Page 8 of Autumn at the Cat Cafe

“I wasn’t given an apartment number, just told it was upstairs. In my defense, your door was unlocked.”

“I’ve never had anybody waltz in uninvited.” She tapped her chin in thought. “But I forgive you.”

“Thanks—”

“If you’re being honest.”

His smirk disappeared. “There’s no reason for me to break into your apartment, if that’s what you’re getting at.” He glanced around, his gaze returning to her. “There’s nothing here that I want.”

Well, that was a little insulting. And possibly a deflection. “I’m going with you to Bennett’s,” she announced. “Then we can settle this once and for all.”

“I don’t think so—”

The door flew open and Dora burst inside. “Birdie said you have a hot guy passed out on your couch—” She came to a halt. Looked at Leo. Then at Via. Then at Leo again... with interest.

“I’m fine,” he said, sounding annoyed.

“You sure are.” She winked at Via.

Via cringed inside. It wasn’t like Dora to be so obvious. Then again, it wasn’t every day a gorgeous guy fainted in her apartment. Even if that guy was being a donkey’s behind. Kind of, she had to add. He wasn’t being one now.

If Leo heard Dora’s compliment or saw the wink, he didn’t acknowledge either.

Dora tilted her head toward him. Picking up on it, Via said reluctantly, “This is my sister, Theodora. Dora, this is Mr. Brewster.”

“Octavia and Theodora. Interesting names.”

She couldn’t tell if he was being disparaging or not. “Leoisn’t exactly common anymore,” Via pointed out. “What’s it short for? Leonard?”

“Add anoand you got it.”

“Leonardo.” Dora nodded. “Like the turtle.”

With a roll of his eyes, he said, “Yes, like the turtle.” His eyes shifted between the two of them. “Are you twins? You look a lot alike.”

“Dora’s a year younger.”

“And Via has a birthmark where I don’t. It’s right on her—”

“Theodora!” Via’s face flushed.

“But it’s cute,” Dora said, clearly enjoying the teasing. “It’s heart shaped and everything.”

“Meow! Meow! Meow!”

Oh, thank the good Lord for Sir Meow.

“How did he get up here?” Dora said as he padded into the living room. “I closed the café door behind me.”

Via held out her arms for her companion, but he went straight to the couch... and Leo’s lap, making himself comfortable.

“Hey!” Leo exclaimed, clearly uncomfortable.

“Sir!” Via clapped her hands at him. “Get off him!”

But Sir simply leaned his body against Leo’s dark blue jacket. Via could hear his purring from across the room.

Leo sneezed. Then sneezed again.