I grin. I know exactly who she’s talking about. “The Count is under there? This is going to be easy. Let’s get you out of the cold, and I’ll go find him.”
Riley follows me with her sneakers squishing in the damp grass. As she brushes past me through the door, her shoulder grazes my chest, and I catch the scent of rain and roses coming from her hair—a mix that leaves my head spinning. She pauses just inside, her emerald eyes sweeping the cozy room. I haven’t lived in West Palomino long, but I can’t remember when I’ve ever had such a beautiful woman in my home.
“Here, you’re shivering.” I grab the throw blanket off the couch and gently drape it over Riley’s shoulders, pretending not to notice the spark of heat that shoots through me the second my fingers come in contact with her skin.
“Thank you,” she says softly in a voice like sweet honey. I have a sudden urge to wrap my arms around her and make her shiver and moan myself.
I remind myself to get a grip and force the thought from my brain.
Focus.
Treats. I stride to the kitchen, my boots heavy on the floor, and rummage through the pantry. “Swear I’ve got tuna here somewhere,” I say, glancing back. Riley’s watching with a faint smile.
“I really appreciate you helping me like this after I barged into your yard. I’m surprised you didn’t call the sheriff on me.”
“Happy to help, and you’re not exactly what I consider scary.” I shoot her a grin.Threatening, maybe, on an entirely different level, but not frightening.I snag the tuna can and pass Hoot’s crate. “That’s a young owl in there,” I say, nodding at the kennel. “Hoot’s very shy.”
Riley crouches, her hairs pilling over one shoulder as she peers inside, her top shifting to reveal a hint of skin. My throat tightens, and I drag my eyes up to her face.
“I’ll stay quiet,” she whispers, barely above a breath. “Hoot’s adorable.”
“Back in a sec.” I flash a wink, my voice a touch rougher, and step outside, heading straight for the shrub.
This won’t take long. I know the Count from experience—that big boy is easily bribed. I kneel, setting the opened tuna can on the ground. Its sharp scent cuts through the damp air, and soon enough, the Count slinks out, tail flicking, to nibble at the bait. I let him enjoy a few bites before gathering him into my arms.
Riley’s waiting in front of the door, still wrapped in my throw, looking edible, with those pouty lips and creamy soft skin—
“You’re a lifesaver! Thank you so much!” She breaks into a smile that makes my chest tighten.
“Anytime.” I start to hand the cat over, then pause, cradling him a moment longer. “I’d ask you both in, but cats and owls don’t exactly hit it off.”
“Totally get it.” Her laugh is a little breathless, and she tucks a curl behind her ear, her fingers trembling faintly. “I can’t thank you enough.” Her eyes lift to mine as she reaches for the Count, and for a heartbeat, everything else fades.
“You’re not thinking of walking home alone, are you?”
She blinks and there’s that smile again. “I haven’t planned that far ahead,” she teases.
“Perfect, then. I’m walking you home.” I gesture to the path around the side of the house.
“Wait. What about your blanket?”
“Keep it.” I lean in closer to her. “It looks far better on you.”
***
Riley
I peek over at Bo, strolling with me on my right, unbothered by the rain, with my nemesis cradled in his strong arms. The cat’s fluffy tail sways lazily, brushing against Bo’s flannel shirt. I smile to myself. Who knew this day would turn around so quickly for the better? He catches me staring and gives me one of those lopsided, almost bashful grins, as if he’s happy I’m looking at him but doesn’t want me to know.
“How are you adjusting to being back in West Palomino?” His deep voice rolls over me like warm sunshine. I start to answer, but my brain skitters to a stop.
“What makes you think I haven’t lived here the whole time?” I tilt my head, raising an eyebrow playfully.
He chuckles, shifting the kitty to a more comfortable position. “Your mother. Now I can put a face to the beautiful, brilliant, kind daughter she’s always bragging about.”
I feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment and I tighten the blanket around me. With all the stress of moving and finding a new job, I haven’t had time for socializing. I’m not used to anyone flirting with me. “She says all that about me, does she?” I shoot him a sidelong glance. “I’ll bet you get an earful from her.”
“Not really.” Bo shrugs, his broad shoulders rising and falling as he scratches behind the Count’s ears. “She’s proud of you, and now that I’ve met her personal kitty chaser in the flesh, I can see why.”
