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Sara bent over and picked up the kitten. It took a moment to release the kitten’s nails from the material. Once the kitten was free, Sara lifted her up until they were face to face. “I know you missed me. I missed you too. But we’re going to have company for dinner.”
“Meow.”
“Ah, so you like the thought of company. You’ll be even happier to know that it’s Kent.”
“Meow-meow.”
“How about I make you a deal? I’ll give you some food, and then you can take a nap on the couch while I make something for Kent to eat.”
“Meow.”
“Good. I knew you’d see it my way.” She hugged the kitten before placing him on the floor.
Sara didn’t waste any time getting the kitten some food. She knew if she took her time, she’d end up with the kitten climbing up her leg again. And it hurt, a lot.
Once the kitten was fed, Sara realized she had no idea what to make for dinner. It was a good thing she’d stopped and picked up some groceries yesterday. Now to decide what she would make.
It had to be something a little bit impressive. And yet it needed to be something that wasn’t too elaborate. He would be there within the hour.
Chapter Twelve
Whatwasgoingon?
Kent couldn’t believe Sara had invited him to her place for dinner. It was almost like they were friends. Was that possible? Had she finally gotten over the past?
He wanted to think they were truly friends, but he was hesitant. He knew how she’d falsely believed he’d hurt her sister when in fact it had been quite the opposite. And as much as he’d wanted to explain all of this to her, he just couldn’t go back on the promise he’d made to Cari.
Was it possible that by working together, day in and day out, that Sara realized he wasn’t the horrible person she’d imagined him to be? He hoped so.
He’d rushed home. His apartment was in the center of Bluestar. As he stepped in the door, he realized it wasn’t nearly as nice as Sara’s place. Where she had landscape prints on her walls, he hadn’t bothered to hang anything on his. He didn’t spend much time here. Most of his time was spent at the store and half the time he had dinner with his parents because his mother always cooked more than enough, and he wasn’t that anxious to go home and cook for one.
Maybe he’d just let his life get stuck in a rut. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that was exactly what had happened. If he didn’t do something about it, nothing was ever going to change. It was in that moment that he promised himself if he got the in-person interview, he’d give it his best try. It would be the first step to changing his life.
He grabbed a quick shower before putting on some fresh clothes. Wanting to build on whatever this dinner represented, he stopped on his way to her place and bought a couple of things to take with him. After all, he wanted to make a good impression.
When he reached the steps leading to Sara’s apartment, he paused. He reminded himself this wasn’t a date—not even close. This was just Sara being friendly. Nothing more.
And yet there was a part of him that wanted it to be more. So much more. He halted his thoughts. That wasn’t going to happen.
He started up the steps. His steps came quickly, and in no time he was rapping his knuckles on the white door.
“Just a minute!”
A minute later, Sara swung the door open. She bestowed on him a brilliant smile. It was so warm it was like standing in front of the afternoon sun. He basked in her friendly gesture.
It took him a moment to remember he’d picked up a bouquet of flowers for her. He held out the arrangement of white roses, pink Gerbera daisies, and green Fuji spider mums. He’d learned all of that from the little card tucked within the arrangement. “These are for you.”
He didn’t know it was possible, but her smile broadened. She accepted the bouquet and sniffed the blooms. “Thank you. They’re beautiful!”
It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her that their beauty paled in comparison to hers, but he bit back the words. He couldn’t read more into this meal than she intended. This was a friendly gesture. Nothing more.
And then as though she realized he was still standing outside, she opened the door wide. “Come on in.”
When he stepped past her, he inhaled the lightest scent. His eyes momentarily drifted closed as he appreciated her perfume. He couldn’t name it, but it had a hint of citrus mixed with floral. He wanted to pause so he could breathe in deeper.
Instead, he kept walking. But he didn’t get far before the kitten ran up to him. The kitten pranced about, meowing. A smile pulled at his lips. He’d never had anyone so excited to see him. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was what Sara came home to each day.
He knelt down and picked up the kitten. “And how are you?”
