Page 28 of Rescued Love
“You seem pretty attached to her,” I watch my girl, the look on her face making it clear that she hates putting the kitten back in the kennel, “and her to you.”
Kimball gives me a soft smile, one that I tuck close to my heart. “I am,” she admits. “I’m not supposed to get attached, but it’s not easy. I’ve done a pretty good job of accepting that I’m a transition stop between their old lives and their forever lives, but it’s different with Midnight.” She shrugs one shoulder before nodding toward the door. “I’m not sure why it’s different with her.”
“Maybe it’s different because you’re supposed to be her forever,” I offer gently as I fall in step with her while leaving the cat room.
I had wanted to get a moment alone with Kimball the moment I saw her the other night at The Goose. When our eyes lockedand I saw the way that hers dimmed, I knew the apology I owed her needed to come sooner rather than later.
The way she looked at me with trepidation, like she was just waiting for me to lay into her again, was fucking awful. I hated it so damn much. My need to make it right with her was tugging at me.
I just didn’t get the chance to talk to her without anyone listening that night.
It sucked, but I couldn’t do anything about it then. If I would have asked her to step away, it would have raised more questions; questions I didn’t want to answer.
Being near her was enough. Getting to learn little things about her was enough.
Since I didn’t want to go full-on creepy stalker, I didn’t ask Grandpa about where Kimball lives yesterday and resigned myself to find her at the shelter today.
With the way the man was glaring at me, especially when I told him that while I saw her at the bar, I didn’t get the chance to apologize to her, it was clear he wasn’t happy with me. Not even a little bit. I can only hope he doesn’t lead Salt into my room or something equally sinister before I can tell him that I’ve made it right with the captivating animal lover.
This morning, as much as I wanted to be here when they opened so I could see her first thing, I knew I needed to get the chores done at the sanctuary first. I wasn’t going to let Grandpa go out and get them done when I was more than capable, even if I was impatient.
I swear Penny picked up on Grandpa’s displeasure with me because that bird chased me around the entire sanctuary andwouldn’t give me a moment of peace while I was getting things done. That also meant it took me longer to do everything because I needed to keep one eye on Penny and one eye out for Salt, just in case.
Before I walked into the shelter this afternoon, I sat out in Grandpa’s truck and stared at the building for long enough that I started to get concerned that someone would call the sheriff and report me for loitering. I was also more than a little worried that I’d come off as creepy as hell.
My nerves were holding me in place. Being nervous, especially when it comes to pleading a case, even if it’s mine, is not a feeling I’m used to at all.
The courtroom is where I’ve always felt comfortable, but the stakes felt a lot higher while sitting in front of the rescue than they ever did when defending my clients.
All because of the woman in front of me. Kimball.
The woman who is supposed to be mine.
When I finally mustered up the courage to step inside, I was both ecstatic that Kimball wasn’t at the front desk and a little disappointed. My need to see her was growing the closer I was to her, and I knew she was in the building. I could feel it—a tug in my gut insisting that my feet move toward her.
The girl at the counter greeted me warmly, “Hi. Welcome to the Loudon County Animal Rescue. Are you looking to adopt today?”
I gave her a soft smile while wishing I could adopt every animal in the building. I just knew it would make Kimball happy.
I shook my head and asked, “Is Kimball around? I need to speak with her.”
The girl studied me for a few moments. It probably wasn’t too long, but it felt like a fucking eternity.
“Oh,” she shouted and snapped her fingers, “you must be Mr. Jacobson’s grandson. I heard about you visiting him.”
“I am.” I had to force myself to relax my normally rigid posture. I wasn’t at work, and she wasn’t a client. “My name’s Nathan.”
“Nathan,” she hummed. “I’m Sadie.”
She smiled at me and then pointed down the hall. “I’m pretty sure I saw her slip into the kennel area. Go through the dog room and you’ll get to the cat area. I bet she’s in there snuggling a kitten she’s in denial about wanting to adopt.”
I grin at Sadie, both surprised and thankful with how open she’s being with me. I thanked her and followed her directions. She was right; I found Kimball right where she said I would.
I’m fucking ecstatic that she accepted my apology. I wasn’t expecting her to, but I’m grateful for it. She could have told me to shove my words up my ass, but she took pity on me.
I realize that I’ve followed her to her office and right before she steps inside, I grip her elbow softly. Tingles engulf my hand and shoot up my arm. From the way Kimball gasps and looks up at me with side eyes full of surprise and wonderment, I’m pretty sure she just felt the same thing I did.
“Woah,” she breathes out.