When Love Walked In

The young man's expression soon gave way to wariness as he looked Bruce over. There was a sudden alertness in those slim shoulders and Bruce figured the kid had seen some trouble. Enough to know Bruce looked like the kind of guy to be mixed up in it.

"Relax. I don't know you and no one's payin' me to," Bruce assured him, though for the life of him he didn't know why. He should be escorting the guy out, not making conversation. "What's your name?"

"Jace. Jace Scarret," the young man replied quietly. When he realized he was still holding onto Bruce, he quickly released him. "Sorry."

Damn, that was one smooth voice. No. Nope, he was not about to go down that path.

Mittens jumped onto Jace's lap, purring and rubbing her head against the young man, making Jace smile. And what a smile it was. Despite the beard and shabby state of him, that smile was something else and it certainly seemed to suit him.

Bruce shook his head at his wayward thoughts and his wayward feline. "Mittens, you shameless hussy. Stop twitching your tail for other men."

Jace chuckled and gave Mittens the attention she demanded. "She's real friendly, isn't she?"

"Tell that to all the mugs who ended up pin cushions." Frankly, he was surprised to see Mittens taking a liking to anyone other than him and Joe. Not even Gladys had had the honor. Content with the affection she'd been lavished, Mittens sprang off Jace's lap and cantered over to the apartment door to scratch at it. "Her highness is eager to get indoors."

"I don't blame her," Jace replied with a wistful smile.

Aw hell, how could anyone expect Bruce to kick this poor schmo out on his ear? Better yet, when the hell had he become such a sap?