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He takes his attention from Gracie and straightens to extend his hand for her to shake.
She extends hers as well. “It’s nice to meet you finally, Liam. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“The pleasure is mine. I feel like I already know you with how much SJ has talked about you,” he says, shooting me a knowing look.
I shrug. I’m unwilling to hide my feelings for Nora anymore. Boss be damned.
She glances at me and offers a beautiful smile. It does something to me deep down, igniting a flame. I have to control myself; we aren’t alone. The thoughts of being tangled up with her again linger in my mind.
“Nora, SJ, this is Gracie.” He introduces that damn cat as if he’ll offer her paw for us to shake.
Dear fuck, that man has lost his damn mind. I wonder if Colin and Donovan know about this shit.
Nora leans down to give Gracie a gentle rub down her back. The feisty feline arches her back, leaning into Nora’s touch.
“She likes you,” Liam’s smile is proud.
“This is David’s cat?” I ask, bringing this back to reality.
“Was. She was David’s cat. He wasn’t taking care of her so she’s mine now.” Liam’s tone and look make it clear the decision is final.
“Alright, cat dad,” I tease.
Liam’s eyebrows raise. He pauses before a smile splits his face. “You’ve got jokes, huh?”
I smirk. “After seeing this?” I point back and forth between him and the cat. “For days, brother. Jokes…for days.”
“Should we order lunch?” Nora breaks the amusing banter between Liam and me.
We laugh. Liam knows me well enough to know I’d give him a hard time about the cat. It’s all in good fun.
“Lunch sounds great. I’m starved,” I say, rubbing my stomach.
We spend the rest of the afternoon together. Liam and Nora hit it off great, and Gracie has made herself at home.
Liam and I did a walk through the apartment. He knows every entrance and exit point. We made sure each is secure before moving on to the next. Once everything is secure and Liam knows the layout of the building, I get dressed to go. I decide on a black suit and a shoulder holster to easily conceal my gun.
Liam and I sit together and discuss every detail of my plan. I don’t want Nora to be present for this discussion, and she reluctantly agrees. She’s worried about tonight, but I don’t see any other way, and I don’t want her to worry over all the fine details. What’s important is this ends tonight.
She’ll be safe no matter what I have to do. I’ll make sure of it.
Liam suggests different scenarios and how he would handle them. He has some years on me, so I take his advice seriously.
“I think the plan is solid, but you need to be prepared for the unknown. Miller is unhinged at this point. I still think we should have called in Colin or Donovan.” Liam says.
“I’ve ran through every possible scenario I can think of. I’m ready. I don’t want to call attention to the plan and the more people involved the more likely that will happen.” I’ve second guessed my decision to not pull in backup over and over. But every time I see it as more of a hindrance.
Nothing is going to stop me from getting this guy and ending it for Nora. I’m the best man for the job.
Liam is quiet for a moment. “I understand your desire to take care of this yourself. It’s plain as day how strongly you feel for her. SJ, make sure you don’t let those feelings get in the way. You need to be clear headed.”
“I know and I will be. I’m not willing to let this go any other way besides Nora getting her life back.”
Liam simply nods and slaps my back. He understands and he supports me. “Be safe. I’ve got her covered.”
“Well, it’s about that time,” I tell Liam as I look at my watch. I know he will protect her with his life and that’s the only reason I’m comfortable leaving her.
Nora walks into the living room with Gracie in tow. They’ve really taken to each other. Maybe it’s odd that the stalker’s cat loves Nora so much. Or maybe the cat knows David Miller is insane, too.
