Between security and hunger, hunger wins out, and it gives tentative licks to the tuna. When it’ssure that I mean it no harm, it struts closer to me and curls around my feet.
With a smile on my face, I gently lift the animal in my arms. “Aww…you hungry, baby? We’re gonna get you some food,” I coo at it in a baby voice.
“That thing,” Noah says, animatedly pointing at the cat in my hold, “is not getting in my car,” he lays it down as if I’ll listen to him.
* * *
Of course, I didn’t listen to him.
And yes, he sulked about it all the way to the vet, shooting scathing glares at the fur baby in my hand every chance he got.
Never thought I’d see the day when Noah Miller would sulk about anything, let alone a cat getting inside his car.
I can’t say that I’m not enjoying getting to witness this adorable side of him. He’d throw a fit if he heard me calling him that.
Not that it can stop me. I plan to say it to him at an opportune time.
It’s like the universe is with me; I’m presentedwith the perfect time to say it as we browse through the pet store Noah drove us to after we visited the vet.
The vet said what I already knew: it’s malnourished and needs intensive care. We also found out that it’s a she.
Noah rolled his eyes at this knowledge and said, “With an attitude like that, of course, she is.”
The vet and I chuckled at his statement, even if he seemed less than thrilled.
We were asked if we’d adopt her or leave her there. I inquired what would happen if we did. They informed us that they’ll keep her for a few days, and if they can’t find someone willing to take her, she’ll be put down.
My stomach dropped at the thought, and I couldn’t utter a word. Noah didn’t even hesitate and picked her up when he said, “She’s going with us.”
I’m well aware that I shouldn’t fall for Noah’s silent care and charm, but the butterflies in my belly couldn’t stop fluttering seeing him take charge of the situation. Protecting a cat he hates so much just because he knew I couldn’t fathom leaving her there to be put down in case no one took her.
But the cat couldn’t let him think that just because he agreed to adopt her, she would forget his scathing glares, could she? So, to emphasize her point, she puked all over his shirt the second he lifted her.
It’s been twenty minutes since she showed him her true colors, and Noah’s shirt still stinks even though he washed it at the vet’s office. The people don’t recognize him because he’s wearing his cap low, but we both can’t help but notice the dirty looks they send our way, disgusted by the smell.
I hold the cat with one hand, covering my mouth with the fist of the other to hide the grin on my face.
Noah walks beside me, a basket in his hand, ready to put in anything I think we should have. His face is heating up with embarrassment, and I can’t find it in me to feel sorry for him.
It’s all sohilarious.
“I’ll murder this cat. Fucking pussy,” Noah mutters, cursing so only I can hear him. He’s such a grumpy bear, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Once we have everything, we head over to the cash counter to get the stuff checked out. Thecashier, a young woman, scrunches her nose the second the smell hits her.
“I’m sorry for this. We had a little…accident,” I apologize to her, placing my hand on his forearm so he literally doesn’t run out of here.
“That’s putting it mildly,” he mumbles, and I bite the inside of my cheek before I burst into another fit of laughter.
The cashier puts our items in a paper bag, sliding it toward us. “I think we have some t-shirts in his size in our storage. Want me to go get them for you?” She offers, pointing in the direction.
“No—” Noah’s about to refuse, but I squeeze his arm, his corded muscles not moving an inch.
“Yes, we’ll take that. Thank you,” I say, giving her an appreciative smile. With a nod, she walks off and into the storage.
When my eyes find his, he’s looking at me with a raised eyebrow, unimpressed by my decision. “I don’t need that.”
“Of course, you do,” I scoff, putting a finger under my nose to ward off a little smell. “Do you want people to continue to stare at you because you stink?”