I turned off the SUV. “Bring him.”
Tessa’s brows rose. “Really?”
“I’m sure they won’t mind.” I glanced through the large windows of the shop. “There’s hardly anyone in there right now.”
Tessa bit her lip but nodded. “Let’s go.”
I let out the breath I’d been holding. We exited the SUV, and Tessa held the carrier protectively in front of her. I reached the door to the bakery first, pulling it open for her. “After you.”
Tessa stepped cautiously through, her gaze traveling all around as if she were waiting for someone to jump out and attack. I placed a hand on the small of her back, my body warming when she didn’t jolt in surprise. I ushered her forward to the hostess stand.
Moments later, Nina, the owner of the bakery appeared. “Well, what do we have here?” She eyed the pet carrier skeptically.
I slipped my wallet out of my back pocket. “We just picked up this little fella from the vet. He’s a rescue, and we don’t want to leave him alone before he gets settled. Any chance you might pretend you don’t see him.” I opened my billfold, about to offer her a tip as incentive, but she waved a hand in front of her face.
“Put your money away, Hollywood. We don’t take bribes here. You can keep him with you.” Nina eyed me sternly. “But he stays in his carrier. The last thing I need is to be reported for a health code violation.”
I grinned at her. “He’ll stay put.”
Nina let out an exasperated sigh. “You’re too charming for your own good, you know that?”
My grin widened. “It’s served me well.”
Nina eyed Tessa. “I can see that. Treat this girl right, you hear me?”
Tessa blushed, but I chuckled. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”
Nina grabbed two menus and led us towards a back table. “You better.” She glanced at Tessa. “How are things at the Kettle?”
Tessa gave Nina a small smile. “Good. I’m still working on expanding our menu, hoping to give you a run for your money.”
Nina laughed. “One of these days, we need to get in the kitchen together, invent some new recipes.”
Tessa’s eyes seemed to light up at the idea. “I’d love that.”
Nina placed the menus on the table as we sat. “We’ll get it on the schedule.” Tessa nodded. “You two browse the menu, I’ll be back in a few to take your order.”
Tessa carefully placed the carrier on the empty chair next to her, unzipping the flap just an inch to stick her finger inside to scratch the kitten’s ear. He made a sound between a purr and a meow. “We need a name for him.”
I studied Tessa’s expression, so full of adoration. God, her heart was so good. “We do. Any ideas?”
Tessa looked up to meet my gaze. The kitten clearly didn’t appreciate her change in focus because he stuck his little paw out of the bag and batted at Tessa’s hand. She giggled. “How about Bubbles?”
I had just taken a sip of water and almost choked. “Bubbles? For a male cat?”
“What’s wrong with that? He’s got a bubbly personality.”
I rubbed a hand over my jaw. “It’s not exactly masculine. He’s already been through one trauma, you want to add another one to his plate by naming him Bubbles?”
Tessa wadded up a paper napkin from the holder between us and threw it at me. “Fine, mister expert on all things masculine and tough, what should his name be?”
I caught the napkin and placed it back on the table. “Hmmm. How about Killer?”
Tessa’s face wrinkled in disgust. “No. Just, no.”
I loved that more of her spark was showing, and I couldn’t help but needle her just a bit. “Spike?”
Tessa’s nose twitched as if she smelled something bad. “You’re horrible at this.”
