Page 93 of Harvest Heat

“That’s not true.”

“Yes it is.” Rhys realized Tessa had joined them while he’d been panicking over how Kate would respond to their drink. She held out her hand to Kate. “Hi, I’m Tessa. My brother Finn and I own Driftwood Doughs. We supply the cinnamon rolls for Cloud Nine.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I suppose you already know I’m Kate, Caleb’s sister.”

“The resemblance is striking.”

She grinned. “Apparently, our parents only make one model.”

Caleb had been right. Kate had accepted him, and he was already starting to feel comfortable with her. He liked how straightforward she was. Sure, she might seem a little abrupt to most people, but at least he knew where he stood.

At that moment, Mallow started meowing to get out of her carrier.

“Is that Mallow?” Kate asked.

“Yes. I thought you’d want to meet her before things get even crazier.”

Rhys lifted the kitten out of the carrier and petted her while he carried her to Kate.

When he looked up, he saw Caleb staring at him with more hunger in his eyes than he should have in public.

“Caleb, stop watching your boyfriend and introduce me to your cat.”

Caleb huffed at her. “I deserve a moment to appreciate my man.”

“Eww.”

He took the kitten from Rhys and snuggled her. “This is Mallow, and if you can’t be nice, I’m not going to let you hold her.”

Kate just laughed at him. “It’s good to see how much you like Mallow, Rhys. I won’t tolerate any more assholes who give away pets.”

“I would like to rip Adrian apart for that,” Rhys said.

Kate smiled at him. “Yes, I definitely like you.”

Caleb rolled his eyes. “I need to take Mallow back to Cloud Nine. Why don’t you come with me so I can show you the shop and my apartment?”

“That sounds good if everything’s okay here.”

Rhys nodded. “I’ve got this. Go show off Cloud Nine and get Mallow settled.”

“Nice to meet you, Tessa,” Kate said before she and Caleb started off toward Cloud Nine.

“You too. Stop by my booth later.”

“I will.”

Tessa turned to Rhys once they were gone. “She seems great, but you didn’t tell me his sister was going to be here.”

“I didn’t find out until last night.”

“Oh my God, Caleb waited until then to tell you? He had to know that would freak you out.”

“He wasn’t sure if Kate could get away. She’s got a big trial coming up next week. That was why he waited, but I told him not to ever do that again.”

“Good for you. What did he say?”

“He apologized and said he would give me more warning next time. He thought he was doing the right thing by not worrying me until her visit was confirmed, but now he knows that’s not what I need.”