think my keeper was jealous." Forgetting my intentions to act like a grownup, I pushed my partially eaten plate aside and slouched in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest to pout.
With a snort, Brody nudged my plate back toward me. "Keeper. Ain't that the truth? If you ask me, you need one full-time. Behave yourself, boy. Sit up and finish your lunch. You might want to remember we're in public while you're at it."
Uncle Jim and Brittany watched with wide eyes while I sat up and obeyed Brody. So they didn't think he had the upper hand, I shrugged. "Fine. But only because I want you to take me to the Pet Emporium on the way home." I stopped myself from reminding him he'd promised. Partially because I wanted to sound like I was making him do it, but mostly because I was certain Brody never forgot anything.
A couple hours later, I had a full belly, a fuller bag of new toys and treats in the back seat, and a kitten on my lap. Well, a small crate containing the kitten, anyway. Brody drove slowly, as if we had precious cargo. It made me feel melty inside, although I wasn’t going to admit it to him.
"I still say she would've been fine in the backseat." When he stopped at a red light, Brody poked a finger through the grate to rub Miss Meow Meow's black fur. "She seems calmer now. That's good, right?"
"Because I've been talking to her the whole time. She needs to know I'm going to be the best kitty daddy ever." I glanced over my shoulder at the things I’d bought upon finding my new baby at the adoption event we'd happened onto outside the store. "Are you sure the pink collar is going to look good on Lady K? I'm having second thoughts about all the bling. Plus, Lady K is a ginger. Pink probably isn't her color."
I loved how Brody took me seriously. He actually took time to consider the question before responding. "While most redheads can't pull off pink, I think Lady K's rust-colored stripes help break up her orangey fur tone. The color will be great on her, I promise."
"Fur tone?" I giggled. "I like you better when you're silly. Get ready. Introducing the babies will be a big job. Lady K should be nice, I think, since Miss Meow Meow is a baby. If she was older, I wouldn't have tried it."
As we pulled onto our street, Brody chuckled. "And I like seeing this side of you, Neil. You're a good kitty daddy."
I drew in a deep breath, blushing as butterflies fluttered in my chest. "Do you honestly think so? I try to be. I love cats so much. They make you work for their affection, but the payoff when they start purring is totally worth it."
"Really? You like cats? I never would've guessed. Especially when you have a new cat video to share with your viewers every morning." His teasing made me grin because my funny cat videos were a fan favorite. Brody cleared his throat. "To answer your question, yes. I do think so. If I didn't, I would've considered at least trying to talk you out of adopting a second one."
He pulled into the driveway and parked, hopping out to come around to get my door. After a week together, I knew well enough to stay put this time. Plus, I kinda had my hands full. Brody opened my door and took the crate while I got out, then handed it back so he could get the bags from the backseat. Even though he seemed casual, he was on high alert as he escorted me to the door.
When we walked up to the entry, I gasped. I only didn’t fall to my knees because I would’ve dropped Miss Meow Meow. Brody's arm coming around me didn't hurt either. Blinking, I read the ugly words on the paper stuck to my front door.
Scared yet? I haven't forgotten you or your big mouth. Your time is coming.
"Are you okay? Let's get inside. Don't touch the note at all." Brody managed to sound both gentle and no-nonsense at the same time. Gulping, I dipped my head and hugged the crate to my chest while Brody entered the security code and let us in. "Neil, I need you to stay strong for me. We aren't going to let him ruin our day. Look, here comes Lady K. Why don't you set