Chapter 31: City streets and kitty treats

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Jason stretched, leaning back against the chair as he and Aubrey finished off the last of their breakfast. The soft clinking of dishes filled the quiet of the apartment as they moved about the kitchen, Aubrey cleaning up the table while Jason poured himself a second cup of coffee.

"So, what do you want to do today?" Aubrey asked as she rinsed off the plates, a playful smile on her face. "I mean, I said I'd take the day off to relax, but it seems like you have something else in mind."

Jason chuckled, leaning against the counter with a grin. "Yeah, well, I was thinking we could go out. You know, actually do something fun—hang around the city. No patrolling, no missions, just... us."

Aubrey raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. "You sure you want to spend the whole day with me, Todd? Sounds like a dangerous game."

"I like dangerous games," Jason replied, giving her a wink. "But seriously, it's not like we get days off often. Might as well make the most of it."

Aubrey smiled, her heart warming at the idea of spending a day with him—just the two of them, no responsibilities hanging over their heads. "Alright," she said, drying her hands. "I'm in. Let me get ready, and you can head home to change. Meet me back here in about an hour?"

Jason nodded, finishing off his coffee before setting the mug down. "Deal. I'll see you in a bit."

He grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair, giving Gypsy a quick scratch behind the ears before heading for the door. The little white cat meowed after him, sitting by the door as it closed behind him.

Aubrey laughed, shaking her head at the cat's antics. "Oh, stop it, Gypsy. He'll be back soon. And quit trying to steal him from me."

The cat gave a low, pleading mewl, making Aubrey chuckle as she headed back to her room. She couldn't help but think about how she'd planned to spend the day resting, but now here she was, excited to spend it with Jason instead. It felt good—easy in a way she hadn't expected. As she got ready, she smiled to herself, feeling lighter than she had in a long time.

She pulled on her favorite pair of black jeans, snug but comfortable, then grabbed a dark red sweater from her closet that fit just right, complementing the deep tones of her hair. Aubrey slipped on a pair of dark brown cowgirl boots with an open toe, the worn leather feeling familiar and sturdy. Standing in front of the mirror, she pulled her hair up into a braided bun, letting a few loose curls fall around her face for a casual but stylish look.

After adding some simple jewelry—a bracelet and a pair of small earrings—she grabbed her phone, sliding it into her pocket just in time to hear the door open again.

"Aubrey?" Jason called out from the living room.

"I'll be out in a minute!" she replied, giving herself one last look in the mirror before heading out.

When she stepped into the living room, her breath caught for a moment as she saw Jason. He was wearing black jeans and a tight-fitting long-sleeved red shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders in a way that made Aubrey's heart skip a beat. His hair was slightly messy, but it was clear he'd put in some effort, and the combination of his casual, yet put-together look made her blush. The jeans hugged his thighs and showed off the muscles in his legs. Aubrey felt her mouth go dry.

And, of course, he was holding Gypsy in his arms, the little white cat soaking up all of his attention.

Aubrey couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "You've really won her over, haven't you?"

Jason looked up, his gaze sweeping over Aubrey's form, and for a brief second, she saw the same admiring look in his eyes that she had for him. That made her tingle in a way she hadn't expected. "I guess so," he said with a grin, looking down at the cat. "She was waiting by the door for me. My girl just missed me."

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