Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
I drew in a deep breath and forced a smile to my face as I turned. I was shocked to see the kitten on Alex’s shoulder. He met my confused look with a small smile.
“I tried, Magnolia,” he said with a shrug. “I got to the shelter, and I was talking to the woman at the counter. I explained the situation, and she was very nice. I started to fill out the forms, and I turned my head to look at him—” he paused, swallowed, then continued “—and he licked my cheek, as if he was saying it was okay. But I felt him trembling like the way he did when he found us last night. And the shelter was full of cats and kittens. He was going to be there a long time. I knew it. So I couldn’t leave him.”
I clasped my hands, letting the tears fall. Alex didn’t understand what this meant. It wasn’t only about keeping the kitten. It was the fact that he was bonding with him. Allowing himself to feel.
“But you have to help. He’s not just mine. He’s ours.”
My heart thrilled at his words. “I will.”
“I leave Monday. You have to stay here.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t let Hedge scratch my furniture.”
“What?”
“Don’t let—”
“You named him Hedge?”
“Hedgehog Hedgefund, actually. I have a feeling he is gonna cost me. But he is too little for that, so we settled on Hedge.”
“Alex, he’s a cat.”
“You pointed out he looks like a hedgehog. It suits him, and he likes it. Right, Hedge?” he asked, turning his face and speaking to the kitten.
The kitten, or Hedge, opened his eyes and licked Alex’s cheek, as if in agreement. I tried not to squeal at the cuteness level. I had a feeling Alex wouldn’t like it.
“I need a coffee. And a muffin.”
“I’ll bring both to the table.”
“Okay. I’ll put Hedge in his room, and we’re going over the rules. I’ve already had that conversation with him, but I’ll reiterate it again later.”
I bit my lip. “Um, okay.”
“What?”
“You know Hedgy is a cat, right? They don’t really understand a list of rules.”
“Hedge,” he corrected. “And he is very clever.” He flashed a grin. “He found me, didn’t he? He could have chosen anyone else, but he waited until we were there and he came to us. To me.”
Then he strode from the kitchen, quite proud of himself.
I chuckled to myself. This was going to be fun.
Twice while we had coffee, Hedgy appeared, climbing Alex’s leg and jumping to his shoulder. I listened to Alex’s lecture on proper behavior and the rules, trying not to laugh but failing when he scolded Hedgy a second time and told him to go to his room and behave.
“What now?” Alex huffed at me.
“Hedgy is a cat, Alex. They don’t do rules or understand what you’re saying. All he wants is to be close to you.”
He plucked Hedgy off his shoulder, placing him on my lap. “He needs to get used to you.”
“He will, but he loves you. You saved him.”
A strange look passed over his face, but I didn’t ask him what he was thinking. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.
“I was going to take you out to dinner.”
“That’s fine. We’ll put him in his room, and when it’s quiet, he’ll go to sleep.”
“I have a little work to do as well.”
“No problem. I brought my knitting with me. The hospital told me they need more blankets.”
“Blankets?”
“I knit little blankets and beanies for preemies. I’ll whip a few up this week and take them over.”
He furrowed his brow. “So, you knit, paint, and sew.”
“Old-fashioned endeavors, but I like to stay busy.”
“You like old-fashioned things.”
“I do. My favorite is remaking my grandmother’s clothes to wear.”
He sat back, letting Hedgy crawl into his lap and stroking his head. “Like your sexy blouses,” he confirmed.
“Yes. And some of her skirts. She was taller than me, so I have to adjust the sleeves and hems. I got her curves, though.”
He leaned over and kissed me. “I like those curves.”
I sighed. “The bullying thing starts while you’re away.”
“Are you nervous?”
“No. The little group is ignoring me and Rylee now, which is a relief. They stay away from us.”
“I have it on good authority that Verity may be leaving the firm.”
“Oh?”
“Laura told me she had a reference call about her. Her work is fine, so she gave her a positive one. I hope she moves on. I’d be happy to get her out of the office. Maybe once she’s gone, the others will grow up some.” He tickled Hedgy’s chin. “I still think the courses are good for everyone, but it pleases me to think she won’t be around to torment you.” He lifted his eyes to mine. “You don’t deserve that.”
“No one does.”
“You, especially.”
“Why?”
He frowned. “Because of who you are, Magnolia. Everyone likes you. You’re kind, conscientious, good at your job. You care for those around you. That should be celebrated, not ridiculed.”