Rory’s best friends hadn’t arrived yet at the annual Christmas party for the animal shelter volunteers. The cocktail party was just what she needed; the contest weighed on her mind with its high stakes. A little alcohol along with a festive atmosphere would take the edge off. The gorgeous ten foot Christmas tree and numerous holiday decorations reminded her she’d been working too hard.

And of course, thinking too hard. She needed to win the contest after coming in second to Will the last time.

Skylar was right. She couldn’t lose to him. Losing to anyone else? She could deal with that. Anybody but Will. While he had been a gentleman since their first meeting, another victory might make him unbearable considering they shared a client.

And there was the little matter of one hundred thousand dollars, which was a bit nicer than a trophy. She had enough of those, mostly relegated to a box in the attic, and they didn’t pay the bills.

She mingled with the other volunteers, trading cat stories and bragging on Hemingway while sipping a glass of wine. She felt a light touch on her arm and turned to find Jeannie, the manager of the shelter. “Hi Jeannie. How’s your back?”

“What back?”

“From when you fell and got hurt.”

“Oh, that.” She held up her drink. “This helps.”

“I’ll bet.”

“Seriously, thanks for asking. I’m almost back to normal after a few visits to the chiropractor.” She finished her drink. “Well, it’s been a good year, Rory. You and your friends have been a great help, as always. We’ve actually got a decent amount of money in the bank and adopted a record number of cats.”

“The latter is the most important part.”

“Yeah. Though we just got a bunch of kittens. But with Christmas coming people will be adopting them. Happens every year. Of course I have to impress on people that they need to make sure the person receiving a cat as a gift actually wants a cat.” She looked over Rory’s shoulder and waved. “Oh, I wanted you to meet a new volunteer who has been an absolute godsend. It’s such a nice surprise when a man shows up out of the blue offering to help.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet you haven’t had too many guys.”

“You might especially like this particular one. I’ve been excited about introducing you since he’s single and cute. And a really sweet guy. I thought you two would be a good match. Here he is.”

Rory turned and found herself face to face with Will Prescott.

Jeannie introduced them. “Rory Callahan, this is Will Prescott.”

Rory’s jaw slightly dropped. “Uh, we already know each other.”

Will started to laugh. “Jeannie, you must have forgotten I was Rory’s emergency cat sitter when you fell and hurt your back.”

“Oh, that’s right. But I didn’t realize you were at the house when she got home. So, you’ve already met and here I thought I was getting two nice people together.”

“We also know each other since we both work in advertising. In fact, Rory and I are partnering on a client.” He turned and looked at Rory. “She’s beyond talented. Terrific writer. Very creative.”

Rory couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you, but you’re pretty talented yourself.”

Jeannie nodded as a waiter caught her attention. “Well, see, I knew you two had something in common. Anyway, dinner is about to start so you guys take your seats. And it just hit me that I should have put you at the same table.”

Will smiled at Rory. “That’s okay, we’ll catch up later.”

***

RORY FINISHED HER DINNER and turned to Madison. “That was delicious. It was really nice of you to get this set up and paid for. I think all the volunteers really appreciate it. They’ve never had anything like this. Jeannie said the previous Christmas parties were held at the shelter with punch and cookies.”

Madison smiled. “Well, when you donate your time cleaning cages and taking care of homeless cats, you need a really big thank you. And I’m pretty good at guilting people with deep pockets to pay for everything.”

A.J. pointed at a far table. “Speaking of donating time, Rory, your very cute cat sitter is at the table across the room.”

“Yeah, I talked to him a bit during the cocktail hour.”

Tish leaned toward her. “So, anything happening there?”

Rory shook her head. “Nope. He’s still got a gorgeous girlfriend and we’re both finalists in that advertising contest I told you about.” She pointed at the podium. “Hey, Jeannie’s got something going.”

The woman adjusted the microphone and smiled at the crowd. “Well, I hope everyone enjoyed tonight’s dinner and this was made possible by our wonderful benefactor Madison Shaw who got everything donated, so please give her a big hand.” The crowd applauded as Madison waved at everyone. “Okay, it’s time to recognize our volunteer of the year. Now please know that we appreciate each and every one of you, but every year at this time we like to acknowledge someone who really has gone above and beyond for the shelter. And this year that honor goes to one of our newest volunteers, Will Prescott. C’mon up, Will.”

Rory’s eyes widened a bit as Will headed up to the podium accompanied by applause.

Jeannie shook his hand and gave him a certificate. “Will has been especially valuable because he’s been acting as a foster home for us when we needed one. He’s taken care of seven cats this year, a few which needed a great deal of care. Will also bottle-fed an orphaned kitten which I know didn’t make for very restful nights, and also took care of one of our sick cats that needed a lot of attention. Finally, he was available to cat sit on a holiday weekend recently when I fell and hurt my back. I must say I never expected to give this award to a man, but Will, you have really shown that guys love cats as much as women do. Thank you so much for your help this year.” She shook his hand again as they posed for a picture.

Madison turned to Rory. “I’ve told you this before, but you’re reading that guy wrong. Anyone who does stuff like that cannot be a bad person.”

Rory slowly nodded as she watched Will get handshakes on the way back to his table. “You know, I’m beginning to wonder if you might be right.”

“You don’t need to wonder. You need to find out.”

***

RORY WEAVED HER WAY through the crowd, wanting to catch up with Will before he left. Luckily he was busy chatting with a few volunteers when she arrived at his table. As soon as he wrapped up that conversation she extended her hand. “Congratulations. It seems every time we eat at the same place you win something. So, you actually run a foster home for cats. I must say I’m really impressed.”

He laughed a bit. “Well, I didn’t do this for an award. But nice to know I’m appreciated. Honestly, what I did was not that big of a deal.”

“It was a big deal to those cats. And to my cat, who might not be around if you hadn’t been such a good cat sitter who knew something was wrong with him. Speaking of cats, how come you don’t have one of your own?”

“I did until January when my cat passed away. She was a great companion for more than ten years and I was devastated when she died. Everyone told me to get another cat, but, I don’t know... it almost felt like I needed to honor her memory and not replace her right away. And replace isn’t even the right word, because no cat could replace her. But I missed having a cat around the house and being with a cat so I went by the shelter to volunteer. When Jeannie told me she needed a foster home from time to time, I signed up. It’s been great having a whole bunch of different cats this year.”

“And you had to bottle feed one?”

“Yeah. That was an experience. But he’s grown and has a great home now.”

“So, you ready to adopt one yet?”

“Getting close. Maybe after the holidays. Of course, I’ll still do the foster home thing. There will always be a need for that.”

“You’re a good man, Will Prescott.”

“Hey, I’m just a guy who loves cats. Maybe because I’m better with them than with people and they don’t judge me. All you have to do is love them and take care of them and you get unconditional love in return.”

“The same is true of women.”

He laughed a bit. “I’ll make a note of that.”

“And you seem to be pretty good with people. You sure as hell charmed that client we’re sharing.”

“Well, things have changed of late, but that’s nice of you to say. Speaking of clients, I had mixed feelings about seeing you in the finals for the contest.”

“Mixed feelings?”

“I’m glad you made the cut and if I don’t win I sure hope you do. But of course I’m worried that someone as talented as you will kick my ass and win the hundred grand.”

“You know, Will, I was thinking the same thing about you.”

“Yeah, but you’re a much better writer than I am. Anyway, between us we’ve got a two-out-of-three chance of winning this thing.”

“Would be a very nice Christmas present.”

“Tell you what... winner buys dinner.”

She shook his hand. “It’s a deal. Well, I guess I’ll see you soon when they announce the winner.”

“Yeah. Just hope it is you or me.”

“Oh, hey, where’s Savannah tonight?”

He shrugged as he grabbed his coat and started to put it on. “Beats me. Probably at some local watering hole on the prowl for a hot guy. Then again, a woman like Savannah doesn’t really have to do the searching. She’s like a magnet for men. Anyway, I’ll see you soon. Good night.”

“Yeah. See ya.” She shook her head as she turned and headed back to her table where her friends were getting ready to head out.

A.J. looked over her shoulder. “So, I noticed the cute cat sitter was alone tonight. You makin’ your move?”

“Nope. He’s still attached.”

“So where was his girl?”

“I asked him and he said she was out on the prowl looking for a hot guy. Can you believe it? I mean, he’s got a stunning woman who is way out of his league and he’s not even concerned she’s out bar hopping. They sure have one unusual relationship.”

“It can’t last,” said Tish. “I’d say you should make a move for him after they break up, but not sure you’d want a guy who is that casual about sharing his girlfriend like that. And you did say she wanted to share him, so he’s obviously not monogamous.”

Madison buttoned her coat. “It still doesn’t add up. There’s something odd with this situation.”

Rory headed for the door with her friends. “Yeah. I mean, take the kinky stuff out of their relationship, and you’d have a guy I’d like to date.”