Page 52 of The Maverick's Homecoming

“You really want me to have a cat, don’t you?”

“Only ifyoureally want one.”

She was looking at him strangely. Finally, she said, “I kind of can’t believe you’ve been figuring out how a divorced pregnant woman with a full-time job might be able to adopt a cat…or two.”

“Hey. What are friends for?”

She laughed then. He’d always loved her laugh. It was husky and low. “Before we go any further on this subject, how about dessert?” she asked.

Together, they cleared the table. She got the coffee going and turned on the broiler to finish off the crème brûlée. In no time, they were sipping coffee and enjoying their dessert, which wasn’t quite as pretty as the one they’d been served at Satterfield’s, but still really good.

She broke the silence. “Now, about the cats…”

“I knew it. You really do miss having pets.”

“Yes. Cats and dogs are loving and loyal and they never cheat on you.”

He wanted to grab her and hold her right then. But he stayed in his seat. “I hear you. Let’s figure out a way that you can have what you want.”

“Oh, Finn. As I said before, I can’t see how it’s doable. I just wouldn’t be around enough, especially at first while they’re getting used to living here.”

“So how about if I come by and check on them while you’re at work?”

She was already shaking her head. “No. Finn, that’s not—”

“Just hear me out.”

“But it’s not fair to you,” she insisted. He kept his mouth shut and stared at her steadily until she put up both hands. “Fine. Go ahead.”

“Okay, so it’s like this. Monday through Friday, I have free time during the day because most of my clients are at work themselves. That means for the first few weeks after you adopt, I can drop by when I have an hour or two to spare. While I’m here I’ll deal with the litter box and hang out with the cats, help them to get adjusted to their new home.”

“Finn, really. That’s too much to ask.”

“No, it’s not. Besides, you’re not asking. I’m volunteering.”

“But why?”

“Because I can. Because when I was growing up, I never had pets and I always wanted one. Because there are cats that need homes. Because friends help friends.” Also, he was coming to accept the fact that he would do just about anything for the woman across the table from him.

No way would he admit that now, though. She had her rules when it came to this thing between them. He had to be careful not to overstep. Anything that sounded too much likeKenzie, I’m falling in love with you all over againcould have her suddenly deciding they were spending too much time together.

She was silent. He had no idea what she might be thinking.

Finally, she asked, “You’re sure about this?”

“I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t.”

“Well, okay then. Thank you. Thank you so much. I’m going to start asking around town, see if anyone wants to give a pair of littermates away to a good home. And if that doesn’t work out, there’s an animal sanctuary in Bronco.” The larger town was a ninety-minute drive west of Tenacity. “I’ll check there if I don’t have any luck locally.”

He offered, “Let me know how I can help.”

She gave him that look from under her lashes. “You’ve already volunteered to entertain my furry friends and clean their litter box. I figure the least I can do is find them and bring them home in the first place.”

“Kenz.”

“Yeah?”

He considered how much to say, and admitted, “I like hanging out with you. Whatever you need, I want to help make it happen. Is it okay with you if I check around, too?”