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The dog froze mid-lick, his entire body shifting from relaxed to alert in an instant. His ears perked, and a low, menacing rumble built in his throat.
Bianca frowned. "Hey, now, what’s that all about? I’ve never seen him do that."
Star forced a laugh. "Oh, he’s just picking up on my vibes." She reached down, running a hand over Thor’s head. "It’s okay, buddy."
After a beat, Thor slowly returned to his whipped cream, though his muscles remained coiled.
The man walked straight out of the coffee shop, not saying a word to anyone.
Star exhaled and glanced at Bianca. "Do you know him?"
Bianca frowned at the retreating figure. "He’s been in here a couple of times. Why? What’s the problem?"
"He’s …" Star hesitated, lowering her voice. "Just—just be careful."
"Why, Star? What do you think you know about him?"
Star snorted. "Think? I know." She glanced around, then leaned in slightly. "He’s … connected."
Bianca drew her head back, scrunching her nose. "To what?"
"To bad people," Star murmured. "Just be safe."
Bianca let out a soft laugh. "How in the world could you know that?"
Star shook her head. "It’s a really long, convoluted story. I promise, just … be careful."
Bianca patted her on the shoulder. "It’s all right, dear. I’m an old woman with a whole lot of experience. I can judge people. That guy won’t be a bother to me, I promise. Does Ethan know you think this guy is trouble?"
Star nodded. "Sure, he knows."
She sighed, bending down to pick up the now-meticulously-cleaned pup cup from Thor. Tossing it in the trash, she crouched again, rubbing his ears.
"Did we make up, buddy? Are you my friend again?"
Thor responded by giving her one solid, slobbery lick across the face.
She scrunched her nose. "Ah, thanks." She wiped her cheek with her hand. “I have to shower anyway, but, dude …”
Bianca chuckled. "Bye, sweetie. If you and Ethan are out tonight, stop by. I’ve got some new desserts I want to try out."
"That sounds amazing. We’re actually going to dinner at Wagner’s, so we can stop by after that."
"I look forward to it. Take care of yourself and that pup."
Star laughed. "Actually, it’s the other way around. Thor takes care of me. Don’t you, buddy?"
Thor’s tongue lolled out the side of his mouth, his expression one of pure doggy amusement.
She patted his head one last time. "Come on, boy. Let’s go home."
CHAPTER15
Star held Ethan’s hand as they walked down the sidewalk, Thor leading them with purposeful determination. The dog had scored half her steak and a good portion of Ethan’s. The apology was accepted. Thank goodness it was a beautiful night so they could eat in the outdoor area of Wagner’s restaurant, where dogs were welcomed. It was obvious by the wait staff’s attitude that Thor was a regular.
The dog's tail went wild as soon as the coffee shop came into view, thumping against Ethan’s leg like a metronome set to overdrive. Star laughed at the aggressive way Thor pulled Ethan toward the entrance. "He didn’t do that to me today."
Ethan reached for the door while simultaneously trying to be a gentleman and let her in first—except Thor had other plans. The dog yanked him forward, dragging him toward the counter as if his life depended on getting his pup cupnow.