Page 29

Tall, tan, and gigantic.

His hair was tied up, showing the chiseled lines of his cheekbones.

And his lips curved upward when he saw me. His nostrils flared, and they flickered to another color for a second, as if his wolf had very nearly taken control. “You look good with your hair down.”

My face warmed. “You probably do too.”

I wasn’t smooth.

Not smooth at all.

He grinned, though, lighting up his eyes and making my stomach clench. “You ready?”

“Yes.” My cat hissed behind me, and I grimaced. “Maybe not. One second.”

five

SIENNA

He peered into the house as I stepped back, leaving the door open.

If I gave her a treat before I left, she wouldn’t attack me when I got home.

“My cat is a dictator,” I called over my shoulder, as I stepped into the pantry. “She calls the shots and she knows it.”

He chuckled. “Can I meet her?”

“If you’re okay with getting scratched, go ahead.”

He stepped into the house and shut the front door.

“What’s her name?” he asked.

“Sprinkles. I didn’t name her, she’s a rescue,” I explained. “Although terrorist might fit better… What the hell?”

I stared at Bauther.

He was on his knees next to Sprinkles’ climbing tower, and he had his hands on her fur.

Petting her.

He was petting her.

And she wasn’t attacking him!

“You’re a cat whisperer,” I said, shock in my voice.

He laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever even touched a cat before, Si.”

The nickname made me warm. “Well you’re a Sprinkles whisperer, at least. She hates everyone. Especially me.”

“I can’t imagine anyone hating you.”

“Well Sprinkles can’t imagine anyone liking me.”

He grinned.

I handed him the treat. “Here. Give this to her so she doesn’t attack me when I get home.”