Sleet Kitten: Book One of the Sleet Series
Sleet Kitten: Chapter 3

I’m not sure when my little Kitten fell asleep, but it was fairly soon after the movie started.

My Kitten. When did I become such a sap?

Even though I’ve seen this movie about a hundred times, I couldn’t begin to tell you what’s going on. I haven’t been able to focus on a damn thing since my senses were overwhelmed with the scent and warmth of her being near me.

Guess it gives me an excuse to insist that I see her again, so we can actually watch this movie together, when we’re both awake and paying attention. I should’ve had an early bedtime tonight, but sitting down here with a cute Kitten snuggled into my side is preferable to being alone in my bed. Plus, I’m not exactly exerting myself, and it’s comfortable as hell, so I’m counting this as resting.

If – earlier this evening – someone had told me that I’d end the night curled up in my theater with a beautiful woman, watching one of my favorite movies, talking about my pops and sharing my mama’s caramels, I would’ve said they’re a fool. But now I feel like the fool because here Kitten is, still in my arms, and I’m already worrying about how I’m going to see her again.

When I’d first heard the noise coming from my library, I was furious. I’d been promised by the party planners that guests would stay out of my private rooms. It’s not that I have anything to hide. Surely nothing as exciting as a sex room. (Though now I’m starting to think maybe having one isn’t the worst idea . . .) And it’s not that I dislike parties, but tonight was not my scene. I’d had my teammates pull in some favors to get the desired guest list, but that crowd was not mine. I happen to like Daniel’s talking points, so – when my agent proposed hosting this party – I was happy to do so. But after an hour of shaking hands, and gently turning away women I wasn’t interested in, I needed to escape.

It was then that I first saw Katelyn upstairs. She was talking with an older couple in a very animated way. All three of them were laughing, but her smile was what made me stop and watch. I was aware that I was being a bit of a creeper, but she stood out to me. Her shiny hair was catching the light every time she moved her head, causing the color to dance between shades of brown. She was stunning in that black dress. It showcased every sexy inch of her, but didn’t flash flesh like so many of the other ladies’ outfits. I’m no prude, but I do like a little left to the imagination. Especially once I make a woman mine. I don’t need every other man with eyes taking in more than they need to. Okay, so I’m not a prude, but I’m aware I can be a bit of a caveman when it comes to the people I claim.

So, when I opened the door preparing to yell at whoever was in my library, I was stunned into silence when I realized it was the same woman. I had already been kicking myself about not approaching her upstairs. Now was my chance to make up for that mistake. And then, like the big goddamn buffoon that I am, I frightened her, insulted her, and almost scared her off. I’ve done some dumb things through my thirty-four years of life, but I’m not sure I’ve ever hated myself more than I did when I saw those tears forming in her eyes after what I said.

Like I told her, I have a sister, and a mama, so I know all about the struggles that women deal with. And I know how much the words of another can make-or-break some of those tenuous feelings. What broke my heart was not only that I said something to make her feel poorly, but that she even has those seeds of doubt in her brain to begin with. I knew it was too soon in our meeting to drop to my knees and tell her how absolutely perfect she was, and that I wouldn’t change a damn thing about her.

I’m not saying those other ladies upstairs weren’t beautiful. They were. But this Kitten caught my eye. And there is no denying she has some sort of special pull on me. And that ass, with those curves, on that body… I’m a big guy. I’m strong. I tend to get very into the moment. I need a woman who can hold her own with me. One who I don’t have to worry I’ll break in two. Pretty sure Kitten and I could get rough and hot and both make it through to the end.

Shit. I need to stop thinking about this. The last thing I need is her innocently waking up on my shoulder, with me sitting here sporting a hard-on that’s impossible to miss.

My phone’s on silent, but I can feel it vibrating in my pocket. It’s on the opposite side of Kitten, so – thankfully – it’s not disturbing her.

I manage to get the phone into my hand with minimal movement, seeing a text from the guy upstairs saying his party staff are cleaning up and almost done for the night. I’m not sure if I’m going to get Agreeable Katelyn or Feisty Kitten when she wakes up, so I’m thinking I should take this opportunity to get her phone number.

I text back asking if Daniel is still here. The yes reply is immediate, and I ask that he send Daniel down to the theater, but to please be quiet. Another instant reply confirms my request. This guy has catered parties for me before, so he can tell Daniel where to replace me.

I don’t have to wait long before there’s a light knock on the door as it opens. I don’t pause or mute the movie, since I don’t want a change in atmosphere to wake the sleeping Kitten in my lap.

Daniel’s eyes take a moment to scan the room before he replaces me. We spoke for a while during the party setup, and I’ll admit that I like the guy on a personal level. He seems down to earth, while still being professional and driven. I think he could have a long political career ahead of him, and I respect that sort of dedication. But he’s also a man, and a man that knows this firecracker better than I do. At least for now, that is. So I’m hoping he’ll help me out a bit.

Lifting my hand to motion him over, I speak quietly. “Hey man, hope you had the turnout you were looking for tonight.”

He steps up to the back of the couch, far enough to my right that we can make eye contact without me having to crane my neck all the way around.

“It was great! Seriously Jackson, I can’t thank you enough for all you did to help make this happen. If there’s ever anything that I can do for you, just let me know. This was huge!”

Smiling, I reply, “It’s funny you should say that.” And I nod to the sleeping woman tucked into my side.

Daniel looks down, and I can tell the second he recognizes who is sleeping next to me. His brows furrow as he raises his gaze back up to mine, a question in his eyes. Clearly this guy likes me and wants to stay true to his word, but he is also exuding caution. I’m glad to see that look on him.

“I met Katelyn earlier tonight, and we kind of hit it off. But you see”—I pause—“I’m really starting to like her, and I want to stay in touch with her. I, of course, was planning to ask for her number when she wakes up, but I’m not entirely sure that she’ll give it to me.”

At that, Daniel breaks out into his wide politician smile. “You sure you just met her? You’ve already realized that she can be a total pain in the ass.” Getting more serious he says “She can be a pain, but she’s an amazing person. You seem like a good guy, so I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt on this one. But she’s special to a whole lot of people, a whole lot of people who will get pissed at me if she gets hurt by you. So, if you’re only interested in a fling, I’d kindly ask that you look elsewhere.”

I nod in understanding. “I’m glad you’re looking out for her. I can’t predict the future to tell you where this goes, but if I was just looking for an easy lay, I wouldn’t have to look that hard. This here is something else.” I can’t help but to look back down at the sleeping woman. When I look back up, I see that Daniel is openly watching me.

Finally, he sighs. “Give me your number. I’ll share her info with you.”

Taking his phone, I type my number in. Now if I mess this up, at least one of Kitten’s relatives will have a way to track me down.

Seeing there is no good way to shake hands, he just smiles a little. “I’m not sure which one of you I should feel sorry for right now.” Laughing under his breath he turns and walks out, closing the door behind him.

It only takes another minute before my phone buzzes with a text from Daniel. Luckily for me, Daniel went the easy route and just shared the whole contact with me. So now I have Kitten’s phone number, email, and home address.

A plan starts to unfurl. With a smile pulling on my lips, I lean over and kiss the top of her pretty head.