The abrupt weaning I understood, but the other? Who would do that to such a helpless creature? "Then I'm keeping him."
"In that case, your kitten has fleas, ear mites, and a touch of conjunctivitis. He's also under nourished and almost surely has worms."
My heart pounded as I snatched the kitten from Galen's hands and tucked him safely against my chest. "Is he going to die?"
Galen pushed his sunglasses up to rest on top of his head and grinned at me. I fell into his gorgeous hazel eyes as he stared into my sky blue orbs with open curiosity. Damn, the man had long eyelashes.
"He'll be fine. Do you think we can finish our chores here this morning, or do we need to go straight to my clinic so I can treat him and fix you up with what you need?" He poked the kitten's paw and those tiny, wicked claws popped out again. "You're in for a real treat with this little guy."
I'd go anywhere he asked me to go, but I didn't want to appear too eager. "Oh? Why is that?"
"They call cats with these black and white markings a 'tuxedo' because, obviously, they look like they're wearing one. This fellow has the added bonus of white 'gloves.' Tuxedos tend to have a lot of personality." Galen squeezed my elbow. I thought his hand lingered a moment too long, but perhaps it was just wishful thinking.
"C'mon. I'll tell the other work crew they'll have to finish pulling up these bricks and we'll go to the clinic."
"Thanks, man. I owe you."
I knew I was in two kinds of trouble when he nodded and grinned. "I'm afraid you will.
)
