She nodded, nibbling on her bottom lip. “Thanks.”
“No problem. You ready?”
Tessa nodded again. “Just need to lock up.” She slid the heavy door closed, flipping a padlock into place. Tessa was stronger than she looked in every sense of the word.
We headed for the SUV. Tessa glanced in my direction as we walked. “Do you have everything we need in the car?”
“Yup.” I pulled open the back hatch of the vehicle.
Tessa’s jaw dropped. She looked from the storage compartment to me and back before dissolving into laughter. Her laughter was quickly becoming my favorite sound. “Did you buy out the whole store?”
Heat crept up the back of my neck as I surveyed the back of my SUV. It was crammed full of everything a cat could want or need. A litter box, litter, toys, enough food to last six months, and a climbing tree that, even disassembled, took up almost the entire space. I shrugged. “The little guy deserves some perks after all he’s been through.”
Tessa placed a hand on my shoulder. I froze. “You have a kind heart, Liam.”
Would I have preferred that she tell me I was ruggedly handsome and incredibly manly? Yes. Would I takekind heartand run with it? Yes, I would. “Just looking out for our new friend.”
Tessa squeezed my shoulder lightly and then released her hold. “He’s lucky to have you in his corner.”
My eyes searched hers. “I’m in your corner, too.”
Tessa’s expression shuttered, and I wanted to curse. “Thanks,” she said and spun to head to the passenger-side door.
I shut the back of the SUV with a little more force than was necessary. “So much for patience.”
* * *
Tessa reachedinto the small carrier she held on her lap. “Everything’s okay now. I’m taking you home with me.” The kitten mewed and then dissolved into purrs so loud, I could hear them on the other side of the vehicle.
I turned the key over in the ignition. “The little guy sounds happy.”
Tessa took her eyes off the furball in her lap and looked in my direction. “He does, doesn’t he?” The kitten batted at her hand as if to say, “Hey, pay attention to me.” Tessa giggled then returned her attention to him.
I reversed out of the parking spot and pulled out into traffic. “So, how about a late lunch?” It was after three, so…really late. But I would do just about anything to extend the time I got to spend with Tessa.
She toyed with the zipper on the cat carrier. “Aren’t you worried someone will spot you and your cover will be blown?”
I slipped on my sunglasses. “We’ll go somewhere in Sutter Lake. Everyone there has been great about keeping my secret. Plus, it’s not exactly prime eating time.”
Tessa’s hand clenched around the zipper. I hated that something as simple as going out to eat with me caused such a struggle within her. I went with my gut and reached over to gently place my hand over hers. “We don’t have to go. But if you want to try, we can have a secret sign. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, just give me that sign, and we’ll leave. No questions asked.”
Tessa stared down at the kitten in her lap. “Why do you put up with…?” She trailed off without finishing, as though she couldn’t find the right words.
We stopped at a red light. I gave Tessa’s hand a squeeze, and her gaze met mine. I didn’t blink. I didn’t look away. I needed to make sure she really heard. “Because I think you’re worth knowing.”
Tessa’s hand spasmed in mine, and the beginnings of tears gathered in her eyes. “I want to know you, too…I’m scared.”
The simple truth. It was a powerful blow. “We’ll just take it one step at a time. If anything’s too much, you just let me know.”
She licked her lips, the action drawing my attention to her mouth. My jaw clenched. I wanted to taste that mouth. Feel her lips on mine. Tangle my tongue with hers. My pants grew tighter.Shit. I shook my head, trying to clear the image from my mind. “So, what do you say? Lunch?”
“Lunch.”
I grinned. It was so wide, I probably looked like an idiot. I didn’t give a shit. I was taking Tessa on our first date.
It didn’t take long for us to make it back to Sutter Lake. I pulled into a parking spot in front of the bakery, which also housed a café that served simple but delicious fare. I glanced at Tessa. “You ready?”
Her hands fisted the strap on the cat carrier. “What about him?” she asked, glancing down.
