"Yep," Jess said, her smile softening a bit. "Robert had already left with Melody. We saw what was happening between them. The sparks were flying everywhere and they both were so into each other. So Zack and Justin were a safe bet to go with. But rest assured even, Pixel had something to say about that. When Zack brought you inside, Pixel practically hissed at him, like he was challenging this big, muscular military guy."
Nia chuckled despite herself, warmth flooding her chest at the thought of her protective feline. "Good boy," she whispered, looking toward Pixel, who was now perched on the windowsill, watching the two women with a contented gaze.