Page 9 of Keystrokes and Kittens

“Got it. Look, I’ve got some time tonight. Do you want me to help guide you through an introduction? Help you figure out how best to approach the situation?”

“You could do that? I know you’re busy—”

He chuckled. “My evening client canceled—bad case of the flu. The owner, not the dog.”

“Always important to clarify.”

“Yeah, for sure. Is this at your place?”

“It might be. Or it might be in Hartsville. I can pay you, as well as gas money and—”

“This sounds like it would be a public service. Look, I was going to be working tonight anyway.”

“You could spend the evening with Christian.”

Another chuckle. “We do that every night. Sometimes he appreciates his space.”

I didn’t believe that for a moment—but I needed the help. “I’ll text you the location. Well, it also might not happen if my friend isn’t willing to accept the help.”

“Oh? Seems to me that you’re pretty good at persuasion. You managed to get the dog to listen to you.”

“Are you suggesting I can convince someone to trust me just by my charm and charisma?”

“Yep.”

“You are optimistic.” This time, I laughed. “Okay, I’ll get back to you. Regardless, thanks for this. For being willing to help.” As I ended the call, I realized I hadn’t said thefriendwas Sam. Noah and Sam were close, so that wouldn't be an issue. But Noah might want to know if Sam and I had resolved the Christmas kerfuffle.

Nope. We had not.

At some point we might have to talk about it—but now was not that moment.

Chapter Three

Sam

I’d almost given up hope of Soren returning when he reappeared—walking through the front door like a beam of sunshine.

His white hair shone in the light and his light-brown eyes always did funny things to my insides. He didn’t have a single line in his beautiful face, so I always wondered if he’d gone prematurely gray. Only his hair wasn’t gray—it was full-on white.

I swallowed. “Hey.”

“I’m back.” He grinned.

I gestured to the box. “Can I run them to the office?”

“Of course. Take all the time you need. Tibby and I can hang out.” He rested his hip against the counter and Tibby lay down at his feet.

“Great.” I scooped the box and headed to the office. I took only the time to get the kittens set up and then I hustled back to the front of the store.

Soren cocked his head. “Have you eaten?”

I blinked. “Huh?”

“When was the last time you ate, Sam?”

I squinted. Thinking was really hard today.

“Did you bring a lunch, or can I run out and get you something?”