CHAPTER THREE: HANDSOME NEIGHBOR

Haylee had just finished hanging Finn’s leash when the sound of a soft meow echoed from the hallway.

Finn let out a low rumble in his throat—not a growl, just a warning—and Haylee instinctively peeked through the peephole. The door next to hers was now fully open, and a Persian cat with a silky, cream-colored coat and ocean-blue eyes was lounging casually by the entrance.

Then, someone stepped into view.

Haylee’s eyes widened.

The man standing beside the cat was tall, broad-shouldered, and strikingly handsome. His skin was fair and smooth, his jawline sharp and clean. His jet-black hair was tousled just enough to look like it wasn’t on purpose, and he wore a plain white shirt that fit a little too well around his toned arms.

And then there were his glasses.

Framed in black, they sat on the bridge of his nose, softening the intense focus in his eyes as he looked down at the cat and gently scooped her into his arms.

“Biscuit,” he said in a low, calming tone. “You can’t just wander off, you little rascal.”

Haylee stepped out, unable to stop the amused smile tugging at her lips.

“She’s a Persian, right?” she said, arms crossed, curious gaze on the feline.

The man turned, surprised by the voice—and even more surprised by the woman it came from.

Haylee stood there confidently, her long hair pulled into a loose ponytail, her eyes curious and warm. She had that kind of effortless charm that came from being self-assured, from knowing who she was.

“You knew her breed just by looking?” he asked, clearly impressed.

Haylee shrugged lightly. “Well, she’s got that signature flat face, long luxurious coat, and a bit of diva energy. Persian for sure.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Are you a cat whisperer or something?”

She chuckled. “Close. I’m a veterinarian. I own the clinic two blocks from here—‘Aurora Animal Clinic.’ I specialize in small animals. Dogs, cats, hamsters… even the occasional parrot.”

She reached into her bag and pulled out a sleek business card, handing it to him. “If Biscuit ever needs grooming, vaccines, or just a check-up, feel free to drop by.”

He accepted it with a slight smile. “Thanks. I’m Kyser, by the way. Just moved in today.”

Kyser reached into his back pocket and offered her a small, cleanly designed card of his own. “I work as a systems analyst. Home-based most of the time.”

Haylee took it, nodding. “Nice to meet you, Kyser. And Biscuit.”

The cat purred in his arms, blinking slowly at her.

Kyser looked between Haylee and Finn, who was watching with quiet intensity. “And that would be…?”

“Finn,” she replied proudly. “My partner, my shadow, and my doorbell.”

Their eyes met, and for a second, something unspoken passed between them—curiosity, maybe even a little intrigue.

“Well,” Kyser said, scratching the back of his neck, “Looks like Biscuit made the first move.”

Haylee smirked. “Cats usually do.”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***