her to her feet. “Your room is this way.”

“Oh, I thought I’d be crashing on the couch or something.” She glances at the living room.

“No, it’s a three bedroom. You have your own private bath, and I’ve stocked it with everything you might need.” I lead her down the hall and to the right. The room is beside mine, but I sure as hell wish she’d be staying in bed with me. But I can’t rush her. I feel like I’ve already done too much, which is a problem because I want to do so much more.

“Wow, you have such good taste. Well, to me anyway.” She runs her hand down the pink and purple quilt on the bed. “It’s just what I would pick if I were decorating a guest room.”

“I’m glad you like it.” I open the door to her bathroom. “Tub and separate shower, towels in the linen closet there. I’m right next door if you need anything.”

She stands in the bathroom doorway, then turns to me. “This is weird. It’s weird, right?”

“What’s weird?” I step toward her, invading her space despite my brain telling me to slow down.

“You and me. All this. You kissing me. It’s so … not what I thought coming home would be like.”

“What did you think it would be like?” I breathe her in and let myself fall even more in love with her. I can’t help it. I never could.

“Like high school, I guess. Where you and your fanboys and girls gave people like me the cold shoulder because our bank accounts were missing some zeroes at the end.” She sighs. “I didn’t think you’d be so …”

“Handsy?” I say.

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