Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 122216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
“For now.” I’m so tempted to kiss her.
Her eyes flutter closed, her lips slightly parted. To hell with waiting. I lean down to claim her, then yelp as something sharp claws at my leg.
Ariadne startles, the spell broken, and looks down at the black kitty who’s been getting Charlie’s tail all in a knot. The furry cockblock.
“Hi.” Ariadne starts to reach out to pet her, then pulls back. “I shouldn’t.”
“Why not?” I crouch down and give her the demanded pets. “Just watch her claws. They’re intense.”
“It’s just …” She drops to her knees and watches with open envy as I pet the stray. “You know what you said at the hardware? The cat lady thing?”
Shit, my teasing hurt her. “I’m sorry, angel. I didn’t know that was a sore spot. Here.” I reach out and take her hand.
She’s trembling.
“Don’t be afraid. Not of me. Not of the cat. Not of what anyone says about you.” With my hand resting on hers, we stroke the cat together. The little hussy eats up the attention, a deep purr starting up as Ariadne keeps petting her.
“She likes you.” I meet her eyes. “You’re a natural.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” She frowns.
“I have a cat.”
“I know.” She smiles. “I see it in the window sometimes. A big orange ball of fluff.”
“His name’s Charlie. He’ll love you just like this one does.” I scratch the cat’s dark ears and rise. “You two keep getting to know each other. I’ve got to get back before Charlie realizes I’ve been petting another cat.”
“I can’t keep her.” She’s smiling so big that my heart seems to expand just like the Grinch’s.
“Of course you can. And think of a name, angel. She’ll need one.” I turn and hurry down the stairs so I won’t change my mind and stay.
“Good night,” she calls.
I throw up a hand and wave, then walk in the front door. Charlie greets me, takes one sniff, puts his fluffy tail in the air and trots away.
“Hey, I was just saying hello to that other cat. It’s not …”
He disappears into my bedroom, probably to take a shit in one of my shoes. I’m not even mad. Not when I look out the window and see Ariadne with the cat in her arms as she goes back inside, still smiling as she closes the door.
“You deserve to be happy, angel.” I intend to add to that happiness first thing in the morning.
8
ARIADNE
I pet Mrs. Claws while debating if I can really keep her. She’s so tiny and vulnerable that I can’t just put her back outside. Plus, I named her already. Claws purrs under my touch. She follows me around everywhere I go with her cute little tail whipping. It hasn’t even been 24 hours, and I’m already attached to her.
“What is that?”
I jump at the sound of Laura's voice. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to her randomly popping up.
“Stop scaring me! How do you move so quietly? I swear you're a spy or something.” I go back to petting my little baby girl.
“I am,” she responds, going straight for my refrigerator. “Want me to make us breakfast?”
“No, thanks.” Crap. I should probably get Mrs. Claws some food. Oh, I’ll also need a litter box and all kinds of other cat things. I don’t even know where to start. Then it hits me that Mrs. Claws needs a little Christmas house, too. That’s one of the first things I’m going to order for her. I bet Brendan’s furball doesn’t have one of those. I could decorate my kitten’s little house to look better than his actual house. Double win.
“‘No, thank you’? You’re turning down breakfast?” Laura turns from the refrigerator to look at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Are you feeling okay?” She walks over and touches my forehead, pretending to check my temperature. She’s so dramatic sometimes.
“I’m fine. I just have plans.”
“Now I’m getting worried. You have plans? Like, that aren't happening in this house?” She motions around with her hand.
I shrug it off like it’s no big deal. Inside, I’m kind of freaking out. Was this like a date? Maybe I should do my hair and put something nice on. I look down at my Christmas sweater and my yoga pants. I shrug, deciding that I’m not going to change for anyone. Plus, this isn’t a date, it’s me holding up my end of the deal. No more, no less.
“What’s going on, Ariadne? I’m starting to get worried.” She peers at me with her direct brown eyes.
I’m not even sure how to explain what’s happening between me and Satan Claus across the street.
“Okay, so, you know how I needed those icicle lights to finish part of the outside display?” I’d sent her an angry text when I found mine busted.
“Yeah. Is that jerk across the street giving you a hard time? Oh my God, you’re finally going to let me torch his house!” She automatically thinks he’s done something bad to me. I can’t fault her. First, she’s a good friend. And second, I have really made him out as the villain.