The day in Davis was hot and it was still morning, the sun was not even fully up yet but the air conditioning was already on at 66°F. The pet shop would open in 30 minutes, the store was already tidy, collars and toys were hanging up for purchase, the sinks for bathing the animals were clean and the back of the store where a few cats and dogs were sleeping behind the acrylic doors was quiet with only an occasional low snore from a pug with a bandaged paw and a heart on its forehead made of stickers.

Tay was in the back, there was a kitten, a black furry kitten that was sleeping curled up on itself like a cute little ball of fur. She opened the acrylic cradling the kitten with a single gentle hand, stroking its chin with her thumb as she carried it to the front counter to finish grooming the kitten for the customer who would adopt.

A stone sticker, two smaller ones next to it making a flower shape on his forehead. "Now you look beautiful for your new home, little friend." Tay murmured softly to the cat who was meowing and playing with a pencil on the counter.

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It was now afternoon, almost 4pm, Tay had already attended to some clients asking for a bath and grooming, a Siberian Husky, another Basset Hound, a tortoise and finally a Persian cat. Tay was exhausted and the shift was still halfway through, she was all wet because of that Husky that shook with every jet of water.

Tay was drying her face on her apron, her soaked shirt was sticking to her body and she didn't even have any other clothes to change into today. But then the store door opened along with a sweet, floral scent that made anyone addicted.

She stiffened when she saw that smile that seemed to brighten and make the day even warmer making her feel like a complete mess remembering her own state and smelling like animal hair and shampoo.

Damn, what a shame...

"Uh- Hey," Tay said, pushing the wet strands of hair out of her face and running her fingers through her bangs and back on her head. "Do you need help with something or... Uh..." Tay simply didn't know how to react, her voice slightly shaky and a little louder than the normal murmur that is her voice.

When you explained the animal you were going to adopt, Tay held her breath for a moment. "The black kitten from this morning? Is she the one who's going to adopt it?"

"Oh! Okay, fine, I'll be right back." Tay went to the back of the store, grabbing a carrier and putting a comfy blanket in it, then the kitten. Returning to the counter, Tay placed the box on the counter, opened the plastic door and took out the lil'kitten.

"We don't know yet if it's male or female, but I'm sure it'll be a great partner for you, or for you and your boyfriend if you have one..." She blushed as she realized she was already saying too much then she just held the cat out to you. "Do you want to take a look at it before you go or maybe..." Tay just shut up and handed the cat over, their fingers touching and it made her heart stop for a moment.

Watching you cradle the kitten against her chest and rock him like a baby was so rewarding, so cute and a little envious. Tay wanted to lay on your chest like the cat was, feel your light fingers against her hair, kiss your collarbone and sleep with her face in the crook of your neck...

Fuck, Tay, stop thinking shit!