Page 2 of Autumn at the Cat Cafe

“Meow indeed,” Via murmured.

Never mind the car. The driver was even more striking. Thick, wavy dark hair cut short and parted to the side, angular jaw with a faint shadow of a beard, shoulders broad enough to sit on, figuratively speaking. Even his nose was perfect, and the cut of his dark blue suit was impeccable—the knot of his azure-blue tie a little loose around his neck, giving him a slightly casual yet still classy air. He whipped off his black aviator sunglasses and took in his surroundings.

Sir yanked on the leash toward him but Via held fast. The man paused at the curb and fished his hand inside his pants pocket, seemingly unaware of Via and Sir standing just a few feet away. Then he headed straight for Second Chapter.

“Mister.” Via allowed Sir to lead now. “The store is closed right now—”

Without looking at her, he inserted the key into the lock.

“Hey!” She hurried over to him. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Black brows narrowed over vibrant-green eyes. “Who are you?”

Octavia Bernice Dalton was never at a loss for words. Ever. Her mother nicknamed her Magpie from the time she’d been able to talk. Her father referred to her as Chatty Cathy. Her older brother, Fergus, had called her a gasbag on a regular basis, although he’d stopped now that they were adults. Dora was simply patient, always willing to listen to Via prattle on.

But in this moment, staring at one of the finest male specimensshe’d ever laid eyes on... she couldn’t speak. Words flew out of her brain faster than Sir Meow chasing a stray bird, something he loved to do and was the main reason why she had him on a leash when they were outside.

When she didn’t answer, he shrugged and turned the vintage brass knob.

Her hand shot out and covered his. “Stop!”

He glanced down, then at her again, those dreamy green eyes filled with irritation.

She withdrew. “Where did you get that key?”

“None of your business.”

“It is my business.” She gestured to the shop. “Because this shop is my business.”

He faced her. “What?”

“Meow.”

They both looked down. Sir had planted himself in the space between the man’s long legs. That wouldn’t do. “Come here,” she said, tugging on the leash.

Sir didn’t move.

“What’s wrong with him?” the man said.

“Nothing.” She tugged again. Sir remained in place.

“His ears are weird.”

Her gaze snapped up. “They are not. Curled ears are characteristic of his breed. So is big-dog energy.”

He gave her an odd look, then sidestepped Sir and grabbed the knob again.

“Stop!” This time she inserted herself between him and the door. She was above average in height herself, around five nine, but she still had to look up at him, right into his heavenly colored eyes. And wow, he smelled like smooth honey and smoky leather. Tantalizing.

“I don’t know what you think you’re doing—”

“I’m about to call the police. You’re trespassing.” Despite his magnificent eyes, he was engaging in criminal activity. Possibly stealing too, because other than Bennett, she was the only one who had a key to Second Chapter, and that was in case of an emergency.

He looked incredulous. “If anything, you’re the one trespassing. I should be calling the cops on you.”

“What are you talking about?”

Taking a step back, he said, “This is my property. Earl was my uncle.”