by Sharon Kleve
“Why don’t you grab a beer and relax? I’ve got this handled.”
“Sounds great.”
After dinner, Mitch rubbed his stomach. “That was amazing. Better than my mom ever made.”
Chloe loved to cook. His compliment hit home because her mom had taught her how to cook but was gone now. “Planet of the Apes is on the Sci-Fi station if you want go sit down. I’ll only be a couple minutes.”
“Let me help and it’ll go quicker,” Mitch volunteered.
“I work faster alone. Go sit down and relax.” Chloe took his arm and pushed him toward the living room.
Twenty minutes later, Chloe found Mitch sound asleep on the couch. She covered Max’s cage and sat down to watch the apes.
When the credits wound down, Mitch’s eyes popped open and he looked around.
“I can’t believe I did that. You fed me a delicious meal and then I repaid you by falling asleep. Will you forgive me?”
“Of course. Consider my house your house. I want you to feel comfortable and relaxed when you’re here. That means when you’re tired you can lie down and take a nap.”
Mitch sat up and stretched. “Thank you for being so sweet. How was the movie I slept through?”
“Same old, same old. The apes won.” Chloe tucked her arms under and jumped around, imitating an ape.
Mitch hopped up and chased Chloe around the room while she acted like a big gorilla. He caught her and held her tight. “I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
Chloe hugged him, lightly kissed him and then said, “I look forward to your calls. Drive careful.”
Chapter Eight
Every Friday night they spent at the drive-in. It didn’t matter what was playing, they went just to be together. The girl who worked the counter would ask, “Same as last week?” and start to ring them up. Two months into their relationship and they were already predicable. To shake things up last week, Chloe said, “No. I’ll take a loaded hot dog please.” The girl giggled and deleted the burger and added the hot dog.
Sitting in the dark Jeep with Chloe, watching B movies, eating cheap food was the highlight of Mitch’s week. Some days he worked late and only got to speak to her on the phone. We wanted more… Much more.
Saturday afternoon, Chloe called. “Hey, my last client cancelled. Do you want to go to the demolition derby? It’s almost over so we could get in free.”
“Absolutely, I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“Great. I’ll pick up a couple subs and stash them in my purse. Food at the pavilion is pricy and crappy. Not a good combination.”
“I love your thrifty side,” Mitch admitted. He didn’t mind spending money but it was fun watching her negotiate or haggle for a perceived bargain.
By the time they arrived at the derby, all the good seats were taken. They sat on the top row and munched on their sandwiches while the cars in the arena demolished each other.
“Go green car…go!” Chloe yelled and jumped up and down. Lettuce from her sub spilled out and hit the guy in front of them in the back of the head. He touched his head and then turned around and scowled.
Before he could speak a word, Chloe jumped in. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. Can I buy you a beer?”
“No worries. A little lettuce won’t kill me, but I wouldn’t turn down a beer.”
“A beer it is.”
Five minutes later, Chloe returned with three beers. Mitch couldn’t help it, he laughed, then grabbed her and kissed the tip of her nose. Her kindness was blatant, always right there, front and center. But the cuteness? That’s what got to him. “Chloe. I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Chloe stopped moving and stared at him.
“Was that too soon?” Mitch was never good at relationship stuff. His insides were doing the rumba—heart pounding, lungs heaving, stomach clenching—waiting for her response.
“No. I’ve been busting at the seams to tell you how I feel. I love you Mitch. You are everything I’ve ever wanted in a man.”
Mitch leaned forward and slipped his arms around her. She laid her head on his chest and held him tight. Chloe felt so right, and good against him he didn’t want to let go. She turned her head and pressed a kiss to his chest, her arms tightening around him even more. They held each other the rest of the evening.
It was dark when Mitch pulled up to Chloe’s car in front of her spa. “I don’t want to go but it’s late and we both have to work. I’ll call you tomorrow.” Mitch placed one last kiss on Chloe’s soft lips.
“Until tomorrow.” Chloe blew him a kiss as she got in her car.
He waited until she drove off in the direction of her house before he left, all the while feeling loved for the first time in years.
Chapter Nine
Mitch pulled up to his house and the intuition that saved him numerous times at the prison, kicked in. He didn’t sense danger, just that something didn’t feel right. The hair on the back of his neck didn’t stand up, but his neck muscles tensed. He parked and decided to walk around the perimeter of the house before he entered.
Mitch turned the corner and noticed the spare bedroom’s window screen lying on the ground. He’d left the window cracked for Zeke before he left. He hadn’t taken pictures of the kittens yet. He thought maybe he’d keep one or two of them. They’d grown on him. Mitch looked in and the kittens looked fine, sleeping in their bed, but Zeke was nowhere. How could I have made such a stupid mistake? Mitch thought.
Mitch secured the screen and then once inside, he shut and locked the window. He sat on the floor and stroked the sleeping kittens. He was going to need help searching for Zeke. He knew she would eventually show up, but he didn’t want her to get pregnant again. His buddies at the prison would laugh at him if he asked for help. He knew who would help without hesitation.
Chloe picked up on the first ring. “Hi Mitch. You couldn’t wait until tomorrow to talk to me again?”
Chloe’s voice soothed his frayed nerves. “I love hearing your voice, but I have a problem. Zeke made a jailbreak—no pun intended.”
“Oh no! We’d better get a search party together. I’ll call Roy and my friends and be right over.”
“Are you sure they’ll want to help? It’s late and cold out.” Mitch’s old insecurities surfaced about asking for help.
“Friends help friends no matter what. That’s what makes them friends. Hang tight and we’ll be there soon.”
Chloe hung up and five minutes later, the phone rang.
“Roy said to put a can of wet food or tuna by the door where Zeke first showed up. I’m on my way.” And she was gone.
Mitch walked around the block twice while he waited for them to arrive and then sat down on the front steps.
Chloe’s and Roy’s cars pulled up first and then before they could get out, two more vehicles arrived. It took six strides to meet Chloe, but when he did, he swept her into his arms and kissed her. His body shook from the need to hold her and never let her go.
Mitch felt a firm hand on his back. “Hey, Mitch. We’ll find Zeke. This is typical behavior for a stray cat turned indoor cat. She’s out roaming her old territory, but her kittens will bring her back.”
Roy confirmed Mitch’s suspicions but he felt guilty for letting Zeke escape. Chloe stepped out of his embrace and pointed at the people arriving.
“I want you to meet my friends.” She pointed to a couple holding hands. “This is Tegan and August.”
Chloe gestured toward her friends. “This is Becca.” She touched the arm of the other girl. “And this is Laura.”
Mitch shook hands but wanted to keep searching. “I really appreciate you coming over but I’ve already been around the block twice. I’m not sure what we can do.”
“Zeke won’t go far. Hearing her na
me will get her attention. The more people calling her the better. Let’s split up and meet back here in ten minutes.” Roy, Tegan, and August took off down the block.
Laura and Becca took off in another direction. Chloe hooked her arm through his and they started down the street.
“We’ll find her.” Chloe squeezed his arm.
They walked in silence, except when they called out for Zeke. Mitch hung his head. He felt defeated. He couldn’t even take care of a cat. How could I take care of Chloe? Mitch’s self-doubt crept in. He stepped away from Chloe as all seven of them arrived back at the house.
Chloe took his hand. “What’s wrong?”
Mitch turned toward Chloe and saw her lips turned up at the corners. Her half-smile accentuated her adorable chin. At the moment he knew with all his heart Chloe was the one for him. “Are you sure you could love a guy like me?”
Chloe smacked him on the arm and the group looked over. “Hey, guys. I thought you should know I’ve fallen in love with Mitch.” Chloe grabbed his ears and planted a loud exaggerated kiss on his lips.
Mitch heard a chorus of whistles and wild, “Woo-hoos” from the group. If Mitch didn’t know better, he’d swear he felt heat rush to his face.
“I guess there’s hope for Becca and me,” Laura said.
“Yeah. Maybe the Love List isn’t fickle,” Becca chimed in.
“The Love List?” Mitch looked around. The girls giggled and August looked pleased.
August slapped him on the back. “Don’t worry, mate, it’s a good thing.”
Before Mitch could ask more, he heard Zeke’s distinctive high-pitched, meow. Everyone rushed toward the sound. Zeke had her paws wrapped around the almost empty tuna can, licking and eating as though she hadn’t eaten in days.
“Zeke! Where have you been?” Mitch picked her up and held the cat tight against his chest. “I hope you had fun, because you are grounded.”
Chloe scrubbed Zeke behind the ears. “Let’s get Zeke inside. I bet her kittens are hungry.”
“I know it’s late, but would anyone like a beer or…food? I’m afraid I’m not much of a cook. I could order a couple pizzas.” Mitch wanted to repay their kindness.
“Thank you, Mitch, but I think I can speak for all of us. We should be getting home.” Becca shivered and rubbed her arms.
“You’re right. Maybe another time?”
“We’d love to get together but maybe Saturday night instead. We could meet at my place for a barbecue.” Tegan looked up at August and fluttered her lashes. “August grills the best steak.”
Mitch took Chloe’s hand. “Sounds great. We’ll be there.”
The group left and Mitch returned Zeke to her kittens. They immediately started kneading and tucked themselves around her belly.
Mitch turned to Chloe and took her face in his hands. “I never thought I’d love again. I sure wasn’t looking for it, but somehow, love found me.”
Chloe kissed him softly. She caressed him from his ear to his chin and back to his lips. Then she smiled and looked him in the eye.
“I love you with all my heart. Love didn’t just find you, it found me too!
For the love of animals
I’m asked on a regular basis why I have some sort of animal in every one of my books. It is simple…I love animals and I love writing about them. It doesn’t matter what kind, shape, or size. I love them all!
Throughout my life I’ve had dogs, birds, frogs, lizards, rabbits and of course precious cats. My husband and I have a dozen bird feeders, two water fountains and multiple yard-art fixtures that we put food and water in for the critters.
Several years ago our cat of fifteen years passed away and we were going to wait awhile before getting another one but as the days went on we missed having a cat. It was during the winter so there weren’t any kittens available. I searched all the shelters and saw pictures of an eight-month-old female, shorthair cat.
When we picked up Ardy from the Bremerton, WA PAWS, they said we’d never be able to pick her up or touch her. She’d been abused. My husband played with her and instantly fell in love. We took her home and after many months of special care, she loves to be held. We laugh because she likes it so much she won’t let you put her down.
All animals deserve a little time, patience and a good loving home.
PAWS is a wonderful organization. To volunteer your time or donate: you can contact them at http://www.paws.org/
About the Author Sharon KIeve
Sharon Kleve was born and raised in Washington and currently lives on the Olympic Peninsula with her husband.
Sharon is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance. She loves romance. She loves reading romance, living romance, and especially loves writing about romance. She gets no greater feeling than watching her characters come alive in each other’s arms. Most of all, she loves giving her characters the happily ever after they deserve—with a few bumps and bruises along the way.
One of her favorite things to do is picking up a new book and sinking into the story, immersing herself in the emotions between the characters. She hopes to inspire her readers the same way her favorite authors have inspired her.
When not writing, she can usually be found either curled up in her recliner with her cat and a good book, or in the kitchen baking sourdough bread or bagels.
Look for the other stories in
The Love List
Love Uncorked
Jennifer Conner
Story 1
Tegan Taylor is the owner of the Que Syrah Syrah wine shop in Vine grove, the heart of wine country. After her plan of starting a book club to meet single, local men falls flat, her new found friends come up with The Love List. Each dropped a name of a nice guy their friends may like but just not a guy they’d date. Or think of romantically.
Tegan chooses Richard. After one disastrous meeting with him, Tegan wonders if The Love List isn’t a terrible idea.
Richard’s a jerk. But, when handsome Australian cowboy, August, shows up, things may take a turn.
Read book one in the Love List Series as Tegan, Chloe, Laura and Becca try to find love in a small town.
Love Found Me
Sharon Kleve
Story 2
When it’s Chloe Miles turn to pick a name out of The Love List she hadn’t expected to find true love. She just wanted to go on a date with a nice, available guy. Not one who drank too much, or was unemployed and wanted to stay that way. Or especially one who didn’t know what monogamous meant.
Mitch Brodin didn’t know his heart was in the hands of The Love List. His Fate set the moment he set foot into Roy’s Pet Rescues looking for advice on how to care for new born kittens.
Chloe is vivacious, unpredictable, and tons of fun, while he is methodical, predictable, and well... cynical. He surely hadn’t planned on falling in love. But that’s what you get when you’re not looking for love.
Blind Tasting
Angela Ford
Story 3
Dr. Rebecca Miller (Becca) thought her life was complete in New York. After three long shifts at the
hospital all she wanted was to crawl into bed next to her fiancé. Shocked to find her best friend already
there she packs her bags and transfers to a small town in Washington wine country. Devastated and alone, she discovers the wine shop Que Syrah Syrah. She figures the next best thing
to a best friend is a good bottle of Chardonnay. Inside she meets Tegan Taylor, the owner of the shop. Tegan invites her to the wine tasting for singles. Only four women show and the Tuesday night Book Club begins. After six months, they spice it up and change it to The Love List. They each pick a name of an eligible bachelor in town they may not date but their friends may.In the heart of wine country,
four friends create The Love List; looking for love.
Becca’s pick is Chase Tanner, a local firefighter she’s met a couple of times. There’s something about him that allows her senses to breathe again. A fire brings Chase under the doctor’s care and into her heart. The love list seems to be working for Becca until Chase discovers the list and believes to be fooled. Will Becca be able to convince him she does love him?
Building up To Love
Joanne Jaytanie
Story 4
A small town can be a quaint, friendly place to call home. It can also be an impossible place to find a date. When Tegan, the owner of Que Syrah Syrah wine shop starts a Tuesday night singles-mingle, Laura, Chloe, and Becca are the only attendees—not a single man in sight. They continue to meet every Tuesday, but secretly change their name to The Love List. Each woman writes the name of a few single men who they know and drop them into a basket. All four women draw from this basket and promise to ask the man they have drawn on a date. The Love List seems a success as one by one the women find their true love. Except in Laura’s case, date after date she is plagued with losers. She is certain the basket is cursed.
Travis Jerome comes to Vine Grove to help his ailing grandparents. He notices a “Help Wanted” sign outside of a Victorian house and jumps at the chance to get back to his roots and have the feel of a hammer in his hand. He gets an extra bonus when he meets the attractive owner of the home, Laura Tate. Unfortunately she doesn’t appear to have the least bit of interest in him.
