Twist the Knife - Page 156
“Mrrrar.” Gretel turns around, her tiny paws like needles poking into my chest and rubs her head on my chin.
“You’re cute, so I’ll forgive the rude wake-up call.” I run my hand over her back. Her motorboat purrs rev into high gear and she curls herself into a circle on my chest.
“She really likes you,” Margot whispers.
“I like her too.” I tilt my head to see her better. “But her morning greeting needs improvement.”
She laughs softly. Careful not to disturb the cat, Margot lifts herself so we’re face to face. “Morning.”
“Morning.”
“I’m glad you’re still here.”
Did she think I was going to bail? After I told her I was in this for good?
Gretel stretches one leg and gently swats at Margot’s hair with her paw.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Margot laughs, scooping Gretel into her arms. “Do you want some alone time with my man?” She sets the cat on the bed and Gretel jumps off and slowly leaves the room. “That’s right, keep going, you little hussy.”
I pull her down and roll on top of her, pinning her underneath me. “I like hearing you call me your man.” My lips quirk. “Even if it is to the cat.”
“You do?”
“Yes.” I kiss her neck. “I like waking up with you. Even if I have to endure fifteen pounds of fur landing on my chest first thing in the morning.” Is that who I am now? A man who has a girlfriend with a cat?
She cringes and laughs at the same time. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I kiss her cheek, then roll to the side.
She reaches over to the nightstand and picks up her phone. “Shoot. I have to get ready.”
“We’re not staying in bed today?”
“I would love that.” She rests her hand on my chest. “But I have to prep for back-to-back funerals tomorrow.”
That’s a mood killer.
“Sorry.” I sit up.
“One was a very long consult yesterday before you showed up. That’s why I was headed to bed so early.”
Shit. I was so worried about my ego and getting my dick in her I never asked her something as simple as how was your day. I’m already sucking at this boyfriend thing. “Sorry I messed up your night.”
A quick burst of apology widens her eyes. “You didn’t mess up my night.” She tilts her head to the side, her hair covering her face, reminding me of The Hermit card in my reading. “You were the best part of my whole day.”
Maybe I’m not fucking up the boyfriend gig yet.
She rolls out of bed. “But I really do have to get ready.” Her expression softens. “You can stay here if you want.”
“I have a few things I need to do today.”
A hesitant cloud of doubt dulls her expression. Can’t blame her. “I’ll come back tonight. If you want me to.”
“I do,” she whispers. “Is that okay?”
Instead of answering, I stand and kiss her, letting the warmth of my lips on hers show her how much I want to be with her. “It’s more than okay.” I pull back enough to see her face. “But I’ll head out early tomorrow, though. Sounds like you’ll be busy here and I’m supposed to ride out to see my sister.”
Her eyes brighten. “Oh, good. Is she okay?”