Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
ELLE
This damn cat. Honey Cat can’t stand to be held by anyone other than Henry or myself for longer than a minute or two and from what Patrick said, Honey Cat’s been with him—draped against his muscular shoulders—for a while.
I couldn’t get him out of my head all weekend.
His voice haunted my dreams and my shower escapade did nothing to settle the burning in my stomach.
My body has never reacted like this and it’s driving me crazy.
I thought I would get a break from my Intruder when I came to work this morning but there was another fucking flower on my desk.
I had convinced myself the first flower had come from someone else, anyone else but any possible suspects were deemed not guilty at the appearance of the yellow bulb resting on my desk.
It stood out like a beacon, away from all of my papers and folders. My heart had squeezed at the consideration and I almost tripped and fell to the ground as I rushed to my desk to add it to the notebook that housed the other.
“Honey Cat?” Patrick’s voice pulls me out of my memories and I focus on his stupid symmetrical face. “Is that your name, little one?” A fucking smile that makes my knees weak as he squats down and chucks Honey Cat under the chin.
“Uhhh, yeah. Henry named him.” My voice comes out breathier than I intended and my annoyance with myself spikes.
“There’s a water bowl in the restroom, under the sink.
” I turn my back to Patrick and go back behind my desk, placing Honey Cat on my desk, she makes herself comfortable.
I can hear him mumbling to himself as he clatters around looking for the bowl.
I open a bottom drawer from my desk and pull out a small bag of kitten treats. Honey Cat perks up at the sounds of the treats rattle in the bag. “Not yet, you need some water.” She lets out a small sound of disagreement but snuggles into my hand as I tickle her head.
“Order up!” Patrick strolls back into the main office, holding the water bowl like it’s fine dining for Honey Cat. He’s such a fucking dork, it’s so cute. I shake my head.
No, I need to stop thoughts like that.
I point to the empty corner of the office, “You can put her bowl over there, next to the couch.” I had spent a few too many nights falling asleep at my desk and decided a small pull out was better than walking across the Farm in the dark while I was tired.
He gives me a little salute and walks over, squatting down to place the bowl gently on the ground.
It also gives me a great view of that bite-able ass.
I choke back a groan as I scoop Honey Cat up from my desk and join Patrick by the corner, Honey Cat sees her bowl and leaps from my arms to attack her water.
I wait a beat while she takes a few sips of the water before I shake a few treats onto the ground next to her bowl.
I stand up and my shoulder brushes against Patrick’s chest. He stiffens and a small gasp escapes my lips. I take a step back, needing some distance before I do something I regret. “I’m going to get back to work.” I hitch my thumb behind me, gesturing at my desk.
Oh my god, what am I doing? He knows where my desk is. Fucking weirdo. I don’t wait for an answer as I turn on my heels and shuffle back to my desk. I refuse to tear my eyes away from my computer screen but I can feel Patrick hanging around, occasional muttering to Honey Cat.
His sweet words take me back to that fucking cave and I have to press my thighs together to ease some of my ache. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to calm down. This is so fucking wrong. I shouldn’t be reacting like this to someone I declared I hated a week ago.
“Well, I’m going to head out, got some trail work.
” I acknowledge him with a wave but I don’t dare to look up at him.
Honey Cat’s paws tap tap against the floor as she follows after Patrick.
“You joining me, little one?” His question is answered with a soft meow.
“Alright, let’s do it to it.” The doors closed softly behind them and I let out a deep breath.
My cat was a fucking traitor.