Page 12 of Keystrokes and Kittens

“Great. Let’s get the kittens, and you, inside. I’ve created a space for the box in the family room, but there’s also an outlet near the bed in your room—if you want to keep them there. I’m thinking family room, though, so it’s easier for us to share the—” He only halted his rambling because Tibby pushed past him and made a beeline for me.

I dropped to my haunches and opened my arms. And caught her when she threw herself into them. “Hey, girl.” I stuck my face in her ruff. “Thanks for having us.”

She licked my cheek—as if she understood how stressed I was and was sayingglad you chose to come here.

“Tibby.” Soren—with just a tinge of exasperation.

Slowly, I rose.

He grinned. “When she’s got her therapy vest on, she’s a perfect angel. The rest of the time, she sort of does her own thing.”

“I didn’t mind the enthusiastic welcome.”

Soren cocked his head. “I apologize if I didn’t make it clear that I’m really glad you made it and have chosen to trust me. Let’s get you inside and fed. Noah will be here in about twenty minutes. I’m going to tuck Tibby into another room for the time being while we settle the kittens.” With that, he headed toward my back hatch. “Pop it and I’ll grab your suitcase?”

I hit the button on the remote. “Uh, thanks.”

“No worries. Grab the kittens, and once I’ve got Tibby secured, you can come in.” He hefted my suitcase and headed into the house.

Tibby gave me one final look.

I smiled. “All good. I’m staying.”

As if understanding, she nodded and followed Soren into the house.

I grabbed my knapsack and then unbuckled the carrier. I was trying to figure out how to lift it as well as the box when Soren reappeared.

“Give me something to carry.” He held out his arms.

After a moment’s hesitation, I handed him the empty box. “Thanks.”

“No worries. You’ve got everything else?”

I nodded.

“Perfect. Follow me.” He waited, although, until I’d removed the carrier and locked the SUV. Then he headed toward the cabin. “Now, I made spaghetti. I cooked the meatballs separatelysince I didn’t think to ask you if you have any dietary restrictions.”

“None. Thank you for asking.” My breath caught as we stepped into the cabin. I immediately walked straight over to the wall of windows—two stories and all glass. The sun created sparkles on the lake that dazzled. I let out a breath. “It’s so beautiful.”

“Yeah. This place is worth every penny I paid for it.” He chuckled.

I was curious how much that had been—but didn’t dare ask.

“How do you get any work done? I’d want to sit all day on the back deck and stare at the lake.” I spotted a small beach as well as a dock that extended pretty far out. “Is that a motorboat?”

“Yep. I don’t use it as often as I should. I prefer not to go out alone. Safety, you know?”

“I get that.”

“As for getting work done?” He pointed to a door to the left. “My office has the same view. Sometimes it does get distracting. Other times, I’m so damn busy, the entire day will pass and I won’t have seen a thing.”

I couldn’t imagine that. But then I didn’t entirely understand what Soren did. Something with computers. Something about cybersecurity. Way beyond my knowledge or comprehension.

He pointed to a door on the right. “That’s the primary bedroom. Again with the stunning view. I keep my blinds open at night just to watch the moonlight on the lake. Then I close them because I really don’t want the morning light. I tend to be a night owl—even though that doesn’t always work with my schedule.”

“Ah. I’m a morning person. I like to do my workout before I head to the store. My mom always said that the early bird got the worm, and I’ve sort of stuck with that. Plus, having to open the store every day means I have to be on top of things.” I scratchedmy jaw. “And having a kid in school meant always being on top of the morning routine.”

Soren’s eyes widened. “You have a kid? Oh God, Sam. I never considered that. Did you leave them with a friend or relative? We should head back to your—”