Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16525 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16525 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
It’s not so much a truck as it is a hunk of metal magically patched together.
After shuffling through the large selection of winter gear, we both emerge into the crisp morning, laughing, wrapped in our several mismatched layers.
As we approach the truck, I can’t help but chuckle. “It’s a classic! A real beauty.”
“Don’t underestimate her,” Noah responds with mock seriousness. “She’s reliable. Even with a few character flaws, she’s got spirit!”
When he finally opens the door, a loud creak fills the air. I hop in, sliding into the surprisingly comfortable, well-worn seat.
Noah joins me and turns the key. I’m a little shocked when the engine sputters to life.
“Let’s go, old girl,” Noah mutters to the dashboard, encouraging the truck.
We jolt forward, inching onto the road. The ride through the remnants of snow and melting ice is bumpy, but Noah easily navigates the deserted road.
When we finally arrive in town, Noah parks behind the small grocery store. I’m kind of shocked to see several other cars in the lot. “I can’t believe it’s this busy.”
“I’m pretty sure every resident in town is at the grocery store right now,” Noah jokes as we step inside, the bell above the door ringing softly to announce our arrival.
A sleepy woman behind the counter greets us, her smile wide and warm, the essence of small-town charm. “Welcome in. Let me know if you need any help.”
“Thank you,” I say, grinning at her as I grab a cart, the wheels squeaking like they’ve seen better days.
Noah and I wander through the aisles, grabbing all the essentials we’ll need for the next few days. “Okay. We have bread, eggs, ground meat, chicken, and potato chips, so all the basic food groups are represented,” I tease.
As we approach the pet aisle, Noah suddenly stops, as if struck by divine inspiration. “Hold on a second,” he says, darting down the cat food aisle with purpose. I roll my eyes but follow him, curiosity piqued.
“What's going on?” I ask, watching him scour the shelves like a kid on a treasure hunt.
“I just need to take care of something,” he says and begins to grab several cans of expensive cat food.
“Seriously?” I chuckle, amused as he throws in another can of something that’s labeled like it’s fine dining for felines. “Are we stocking the cat buffet here or what?”
“This is serious business, Scarlett,” he replies with an exaggerated seriousness while tossing in more cans. “If I want to win over Minnie, I’ve got to come armed with the good stuff.”
“Noah Blackwood, you’re trying to bribe my cat,” I tease, stepping back slightly to survey his haul.
“Duh. I just admitted as much.” He tosses in two bags of fancy cat treats in sparkling packaging, and I can’t help but burst into laughter. “Hey, don’t judge me! Fun treats are an essential part of cat happiness. Besides, I have to repair the damage done when I whisked her human away from her precious sleep sanctuary.”
“Alright, what else?” I ask, still laughing at the sheer volume of cat paraphernalia he seems determined to amass. He checks a shelf filled with glittering toys.
“Definitely need a couple of cat toys. You know, to distract her when I want a little alone time with you,” he adds with a cheeky smile, grabbing a feather wand and a crinkly mouse adorned with bells.
At this point, the cart has transformed into a hodgepodge of cat-related wonders alongside our grocery essentials.
After checking out, Noah leans against the cart, a satisfied gleam in his eye. “Mission accomplished! Minnie is going to be the happiest cat in the world.”
I can’t stop smiling as I wheel the cart toward the exit. “How about we get back to the cabin before she thinks we’ve abandoned her, and you have to buy even more cat toys?”
Chapter 11
Noah
I turn into a one-man operation dedicated to winning over Scarlett’s feline overlord. It’s become something of a mission, almost like a game where I’m the clumsy contestant trying to charm a judge who’s playing hard to get.
Every move I make is meticulously planned around the enigmatic creature who doesn’t seem to have any regard for my charm or her human counterpart’s approval. It’s a real test of patience as I try to woo her with an array of treats and toys, each more colorful and enticing than the last.
I start with a feather toy and quickly realize my mistake. That just results in her glaring at me from a distance as if I’m a lunatic waving a stick around. So, I switch to the crinkly mouse, which earns a cautious sniff before she dismisses me by sauntering away like I’m trying to swindle her.
“C‘mon, Minnie!” I plead one afternoon, following her around the house. “I’m trying my best here.”
Her response is a lofty backturn, her tail swishing as if she’s above the whole spectacle. Scarlett, watching from the couch with an amused glint in her eyes, can’t contain her laughter.