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definitely used to people. She licked my hand. So brave.”
    The man knelt beside her, studying her face. “You look frozen through. Why don’t you go wait in the car while I round up these guys?”
    Grace hesitated. He had calm, nice eyes, but she didn’t know anything about him. Maybe this helpful behavior was just an act.
    â€œGo on. It’s the green Jeep. I’ll drop you off on the way to the animal clinic. This snow is going to make driving slow.”
    His calm, take-charge attitude made Grace feel less anxious. “I’d rather help you here. I can h-hold the light while you gather them up.” She held up her little key-chain light and watched approvingly. He was careful and patient as he cradled the small forms in his gloved hands and slid them under his coat. When the mother yowled, he scooped her up carefully and set her in the middle of the box, covering them all with the heavy towel, followed by his sweater and coat. “Mission accomplished. Let’s get this brood moving. Meanwhile, maybe you can shine that light in front of me. I don’t want to drop anyone.”
    Grace walked slowly, guiding him around amound of soggy boxes and two overturned garbage cans. Her feet were nearly numb and her hands began to shake, but she was too relieved at the rescue to care.
    â€œHere we are. Why don’t you sit in front? I’ll set the whole crew on your lap while I drive.”
    Grace closed her eyes on a prayer of thanks. For one night at least these animals would be safe. “F-fine. I don’t know who you are, but you couldn’t have picked a better time to come and save us.”
    The man gave a low chuckle. “See if you’re still thankful after you see the inside of my Jeep, ma’am.”

CHAPTER THREE
    â€œW HAT’S A LITTLE MESS between friends?” she said.
    It was a mess all right. Noah cleared off an old sweatshirt from the seat so she could sit down. He had heard the faint disapproval in her tone. She wouldn’t know that he’d been working for eight days straight, and this was his first real break.
    He scooped a fast-food bag off the floor beneath her feet and dumped it in a holder behind him. “Sorry about this stuff.”
    â€œNo problem. Everybody has to eat, Mr.—”
    â€œMcLeod. Noah.” He set the kittens and their box in her lap, then slid the towel gently around them. “And some people eat better than others,” he said ruefully.
    â€œYou’re good with your hands.”
    Her voice was husky, raw with cold. Noah was certain that she was freezing. He also noted that she didn’t seem to notice the chill, refusing to take care of herself until she knew the cats were safe. Once they were settled in her lap, he leaned down to crank up the heat around her feet. “Is that better?”
    â€œPure heaven.”
    He pulled out onto the deserted streets, peering through the sheeting snow. “They weren’t kidding. This storm is looking bad. We could be in for a wild ride.”
    In the distance an ambulance whined, the sound swallowed by the gusting snow. The whole city seemed deserted, all activity stopped.
    â€œJust as long as we’re warm.” She smiled, staring down at the pile of kittens, curled together warm and snug on her lap. Noah wondered if she realized that her expensive shoes were history and her elegant wool coat was streaked with mud from the Dumpster. If so, it didn’t seem to bother her.
    â€œThey look okay.” At least Noah hoped so.
    â€œThey’re moving. That’s a good sign. But we have to get them completely warm. Then we’ll work on hydration,” she said firmly.
    Noah didn’t hide his surprise. “Are you a vet, ma’am?”
    â€œNo.” She smoothed one tiny, soft body, then pulled the towel back in place. “But my grandfather is. I’ve seen him handle abandoned animals about a thousand times, and