52. Ava
Chapter Fifty-Two
Ava
Cat proofing and commitment
As my gaze arced around my office, I smiled. My last job had been a cubicle maze. Here, I felt downright special.
Josie popped her head in. “Ava, you’re here!”
“I’m trying to be here most days, Josie,” I pointed out.
“I know, but we’re still getting up and running, so you can be remote. You know that, right?”
I shrugged. “I know, but I like it here. I like seeing people.”
She grinned and walked in, plunking down in the chair across from my desk. I had tucked my desk into the corner facing outward, which offered a view of the ski slopes on one side and the mountains on the other. From here, I could also see anyone who came in.
Josie eyed me for a beat before tilting her head to the side. “How are things?”
My cheeks heated because I knew she was asking about Tanner. “Things are good.”
“Yeah? Seems like Tanner’s been at your place a lot.”
“Is that a problem?”
“Oh my God, no!” Josie burst out laughing. “You could just move in with him.”
“I’m going to,” I said, letting out a quick breath. “Probably next month.”
“Oh, I like that idea. Just in time for Christmas.” Josie’s curls bounced with her nod.
“My parents might come visit, and maybe they can stay in my rental?”
“Of course. How long are they going to stay?”
“A couple of weeks. They’ve never been to Alaska. Honestly, they haven’t traveled in, well, years.”
“I love that they might come up for the holidays.”
My lips curled into a grin. “It’ll be fun for them. Thank you for being so supportive.”
She tipped her head to the side, her brows hitching up. “Always. Back to you, though, if you need help moving, say the word. We’ll organize.”
“I don’t have a lot of stuff, Josie.”
She waved a hand dismissively. “Just let me know. Moving is a pain in the ass, even if you don’t have much stuff. By the way, the website looks amazing.”
“You think so?”
“Absolutely! And all the stuff you’ve done on the HR side of things is so far out of my wheelhouse. I feel like you’re making sure we’re in good shape. We’re moving to phase two. I’m ready for planning our official opening for the restaurant.”
“I have some notes for that,” I chimed in.
Josie beamed at me just as her cell phone rang. “Awesome! Send me any ideas and we’ll keep getting ready.”
After Josie left, I sat there for a long moment, looking around my office and absorbing the feeling that somehow I had landed. Everything felt right. I pulled out my phone and texted Tanner.
Me: When can I move in? I’m ready.
His reply was swift. I loved that about him. Except when he was out fighting fires, he was not one to leave me on read. I loved a steady, loyal, reliable man, and he was my man.
Tanner: Anytime. Should we maybe cat-proof the house and get things ready for Growly first?
Me: Yes. But I don’t want him to be there alone.
Tanner was a helpful guy and showed that to me day after day.
He made sure to get a litter box all set up for Growly and texted me to check if he could bring over Growly’s other things.
That very afternoon, we brought Growly over.
He slunk around suspiciously at first, tail twitching, before finally curling up in his little cat house that was shaped like a mouse, which I found hysterical.
It was cushioned and comfy, and he loved it.
Tanner glanced over at Growly before stopping in front of me and bending low to brush his lips against mine. “Well?” he asked when he lifted his head.
I took a shaky breath. Leaning back, I peered up at him, looking into those eyes I loved so much. “You’re home, Tanner.”
“I am home.” A small crinkle formed between his brows, his gaze questioning.
“I meant you are home for me.”