12. Chapter 12

A s soon as I returned home after dropping Marley off, I hurried to the bathroom to check on the kitten. It was late, after midnight, and tomorrow— today —was looking to be a long day, but I couldn't ignore the fact that I had a tiny houseguest who was likely scared and confused.

When I went in and sat on the floor, he mewed and rubbed his head against my slacks. Damn , he was cute. I stayed, petting him for a while, and he even crawled into my lap again; well, the gap of space between my legs. It was difficult closing the door and leaving him behind again.

Marley had suggested leaving him in the bathroom for the night to help him acclimate to his new environment. The logic was sound, but actually carrying it out was a lot harder. Especially when I heard tiny cries from my bedroom as I undressed. He sounded so sad. How could I leave him in a cold room by himself?

I couldn't. That was the answer. Stripped down to my boxer briefs and an undershirt, I went back to the guest bathroom and opened the door. "Come on little guy. You can come out." I clicked my tongue and saw an orange ear behind the door before his eyes peered out. When he saw me, he trotted over and walked around my feet. But now that he was out, I didn't know what to do with him, except that I was desperate for sleep.

"I'm going this way. You can come if you like," I said, talking to him like he understood, because I honestly didn't know how to talk to a cat.

Walking back to my bedroom, the kitten followed behind me, as though he thought I was safe and didn't want to stray too far from me. The idea that this tiny creature trusted me stirred up an overwhelming feeling of protectiveness. I wouldn't let anything happen to this little guy.

Pulling the thin blanket back, I climbed into bed and looked over the side to see what he would do. His head was tilted all the way back, staring up at me. I patted my hand on the bed. "Come up."

The kitten jumped, but didn't make it very far. Instead he clung to the side with his itsy-bitsy murder mittens and scaled the rest of the way up, making me laugh at his determination. I liked him; he had spunk .

I leaned back against the padded headboard and pulled the sheet and blanket up. Wiggling my fingers on my chest, I talked to him and called him over. He seemed to catch on and climbed on top of me until he was only a few inches away from my face. He started kneading the blanket, poking my pecs with his claws through the material. I winced but didn't dare move him, not when he started purring again. Even if it felt like I had a million minuscule holes in me, it was worth it. Worth it to see him settle in and lie down, purring that uneven purr and closing his little eyes. He'd had a long night, too.

Knowing Marley would get a kick out of it, I snapped a shot with him curled up on me and sent him a text. Looking at the picture, several emotions were at play; pride, awe, contentment—happiness. It was the kind of picture I imagined a million people would post online. I never understood it before, but caught in such a perfect moment, I wanted nothing more than to share it. Before I could think about it, I posted it to my Instagram page with my five followers, just so I would have a space to see it again. After having my account for a long time, I finally had a second post.

My phone buzzed, and I looked at it, trying not to disturb the vibrating bundle on my chest.

Marley: Oh my God!!! That is the cutest thing I've ever seen. I wish I was there with you.

Me: I do, too .

Marley: You are one hot cat daddy, like it's not even fair.

Me: Oh really?

Marley: Yup. I mean, you were handsome, but with a kitten, you just jumped to a whole other level.

Me: Good to know. Thank you for a really great night, Sunshine. Get some rest.

Marley: Thank you. Tonight was incredible. Take care of our baby. Goodnight, Derek.

Late nights were nothing new, but when my alarm went off in the morning, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. My neck and back were cramped from staying in a weird position all night. I wasn't used to sharing my bed, especially not with such a tiny companion who stayed pressed up against me all night. I'd been so worried about squishing him, that I kept my body still, constantly aware of him.

Stretching and rolling my neck, the kitten mewed when I disturbed him, wishing I could stay in place and let him keep using me for warmth and comfort. There was too much happening at work today for me to linger, though.

I scooped him up, and he stared at me. That fear and hesitation were gone, leaving pure trust that hit me right in the chest. He was a little dirty, but we hadn't wanted to traumatize him last night when we were still getting him comfortable.

"Come on, we need to get you cleaned up, too. "

I carried him to the bathroom, first showing him the cat box, his food and water, and giving him a few minutes to check everything out. Normally, I would use my master bathroom to get ready, but I decided to take a quick shower in here while the kitten got used to it. As soon as I was under the hot water, he was sitting by the glass door, watching me, and meowing.

"I don't think you want to come in here, little guy."

Still, he kept meowing, wanting to get to me. I opened the door, and the water splashed out, sprinkling the kitten who sat there and blinked rapidly, not understanding why he was getting wet. I closed the door, and he started meowing again.

"Fine, have it your way." I pushed the door open again and got back to washing my hair. With my eyes closed, I felt something touch my leg, which made me jump. I looked down to see the kitten standing in the shower, pawing at my foot.

"What are you doing?" I let out a chuckle and picked him up. Well, since he was already here, might as well make it a two-for-one. I turned the water temperature down and scrubbed the kitten under the water. Without the cat shampoo that we bought, he was just getting a water shower. His little claws gripped my hand, but he didn't try to get away .

"You really are something else. I didn't think cats liked getting wet." He didn't seem to enjoy it necessarily, but he wasn't tearing me to pieces either.

Calling it good enough, I shut off the water and got out, grabbing a towel. I focused on the kitten first. Scruffing him lightly until he started purring and looking raggedy with his damp fur.

"You are something else, you know that? I think you need a name." He was tough, sweet, and unexpected. He reminded me of a movie I watched a lot as a kid.

"I think I'll call you O'Malley. How does that sound?"

The ginger cat didn't respond, not that I expected him to, but the lack of outright horror seemed confirmation enough.

"Alright, O'Malley, I gotta get ready for work, but I'll be back in a little while." I placed him in front of his food bowl, hoping it would be distraction enough to let me slip out of the bathroom. Before heading to the master bath to finish my morning routine, I went to the pile of stuff that we'd bought and brought a bed and a couple of toys to put in the bathroom with him.

I hated leaving him in there, but hated the thought of something happening to him even more. Maybe once he got used to the condo, he could explore it freely. So far, he'd only been in my room and the guest bathroom.

His mewing from behind the closed door when I was leaving almost made me call in sick and cancel all my meetings, but I couldn't. Besides, I hadn't taken a sick day in four years.

When I got to work ten minutes late, Paul eyed me questioningly. "Morning, boss. You look like you had a rough night. Was the date that bad?"

Exhaustion was catching up to me. Exhaustion and worry for the tiny creature I'd left behind, and it was making me feel testy.

"The date was wonderful and none of your business," I growled out.

"Okay. Sorry for asking. Do you want me to delay the meeting or will you be ready to join us in the conference room?"

"Give me five minutes."

"Alright, five minutes."

I threw my briefcase on the hook by my door and turned on my computer. I'd been so preoccupied with O'Malley that I hadn't even checked my emails. There was no way I could walk into the meeting and get blindsided by something that might have been in an email. While the computer loaded, I pulled out my phone and opened the text thread with Marley. Reading through the last few texts brought a smile to my face, pushing back the exhaustion for a moment.

Me: Good morning, Marley. I'm at work. O'Malley is doing great. We took a shower together.

Marley: O'Malley? The kitten ?

Me: Yeah. He needed a name.

Marley: Oh no, you named him.

Me: Oh. Is that a bad thing?

Marley: It just makes it harder to give him up. Take it from me and lots of experiences with rescues.

I felt my stomach drop. It had only been one night, but I was already getting attached and had forgotten that it was only temporary.

Me: Shit.

Marley: It'll be fine. O'Malley, huh?

Me: Yeah. Thomas O'Malley, the alley cat.

Marley: From Aristocats, the Disney movie ? That's adorable! I have to admit, I love it.

Me: Yeah, he's a tough little guy, it seemed fitting.

Marley: Wait a second! Did you say you took a shower together?

Me: O'Malley insisted.

Marley: I might be a little jealous. O'Malley got to shower with you before I could.

Me: I guess we'll have to fix that, then.

Marley: (fire emoji) yes please!

Me: Hey, I'm heading into a meeting, so I have to go. I plan to run home at lunch and check on O'Malley, but I have a dinner meeting later. Here's the code for my place if you want to swing by and see him.

Marley: You're just giving me access to your condo ?

Me: Yes. I trust you. Besides, there's nothing there but stuff, it's no big deal.

Marley: Careful or I might just show up and accost you in the middle of the night.

Me: You have the code.

Marley: (Laughing emoji)

Me: Have a good day.

Tucking my phone in my pocket, I felt lighter after the brief text conversation. There was something about him, even digitally, that made me forget how tired and sore I was. After a quick scan through my emails, I gathered up my tablet, notes, and the lukewarm cup of coffee that Paul had left on my desk for me and walked into the conference room feeling less murdery.

Paul arched his brow, and I offered him a nod, indicating I was ready. After the meeting, he stayed behind and approached me with caution. "You seem…better? Everything okay?"

"Yes. Sorry for being short this morning; it was a long night. And no, don't insert whatever innuendo you're thinking, because we're not going there. Let's keep moving; there's a lot to do today, and I'll be leaving for lunch."

"You're…leaving?"

Paul's surprise wasn't unfounded. I never left during the workday, not unless it was for something work-related.

"Yes. I need to check on something at home, but I'll have my phone on if I'm needed. "

My assistant looked as if he were about to ask another question, but nodded instead. "Okay. I'll field any questions that come up. I'm sure we can survive for an hour. Are you sure everything is okay?"

"Yes. I'm tired, but fine. At least I will be if you stop asking." Maybe the burst of sunshine I'd gotten from Marley was wearing off. I was feeling like I needed a nap, and I never napped.

"Alright, message received. If you need anything, just let me know."

"Coffee would be great."

Paul gave me a salute and headed toward the office kitchenette. Sitting in my office, I caught up on work, all the while thinking about Marley and O'Malley. Two things I never knew I needed, but suddenly felt desperate to see either, or both. Fueled by the countless cups of coffee that kept appearing, I made it until lunchtime, when I left without saying anything to anyone. Driving as fast as I could, I hurried home.

As soon as I opened the door, the saddest small cries hit me square in the chest. Poor little guy locked up and alone on his first day in a new place. I walked swiftly toward the bathroom and opened it carefully.

"It's okay, O'Malley. I'm here." The kitten ran over to me and I picked him up. He started purring the instant I held him, and I drew him to my chest, letting his vibrations rumble through me. "I'm sorry, buddy. That must have been a hard day."

I scanned the bathroom and found a large pile of unraveled and shredded toilet paper. Was it out of boredom, or had he really enjoyed playing with it? At least it was only paper, no big deal. It looked as if he'd eaten some food, and I was happy to see he'd managed to use the litter box.

"Look at you. Good job, O'Malley. How about we take a break from this room for now and you can see the rest of the house?"

I carried him to my bedroom and placed him on the bed, hoping it would seem familiar and comfortable. He started kneading on the blanket, which was completely adorable. I walked away and he stopped, watching me. Was he worried I was going to leave him, or was he simply curious?

"Well, come on," I said and indicated for him to follow me before walking down the hallway. I clicked my tongue as I walked and I heard a little thump as the kitten jumped to the ground. I stopped in the bathroom, so he could remember how to get there, and then continued on to the living room.

Grabbing a feather toy, I sat on the couch and flicked the toy around, hoping it would catch his attention. Maybe if I got him to play, it would tire him out before I left. O'Malley spotted the feather that was attached to a string and a stick, like a small fishing pole. He crouched down like a little predator, wiggling his hind like he was winding up for a big launch, and pounced at it. I pulled the toy away at the last second and he jumped, trying to catch it. We did it again, and again, until I felt like he earned his kill and let him catch it.

The whole time I was at home, I never turned on the news, checked my emails, or pulled out my laptop. O'Malley kept my attention. After he'd played hard for a while, I'd gotten the treat bag and sat on the couch with it. As soon as he tried one, he climbed up my pants leg until he was standing on me, pawing at my hand for more. His feistiness made me feel like he had a real shot of being a happy and healthy kitty after who knew how long he'd been wandering outside.

When the time came for me to leave for work again, I found it even harder than it had been that morning. Harder still when I put him in the bathroom and he began to cry immediately. I couldn't do it, couldn't make myself leave him behind a closed door. Maybe if he could smell me, it would help.

"Okay. Okay. I hear you." I opened the door, and he darted out, running right for my bedroom. That was fine. I didn't think there was anything that would hurt him or that he could hurt. As I told Marley, it was all just stuff that could be replaced.

"Be a good kitty. Marley will be here later to see you," I called out as I headed toward the front door. It felt odd, but nice having someone to say goodbye to, even if it was a feline companion. It had always been only me at home. No one to greet, to check in on, to care if I was gone too long. Already, I was eager to make it through the day to come back and see him.