Mainly because he reminds me of your dad, I think but don’t say.
“Yeah? Okay, then. Thor it is.”
He smiles at me then takes off towards the cat toys.
I stand upright as Ethan takes a step closer, filling the gap his son left.
“You look beautiful today,” he says to me.
I look down at my navy joggers and oversized t-shirt that I have tucked in, making it look like its bubbled around me. My hair is thrown into a messy bun and I’m pretty sure I haven’t waxed my eyebrows in... well, never.
“That’s silly, I look like a hobo,” I reply with a laugh.
He puts his hand on my lower back, turns into me slightly and brings his face down next to mine.
“The hottest fucking hobo I’ve ever seen,” he whispers into my ear, then gives my cheek a quick peck as he turns away.
My cheeks heat up and my insides feel so giddy. His hands slides down my back and grazes my butt, giving it a slight squeeze.
“Dr. Walker. This is a place of business,” I say quietly, with a sly grin. “And, your son is here.” This, with a little more seriousness.
“I know Miss Hall, but when I’m around you, it’s like my hands have a mind of their own. They want on you, all over you.” His voice is low, gruffy and makes my core melt.
“Did you really need more cat stuff?” I ask him.
He laughs. “Absolutely not.”
“Dad, look!” Arthur calls for his dad. “Can we get this cat house? It looks like a treehouse, and it comes with catnip.”
Ethan walks over to his son as he grabs the house and shows his dad.
“Whatever you think he might want or need, buddy.”
“Okay then, he will definitely need this.” Arthur hands the house to his dad. “And these, and this and those.”
Arthur goes down the wall of cat toys, grabbing stuffed mice, jingle balls, a stick toy and a bottle of catnip.
“Oh, and more of those cat cookies Miss Lily makes,” he says, as he turns and walks to the counter. I walk behind it and grab a small box for the cookies.
“What happened to the ones you had?” I ask him.
Arthur looks at me with wide eyes and a huge smile. “I ate them.” Zero regret in his voice.
Ethan is behind him, shaking his head, and I can’t help but laugh.
“I can make you human cookies if you would like. That way you don’t have to share with the cat.”
“Really? That would be so cool.”
I nod my head then fill the box with cookies. I ring up all the new goodies and throw in a few extra stuffed mice. Ethan pays and I hand the bag to Arthur.
“I’ll take the bag, my dad can carry the house,” Arthur says, as he reaches for the handles.
He grabs it then turns for the door, while Ethan picks up the house.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Hall,” Ethan says, and something about the way he says my name like that makes my heart flutter.
“Yes, Dr. Walker.” I bite my bottom lip while raising one eyebrow.