Rescuing His Kitten

Chapter 1

Chapter One

BELLAROSE

“Okay, Bellarose. This is going to be a fresh new start,” I tell myself.

“These new people won’t have a clue who I am.

There are four branches coming together, which means most of these people don’t know about the time I cried in the supply closet.

” I nod at my reflection in the car window before pushing my glasses up my nose. “You’ve got this.”

The driver glances at me in the rearview mirror.

His eyebrows go up his forehead like he’s worried and thinking maybe he should call someone.

I can’t be the only person who talks to themselves.

We can all use a pep talk from time to time.

Not wanting him to think I’m crazy, I give him my best sunshine smile.

“Thanks for the lift, Carl. Hope you get some good tips today!”

He mumbles something that sounds like “lay off the coffee” as he pulls to a stop and I hop out.

Oh my goodness. I let out a small gasp when I get a better view of the place. This is where I’ll be staying for the next few days as part of our company retreat.

Neither the website nor their social media did this place justice.

The honey-colored lodge is perched above a glassy lake.

There are fairy lights already strung along the porch railings even though it’s barely four in the afternoon.

There are trees everywhere and mountains rising up behind them like they’re posing for a postcard.

The air smells like pine needles, sunshine, and possibility.

Reaching up, I adjust my white furry kitten ears. They are the kind with small pink satin bows. I figured since this is a pet supply company retreat, they are totally appropriate. I’ve been dying to wear them, along with a few others I packed. There may even be a tail if I’m feeling up for it.

I head into the main lodge to get checked in. I can’t wait to see which of the little cabins I get, but I’ll sleep anywhere. I’m just happy I was one of the handful of people from my branch selected to come.

“Welcome to the Pawfect Retreat,” the man behind the front desk says. He’s got deep dimples and a name tag that reads Liam.

His eyes do this usual thing where they travel over my pastel rainbow hair, only this time I’ve got the ears to go with it.

He takes another moment to glance at my dress that has little kittens on it.

When they bounce back up to meet my gaze, I shrug.

What can I say? My dress is adorable, even if I made it myself.

Although I’m not going to tell him because I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging.

“Hi,” I chirp. “I’m Bellarose Fontaine. I’m from the Midwest branch.”

I have no idea if we’re supposed to group up or something. This is my first-ever company retreat. It’s all new to me, which is exciting and maybe a tad scary, but I’m not going to let that hold me back.

“Fontaine,” he says, his smile growing. “Fancy.” He clicks away on his computer. “Found you, cabin eight.”

“That’s my lucky number!” That’s a good sign. See, this is already starting off on the right foot.

“Mine too.” He motions to my bag, and before I have a chance to protest, he’s coming around the counter and snagging it from me. “I’ll walk you to your cabin. If you ask me, yours has the best view on the property.”

“You don’t have to show me if you’re busy.” I hate being an inconvenience to people.

“I’ve always got time for a pretty girl,” he says and then winks at me. “I insist.”

“Okay,” I agree, letting him lead the way.

“So what is it you do for Nibbles?”

“I work in the graphics department.” I’m the one that gets to come up with cute pictures for the websites and advertising.

“Graphics. That explains it.”

I swallow, not sure what he means by that, and typically that’s never good.

“Explains what?”

He glances over at me, and there’s something in his smile I don’t quite get.

“Your aesthetic. The whole vibe. You look like you belong on our packaging. In a good way,” he adds quickly. “Like if they had a ‘joy’ flavor, you’d be the mascot.”

I laugh, because that’s kind of sweet. It’s a nice thing to say, which I wasn’t expecting. I hate that I assumed the worst.

“Thanks. I just figure we’re in the business of making pets happy, so...” I gesture vaguely at my whole self. “Why not lean into it?” I love to throw myself into things headfirst.

“Why not indeed.” He gives me another one of those winks as we stop at a small cabin.

It has a bright blue door and a porch swing. I can already see myself reading on it if I have the time. I’m not sure what we’ll be doing.

Liam sets down my bag and pulls out his phone, his thumbs moving fast.

“There’s a bonfire tonight at the lake. Marshmallows, the acoustic guitar guy who thinks he’s Ed Sheeran, the whole thing.” He looks up at me, and his eyes do that lingering thing again. “You should come find me. I’ll save you a seat.”

“That’s so nice of you, I’ll definitely try to make it.” I’m making fast friends already.

He opens his mouth like he’s going to say something else, then closes it, shaking his head with another dimpled smile.

“Well, here’s cabin eight. Enjoy the view, Bellarose Fontaine.” He does a small bow, making me laugh, before he turns and heads back down the path.

This is wonderful. I’m off to a great start already. Liam likes me and invited me to the bonfire. At the office I never get invited to happy hour with everyone.

I turn the key in the lock, excited to see the rest of the cabin and find out who I’m rooming with. I really hope it’s someone from another branch.

“Hello? Roommate? I’m here and I come in peace—” The words dry up in my mouth as soon as I walk inside.

It’s not the cute cabin that knocks me speechless. It’s not the two adorable twin beds with beautiful patchwork quilts. It’s not even the precious kitchenette and window seat overlooking the lake.

Oh no, it’s much worse than that.

On the right side of the room, I see clothes neatly laid out on the bed.

The only closet on the other side has the doors open, and it’s already filled.

From where I’m standing, I can see that every available surface in the bathroom is covered in bottles, makeup, and hair tools.

It’s all organized, but there’s not an inch of free space.

There’s a suitcase open on top of what I assume is supposed to be my bed. It’s filled with more clothes, shoes, a silk robe, and a few other lacy items I pretend not to see.

It’s her.

Out of all the people to get roomed with, I got stuck with Sheryl. She’s sitting cross-legged in the chair by the small desk, phone pressed to her ear, looking at me with utter annoyance.

“Hold on,” she says into the phone, not breaking eye contact. “My roommate just arrived.” A pause. “No. Not the one from accounting. The other one.”

Ouch, but on brand for her. I was really hoping we could turn things around, but it’s not looking like it.

She stands up, and I’m reminded of how tall she is. Taller than me even if I was wearing heels. I mean, I only own kitten heels, but they still count. I will die on that hill…or mountain, I suppose.

Sheryl has on tailored linen pants and a blouse that probably cost more than my rent. Her hair is down in a perfect caramel wave that looks professionally blown out. For a retreat in the woods, she looks out of place. Not that I can judge. I’m in a dress, but it has pockets.

“Cat,” she says, like it’s a complete sentence. Am I supposed to know what that means? Wait, does she think that’s my name?

“Bellarose,” I correct. “From graphics.”

“I know who you are.” She looks me up and down, and her expression changes. It’s no longer a full-on sneer but like she smelled something not quite right. “Wow, the ears. That’s...committed.”

I touch one self-consciously. “I just thought, since we sell pet supplies—”

“Adorable,” she says flatly, cutting me off. The word sounds dead and as if she means something else entirely. “I’m sure everyone will get a real kick out of it.”

My chest squeezes, but I ignore it. I’m determined to turn over a new leaf with Sheryl. It would be helpful if I knew why she dislikes me. Maybe she’s exhausted from all the travel.

“Long trip?” I ask, keeping my voice light. She stares at me for a second, then laughs. One sharp bark.

“Yeah.” Without another word, she sits down in the chair and puts her phone to her ear, effectively dismissing me.

I start the careful process of removing her bag from my bed, doing my best not to make noise. God forbid I exist too loudly in my own room.

“So he’s actually coming this time?” Sheryl says, and her voice shifts. Her words sound silky and filled with suggestions. “He canceled at the last minute last year, but I heard through Henderson that he’s confirmed. Flying in on the company jet.”

The person on the other end says something, making Sheryl laugh.

“Oh, trust me, I remember. That cocktail reception in Phoenix? The way he looked at me?” She stretches, catlike, and I catch her smile at her reflection in the window. “It was intense. This time I’m ready to seal the deal.”

I fold my clothes into the one drawer she left empty, telling myself this is fine. This is totally fine.

“Can you imagine?” Sheryl continues, and I feel her eyes on my back. “Landing the owner? Getting transferred to the main office on the East Coast?”

I try to drown her out by singing a song in my head. My hands shake a little as I smooth down my dress.

Fresh start, I remind myself before I take a deep breath.

Once I’m calm, I begin to unpack my ears.