Page 7 of Rescuing His Kitten
“Ha!” I bark a laugh, and she hits me with a sneer. Oh, that wasn’t a joke. Damn, I thought maybe her mood was better.
“Someone’s been rolling in the dirt.”
“Small incident with a tree.” I grab my bag, heading for the bathroom. “Don’t ask.”
“Wasn’t going to.”
Of course not.
I hear the cabin door close shortly after. Sheryl left without bothering to ask if I wanted her to wait or if I was even going to the bonfire. I bet she’s hoping no one told me about it.
I change quickly, pulling on jeans and a soft sweater with a pair of fuzzy boots. I switch my ears out to a black pair so they match. Once I’m finished, I check myself in the mirror and debate removing the ears. Are they stupid? West seemed smitten with them and my dress. The reminder settles my internal debate. The ears are staying.
The sky is already darkening when I leave the cabin. The bonfire is easy to see even from my cabin. It’s throwing sparks up toward the stars, and there are people in shadows around it. As I get closer, I see groups sitting on logs with blankets and drinks in their hands.
I’ve just accepted a cup of cider when I hear a familiar voice from behind me. I turn to see Liam.
“There you are.”
“Hello again,” I say, taking a sip of my drink.
He changed into a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up. “I was hoping you’d make it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” I tell him before I take another sip and quickly scan the crowd for dark hair and kind eyes.
“Let me show you around. Introduce you to some people.”
He touches my elbow gently as he leads me forward. Is he going to introduce me to the staff, or does he know a lot of the employees? I guess he checked everyone in. I don’t know, but it seems odd. I want to be polite, so I go along. Besides, who wants to stand off to the side all alone?
I force a smile as he steers me toward the fire; meanwhile, I’m wondering where West is.
Across the flames, Sheryl has cornered someone in conversation. She’s leaning in close and touching his arm. I can’t see who, but I’m betting it’s the boss man Mr. Hayes. She didn’t waste any time. The girl is determined, I’ll give her that.
A second later she half-turns, and I get a glimpse of who she’s talking to. I’m surprised when I see it’s West, and somehow it makes my heart sink. I thought she was going after the owner, but clearly she’s got her sights set on him. Sheryl is the type of woman that gets what she wants, no matter who she has to step on to do it.
“You okay?” Liam asks, pulling my attention back.
“I’m good.” I force another smile. “Great,” I say much too loudly.
“Let me introduce you to a few people. Knowing the staff has its perks.” He winks at me as he leads me toward a group of people laughing and enjoying themselves.
I can’t help one last glance across the flames. West’s eyes find mine for just a second, and something passes between us. I’m not sure what it is, but Sheryl touches his arm, and he looks away before I can figure it out. I’m left wondering if I imagined the exchange. Though now I’m wondering if I imagined everything that happened earlier too. All of it.
