Page 29 of Keystrokes and Kittens

He grinned. “Tomorrow sounds good. I want to go to The Blue Star diner for brunch. Sleep in, and whenever you’re ready, we’ll time it between the kittens’ feedings.”

“Soren—” I yawned. “You’ve had interrupted sleep every night this week.”

“And I’ve discovered I’m perfectly fine with it. I wake up enough to take care of the kittens and then I go right back to sleep. Now, off you go. Don’t set an alarm. Let your body take as much time as you need.”

Although that offer sounded positively decadent, I’d feel guilty taking him up on it.

He put his hand on my knee and held my gaze. “Thank you for being honest with me. That couldn’t have been easy. I appreciate that you trust me.”

I offered a rueful smile. “I don’t see I had much choice. Just…we needed to clear the air. I enjoyed our kiss at Christmas, but it freaked me out. I worried it came with expectations I couldn’t meet. So, I ran.”

“And I wish I’d come into the store sooner so we could’ve talked this out. Still, you letting me know how you feel now is just as good. I’m going to run Tibby out for a long walk, and I’ll be ready for the next feeding. Then I promise I’ll head to bed.”

Again, I yawned.

He squeezed my knee, then rose. “Goodnight, Sam.”

“Goodnight, Soren.”

I waited until he and Tibby left before hauling myself to my feet. I checked the kittens one more time before heading to bed. Even when I heard Soren return, though, I couldn’t turn my mind off.Did I do the right thing? In telling him? Or should I just have tried to do stuff?My mind wasn’t particularly happy about thestuff, but I did eventually drift to sleep.

Chapter Eight

Soren

Coaxing Sam to join me at the Blue Star Diner was a major accomplishment Sunday morning, and I was quite proud of myself as we sat across from each other in the booth.

The décor was pretty much my favorite part of the place. With its small-town vibe.

Gabriella greeted us with a huge smile. “Well, Soren, so glad you’re here. We’ve been missing you.” She pivoted her attention to Sam. “Welcome. I’m not certain I’ve seen you here before.” Her dark hair shone.

Sam managed a smile. “I’m from Hartsville and don’t make my way to Foggy Basin often. This is my first time here. At your diner. It’s really cool.”

His enthusiasm warmed me. He hadn’t wanted to leave the kittens, but I’d convinced him that us being here was the equivalent of us both being asleep and that we wouldn’t be gone long. Certainly, we’d be home in time for the next feeding.

I grinned. “Care to make a recommendation, Gabriella?”

“Now, you know I’m going to say everything is amazing—because it is. But I’d say, if it’s your first visit, that the pancakes with real maple syrup, crispy bacon, and fresh hash browns are to die for.”

Sam closed his menu. “With a cup of coffee?”

“Absolutely.” Gabriella pivoted his attention to me. “And you?”

“Waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Yes, to the bacon. Orange juice as well as coffee.” I handed the menu to her.

With just a bit of a flourish, she snagged them and headed to the kitchen.

“She’s friendly.” Sam tapped his finger on the Formica tabletop.

“She’s a hoot. One of the first people I met when I moved here. I try to come in at least once a week. To keep my social skills sharp.”

Sam cocked his head.

“Like I said, I tend to just work at my computer all day. One of the reasons I got Tibby was so I’d have to get up and exercise three or four times a day. Labs have tons of energy. Then I try to run into town when I can, to meet with people. Oh, just hold on a sec.” I held up my hand. “Hey, Kendall.”

The handsome firefighter with his blue eyes and a shaved head turned at my call. His face broke into a huge grin. “Hey, Soren. How’s Tibby doing? Did she pass her therapy-dog training?”

I puffed out my chest. “With flying colors. Now, I have to ask—I heard someone bought the old winery property next to you. Do you know who it is?”