Free The Right One by R.M. Alexander Page B

felt.
    “They’re from Paul.”
    Cami nodded, tapping the thermostat, then turned to face him.
    Alex nodded. “Of course. I’m … Congratulations again. I better get going. Listen, you can just toss that rose. It’s … " He shook his head. “See ya later.”
    She stood in the middle of the living room, staring at the closed front door. What just happened? She laid the rose against the table, picked up the bouquet and dropped it in the kitchen garbage. Carrying a small vase filled with water back to the living room, Cami slid the rose inside. Standing back, hands on hips, she stared at it for a moment, then retreated back to the kitchen, dug the bouquet and rested it on the table next to the rose, adjusting the blooms.
    Silly to ruin beautiful flowers, even if Paul was barking up the wrong tree. She glanced at the rose, shook her head, bit the lower lip. No more complications. Cheeks inflated and released, and Cami headed for the office.
     
     
     
     

 
     
     
    Chapter Twelve
     
     
    Regellius chuffed through the fence as Cami neared him, the smile automatic across her lips. “Good morning Regellius. How’s my favorite boy?”
    Orange and black striped fur rubbed against the fencing as he ran his body alongside the metal, chuffing and wanting. Poking a finger through a link, she scratched a small part of flesh behind his ear. Dangerous with most of the cats, their bodies easily capable of breaking the finger by pressing too hard against her. Neptune, Cassius and Cato would likely bite her. She smiled. “Not you though, huh, boy? Not Regellius.”
    The tiger chuffed once more, and allowed a good hard massage. His long tail twitched and she pulled her finger back, stepped back as he moved away, circling the visible enclosure before finding his way back.
    She smiled. “We’ll get you out of there in just a bit. Hang in there, boy. Rounds first. You know the drill.”
    His tail swayed side to side. Regellius stood proud, looking in the direction of the larger outdoor field where trees, the brook and room to roam beckoned him.
    Cami drew in a breath and grinned. Nearly a month after his arrival, the connection between sanctuary owner and wild animal was unheard of, one which usually didn’t happen after years of husbandry. She didn’t understand it, something so unheard of. He climbed on the wood platform, and laid down, paws hanging over the edge. Beautiful, still wild.
    “How’s Reggy this morning?”
    Cami turned to face Alex. “Regellius is doing great. As he always is. Surprised to see you here.”
    “Overgrown housecat is all he is. Forgets he’s wild.” Alex turned to face her. “I’m sorry about yesterday. The way I reacted was ...”
    She raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry about it. No harm, no foul.”
    “What you’re doing is none of my business. I don’t get it, but it’s none of my business. Paul Schotter … I’m just … worried about you is all.”
    “Alex …”
    He reached out, wrapping her hand in his. “Cami, listen to me. I want you to have your dream. You’ve wanted this for nearly as long as I’ve known you. But I care enough about you to want you safe. That’s the only reason …”
    “And I get it. But I’m fine. And I’m smart enough not to let something happen to the sanctuary …”
    “I’m more concerned about something happening to you.”
    “Which it’s not going to. Just trust me Alex. Is that too much to ask?”
    “No, I guess it’s not.”
    A heavy sigh, and Cami glanced to Regellius. “Good. I’m going to make the rounds to see Cato and Major, Neptune and Cassius, then take a ride on Nugget. How’s the rest of the touches coming along on the ranch?”
    “Men are done with the second tower, and beginning the third. Should be all but done by the end of the week.”
    She nodded. “Great. That’s wonderful news.”
    They both stood still for a moment, words lost. Alex cleared his throat. “Okay, I’m going to get going, head over to tower three,