Heaven And Hell novel Chapter 129

Brad meowed in assent.

"Men!" I hissed. Just like a cornered cat.

Brad weighed about twelve pounds (give or take), although a good portion of that was his ball of fur that surrounded his body, I supposed. My relatives and I had spent the better part of our evenings getting rid of Brad's dander off our clothes. Uncle Eddie gave up trying, though, and even came to work -- in his office at home, nowadays, since he's the boss and pretty much does whatever he pleases -- looking like Brad jumped on him.

Which was insane, to be honest, since the high and mighty cat hadn't even allowed to let me hold him for more than three seconds whenever I tried to befriend him!

"There's a nice cat," Cole cooed disgustingly, his shoulders shaking in silent mirth at my annoyed expression.

"Stupid cat."

"Don't pay the mean lady any heed, ol' Brad." Cole smoothed his hand against the cat's neck.

Brad stretched out on Cole's lap, lying on his back with his paws hanging over his head in this ridiculous fashion, like a bunch of tiny starfishes made of beans. It would have been cute but you could never associate cute with Brad the menacing cat. Never.

"That is not a cat," I snapped. "It's a walking rug with a penchant for food."

Cole's lips tilted up in one corner. "I know you don't mean that, Mathison."

"Uh, yeah, I do."

"You love this cat. You wouldn't have adopted him otherwise."

"I'm starting to regret my choice," I ground out, resisting the urge to stomp my foot like a five-year-old.

"Brad loves you."

The cat lifted his head just a fraction, and I swear he stuck his tongue out at me like the spoiled brat he was!

I started backing up, letting out a huff with all the dignity I could muster . "That cat is a thorn on my side! I'm going outside," I declared hotly.

"And ride your cow across my territory again?"

"Augh! I was trying to catch a fat cat, don't get too cocky!"

He barked a surprised laugh. "Did I mention how entertaining you are? So I thought, 'Well, she'll do as well as any,' and --"

"If your aim was to woo me," I said acidly, "you're not succeeding."

"Better than most," he amended.

"You were so mean to me that day, so don't lie about thinking I'd be a good candidate." I sniffed and crossed my arms. "Your aunt was the one who spotted me first." I tried not to shudder.

"Interesting turn of events after that, isn't it?"

"Yeah," I said bitterly, "my boyfriend dumped me for it and I didn't even do anything wrong. All I did was try to help and look how that turned out." Suddenly the anger came washing up within me, waiting to burst forth. How could they do that to me? Brett, Cole, the Cuttings in general. Oh, I knew I should have listened to Oliver when he'd told me he didn't trust Brett! My hands balled into fists.

Cole noticed my sudden change of mood and his expression instantly sobered. I saw the Cole I was used to seeing. "I am truly sorry for what has happened to you and your relationship. Everything in general for the past few weeks, actually. I never meant to cause you any hurt during your stay here."