Page 22 of The P*ssy Next Door

Liam didn't pretend for one second and gave George a playful pinch. But then they remembered I was standing there and that they were leaving me in charge of the coffee shop. “Once a month, they bring a few adoptable cats to the café. We set up a little play area in the corner, let customers interact with them. It's been great for business and for finding those furry angels forever homes.”

I blinked, trying to process this latest information. “Any other grand marketing schemes you've got in your back pockets?”

“Nope, that's the main one,” Uncle Liam assured me. “You just need to coordinate with them on dates and logistics. I've got all the contact info in here.” He tapped the tote bag.

I blew out a breath, mentally adding cat adoption facilitator to my ever-growing list of responsibilities. “Okay, got it. Anything else I should know?”

Uncle George exchanged a glance with Liam, his expression turning serious. “Willa, we just want to say... thank you. For doing this, for putting your life on hold for us. We know it's a lot to ask?—”

I held up a hand, cutting him off. “Stop right there. You guys have done so much for me, been there for me through everything. This is the least I can do.”

Uncle Liam's eyes misted over, and he pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. “We're so proud of you, and I promise you can go back to being the wild one soon. In the meantime, you're going to do great.”

“Just remember,” Uncle George added, joining in on the hug, “it doesn't really matter what you do with the place. As long as it's still standing when we get back, we'll count it as a win.”

I laughed, extricating myself from their octopus embrace. “Be careful what you wish for. It might be a European nightclub when you get back.”

Uncle Liam grinned, his eyes twinkling. “Fun. While you're going crazy, make it a cat café disco. You're halfway there. Just adopt all the kitties at the next cat rescue day and voilà, Discothèque Chat Noir is born.”

We all burst into laughter at the absurdity of the idea. Or maybe it was nervous laughter on all our parts for being crazy enough to leave me in charge of their business. I was never labeled the reliable one. But I was going to do my best. It was only for a few months.

Still giggling, I shooed them off to finish packing, promising to give the café my all. As the door swung shut behind them, I leaned against the counter, shaking my head.

A cat café discothèque. Honestly, where did they come up with this stuff?

My phone buzzed with an incoming text, and I fished it out of my apron pocket, expecting a last-minute reminder from my uncles.

Instead, Xander's name flashed across the screen. I thought it might be a teasing message meant to tell me good luck with the shop. But it sure as shit wasn't that.

I saw you with Kingman. What the hell, Willa? I told you to stay away from him.

I stared at the screen, my heart pounding. How did he know about my moment with Hayes on the porch? Had he been watching the house? That was over the top and unacceptable.

A flutter of unease stirred in my gut. I knew my brother could be overprotective, but this felt different. Darker.

I closed my eyes, remembering the soft brush of Hayes's lips against mine, the promise in his words. I couldn't let Xander's misplaced anger ruin this. Nope, wait, no, no, no. I wasn't even getting involved with Hayes. I'd already told him not to fall for me, and he'd taken the hint and walked away. Although without some loaded promises about no promises.

Didn't matter. Xander didn't get to tell me what to do. Jaw set, I typed out a response.

Back off, Xan. My life, my choices. I mean it.

I hit send before I could second guess myself, then shoved the phone back in my pocket. I had a café to run and future adventures to plan. With a half a year of savings in my pocket and hardly any expenses since I'd be living at the Guncles' house while they were gone, I didn't even have to find another teaching job right away. I could explore some places first and pick someplace I was willing to stay for a whole contract, without getting bored.

But even as I daydreamed about places like the ice hotel and the northern lights, or the famous mountain hot springs and bath houses in Japan, somehow Hayes was in each of those fantasies with me. Which was unlikely. He had a whole-ass family and a successful football career here in Denver.

So I don't even know why Xan was worried in the first place. It wasn't like I was marrying a Kingman. I'd more likely open a cat café first.

Stupid overprotective twin brother.

The rest of the day passed in a blur, just a few coffee orders, inventory checks, and a minor mishap with the espresso machine that left me smelling like a walking latte. I was adding more herbal teas to the menu immediately if not sooner. Thank goodness it was almost closing time. I did love having the evenings off for the first time in forever. I was more than ready to throw in the towel and call it a day. What I needed was some Netflix.

But, of course, my mind went to whether Hayes might want to come over for the chill portion of the evening. Bad brain. No nookie with Hayes. That was a dangerous path that led to feelings. Ain't nobody got time for feelings.

But then the chime over the door dinged, I looked up, and my heart did a little flip.

Hayes stood in the doorway, looking like a big, yummy snack. He was freshly showered, his hair still damp, and I'd bet he'd come straight from practice. He had no right to look that good.

“Hey,” he said, his voice sending a shiver down my spine. “How's the official first day of being a café owner?”