Page 80 of Autumn at the Cat Cafe

She nodded, giving his neck a little nibble and grinning when he groaned in response. “Totally.”

The lights suddenly came on and everyone cheered. Via and Leo froze. Slowly they stepped apart. He cleared his throat. “Sor—”

“Don’t.” Her eyes didn’t move from his gaze.

His adorable dimple appeared as his smile grew and he reached for her hand.

They walked in silence through the rest of the maze, his fingers interlocked with hers. Somehow they managed to make it to the end without a mistake, the corn rustling in the soft, cool breeze, the sounds of adults and kids having fun trying to find their way out. But all she could focus on was Leo.

It was the best walk of her life.Sorry, Sir Meow.

He gestured toward the concession stand. She shook her head, and they left the maze and headed for Gold Yeller. When he shut the driver’s side door, his short nod signaled for her to move next to him. He turned on the truck and put his arm around her.

Via laid her head on his shoulder. Now this was cozy.

Too soon, he was pulling Gold Yeller into the lot behind Pawsitive Vibes and Second Chapter. He shut off the engine, but neither of them moved.

She looked up at him in silent questioning as his fingers stroked the side of her arm. Then he drew her against him, his lips finding hers again. Her hand dug into his hair because she was going totake the opportunity to feel it every chance she got. Time faded as they kissed, explored, moved as one. When they finally stopped, she found herself in his lap, not knowing how she got there, their hands in places they wanted to be but shouldn’t have been.

Breathless, they stared at each other, knowing they couldn’t go further. He gave her one last gentle kiss before setting her on the empty space next to him. Shoving his hand through his hair that she had thoroughly and enthusiastically mussed, he said, “I think that’s enough for one night.”

His voice sounded strained. She felt strained. But he was right. They’d given in to their passion, but that was all that had changed. He was still going to sell Second Chapter and move away. She still didn’t want to risk her heart.

But if she were going to, she would absolutely risk it with Leonardo Brewster.

They left Gold Yeller and went back upstairs, keeping their distance. She paused in front of her door. He stopped in front of his. They turned and faced each other. The air crackled around them.

“Good night, Via.” His eyes raked over her. She knew she looked a mess, but from his heated gaze, she didn’t think he minded.

“Good night, Leo.” She went inside her apartment, shut her door, and with one big sigh, slid to the floor.

Leo woke up on Earl’s couch with an instant smile on his face as he thought about kissing Via last night. He halted his thoughts. He didn’t need to keep on that path, not when he wasn’t sure what this seismic shift in their relationship meant. Throwing off the blanket, he sat up on the couch, his smile disappearing.

This coming Saturday wasn’t just the second day of HarvestFest but also his thirtieth day of living in Pecan Corner. From the minute he’d found out from Bennett Pipkin that he had to stay here for a full month, he’d been counting down the days until he could leave. Now his stomach sank at the thought.

Did he really need to go back to California right away? He had his meeting with Arcadia Financial, but he could do a virtual one with them. The idea would have been unthinkable four weeks ago. But he could make it work. He could work from here for a while and take care of selling Second Chapter himself. He hadn’t signed a contract with Susan yet. He also wasn’t the only hedge fund manager who worked remotely. He’d never thought about doing it before. He hadn’t had a reason to... until now.

Not that he was going to speedrun Via. If he stayed here, they would take things as slow as she wanted to. One thing he knew—they left the friend zone last night, and there was no way they could go back.

Leo picked up his cell and glanced at the screen. Ten thirty. She was still at church. Several Pecan Corner citizens had invited him to Sunday service, and he might attend if he decided to stay longer. He smiled, an unfamiliar feeling bubbling to the surface. Excitement. Instead of pushing it down, for once he allowed himself to feel it. Exhilarating.

After downing a quick breakfast of black coffee and a Greek strawberry yogurt, he entered Earl’s bedroom and got dressed. One of his running shoes was halfway under the bed after he kicked them off last night. He bent down to get it... and something caught his eye.

Leo knelt down and looked under the bed. Dust bunny city spread out in front of him, along with a thick book. He grabbed it and looked at the cover. Tan, leather bound with intricatecarvings on it. It was wrapped with several rubber bands to keep it closed. One name was engraved in the center.Earl.

Carefully he took off the rubber bands and the book sprang open. In typical Earl fashion it was stuffed with receipts and scraps of paper. Leo turned to the first page. Written in clear and surprisingly neat print were the words:

My Journal

Earl Smith

Leo turned the page and started to read.

June 5, 1970: Bought this diary today. Journal, maybe I'll call it. Tomorrow is the beginning of my new adventure. Leaving Philly, heading west. Gonna keep a record of my life from now on. Maybe one day someone will read this and... well, who knows. Gotta leave early in the morning. Mom said she’d make me breakfast. Dad shook my hand tonight. He’ll be at work before I go. Gave a hug to Constance. Her ninth birthday is next week and I gave her an early present. Told them I’ll be back to visit.

Leo stopped. So there was some affection between brother and sister. What caused the rift?

September 16, 1971: Found this journal when I moved into my apartment today. Only one entry... so much for recording my adventures. I was full of ambition back then. Discovered real quick that adventure needs a reliable vehicle, money, and more money. At least Imade it to the other side of Pennsylvania. Start working at Pittsburgh Metal tomorrow. It’s temporary, about six months, then I’ll move on after I fill my bank account. Adventure is still calling my name.