Page 55 of Sunkissed Colorado

Maybe I should’ve known grumpy cats were my jam from how often they showed up on my social feeds. Damn that algorithm.

“Chloe doesn’t need any more spoiling than I give her already,” Zandra complained.

“I’d be happy to spoil you too, if you’re jealous,” I said over my shoulder.

With an eye roll, Zandra set the food bowl on the floor, then grabbed a messenger bag she hadn’t been carrying earlier. “You can refill the fountain if she needs, right?”

Jimmy grunted affirmatively. “’Course. I wouldn’t want to drink water from a bowl that’s been sitting out all day.”

“Chloe would agree. She’s way too fussy for that. Bye, Jimmy. Thanks for taking care of her. I’ll be back later.”

“After dinner,” I added. “Don’t wait up.” Once we were outside, I said, “Does he always wear that tiny robe around the house?”

“It’s Rosie’s. And believe me, the robe is better than the alternative.”

“Should I be worried about you?” I asked, mildly concerned even though Jimmy had never come across as that kind of creepy. An old coot who Rosie somehow put up with, sure, but nothing worse.

“He’s fine. Honestly, I’m just grateful Rosie and Jimmy haven’t kicked me out yet. I meant to find my own apartment over a week ago, but it’s hard to find a cheap place with normal roommates.”

I opened the passenger door of the truck for her. “I did offer you the spare room at my place.”

“Exactly my point. I saidnormalroommates.”

I chuckled as I rounded the truck and got into the driver’s seat.

“I could’ve gotten the door for myself,” Zandra grumbled as soon as I was inside the cabin.

“I thought you wanted someone to spoil you.”

“I didn’t say that. Or think it.”

“We’ll see.” I reached over, took the seatbelt from her hand, and buckled it for her. Then booped her chin affectionately with my finger.

“I thought you said I wouldn’t regret this.”

“Okay, okay.” I held up my hands. “I’ll behave myself. Starting…now.” Fuck, I had fun with her. “What’s in the bag?”

Her brow wrinkled. “The what?”

As my truck pulled away from the curb, I nodded my head at the big messenger bag she clutched on her lap like it held the secret Hearthstone beer recipes.

“Uh. So,” she stammered. “I brought you something. A gift.”

“You did?” I glanced between her and the road. “You brought me a present? For real?”

“A thank you gift for going to Mrs. Mackenzie’s with me earlier.” Opening the flap and dipping inside, Zandra pulled out a lump in tissue paper. “I would’ve wrapped it better, but Jimmy didn’t know where Rosie keeps the wrapping paper. And she’s busy at the market today.”

My grin was impossible to suppress as I drove, waiting until a stop sign with no other traffic around to pluck the gift from her hands.

“You could wait until we’re not in a moving vehicle.”

“My foot is on the brake. Andno, I can’t wait. I need to see what you got me.” Ripping open the tissue, I blinked at the small figurine lying inside.

Holy shit. This was epic.

“You got me agnomedressed as a football player?” My voice was steeped in excitement like a little kid’s.

Z bit her lower lip. “I noticed Rosie had two of them. It made me think of you. Seemed funnier when I was alone with Chloe in my room.” She tried to take it from my hand. “Never mind, it’s dumb.”