Page 3 of Autumn at the Cat Cafe

Her jaw fell open. “He had family?”

“Of course he had family.”

“Then why didn’t he mention you?”

“We were, ah, estranged.”

“Then why do you have a key?”

His mouth formed a tight line. “Listen, lady—”

“I’m not a lady. Well, I am, but...” Great, now that she’d found her words, she was saying the wrong ones. “My name is Octavia Dalton, and I was Earl’s friend. I own Pawsitive Vibes next door. I’ve been looking after Second Chapter since...” She swallowed. “Since he passed away.”

A faint flicker of emotion crossed his face, but it was so fleeting she wasn’t sure it was real. “Leo Brewster,” he said tersely. “And thanks, but your services are no longer needed. I’m taking over now.”

Earl had never mentioned a nephew, never uttered the nameLeo. Bennett hadn’t said a word about Earl having family either. Shortly before his death, they had talked about his plans for the shop—that he would eventually cut his hours and someday retire completely. At that time, Via had brought up the idea of combining the bookstore with her café, although she hadn’t been in business for even ayear back then. But Earl had said it was a good idea and even hinted that she could take over the business completely at some point.

Now this fancy guy from California with his fancy car was claiming to be Earl’s nephew and taking over Second Chapter. Well, she wasn’t buying his bull. “I don’t believe you. I’m calling Earl’s lawyer.”

“Bennett Pipkin? Be my guest. He knows all about me.”

“How? When?”

“Again, not your business.” He glared at her. “Now, if you’ll kindly stop blocking my way...” His gaze challenged her.

She paused, retaliating with a scowl.

Leo didn’t so much as flinch.

“Fine.” She stepped aside. “But this isn’t over. I am calling Bennett, and I will get to the bottom of this.”

“Knock yourself out, lady.”

What a jerk. “That’s Octavia to you.”

Leo shrugged. “Whatever.”

“Let’s go, Sir,” she growled, tugging on Sir Meow’s leash.

From his position at Leo’s feet, Sir calmly looked up at her, his head moving from side to side.

Forget big-dog energy—there were times when he acted almost human. “Right now, Sir.”

“Sir?” Leo said.

Via shot him an icy stare and tugged on the cat’s leash again.

Sir Meow placed a paw on Leo’s shoe.

He was picking the worst time to be stubborn. “Come on,” she cajoled, putting some sweetness in her tone. That always worked.

“Meow.” Sir looked up lovingly at Leo.

Leo rolled his eyes. Then sneezed. “Will you get this thing off me?”

“He’s not a thing.” She scooped up her cat and caught another whiff of Leo’s cologne. Shame such a wonderful scent was wastedon an arse of a man. “He’s a Highland cat and he’s got more charm in his little paw pad than you’ll ever have.”

The corner of Leo’s lips raised a fraction of an inch, then lowered into a grimace again as he pushed open the door and went inside.Click.