Page 19 of Rescuing His Kitten
Chapter Nine
BELLAROSE
The bonfire has now died down to embers. I sit on a log, knees pulled to my chest, watching the last employees straggle back to their cabins. This log is starting to hurt my booty.
West hasn’t come back. I was sure he’d pop up at some point, but nothing. I tried to tell myself not to read too much into his interactions with me when the polo-shirted man from corporate appeared, but it’s getting really hard. The more time that passes, the more my mind lingers.
I check my phone again. Nothing. I know he had to hunt down my phone number; I don’t recall ever giving it to him. Why would he do that only to ghost me?
My mind, of course, keeps going back to him being embarrassed about me. The quirky girl with rainbow hair and cat ears. Sure, I’m fun to flirt with out in the woods, but in public, that’s a solid no-go. Did he regret the kiss? Gah, that would take out a few of my nine lives if that’s the case.
I take another sip of the fruit cocktail I’d been given. I don’t drink much, but they’re yummy. I think this might be my third.
“Hey!”
I startle at the sound as our zipline guide Jake settles onto the log beside me. He’s close enough that his knee brushes mine.
“You look lonely. Like you could use some company or maybe someone to get you another round?”
I shake my head no and force a smile. I might be a wee bit tipsy already. “Just tired.”
“Walk with me?” He stands, offering his hand. “There’s a spot near the lake. It’s a better view than this.”
I know I shouldn’t, but what is the alternative? Being alone, feeling like a big dork in my cat ears and cardigan. To sit here waiting for a man who clearly isn’t coming back tonight, if ever.
“Okay, sure.” I take his hand, and he helps me to my feet. I sway, almost falling, but Jake braces me, his hand on my hip.
“You okay there?” He stares down at me, amused.
“Yeah, I’m good.” I toss my cup into one of the trash bins. “No more of those.”
“Got it.” He motions with his hand in the direction we are going, and I grab a lantern off a picnic table as we pass by.
“How long have you worked here?” I ask. The path starts wide and friendly, with little signs pointing in different directions as gravel crunches under our feet.
“I freelance here whenever they have people who want to use the lines.” I swear his chest puffs out. “You have to have the right certifications.”
“Cool,” I say, feeling the need to respond.
Jake talks about crazy climbs he’s done, the brand-new cabin he bought, and how he’s gunning to hire people and expand his business. I make appropriate noises, only half-listening. Meanwhile, my mind keeps drifting back to West.
The ground beneath us goes from gravel to dirt and starts to narrow. I glance around for more signs, not wanting to end up climbing a tree again to find my way back.
“Jake, do you know where we’re going?” I stop and hold my lantern up higher, trying to get a better look around, but the trees are thicker here, having cut out most of the light from the moon.
“Shortcut.” I suppose he should know; he’s familiar with this place. His hand drops to the small of my back, and I stiffen. “Are you cold?”
“A little.” I step forward so I’m out of his reach, and his hand falls away. I hate lying, but I don’t want to be rude either. “Maybe we should head back.”
“It’s okay, we’re almost there.”
His hand returns to my back, only lower this time. His fingers spread, and I tense. Why is he so freaking close? Is he doing it on purpose, or is it because the path keeps growing smaller?
“You know, I’ve been watching you from day one. The whole cat girl thing. It’s cute.”
“Thanks.” Why does it sound patronizing when he calls me “cute”?
I try to move faster, but he keeps pace no matter the speed. His thigh bumps mine with every step, so I know it’s not quite an accident. I’ve had enough of him touching me, and I can’t do it anymore.
