Her giggle is mocking. “That’s the kneading motion he’s doing with his paws. Cats do that when they’re comfortable and in their element.”
The urge to shove him away again flexes my muscles. “For what it’s worth, I’m not in my element.”
Her eyebrow quirks. “Doesn’t look like you’re fighting too hard.”
“Pushed him off at least ten times. He’s stubborn.”
“That’s how you like ‘em.”
My hand absently strokes Tux’s freshly washed fur. “I think he’s someone’s pet. No cat I’ve met lets a kid dunk him under water.”
Frankie laughs, but it’s brittle at the edges. “He knows what it takes to survive.”
“Speaking from experience,” I murmur.
She dips her chin. “We’re kindred spirits. That’s probably why Ronnie is so obsessed with him. You’re lucky she wants you two to bond or he’d be making biscuits on her lap instead.”
“What if he has an owner?”
“That cared enough to drop him at the side of the road in this weather? Finders keepers,” she scoffs. “He belongs to this family now.”
“As if I’d survive giving him the boot.”
She clucks her tongue in agreement. “Your daughter would never forgive you.”
My chuckle is low, which has nothing to do with not jostling the kitten. “Is she all tucked in?”
“Snug as a bug in a rug or whatever she taught me.” She swats at the famous rhyme as if it’s a pest.
“You’re great with her.”
Frankie avoids my stare. “Wouldn’t go that far.”
I shake my head. “Those are your own insecurities trying to break you. Deep down, you’re made for this. It just took a brave little girl to prove it and give you a chance. Now, there’s no going back.” My exhale is thick as I admire her strength. “This isn’t just a job for you, menace. It never was.”
“Okay, Dr. Phil. Didn’t realize this was a therapy session.” Her green eyes sparkle like gemstones in the lamp’s dim glow. “Mind if I take a load off?”
“Not sure what’s stopping you. This pussy won’t bite.” When I scratch behind Tux’s ears, a loud purr rewards my efforts.
“That makes one of us,” Frankie quips while situating herself on the couch next to me.
Her floral perfume and a slew of untapped fantasies float in the air. Arousal is quick to surge through me. I adjust myself, ready to send this cat packing.
“It’s gonna be that type of night, huh?” Gravel and grit scrape off my tone.
“I actually wanted to talk to you.” Her soft voice snuffs out the flame of desire.
“Ah, shit. Here we go.”
When her fist lightly punches my arm, the kitten meows at me for tipping sideways and dislodging him. “Knock it off. This is genuine.”
I rub at the sore spot. “Apologies. Please continue.”
Frankie huffs, but settles deeper into the cushions. “I’ve been on my own for so long. Those dark roads are shitty company. It sucks having no one to miss. I don’t want to be alone anymore.”
My blink is slow. The math isn’t mathing. “But this isn’t about sex?”
She pinches the bridge of her nose. “You’re my boyfriend, okay? I’m making it official.”