Maddie scrunched up her face. “Nope.”
“You’re starting to stink. How long have you been wallowing in your own filth?”
“None of your business.” She smacked the lid of her laptop closed before setting it on her bedside table.
Harley disappeared into the master bathroom but soon re-emerged holding a hairbrush. She crawled on top of the bed beside Maddie. As Harley ran the brush through her sister’s hair, Maddie grumbled and complained. “Ow, that hurts, jackass.”
“What do you expect? It’s tangled, you smartass.”
“It’s my hair. Leave me alone.” She squirmed, attempting to get away, but Haley grabbed a handful of her dark locks. “Ouch!”
“I’m your big sister and I want you to stop moping over a man. We’re getting you all gussied up and we’re going out to lunch.”
Maddie crossed her arms in front of her chest. “No way in hell.”
“I swear, little girl, I will pull you over my lap and use this hairbrush on your butt.” Harley tightened her grip on Maddie’s hair and yanked lightly.
Maddie squealed before attempting to take the hairbrush. She had managed to take hold of the handle when the doorbell rang. A chill ran up her spine, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. “Who the hell could that be?”
“No idea. I’m guessing you’re not expecting anyone considering you look and smell like ass.” Harley pushed her shoulder-length hair back away from her face as she snickered.
Maddie poked out her lips. “Laugh it up, hooker.”
“Whoa, nice insult. How long did it take you to think that one up?”
“We can’t all be librarians.” Maddie shoved Harley to the edge of the bed. “Go see who’s there but don’t let anyone in my house for any reason.”
“Okay.”
The same smug-looking cat who had greeted Abram the first time he’d visited Maddie’s home was staring at him as he waited at the front door. He inhaled deeply and then sniffed a few times. No pheromones—Iguess it’s just a regular cat.
The top portion of Maddie’s Dutch door opened and a woman Abram had never seen before asked, “Can I help you?”
Abram stood staring, picturing the scene in The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy Gale makes it to the Emerald City only for some guy to open part of the door and end up slamming it in her face. He gathered his resolve, pushing his shoulders back. “I’m looking for Maddie Mittens.” He shifted his weight from one foot to the other while gripping the plastic container he was holding.
The lady smirked at him in a manner that made him feel completely naked. “She’s not available right now. Is there something I can do for you?”
Abram examined her face and what little he could see of her body. She resembled Maddie to a point. They had the same color hair and eyes, but this woman was taller and didn’t have Maddie’s voluptuous curves. She also had a longer, thinner face. “I really need to talk to her. When will she be home?”
“She’s here, but she’s not receiving guests right now. Did you try calling her?”
He sighed as he nodded. “Only about a million times—she won’t return my calls or answer my texts.” He looked over her head, trying to get a glimpse of the girl he came to see.
“I guess she doesn’t want to talk to you then. Why don’t you take the hint and leave my little sister alone?”
Abram pushed down on his chest, attempting to alleviate the hollow, painful, burning sensation. His stomach turned, and fatigue plagued his muscles. Sleep had eluded him for days, and the few times he’d dozed off, he’d been tormented by crazy dreams. Davis had called it raging horse sleep. Abram wasn’t certain about all that ‘your-horse-wants-her’ stuff, but he sure as hell missed Maddie. “I can’t stop thinking about her.”
Her eyes widened and she pulled her head back, lifting her chin. “Is that right?”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Abram felt even sicker than he had before. “I made her some cookies.” He lifted the square, plastic container.
She reached out and took the box. “I’ll be glad to give them to her for you, but Maddie’s feeling poorly and isn’t seeing anyone right now. She’ll call you once she recovers, and if she doesn’t, you will know to piss right off.” She stepped back and shut the top portion of the door. Abram heard her push the latch close. He lingered for a moment, hoping Maddie would change her mind and greet him. After a while, the feline to his right meowed, and even that sounded scornful. Thoroughly defeated, he hung his head as he walked to his truck.
“Well, look here what we got.” Harley gently shook a takeaway container, rattling whatever was inside.
Maddie leaned back into the pillows she’d fluffed up behind her. “What is it?”
“There was a strapping hunk at your door bearing gifts.”
“Give me a break.” She huffed as she reached her hand out.
“I’m serious. He kinda favored your buddy, Davis, so I’m guessing he’s the one who put you in this sorry state.”
“Give me the damn box, Harley.”
“Such language!” She laughed as she gave Maddie the container. “It’s cookies. He said he baked them.”
“Seriously?” Maddie popped the top open before fishing out a cookie and sniffing it. She closed her eyes enjoying the fresh scent of peanut butter.
Harley snagged one and took a bite.”Mmm, not bad and someone told him what your favorite was.”
Maddie nodded, fresh tears running down her face as she took a bite. She chewed and then swallowed. “Damn him. These are delicious.”
“Aww, what did he do to you, baby?” Harley wrapped her arms around Maddie and hugged her close.
Maddie buried her face in sister’s shoulder and balled. “He doesn’t like cats and he’s grossed out by shifting.”
Harley stroked
