Chapter 6
CHAPTER 6
DALLAS
I really need to stop hugging this woman. But she seems less upset when I have my arms around her, so I’m calling it a solution rather than labeling it poor judgment.
A door slams outside, and I stroke Rose’s blonde hair. “He’s here.”
We hurry down the steps as Nico, my friend Dag’s cousin, makes his way to the front door of the main house. He’s well over six feet tall and looks like a portion of a wall. He’s imposing, especially when he isn’t smiling, which makes him perfect for today.
Before Rose can run up to him, I tug her close. “Give him a second.”
He knocks, and the door swings open.
The look of shock on Mrs. Potts’s face signals that she was expecting someone else, probably Rose, to be at the door. “Officer, how can I help you?”
“I’m Deputy Nico Gomez. I’m responding to a call about a stolen cat.”
Mrs. Potts releases a satisfying gasp and slaps a hand to her chest. “Stolen? What? Who said that? My daughter was neglecting the fragile little thing. She goes to work, and that tiny little creature spends the day all alone. It’s not right.”
And that’s my cue. “Deputy, hi. I’m Dallas.” I extend my hand.
Nico gives it a shake, his expression unchanged. He and I have met several times throughout the years. But based on the way he’s acting, no one would guess.
“Evening, Dallas. I’m Deputy Gomez. Were you the one who called in the stolen cat?”
“Yes, a black kitten. From the apartment above the garage. There were no signs of forced entry.” I stay focused on the deputy, ignoring Mrs. Potts’s huff of frustration.
Nico looks from me to Rose, then back to Mrs. Potts. “Do you know where the cat is?”
Rose’s mom crosses her arms. “Rose, tell him there isn’t a problem.”
I reach down and clasp Rose’s hand. Her grip is tight, and I make a mental note not to hold her hand during a horror movie… ever.
Still cutting off circulation to my fingers, Rose steps closer to her mom. “There is a problem. I don’t know where to find Floofy.”
Nico shoots me a glance, eyebrows raised. I choose not to react. My reputation as a perpetual grump is well known among my circle of friends. And kittens really aren’t my thing. And maybe if the kitten were named Tiger or Scout, it wouldn’t seem so funny to Nico. My friends are definitely going to rib me about a kitten named Floofy.
Mrs. Potts seems flustered and irritated. “I can’t believe you called the police on your own mother.”
I shift in front of Rose. “I’m the one who called it in.”
After giving me a disapproving once-over, Mrs. Potts asks, “And who are you?”
It’s a stretch to believe she hasn’t figured out who I am, but I extend my hand, the one that isn’t tethering me to Rose. “Dallas, your daughter’s fiancé.”
Instead of shaking my hand, she crosses her arms. “Your interference isn’t really wanted.”
Nico matches her stance. “We can wrap this up quickly if you’ll tell us where the kitten is.”
Mrs. Potts throws up her hands in frustration, then pushes open her front door. “He’s in the bathroom. The pound was closed when I tried to drop him off.”
Rose rushes into the house.
But I stay on the porch, preferring to keep Mrs. Potts in my sight.
Things are quiet and very awkward while we wait for Rose. I haven’t made a good first impression, which probably is going to make a bad situation worse for Rose. I’ve disturbed the hive, and the queen bee is giving me death glares. Being stared down by Rose’s mother is uncomfortable but telling. I’ve met people like her before. Almost married one. Perfectly sweet until they don’t get their way.
Years ago, I might’ve gotten dumped, but in reality, I dodged a bullet. It took me a few years to recognize that fact though.
Rose walks outside, cuddling a lanky black kitten. “Thanks, Mom.”
Her mother steps back into the house. “I want him out of that apartment by tomorrow.” Then she closes the door, leaving the three of us on the porch.
I rub Rose’s back. “Why don’t you gather his things? I’ll meet you inside in a minute or two.”
She nods, then turns her focus toward Nico. “Thank you so much.”
“I’m glad I could help.” He gives a nod. “But you probably don’t want to keep the kitten on her property any longer than you have to.”
“Yeah. I need to move, but until then, I’m not sure where this little one will be safe.” She nuzzles Floofy.
I know that the words I’m about to say will make their way to my friends before I even get back to the ranch. “Floofy can stay with me.”
Rose throws an arm around my neck. “You’re the best, Dallas. Thank you.” After saying another thank you to Nico, she hurries up the stairs to her apartment.
“Nico, I really appreciate you coming out. Calling you was a bit of a Hail Mary.”
He grins. “She got you, didn’t she? Happened to me too. One day you’re single and fairly content. Then she crashes into your life. And nothing is the same. Congratulations and good luck. I don’t think her mother likes you.”
“Pretty sure she doesn’t. And thanks.”
“Dag is never going to believe this.” He steps away, chuckling. “Floofy.” The laughter continues as he walks to his vehicle.
The name isn’t that funny.
When I step into the apartment, Rose holds out the kitten to me. “Will you take him a second while I pack up the rest of his stuff?”
“Sure.” I take Floofy and hold him far from my face because cats have claws, and I don’t know this cat. “Hey there.”
Floofy starts purring, which, admittedly, is very cute.
“You’re getting a new home, but it’s temporary. And the place is new to me too, so please don’t destroy it.”
Rose pokes her head in from the hall. “You moved recently?”
“Yeah. I’m changing jobs. I’m still working at Stargazer Springs, but I’m also working for my aunt on her ranch.”
“That’s cool. I truly appreciate your letting Floofy stay with you. I’ll do my best to find a place quickly. It’s just hard to find rentals in this area, you know?”
“If I hear of anything in Stadtburg, I’ll let you know.” I have an idea forming, but saying anything to Rose now would just get her hopes up. I need to speak with my Aunt Tandy first.
When we walk outside, the used litter box is sitting on the hood of my truck. Now, we don’t have to stop and buy one.
“Ugh. I’m so sorry, Dallas. When she doesn’t?—”
“When she doesn’t get her way, she throws tantrums or generally makes life difficult, I’m guessing.” I load the cat carrier into the back seat.
“You’re right. Spot on. You’ve known someone like that.” The last part is a statement and not a question. But it’s clear from her expression that she wants more information.
I nod. “But we’ll table that conversation for a later date.”
“Okay. I’m going to grab a trash bag for the litter box. Then it can ride in the bed of the truck without getting yuck everywhere.”
The bed of my truck isn’t exactly clean, but I appreciate the gesture.
The ride to the ranch is quiet. We’ve agreed to drop off kitty and go get dinner, but there has been no other conversation. I’m trying to think of questions to ask to engage her, but I’m still spitting mad. She probably is too.
When I pull through the main gate, Rose leans forward. “Wow. This is really pretty.”
“It is. My aunt has made a lot of changes, and it’s turning out to be a really cool place.”
Colt waves as we drive past the horse barn, and Rose and I respond in kind.
“That’s the wrangler. He lives out here and takes care of the horses. And if after today, you need a new fake fiancé, we could try talking him into it.” This gives Rose the out if she wants it.
Grinning at me, she shakes her head. “I don’t want anyone else. But I do understand if you didn’t expect this level of crazy and want to change your mind.”
“I haven’t changed my mind.” I’m relieved that my Aunt Tandy’s truck isn’t around because I haven’t had time to mention my new fiancée, and I’d rather talk to my aunt when Rose isn’t around.
We park, and Rose carries the bag with Floofy’s stuff to the door. And I get Floofy.
“Just open it. It’s unlocked.”
She pushes open the door, then takes measured steps and looks around as she enters. “This is a nice house. We should put kitty in the bathroom while we’re gone. I don’t want him to mess anything up.”
“That works. Guest bath is better. It doesn’t have my stuff everywhere.”
She makes a sweep of the bathroom, making sure it’s kitty-proof. Then, after the litter is set up and food and water are put out, we release Floofy from the carrier. He’s curious about his new digs and overall seems pretty happy.
I’m grateful he doesn’t hate it here because I don’t have another solution.
As we walk back to my truck, Rose slips her hand into mine. It’s unexpected because there is no one around us. No one around for us to fool. But she’s had a rough day and probably craves the emotional support. So I don’t pull away or give her a funny look.
I open her door, and before climbing in, she hugs me.
“You okay? Floofy is safe, and I promise to take good care of him until you find a place.”
She climbs into the seat and shifts to face me. “You were amazing. Calm and authoritative. It was easier to be brave and stand up for myself with you beside me. So thank you.”
“I’m just glad the pound was closed so that I didn’t have to make a bigger scene. And while your mom probably hates me now, she’d never believe this is fake. I think we were pretty convincing.”
“Totally. You almost had me convinced, and I’m the one who concocted this whole plan.” Before I can step back, she hugs me again.
This woman is too young and way out of my league. I really should put a stop to the hugging, but on the other hand, I need to get comfortable with it since we’re pretending to be engaged.
I hurry around to my side of the truck and slide in. I don’t want to risk bumping into my aunt, so I pick a place that’s not too close, hoping to avoid any surprise encounters. “I guess we should start trading details. While I drive, tell me five things about you that I absolutely need to know.”
“My best friend is named Daphne. She’s the best, and you’ll love her. Also, if any of your friends are single, maybe we could go on a double date or something.”
“All the other ranch hands are married or about to be married. Only single cowboy I know is Colt. And I can ask him if your friend likes younger guys.”
“How much younger?”
“He can legally drink as of about a month ago.”
Rose crinkles her nose. “That might be too young for Daphne. She’s older than I am, and I’m not sure younger guys are her thing.”
“Okay. So continue. What are the four other things?”
“I have an older brother. His name is Sage. He’s engaged to Cara. My parents and Cara’s parents have been friends since forever, and my mom thinks it would be perfect if Cara and Richard married into our family. I don’t blame Sage for falling in love with Cara. She’s an amazing person. But I have zero feelings for her brother. Zilch. None. Nada. In fact, after hearing the way he’s spoken to some women, my interest dips into negative numbers. My mom thinks I’m being dramatic and delaying the inevitable.”
“And that’s where I come in.”
“Exactly.” She rubs my arm. “Anyway, I’ve totally lost count, so you may get more than five. My dad and mom own two floral shops. And they are about to open a third in Stadtburg. I’m hoping they’ll let me run that one. Right now, I work with my dad at one of the stores. Mom runs the other one.”
“Is Sage part of the family business?”
“Nope. He didn’t go along with Mom’s perfect plan in that regard. He became a lawyer. I didn’t have the sense to choose something different. But I love flowers, and I love working at the shop. I mean, ideally, if the world were a perfect place, I’d grow a field of flowers and have my own little shop. But I don’t have the kind of money it takes to start a business. And it seems a bit rude to compete with my parents.”
“I’m sorry your mom has made life so rough.”
Rose nods. “It’s not bad when I’m doing what she wants. And saying that there was a problem instead of telling the deputy to leave probably means that Mom will object to my running the new store, but I’m hoping I can talk my dad into it.” She holds up crossed fingers. “But even if I don’t get the store, I’m still happy about standing up for myself. I need to be better about doing that.”
Without thinking, I hold my hand out to her. “When you do, I’ve got your back.”
Smiling, she laces her fingers with mine.
The next few months will be rough. Pretending to be her fake fiancé will be easy. But reining in my attraction will be tough. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand why I’m feeling this way. I’ve been pretty starved of women’s attention and here is this beautiful ray of sunshine smiling at me like I matter to her. It does things to my insides.
I arrive home to find a very loud and lonely kitty. After making a quick pass through the living room and kitchen and closing all the other doors, I let Floofy out of his confinement.
“Hey, little guy. Rose isn’t here, so you’re stuck with me for a bit.”
He rubs against my leg, then darts down the hall.
“Be nice to my house please.” I wander into my room and close the door.
It isn’t long before Floofy starts meowing outside my room. So like a dork, I run around the room in my boxer briefs, shoving stuff into drawers and closets to get them away from kitty claws.
Then I let him into my room. “I’m not opening the other doors. This is as good as it gets.”
Floofy stares at me a second, then runs back down the hall.
I’m too tired to play chase with a kitten, so I climb into bed. Rose dominates my thoughts as I fall asleep. She doesn’t deserve the way her mom treats her. And I’ll do my darnedest to find Rose a safe place for her and for Floofy.
In the wee hours, I wake up with Floofy snuggled against me and using my shoulder as a pillow. I give him a scratch, and that motor inside him starts whirring. Maybe I don’t dislike cats.