“No, really, I don’t need any help.” Isabelle dropped the box filled with steaming bags on the counter. He chuckled at her sarcasm because chances were if he’d offered to help she’d have shooed him away.
“That’s why I didn’t help.” Keith winked at her, and she rolled her eyes.
It didn’t take more than thirty seconds before Isabelle noticed the out of place storage container in the middle of the kitchen.
“When did you get a cat?” She reached into the box and picked up the kitten.
“I didn’t. I found it snagged in the burlap on the side of the house. Be careful that thing’s a savage.” Keith eyed the kitten as it began to purr at Isabelle.
“Yeah, it’s a killer.” She chuckled.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. The fucking thing left holes in my arm.” Keith started to rummage through the bags.
“Poor Keith.” Isabelle teased. “Why bring her in the house then?” She put the cat back in the box.
“It’s supposed to get cold tonight, and I’m not a complete ass,” Keith said.
“That’s a matter of opinion.” Keith’s jaw clenched when he heard her voice. “Hi, Isabelle.”
“Hey, Emily. From that statement, I’m assuming Keith’s being his usual charming self.” His cousin made herself comfortable as she hopped up on one of the counter stools.
Emily walked around Isabelle and glanced down into the box. It didn’t take long for her to coo over the furball, as she and Isabelle talked about changing the style of his cousin’s hair. He grabbed three plates from the cupboard and filled them with food.
“What’s her name?” Emily asked as she sat next to his cousin.
“Isabelle.” Keith chuckled and quickly ducked as Isabelle tossed a bread roll at him.
“I meant the cat, dumbass.” Emily shook her head.
“I’m not naming that thing. I’m gonna put a message on social media to see if anyone lost it.” Keith shoved another forkful of potatoes into his mouth.
“That could take a while. What are you going to call the little thing until then? Cat?” Isabelle laughed.
“I don’t remember asking you to stay for supper.” Keith glared at her.
“They say at your age the first thing to go is the mind.” Isabelle grinned, and Keith didn’t miss the giggle from Emily either.
“One of my customers is a vet. I can give her a call and see if she can drop by. She’s not far from here.” Isabelle offered.
“A vet that does house calls. No, that won’t cost an arm and a leg.” Keith said sarcastically as he refilled his plate.
“She owes me a favor. Seriously, that kitten looks really young.” Keith stared at his cousin. She was right, and he wouldn’t want anything to happen to the tiny thing. He wasn’t heartless.
“Fine, but you’ll have to meet her at the gate.” Keith glanced down into the box. At least the thing was drinking the water.
“She still needs a name.” Emily picked up the kitten and cuddled it into her chest, and the first thought that came to his mind was lucky little bastard.
“Cat sounds good to me.” Keith cleaned his plate and placed it in the dishwasher.
“You’re hopeless,” Isabelle sighed as she finished her phone call. “You could call her Ginger since her fur is almost the same color as your hair.”
“I think next time I order food it’ll be from somewhere besides your place.” Keith narrowed his eyes and glared at her. Isabelle elegantly lifted her hand as her middle finger slowly raised.
“Did I hear you say you found her tangled in the burlap outside?” Emily asked.
“Yeah, she had her claws hooked in there pretty good.” Keith noticed that Emily hadn’t touched the food in front of her.
“Call her Burlap.” Emily smiled and her nose wrinkled as if waiting for someone to laugh. Her gaze moved back and forth between him and Isabelle.
“That is so cute.” Isabelle cooed.
“It doesn’t matter I’m not keeping it, but if it makes you feel better, call the thing what you want.” Keith rested his elbows on the counter and tapped the edge of her plate.
“So it’s settled. Burlap’s your name.” Emily held the kitten up to her lips and kissed the top of its head. He never thought he’d ever want to be a cat, but it didn’t seem all that bad with the attention Emily was giving the fucking thing.
“So now that’s settled. I believe you need to eat.” Keith tapped the plate again, and she rolled her eyes as she gently put the kitten on the floor.
“Bea should be here in about five minutes. I’m going to meet her at the gate.” Isabelle glanced at her phone.
Keith kept his gaze on Emily as she picked at the food. She had to be hungry because she hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast and she didn’t eat much then.
“If you don’t eat you’re going to get sick.” He never thought he’d utter the line his mother used when they were kids.
“I think I can afford to miss a few meals.” Emily picked up a piece of chicken and popped it into her mouth.
“Don’t say things like that.” Keith leaned closer to her. “There’s nothing wrong with how you look.”
Her eyes lifted to meet his, and he was sure she could hear the thudding of his heart because it was pounding in his ears. When she met his eyes, it was as if she could see right into the depths of his soul, and that probably wasn’t a good thing. Her lips curled up into a sweet smile and then into a soft giggle, but it wasn’t until he felt the tiny needles in his thigh that he realized what was happening.
“She thinks you’re a tree.” Emily covered her mouth with her hand.
“You’re really pushing it, cat,” Keith grumbled while he tried to unhook the kitten’s claws from his jeans. It wasn’t going well.
“Her name is Burlap. Let me help.” Emily crouched and proceeded to detach the cat from his leg carefully.
Having Emily touch his thigh and kneeling in front of him was putting all kinds of wrong thoughts in his head. He gripped onto the edge of the counter and clamped his teeth together, but he couldn’t stop watching how gently she removed Burlap. What was worse, she stayed on her knees on the floor to calm the kitten. How she didn’t see the outline of his cock was a miracle because all she had to do was lift her head. He quickly moved behind the island.
“Fuck.” He hissed between his teeth as he braced his fists against the counter.
“Oh don’t be such a baby. I’m sure the needles they used for those tattoos hurt more than Burlap’s claws.” Emily teased when she got back to her feet, and he thanked God she was finally off of her knees.
“Just put that thing in the box. I’m not being its pin cushion again.”
Before Emily had a chance to put Burlap down, Isabelle and the vet walked into the kitchen. Isabelle introduced Beatrice as Dr. Warren. Apparently, she didn’t seem to mind what they called her. The vet proceeded to examine the kitten, and Burlap didn’t seem too happy about the whole situation. She mewled the whole time and even managed to let out a little hiss or two.
Emily and Isabelle continued to talk to the cat as if it were a child while the vet finished her examination. Keith couldn’t believe that there was so much fuss over a kitten, but before he knew it, he was trying to calm the thing as well.
“From what I can see, she’s small, but I’d say about eight weeks maybe seven. Other than her size she’s healthy. I’ve brought some food we use for underweight kittens and deworming medication. Chances are it wasn’t done, and I can feel a few small ones in her belly.” Beatrice explained as she worked to keep Burlap from jumping off the counter.
“So she’s okay?” Emily seemed to be itching to take the kitten into her arms again.
“Yes, and I can see she doesn’t have a litter box. I have a disposable one in my car that will do until you can get a permanent one.”
Burlap had calmed some since Beatrice had let her wander around the counter. The stupid cat bounded towards him and pressed its head against
the hand he had rested on the marble. He knew what was going to happen but damn if he didn’t want to admit it.
“Looks like you have a healthy kitten, Keith.” Isabelle smiled.
“So I hear.” Keith stared down at the copper-colored furball and knew at that moment, Burlap was home.
“You’re keeping her?” Emily sounded both hopeful and surprised.
“Unless someone gets back to me on social media, I might as well.” Nothing could prepare him for what happened next. Emily ran around the counter and wrapped her arms around his waist. He stiffened as she hugged him tightly.
“I knew you had a heart in there somewhere.” She squeezed once more before she let go. It was as if she’d taken all the heat from his body when she stepped away. This wasn’t good. Not good at all.
Fuck!
A week later Keith stood in his kitchen listening to Emily argue with her father. Nelson had come to see her, but it wasn’t turning out to be a civil visit. Probably because five minutes after he arrived he growled about her working on a Sunday. Emily had turned down his invitation to spend the evening with him in SummerBrook, which had provoked his visit.
“Dad, I don’t have time to fight about this. I’ve got to get to the salon.” Emily took a deep breath when Nelson slapped his hand down on the counter.
“Emily, when are you going to at least acknowledge that this isn’t the life for you.”
Emily opened her mouth and then snapped it shut again. She walked around her father, and before Keith knew what had happened, she was gone.
“Emily, come back here,” Nelson yelled after her.
“I’m sorry Mr. Bradshaw, but I need to go after her.” Keith ran out through the garage in time to see her pull out in his jeep.
“How the fuck…” Keith didn’t even see her grab the keys and he’d made the mistake of letting her know all the codes.
“You’re losing your touch, Rusty.” Keith turned. Rex had his back braced against the garage door. He was a guy Keith hired from the Atlanta, Georgia. Caden Dixon was former military. Keith didn’t know where the nickname came from, but that’s what everyone called him.
“I’m losing it all right.” Keith grabbed the keys for the car in the garage that he hardly used. “Tell Bradshaw I’ll call him later and take him home.”
He drove to the salon, sure there was probably steam coming from his ears. Not only did Emily take off with no security, but she took his jeep. He never let anyone drive his baby.
“Grandda, give me the patience to deal with this because I’m pretty sure I’ve met a younger version of Nan.” Keith always found himself talking to his grandfather when he was overly stressed. Probably because before Jack O’Connor passed away, he was always the one Keith would talk to about his problems. The man gave great advice.
By the time Keith pulled up in front of the salon, Emily was already inside with her client. Kristy. His cousin waved at him as he walked into the building.
“Hey, How’s it goin?” Kristy smiled, but Keith didn’t feel very cordial at the moment.
“It was goin great until someone stole my jeep.” Keith glanced at Emily. She didn’t seem to be the least bit worried.
“How the hell did someone get into your compound to steal your jeep?” Kristy didn’t realize he was talking about Emily.
“I took it to get here.” Emily groaned. “I borrowed it. I didn’t steal it. Don’t be so dramatic, Keith.”
“Oh, oh, pot meet kettle.” Keith threw his hands up in the air. “You took off because you didn’t want to deal with your father. Not to mention that you took off without taking your safety into consideration.”
“I had an appointment as you can see,” Emily shouted.
“I’m sure Kristy would have been fine with you being late.” Keith raised his voice.
“Jesus, you two sound like a married couple.” Kristy laughed but stopped when both Emily and he glared at her.
Keith was about to speak, but Emily ended the conversation by holding her hand up. He didn’t want to fight with her, so he stepped outside the salon and let the smell of the ocean help calm him.
Exactly forty-three minutes later Kristy was gone, and Emily had disappeared into her office. If she thought their conversation was over, she was sadly mistaken.
“Emily, you’ve got to come back to the compound.” Keith blocked the exit of her office. He’d calmed himself and figured he was better able to handle her mood.
“Look, Mr. O’Connor..” Emily snapped
“Keith.”
“Mr. O’Connor,” Emily glared at him. “I’ve got a business to run, and I need to be here.” She picked up some papers on her desk and glanced through them. He knew it was the same ones she had put in the basket to file the day before.
“Your father….” Keith began but Emily’s eyes snapped up, and they were beautifully dark with anger.
“I really don’t give a flying fig what my father says.” She plopped down in the chair behind her desk. “He thinks my business is beneath me. I should be striving to be something important.” She mocked as she turned on her computer. “So standing here telling me what my father thinks, is not helping your case any.”
“Your father loves you, and he’s hurting.” Keith tried to play on her sympathies. Although, hell if her attitude did not make him want to clap his hands. Emily didn’t bow down to what was expected. It was good to know that not all the women from SummerBrook were spoiled brats.
“I know he misses mom. We all do, and I know he loves me. Really. I love him too, but you don’t know what it’s like to love something so much and to constantly be told it’s not a good enough career for a fucking Bradshaw. Like we’re above the typical blue collar jobs. It’s been worse since mom vanished. I love my business and what I do. There’s nothing more fulfilling than when a client thanks you because they feel beautiful after a haircut or having their makeup done.” Emily sat back in the chair and blew out a breath. Damn, she was so passionate and beautiful. Especially when she was pissed.
“Mom understood how I felt about this place, but I can’t get dad to understand, and when he does this, I just walk away before I say something I’ll regret.”
“I see your point.” Keith leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Well, hall-a-fucking-luia. Someone outside of my employees and clients sees my point. I’m so fucking overjoyed.” Keith tried very hard not to laugh. The girl had a mouth on her.
“I’m glad you’re overjoyed, but we still have a problem.” Keith raised an eyebrow when she slammed her hands down on her desk.
“We don’t have any problems. I’m perfectly happy. You may have a problem, but you know what? I don’t give two fucks about your problems, Mr. O’Connor.” Emily stood up and narrowed her eyes. She was baiting him. She only called him Mr. O’Connor when she was pissed.
“You know I could easily take you over my shoulder, carry you out to the jeep and bring you back to the compound.” Keith almost lost it when her face turned purple with fury.
“You put one of your big meat hooks on me, and I’ll kick your balls so hard, your father will feel it,” Emily growled through gritted teeth.
“That sounds really painful, and I don’t think Dad would appreciate it either. Plus, I said I could. I never said I would. Besides, if I was going to throw you over my shoulder, it sure as hell would be for something a hell of a lot more fun.” For the first time since he met her, she was dumbstruck. “Wondering what would be more fun, Ms. Bradshaw?” He smirked.
“Fuck off.” Was all she could say.
“Great come back, Emily.” Keith chuckled.
“You know, I’ve done more cursing since I met you than I have my entire life.” She flopped back in her chair.
“I’m glad I’m helping increase your vocabulary,” Keith said.
When she stood up, again he fully expected her to continue their banter, but she walked around him and flicked off the lights in the office.
“Let’s get something straight,” Keith informed her once they were outside. “That was the first and only time you drive that.”
“What is it with men and their trucks?” She rolled her eyes and tossed the keys at him.
“It’s not a truck. It's a 1974, FJ40 Land Cruiser. It’s in mint condition because nobody drives it but me.” He probably sounded like a complete idiot, but the jeep was one of his most prized possessions.
“Wow. I’m so impressed.” Emily faked a yawn as she shuffled to the jeep. He was convinced she was swaying her hips more just to get to him as she walked away. It was working because his cock was twitching and his balls ached.
“God, help me,” Keith whispered as he walked behind her.
Chapter 9
Ten days Emily had been at Keith’s house, and it wasn’t terrible. They had that little spat, but that was mostly because of her father. Well, that and the fact she’d stolen his jeep.
Keith brought her to work every day and managed to stay out of her way. Most of the time he’d sit behind the reception desk and even helped with the clean up at the end of the day.
Even the girls had gotten used to him being underfoot. Most of the time he was teased by Aurora about his big feet in her way, or Penny making sure she reminded him to keep his eyes off her chest. Of course most of the time Penny was just doing it to embarrass him. Emily was sure the woman enjoyed showing off her assets.
“I don’t know how you get any work done with that beautiful specimen around.” Her customer motioned towards where Keith had just disappeared into the back of the salon. Cinnamon Dwyer was not her favorite client, and Emily dreaded the days when she’d have an appointment, but like her sister Ginger, she paid well.
“It’s a struggle.” Emily smiled as she put the finishing touches on the woman’s hair.
“I’ve heard stories about those O’Connor boys,” Cinnamon whispered.
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