His body warmth soaked through mine. It felt wonderful. “Sorry. I’m used to taking care of myself.”
“It’s okay. It’s just that I haven’t been on a date for a while.” He took my coat and hung it up. “How about you?”
“I’ve been divorced over a year and haven’t dated anyone special since then.”
“I’m sorry. Divorce is difficult. I’ve never been though one, but I have several friends who have gone through them, and nobody comes out unscathed.”
Scorch was yipping and barking in the other room.
“Sounds like Scorch found Pumpkin, a sweet little Pomeranian. Her owners are on a two week vacation in the Bahamas. Let’s go see how they are getting along.” He motioned for me to go ahead of him.
Keaton’s animal clinic was large but homey, with warm touches here and there. “I like it here. It doesn’t feel sterile like some of the clinics I’ve been in.”
He chuckled. “Susan, my old girlfriend, decorated it. She’s an interior designer.”
“Where is Susan now?” I liked to know the lay of the land, especially in a small town.
“Susan wanted the big city and the big city clients. She’s happy in Portland and I’m happy here.”
I nodded. From what I could see, she had talent. We walked into a large room filled with huge kennels. A few of them had pets in them—a rabbit, a large black cat, and a couple kittens. Scorch lay with his front paws crossed and his chin resting on them, staring at Pumpkin with adoring eyes.
“I think Scorch is in love.” Keaton reached down and unlatched Pumpkin’s cage. Scorch got up and spun around in excitement. The Pomeranian ran out of the cage full speed toward the back room with Scorch hot on her tail. We followed at a slower pace.
Scorch and Pumpkin were chasing each other’s tails and having the time of their lives.
Keaton walked up to my side. “Do you want to stay a while?”
“Do you mind? I haven’t see Scorch this excited in a long time.”
Keaton pulled over a couple of plastic chairs. “Not at all. When I’m working, I close the door to this room and let some of the pets out, if I know they’ll get along. How do you feel about cats?”
“Love them. Can we go get the black and white cat and kittens?” I wanted to hop up and down like Scorch in excitement.
“How is Scorch with cats?” Keaton took me by the elbow and we walked back toward the kennels.
“Great. My Gran has two of them. He considers them his equal.”
“I know Pumpkin gets along with cats. Let’s start with Kettle and Corn and see how Scorch does.”
I laughed at the names.
“Hey. I didn’t name them. My neighbor’s kids did. They found them abandoned behind the grocery store. I’m hoping to find a good home for them.” Keaton picked them up and they immediately cuddled close to his chest.
I reached out my arms. “Can I hold them?”
His smile broadened. “Yes. Of course. Follow me and you can sit down and I’ll put them in your lap.”
The chair was old and plastic but it was comfortable. I sat down and Keaton gently laid the kittens in my lap. Their little chests rumbled as I petted them. Scorch ran over, sniffed and then continued his squeaky toy wrestling match with Pumpkin.
“That went well. Hang on and I’ll get a blanket to put under them.”
“Okay.” I could sit like this forever. Keaton came back with a soft, rose-colored blanket. I scooped up the little kittens and Keaton spread the blanket on my lap. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
My stomach grumbled and Corn, the orange kitten, stretched his paw out and rested it on my belly. A sigh escaped my lips.
That sexy smile cranked up another notch and then he laughed. “Would you like me to have a pizza delivered so we can stay here?”
I returned his magnificent smile. “Would you?” I asked and continued to stroke the soft fur of the kittens. Kettle tapped my finger with her paw in a playful manner.
“I was joking, but it looks like I’m not going to be able to tear you away from them.”
He reached out and gently batted at Kettle’s paw. The kitten reciprocated. “I don’t want to ruin any plans for tonight.”
“Absolutely not. I just haven’t met anyone who enjoys animals as much as I do. Susan tolerated them—she never really cared one way or the other for them.”
“How can you not love animals? You don’t have to be wealthy, successful, or even perfect for them to return your love—it’s unconditional.”
Keaton’s eyes glowed in appreciation. “I’m glad you think so.”
He leaned in and pressed a kiss to my cheek. The spot where Keaton kissed me felt warm. As though he’d branded me with his lips.
He took out his cell phone. “What do you like on your pizza and most importantly, what kind of wine do you like?”
“They deliver wine, too?”
His eyes lit up. “I give all the local business owners discounts on pet care and they give me special privileges, like free delivery.”