Page 58 of The Maverick's Homecoming

“Oh, Finn. I am so glad you asked…”

He laughed, a low, rich sound that made her breath catch and a shiver slide over her skin. “I’m listening,” he said.

“Well, I don’t want to wait until after practice to bring them home. I want to use my lunch break to get them settled in. But then, I’ll just have to leave them and get back to work. Any chance you could meet me at my house, maybe stay for a while, keep them company for a bit after I have to go?”

The man didn’t even hesitate. “Yeah. No problem. I’ll meet you at Hoof and Paw, help out any way you need me there and then I’ll follow you home.”

It was exactly what she was hoping he might say. But really, she’d been taking total advantage of him lately and she couldn’t help but think that she should give the man a break. “Honestly, you could just meet me at my place around noon.”

“What time will you be at the vet’s to pick them up?”

“Finn.” She put on her best no-nonsense voice.

“Kenzie,” he replied in a similar tone.

“I get the feeling you’re not listening to me.”

“Because I’m not. What time will you be at Hoof and Paw?”

She let out a loud sigh. “I give up.”

“Finally. What time?”

* * *

When she arrived at the veterinarian’s office she found Finn leaning against his fancy crew cab, big arms folded across his broad chest. His Stetson shaded his eyes and he had on his team jacket.

She parked in the empty space beside him. By the time she pulled to a stop, he’d already walked around to the rear of her vehicle. He tapped on the hatch and she popped it. Then he grabbed the cat carrier, shut the liftgate and rounded the back of the Bronco to join her as she got out of the car.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Thanks for this.” She leaned up and kissed him. His lips were warm. She smiled into the kiss…and as soon as he lifted his head, she realized she probably shouldn’t have done that. “For some reason, I can’t quit kissing you. It’s getting so bad I’m doing it right out here in broad daylight for anyone driving by to see.”

He gave an easy shrug. “It’s okay. I like kissing you. Feel free to make a move on me whenever the mood strikes.”

“Please. If I keep kissing you in public, nobody will believe me when I tell them that we’re just good friends.”

“Face it.” He was smirking. “Thejust-good-friendsship has sailed. You saw the looks on their faces yesterday at the Silver Spur. They’ve all decided we’ve got a thing going on, that we are getting our second chance at true love.”

“That doesn’t mean we have to encourage them in their delusion,” she grumbled.

“On the contrary, Nurse Osborne. I like kissing you and I don’t care who’s watching orwhat they think about it, either.” Then he bent close and kissed her again.

She probably shouldn’t have kissed him back. But, hey. It was a beautiful day and she was bringing her kittens home.

Not to mention the man could kiss. And she loved that he would be there to help Tom and Ed feel more comfortable on their first day at her house.

Inside the vet’s office, Kenzie paid the bill. Anna took the carrier and disappeared down the hallway to the left of the front desk. A moment later, a tall woman in green scrubs emerged from the same hallway.

“Hello!” she said, offering her hand to Kenzie and then to Finn. “I’m Dr. Sparling, the veterinarian in charge here at the clinic. It’s so good to meet you both. And I’m happy to tell you that your kittens are healthy, fully vaccinated and ready to go home.” The vet went on to talk about neutering and when to bring Tom and Ed in for that. Finally, Anna reappeared with the cat carrier.

“Oh, look!” Kenzie teared up. “Here they are…” As if in reply, the kittens launched into a two-part chorus of meows.

At her house, she had everything ready for Ed and Tom. As soon as she let them out the carrier, off they darted to explore their new home. She made Finn a sandwich and then hung around for a half hour or so. She wished she could stay longer. But he was there to keep the kittens company for a while after she left and that made her feel better.

He walked her to the door where she handed him a house key.

“Because you’ll need to get in and out now. Thank you, for babysitting my kitties.”