From Rags to Kisses (Holiday Story Exchange)

Chapter Eight Sneak Peek

May 13, 1989

**Hope POV**

Prince made a point of pulling together the gear from our little campout pretty quickly, ensuring I didn't have the time to reconsider his offer of breakfast...not that I would have mind you, as after the first good night's rest I'd had in I don't know how long, I was famished.

I wasn't ready to relinquish the easy banter we've found with each other either. I never would've thought that during such a dark period in my life I would find such an unexpected treasure in him...friendship. I turn around and take in his profile with a soft smile, as I feel his fingers clasp my left hand tightly, giving it a reassuring squeeze as he makes his way through the light Saturday morning traffic. Damn that feels nice....

I wasn't alone anymore...and that was a gift I hadn't anticipated finding. Still...I was afraid. Afraid of what would happen if I said yes to going home with him. All sorts of scenarios start playing out in my head, both good and bad...leaving me feeling uncertain, even as we make our way to breakfast in silence...his hand still clasping mine as I feel sharp claws making their way into my thigh painfully.

"Ouch! Gemini! Stop that right now!" I yelp, trying to disentangle her claws from my leg without success, as she scrambles away clumsily, emitting a low growl.

"Looks like someone isn't a good traveler," he offers with a chuckle, giving the kitten a gentle smile as he reaches over, trying gently to extricate my pant leg from terrified kitten claws...even as she starts to halfheartedly hiss and swat at his hand. "Not this time, Scissorhands...not this time..." he mutters, reluctantly backing away.

I start to giggle at the kitten's crazy antics...that is, until she starts coughing and gagging. Uh...that can't be good...

I try to quickly get the kitten down to the floorboards, fearing the worst...but as she frightfully grips onto my leg for dear life...she starts to throw up...all over the front of my pants. Oh no...

**Author's Note:  I know it's been a bit since I updated, but I wanted to let everyone know I haven't forgotten about this story.  I'm working on this next chapter, and just wanted to give everyone a taste.  I hope to have it all laid out for you guys soon.  In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this sneak peek.**