“Already in the bag.”
Shaking my head at her not-so-subtle assumptions, I lift the paper bag off the counter.
“Threw in a couple of cups of coleslaw, too, in the off chance you’re hungrier than normal.”
The bag freezes in mid-air. My vision slits. “Why would I be hungrier than normal?”
Maisy tries to cover her sly expression with an offhand shrug. “I hear he’s a handful, is all.”
“Maisy.” I plop the bag back by the register. “I’m not there to rekindle anything with Stone. I’m staying over to take care of Mrs. Stalinski, and I hope you’re telling anyone who asks exactly that.”
Maisy flutters a hand near her heart in mock horror. “I know that. I’m not contesting your wonderful care of Judy. You’re the best nurse she could’ve ever hoped for.” Maisy lowers her arm and rubs my hand. “But I understand how it can get frustrating and lonely. All I’m saying is, if you need to unload some of that baggage, there’s now a handsome young man, one you’re vastly familiar with, who could help you loosen an overworked muscle or two with no strings attached.”
I press my lips together, then puff them out with a long exhale. “That I’m receiving this kind of advice from my best friend’s mother should give you some pause, Maisy.”
“Why should it?” Maisy raises a brow. “He has to go back to the city at some point, right? Why not take advantage?”
I lift the sandwich bag one last time in farewell. “Caretaker, Maisy. That’s the only Stalinski label on me you’ll find.”
“Mm-hmm.”
I feel her eyes on me as I walk out, no doubt coupled with a crafty grin.
Moo meows his displeasure for the entire drive. I cajole him while watching through the rearview mirror, but he’s having none of it, and continues his horrifying wail all the way into Mrs. Stalinski’s house.
“Good lord,” Stone says as he comes down the stairs. “Is he dying in there?”
I place the carrier on the floor and bend down alongside it. “He doesn’t like small spaces and voices his opinions. Loudly.”
“I’ve commissioned the most high-end security in the world at my home, when I should have just had that sound echoing throughout my house and terrified all the criminals away.”
Did he just make a joke? I glance up at him, debating a retort. Too easy. Instead, I unlatch the carrier door and say, “Get ready.”
A flash of white and caramel fur bursts out, followed by the panicked scrape of nails against hardwood as Moo tries to find the closest, darkest space. He flies through the V of Stone’s legs, stopping long enough to swipe at Stone’s bare ankle before moving on.
“What the—” Stone lifts one foot and looks down at the long, red scratch on the side of his leg.
“Huh. Guess he remembers you, too.” I press my palms to my knees and rise. “I tried to warn you.”
“Forget what the press says about me.” Stone lowers his leg. “He’sthe asshole.”
I snort and turn back for the door. “Moo’s never been one for change.”
Stone follows me down the patio steps. “Can I still buy Moo’s affection with an anchovy?”
My lips lift into a smile. “Every time.”
“Good. I bought some this morning.”
He thought of Moo this morning?
“You didn’t have to get anything for him.” I round to the trunk of my car, pulling it up. Stone comes up beside me, the heat of his—bare chest, which I’ve just realized is happening right now—pulsing off him with invisible waves.
“Let me help you.” He cuts in front of me and lifts my two suitcases.
“You don’t have to?—”
Stone twists toward me before straightening. “Let me. I didn’t just follow you out here to watch you struggle with your bags.”
