Special
"Here."
He fairly shoved the small, squirming animal at her as soon as she opened the door, not bothering to say hello. "I thought… you might want it… or something… it's a stray. I found it on my porch."
Her mouth dropped open in a silent 'oh' of surprise. "It's..." she looked down at the ball of fur in her arms, "a kitten." It was a kitten alright, orange, wide-eyed, and clawing at her for all it was worth. "Oww." She readjusted her grip on the kitten and held it carefully to prevent it from slicing at her arm once more. "Uh, thanks." Her heart softened at the embarrassed look on his face. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he muttered almost inaudibly.
Jordan shivered, finally realizing how cold it was just standing on her doorstep. "Do ya wanna come in?"
His hands disappeared into the pockets of his jacket. "Sure."
She led the way to the living room and sat on the couch. "Does it have a name?" she asked, petting the kitten.
He gave her a look that was so incredulous she had to laugh. "That's your job," he defended.
"Hmm." She tipped her head to one side and regarded her new pet thoughtfully. "George?"
He raised an eyebrow at her and she burst out laughing.
"Fine. I'll sleep on it and think of one tomorrow." She fell silent.
"Can I ask you something personal?"
"Uh," she exhaled nervously. "Sure."
"Are you and the reporter still…" he trailed off, not really sure if he actually wanted to know.
She shook her head. "Nah. It was… complicated."
A nod was his reply, being careful not to show his relief. "Oh."
"Are you-"
"Do you-"
She laughed. "Go ahead."
"That charity thing…"
"Ohh, hey, can I skip that?"
"Actually…" His gaze dropped to the floor awkwardly, "I was wondering if you wanted to go with me, but if you don't want to, that's fine."
"Uh, no, that's okay," she reassured quickly. "I don't mind."
"Great. Uh, I mean, thanks. Uh, I should um, go. Now."
She looked amused. "If you insist," she replied as she walked him to the door.
He turned on the porch when she spoke again. "Hey… Garrett."
"Hmm?"
"Why me? I mean, isn't Lily the softie?"
He gave her a half-smile. "You're special." With that, he turned once more and disappeared down the steps into the darkness.
She smiled and gave herself a little squeeze.
He called me special…