Bailey looked at her sisters, who just stared back at the stranger as if they had no idea what to do.
“Hey, can we help you?” Bailey called out.
He didn’t jerk or move. Just cranked his head around to stare back at them. “My cat’s up on your roof.”
They reached him all at once, flanking the man on both sides as they all peered up. Bailey caught a darker shadow creeping along the slanted lines. “I thought cats were good climbers.”
“They get stuck in trees, though,” Pris said. “Has she ever done this before?”
“He. And yeah, once before when we had a fight. But he came down quick. This time, he’s been stuck up there for almost half an hour. He’s making a point.”
Dev tilted her head and regarded him with interest. “You had a fight with your cat?”
“Yep. He’s a pain in the ass, but he’s mine. I think I have to go up there.”
Bailey was caught between concern for the cat and fascination for this stranger. “We don’t have a ladder. Can you climb up?”
He blinked. “I’ll have to. Can’t leave him.”
“Should we call the fire department?” Pris asked.
Dev sighed with impatience. “For goodness’ sakes, Pris, I’m sure it doesn’t work like it does back in New York. Before Tarzan goes up on his vine, just hang on a sec. I’ll be right back.”
She marched inside the house with her usual purposeful strides. A soft meow cut through the air. The cat’s tail swished back and forth as he hovered on the edge. Bailey watched with worry and hoped he didn’t get stressed and try to jump. But wasn’t that whole cliché true about a cat landing on his feet? Or was that the nine lives thing?
“Sorry about this,” the stranger said. “Didn’t mean to interrupt your evening.”
“No problem. My name is Bailey. This is Priscilla.”
Pris nodded.
“I’m Hawke,” he said. His voice had a sexy rough gravel tone. “I’m your neighbor. Live right past that garden wall.” He pointed to the right, where a thick cluster of trees made a natural privacy barrier. “Surprised to see someone here. This place has been vacant for a while.”
“It was our mom’s,” Pris said. “She died and left us the house.”
He nodded. “Sorry for your loss.”
Dev came out with a small plate filled with food. “Roberto had put a few things in the refrigerator for us before we came. I think fish may do it—there’s no tuna.” Without waiting for Hawke to take over, she began making “Pshhhh” noises and put the bowl on the ground in front of him.
The cat meowed louder.
Dev shook her head and addressed the animal. “He got the point, cat. Now, come down and eat and we can all get on with our lives.”
Bailey pressed her lips together. Her sister was so damn bossy. There was no way the cat was just going to listen to a stranger who put out a bit of . . .
The cat jumped to a tree and then down to the ground in two smooth, graceful leaps. Stalking over to the bowl, he ignored Dev and his keeper and began to eat.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Hawke muttered. “Good idea.”
Dev turned on her heel with a pleased smile. “You gotta talk their language. Now, who are you?”
“Hawke,” Bailey cut in. “He’s our next-door neighbor.”
“I appreciate you helping me and Lucifer out. Can I invite you over for a nightcap or coffee?”
Bailey paused, tempted to find out more about their new neighbor. He didn’t look Italian and was about her age, give or take a few years. Dressed in jeans, a white button-down shirt, and sneakers, he still exuded an air of power, like he was used to getting things he wanted. His aura interested her. She opened her mouth, but Dev interrupted.
“Sure. It’s still early, why not? You guys good with that?”
They nodded. Hawke walked over to Lucifer and scooped him up with a commanding grip, murmuring something in his ear. The cat twitched, then settled in. “Follow me.”
They did, trotting behind him to keep up with his long strides. “Why’d you name him Lucifer?” Bailey asked.
“Because he’s the devil incarnate. Was a stray around here who pissed me off. Messed up my garbage, woke me up too early whining, and broke in twice to raid my kitchen. Finally, I gave up and kept him.”
“That’s so sweet,” Pris said.
Hawke grunted. “It wasn’t voluntary. I think he was eventually planning to smother me in my sleep.”
Dev barked out a laugh. “Those are the best types of pets. Keep you on your toes.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
He led them up the short pathway and to the porch. The glowing lamp illuminated the white and powder blue exterior, with a stone wall shielding the high curved front windows. As they climbed the steps, she noted the generous number of potted plants and herbs; the cozy corner where a table and chair had been set up with a laptop humming; and the half-empty glass of wine on the ledge.
“It’s a beautiful night, not too hot. Do you want to stay on the porch?” he asked.
“Sure.” Bailey figured he didn’t want three strange women traipsing through his place and it’d be more polite to wait out here. “Do you have any limoncello? I’ve been dying to try some.”
He gave a sharp nod. All his motions seemed extremely efficient, requiring the least amount of effort. “For you ladies?”
“Red wine is great,” Pris said.
“I’ll take a limoncello. Need any help?” Dev asked.
He shook his head. “Be right out.”
They stood on the porch with the one chair a bit awkwardly and looked at one another. “Think he’s hiding a mess in there?” Bailey asked her sisters. “I didn’t see a ring, so he’s probably single.”
“He doesn’t seem like the bachelor-pad type,” Dev said.
“We need to ask him questions,” Pris whispered. “Maybe he knows Silvia and Mom.”
“He’s a New Yorker,” Dev said.
Bailey cocked her head. “How do you know?”
“Obvious in his tone when he said C-A-W-F-F-E-E. We can’t hide it for long, especially with our kind.”
Bailey grinned. “You should have been a detective, Dev. You’re just suspicious enough to be successful.”
Bailey enjoyed her sister’s short laugh and relaxed in the comfortable ambience of the warm night. Bailey was good at ignoring the pieces of herself that hurt, able to refocus on the moment and happier things, but being with Dev reminded her of an old wound that ached when probed.