Raw by Jo Davis Read Free Book Online Page B

five minutes or so, and then was back wearing a smile.
    â€œSorry about that.”
    â€œAnything wrong?”
    â€œNot at all. It’s just that . . . I wanted to get in one or two more sights today, but there’s somewhere I need to go after this.”
    â€œOh.” Disappointment stabbed her, unexpected and unwelcome. “That’s okay, we can do more another day. I can just take a cab and you can go from here.”
    â€œYou misunderstand. I want you to go with me. In fact, I need you there, because my errand involves you.”
    She stared at him in confusion. “Really?” Happiness bloomed again. “Do I get to know what we’re doing?”
    â€œNope. It’s a surprise.”
    â€œI’m not good with surprises. I’m too nosy.”
    â€œWell, then, you’ll learn.”
    He wouldn’t budge on giving her even a tiny hint, and that ate at her for the rest of their meal. When they were finished, Anna picked up the check this time, ignoring his objections. They hailed a cab, and Gray gave the driver an address a few blocks from their apartment building.
    It turned out to be another apartment, not quite as nice as hers and Gray’s. He ushered her up a set of steps and knocked on the door, waiting. She was completely mystified as to what they could possibly be doing here, and a sliver of trepidation snaked down her spine. It fled, though, when an attractive middle-aged woman opened the door with a big smile.
    â€œYou must be Gray?”
    â€œYes, ma’am. I spoke to you on the phone about your ad.”
    Ad? The woman led them inside, and Anna glanced around, waiting for an explanation. It wasn’t long in coming.
    â€œCome back this way,” the woman said. “I’m afraid there’s only one left, but he’s a cutie. Had his first shots and worming, and he’s litter-trained already.”
    â€œWe’ll have a look,” Gray replied.
    What on earth? He couldn’t be up to what she was thinking . . .
    In the small kitchen, the woman bent over a cardboard box, reached inside, and came up with a tiny fuzz ball of a kitten. “This is him. Six weeks old and ready for someone to love him. Want to hold him?” she asked Anna.
    Instinctively, she reached for the kitten, gathered his delicate body in her hands. He peered up at her with big green eyes and let out a squeak—and she fell instantly in love. “Oh my God,” she breathed. “What a precious baby.”
    He was, too. His fur was charcoal gray from nose to tail, with not a speck of other color in between. A fluffy little face gazed at her in what could only be described as mutual adoration, and she knew she was sunk.
    â€œGray, I can’t take care of a kitten.” The statement didn’t carry much conviction.
    â€œTell that to him,” he said, pointing to the cat. From his smirk, he was obviously pleased with himself.
    â€œI don’t know the first thing about pets.”
    â€œIt’s not that hard. Food, water, a clean bed, and love.” He shrugged. “That’s all.”
    â€œI’m gone for hours sometimes.”
    â€œSo you won’t work as many late hours, knowing you’ve got someone waiting for your attention.”
    She shot him a look that was supposed to be a glare, but didn’t quite make it. “I’m thinking there was an ulterior motive in there.”
    â€œSo? It’s working, isn’t it?”
    Yes, it was. Now that she was holding her very own kitten against her chest, there was no way she was leaving without him. She could swear they’d already imprinted on each other.
    â€œWhat do you think? Do you want him?” the woman prodded.
    â€œYes,” she heard herself say. “I’ll take him. How much?”
    â€œJust the cost of the shots, plus kitten food you can take with you. Babies are cute, but I’m not letting my cat have any more of