Cat’s Got My Tongue by Austin Bates

“I just want to apologize, but I can’t get close to him long enough to work up to it.”

Back home from his first year of university, River Reid has been designated the pet sitter for his sister’s cat, Almond. He doesn’t mind. He’s got the summer to figure out whether he wants to keep going to a local college or accept a sports scholarship from somewhere with a little more glamour. But things take a turn for the complicated when River has to rush Almond to the vet… and comes face to face with the nerd he bullied all through high school.
“I’m looking for a fresh start. Not a replay of my ten most mortifying moments.”
Love is the last thing on Weston’s mind. A bit of a geek who has always preferred animals to people, Weston is biding his time interning for Sunnydale Animal Hospital in hopes of a great recommendation and some clinic hours to put toward his education. Once the scholarship offers roll in, he’s out of there – off to conquer a new place that doesn’t remind him of the merciless bullying he faced as a teenager. Giving River a second chance was never part of his plans… but plans are subject to change.