Ollie
Watching the fuzzball get comfortable and hearing the soft giggle, I turn to see Pixie standing behind me. She seems more at ease but looks totally exhausted. So glad I tried to clean up back here and what I could of the cat cages. Her laughter is contagious, and I grin as she snorts then breaks out in a carefree laughter.
“Okay, what’s so funny, Pixie Paisley? Clue me in so I can join in on the fun.”
“Sorry, Ollie, it’s just seeing a badass military soldier melt at the sight of a kitten in his lap. Your face was priceless. Oh, by the way, guess I owe you thanks for all the stuff that’s been done. Appreciate it, know Joe had to take off because Merty needs him home after her treatment is over. He likes to be there when she gets home.”
Knowing she’s rambling because she’s nervous, I think it’s so adorable. Can’t remember the last time a woman was skittish around me. Especially since I’ve been in this goddamn chair. Kind of builds my confidence up a bit. But something she said caught my attention.
“Joe’s wife is getting treatment for what? He didn’t say anything when we were talking. Is she okay?”
Shaking and dropping her head, I watch as Pixie tries to get herself together. Fuck, from laughing to almost crying in the time it took me to open my trap and put my foot in it.
“No, Ollie, I’m sure he didn’t. It’s hard for him to talk about. Merty has cancer, Stage 3. She’s in her second round of chemotherapy, and fingers crossed, this time it helps. Though this second time is very rough on her, their youngest daughter is taking her because Merty doesn’t want Joe to see her like that. Even all the meds they give her for nausea and queasiness don’t help. But she does want him with her at home. What a love story that one is. Did he tell you they met when he came back from Vietnam and she was one of the anti-war hippies? That’s what she called herself, but somehow, they met, fell in love, and the rest is history. Even with Joe spending most of the morning and early afternoon here before heading back home to be with Merty, I was shorthanded today with the event coming up, so you guys pitching in helped me with everything I needed to do on the to-do list before I make cookies for the adoption event this weekend.
“Damn, I didn’t know. I feel bad for Joe, he’s a good old guy. We talked for quite a bit, but I get it, he doesn’t know me from anyone. I hope Merty is one of the lucky ones for his sake. So, what else can I do then? I’m pretty handy, just so ya know.”
She kind of points to my legs bashfully.
“Oh shit, I have a message for you.Charlie said when you’re ready to go call the office and ask for Noodles and he’ll come get you.”
Fuck, that changes my mood instantly, I don’t want to call Noodles for a ride. We’re finally alone. I’m sure my face shows my emotions, but I try to get it under control after a quick second. I continue to focus on her for a few minutes, well, until she starts to look uncomfortable.
“Okay, Pixie, let me know what you want done, don’t want to be in your way. I can make that call now or stay for a bit longer and help you finish the rest of this shit. Just tell me what I can do within my limits, and I’ll give ya a hand with whatever if you want me to before I leave.”
I wait for her answer because I really want to stay, but it’s totally up to her and I won’t push myself on her. Not yet anyway.“How about this, Ollie. I’d love your help and once we’re done, I’ll make some dinner and then can drive you home.”
Sitting up a bit straighter, I consider her offer. Feeling hopeful, a slow smile appears on my face, and I hope she didn’t just get the wrong impression. Before I give it any thought; I give my answer.
“It’s a deal, Pixie. Let’s get those top cages cleaned first, I couldn’t reach them. Then we’ll finish whatever else needs to be done. Dinner sounds great ’cause all I’ve eaten today was your kick-ass delicious bread when we got here and lots of coffee. Appreciate the offer, I’m sick of cooking for myself. Would love the company.”
Now that we’ve come to an agreement, I very carefully place the kitten by momma, who is cleaning the rest of them. She’s been doing that, Joe said, even though they are old enough not to. While she has their attention, I wheel away, heading toward the exit. As Pixie opens the door to let me through, I grab her hand and squeeze before wheeling past her. Oh God, please don’t let her have the wrong idea. I’m not looking for a quick roll in the hay or piece of ass. Though that last thought wakes my body up as my cock starts to get hard. As I shift to get more comfortable and hide the bulge in my pants, I head toward the room filled with dirty cat cages.
* * *
I lean back rubbing my belly.
“Damn, Pixie, I’m full. That stew was probably the best I’ve ever eaten. Holy shit, what kind of meat was that? And all those vegetables with those homemade biscuits. I’m in Heaven over here.”
“It’s venison that one of my volunteers shared with me. Mike and his boys take down a deer each, so they always have extra. It has a different taste, right? That’s why the assortment of veggies I added to try and add some more flavor. Yes, the biscuits are homemade, my gramma’s recipe. Glad you enjoyed it, Ollie. And I agree with you, it’s so nice to share a meal with someone. Nice to have the company too.”
Before I can say a word, her two pit bulls come in from the back room looking for scraps, I think. Goddamn are they huge. Both are male and very protective of Paisley. When we first came in, they almost knocked me out of my chair. Their growls alone almost had me shit my pants, for Christ’s sake. Didn’t know she had dogs and she said they were in the outside run when we first got here this morning. She released them in the house before she started her daily chores, she told me. But once she properly introduced us, they were fine. I did notice they were trained dogs not just pets. Wonder why, but I don’t figure now is the time to ask, even though my curiosity is there. Not sure what to expect next, I just sit and wait.
“Ollie, let me clean this mess up and I can get you home. You must be exhausted. First PT then all afternoon here cleaning up animal crap literally.”
I laugh at that. Fuck, she’s not stopped since we got here. Something she said comes to mind. It might get me more time with her. Feeling really comfortable with her, I don’t want to leave.
“Hey, Pixie, didn’t you say something about making cookies? Are you seriously thinking I’m gonna leave before sampling them? You’re crazy then, hon. And don’t tell anyone, but I’m pretty good at baking. My mom didn’t feel like the kitchen was just for girls, so all of us learned the basics at an early age.”
After her initial shock, she looks excited at my offer, so I let out my breath. Might as well go for the gusto and get this out of the way, find out upfront.
“Hey, Pixie, I’ve really enjoyed being around here today, especially being around ya. You must have noticed that I like you a lot, just wanted to get that out there ’cause we’ve been avoiding the subject. And I don’t want to.”
Every emotion possible runs across her face before she just looks at me and stares.
That’s not promising at all. Well, I opened my trap, might as well follow through and take my chances. I wheel around the table, get up as close as possible, leaning toward her and watching, making sure she has a chance to tell me no. Instead, she leans toward me, grabbing me around the neck and pulling me to her. As our lips touch, the electrical current I feel shocks the hell out of me. I pull back for a minute to look at her beautiful face, with her eyes closed, her mouth slightly open, and then I go back in, crushing my lips to hers.