Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
ROSE
A fter playing with Floofy for a while, I settle on the sofa and open my laptop. Hopefully, I can find a place to rent that is affordable and in a safe area, preferably not too far from Stadtburg. Although, my chances of running that location are getting slimmer every time I rock the boat.
But starting next week, I’m supposed to be out there a couple of days a week, supervising the construction of the building. Dad hasn’t said otherwise, and I haven’t brought it up.
Floofy is still demanding attention, so I shift to the floor, so that kitty can climb all over me while I hunt for a place.
The door swings open, and Dallas steps inside. Slowly, a grin spreads across his face. “I don’t mind if you sit on the couch.”
“I wasn’t sure if you want Floofy on the sofa, and he really needed attention.”
He shrugs. “It doesn’t bother me if he’s on the couch.” He sets a bag and a cardboard scratching pad on the table. “I bought him a few things when I went into town.”
“Aww, that so sweet.” I run over and start taking the cat toys out of the bag.
Logic says that he only did this to keep Floofy from destroying his stuff. But logic doesn’t prevent my insides from turning to goo.
“How was your day?” I debate whether or not I should hug Dallas.
“Good. And I have some news. But I’d prefer to show you. If that’s okay. It involves driving somewhere.”
Excitement dances in his eyes, which makes this surprise seem like something good.
“Yeah. Let me throw my shoes on, and we can go.” I pull on my tennies and give Floofy a scratch, then toss him a toy. “Be good. We’ll be back in a bit.”
Dallas opens the door, and I brush his hand as I walk by. I like holding his hand, and doing it all the time is good practice for having it be second nature when we’re around other people. At least that’s what I tell myself as I slip my hand into his.
He gives my hand a squeeze. “Floofy did okay last night. At some point during the night, he snuggled up with me. So I guess he doesn’t hate me.”
“How sweet. I’d love to see that.” My mind is now painting a picture of Dallas in bed with Floofy snuggled against him. Knowing if he sleeps without a shirt would make the image more accurate, but I’m just going to assume no shirt.
I stare a second, imagining what he looks like under that T-shirt.
He catches me staring and raises an eyebrow, but thankfully, he doesn’t ask what I’m thinking. “The new store in town has some of those little cans of like paté and stuff. But I wasn’t sure if he was on a special diet or anything.”
“He’s not. I try not to change his dry food, but wet food every once in a while, as a treat, is totally fine.”
He helps me into the truck, then slides behind the wheel. “How was your day? Any blowback?”
As he drives, I tell him how my day went and that I bought boxes. “I haven’t responded to my mom. I’m thinking of just sending her a thumbs-up. You know, like acknowledging that she sent me something. But if I can’t have my cat there, why would I stay? Her logic is broken.”
When we get to Stadtburg, he parks along the curb in front of a bungalow with a cute front porch. “This is my aunt’s place. She’s building a house out on the ranch and plans to rent out this house.”
Excitement is building in my chest, and it’s all I can do to let the man finish without interrupting.
“I would invite you to stay with me, but given how short a time we’ve known each other, that seems ill-advised. I just don’t think I’d be comfortable with that. Besides, the other two rooms don’t have furniture. I only have the one bed.”
I rest my hand on his. “I completely understand. You don’t have to explain why you didn’t ask me to move in.”
“Okay, well, Aunt Tandy said she’d be out by the end of the month. And she has cats, so she’s perfectly fine with you having a cat.”
I unlatch the seat belt and wrap my arms around Dallas. “I don’t know how to thank you. This is incredible.”
His hands are noticeably absent from my back, and I pull away so that I can see his face. Mild panic is swirling in his eyes.
“It just all worked out.” He rubs his face, then reaches for the handle.
I retreat to my seat. “I didn’t mean to accost you. I’m just so excited.”
He jingles keys. “She said I could show you around. But we need to make sure the cats don’t escape.”
Before he slides out of the truck, I clasp his hand. “I’m sorry I hugged you. And if you prefer that I stop hugging you and holding your hand, just say the word. We can be fake engaged without being touchy-feely.”
Dallas pinches his lips, then shakes his head. “Don’t stop any of that. It just caught me off guard.”
He unlocks the door, then pushes it open for me to enter. Two orange tabbies come running.
“Hello, pretty kitties. What are your names?”
Dallas takes off his cowboy hat. “Chip and Dale.”
I snort laugh, which isn’t a good look. “Sorry. But that’s funny. I’d ask if they are named after the cartoon characters or the dancers, but since these cats aren’t wearing clothes, I’m guessing they’re named after the dancers.” I wiggle my hips to illustrate the last word.
“Correct. As soon as you meet my aunt, you’ll understand.” Dallas points down the hall. “Want to tour the bedroom first?”
I follow him through the house, and by the time we get back to the living room, my excitement has withered. “As much as I appreciate that you talked to your aunt and everything, I know I can’t afford this place. I’m sorry you went to all that trouble.”
He steps closer and takes my hand. “You can afford it.”
“Dallas, places like this rent for way more than my housing budget. I’ve saved up some money, but that’s a short-term solution.” I hate feeling trapped where I am, but I have to be realistic.
Rubbing his jaw, he steps away. “I know you want to be independent. Not dependent on your parents. Living here will help you do that. Do you like this house?”
“It’s beautiful. I’d live here in a heartbeat, but…”
He marches to me and threads the fingers of one hand into my hair. “Please, Rose, let me help you.”
Now the pieces are coming together. Dallas intends to make up the difference of whatever I can’t afford.
I lean into his hand. “I can’t let you do that.”
“No strings. I expect nothing in return.” That protective edge is back in his voice.
And as much as I hate feeling like I’m in someone’s debt, deep inside, I know I can trust Dallas. “Okay. But only if you make me a promise.”
“What’s that?”
“If I become a financial burden, we’ll figure out another solution.”
He nods. “Deal.”
We stare at each other, trapped in the moment. He’s so close that I can feel his breath on my skin.
Then I inch forward and touch my lips to his.
One hand still in my hair, he tugs me closer, and his other arm circles my waist.
Now we have Chip and Dale completely believing that we’re engaged.
My bliss is cut short when he breaks away. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. We don’t have to fake it here.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I kissed you .”
His gaze meets mine, then bounces down to my lips for a second. “Pretty sure I kissed you back. But you don’t owe me kisses for helping you.”
“I only kissed you because I wanted to. I like you.”
Staring at me, he drags a hand through his hair. “Do you want to look around more?”
“No, this house is wonderful. I’m excited to move in. And I want to add another condition to our deal.”
He gives me a side look as he puts on his hat. “What?”
“Who did you know that was like my mom?” I can’t believe I told this man I liked him. I’m never this forward with guys. But being near him ignites bravery in my soul. It’s also possible that my overwhelming attraction is making me stupid.
After shooing the cats, he opens the door and nods toward the truck. “My ex-fiancée.”
That is not what I expected. Now I’m even more curious. “What happened?”
“She dumped me.”
I cannot wrap my brain around that idea. Dallas is charming, kind, and sexy. And he kisses like a dream. Who would walk away from that?
“Why?”
He locks the door and rests a hand on my back as he leads me to the truck. “That information was not part of our deal.”