Page 10

Story: A Country Quandary

“And I suppose that leaves you men with asking for directions and following flat pack furniture instructions?” she said, a challenge in her voice.

Jonty snickered. “I’m not sure flat pack furniture is something that comes up often in trivia, but touché! Seriously though, it’ll be lovely to have you on the team, even if it’s for one night. Plus, Josh was looking forward to catching up with you again.”

“Who?”

“Josh. You remember Josh? Tottenbridge’s answer to Huckleberry Finn?” Kitty’s brows drew together.

“Don’t tell me you don’t remember Josh? Heremembersyou. You used to tag along with us when you stayed during the holidays. Blond kid, good at everything. He taught you to fish.”

Kitty trawled through her memories. Perhaps she did remember Josh. Not for fishing or being like Huckleberry Finn, but for carrying her piggyback across the fields one afternoon when she’d smashed her toe against a rock. He’d carried her for what felt like miles and taken her to see his dad, the local vet. His dad had cleaned and dressed her crushed nail and taken her back to Julia’s house in his dusty old Land Rover. Josh had made her a daisy chain to cheer her up. That was the last time she’d seen him.

“I think Idoremember him. I remember his dad, at least.”

“His dad died a while back. Josh is the local vet now.”

“That’s sad. And what is Josh’s specialised subject for trivia? Fishing? Raft building?”

“Being late,” said Jonty.

7

KITTY

Kitty followedJonty through the door of The Five Bob. A buzz of conversation hung in the air, and its steady hum was punctuated with bursts of laughter. Well, so much for avoiding the pub. Her efforts had lasted precisely thirty-one hours. There was nothing like a bit of willpower.

Even in flats, she was taller than most people. Seeing how conspicuous she was, Kitty slumped her shoulders to reduce her size.With a huff of breath, she eyed the crowd at the bar. Would Daniel Cunningham be working tonight? Her thoughts had drifted to him during the day as she’d grappled with organising Julia’s sheds. The memory of his pert buttocks behind the counter was far more appealing than stacking and labelling animal feed. Was it a coincidence she’d put on a little mascara and lip gloss tonight?

They stood at the bar while Jonty ordered drinks, and despite her best efforts not to, Kitty cast her eyes around, looking for Daniel. Like a teenager at her first school dance, she fiddled with the ends of her hair, weaving the strands between jittery fingers. Jonty handed her a pint of cider, and Kitty took a satisfying sip, the cool, crisp liquid fizzing on her tongue.

Then she spotted him. Her stomach lurched, and her fingers gripped the glass tight. Daniel’s tall, dark figure cut through the crowd, heading towards them, eyes glued to her. Hot pressure seared her chest and taking in his handsome profile under her dark lashes, she wished she’d at least worn a skirt.

Daniel drew up to her and Jonty, a gleaming smile on his face. He was close enough that the heat of his body radiated through his shirt, kissing the bare skin of her arms. Kitty’s teeth gripped her bottom lip. In the crowd's buzz, Jonty was trying to say something to her, but she couldn’t hear. The minute Daniel spoke, however, his voice cut through the noise, and her head turned toward him like a heat-seeking missile.

“Feeling vulnerable this evening, Jonathan?” Daniel asked.

“Sorry?” replied Jonty.

“Resorting to some new talent in your team.” He nodded towards Kitty, who was mortified to suddenly be the centre of attention. Perhaps her new specialist subject should be feeling awkward.

Jonty guffawed. “Got to give the others a run for their money, you know. This is our new secret weapon.”

Daniel smiled and turned his eyes to Kitty, offering her his hand in greeting. She took it, his warm palm wrapping around hers perfectly.

“Jonty’s forgotten his manners this evening, so I’ll introduce myself. Daniel Cunningham,” he said with an almost imperceptible wink. “And you are?”

“Katherine. Kitty.”

“My cousin,” Jonty said, stepping towards Daniel.

“Ah, your cousin. Come to look after Julia, I believe? Mum keeps me up to date on all the gossip.”

He wasn’t going to mention their meeting then.

“Enchanted,” Daniel said, his eyes drilling into her. “Can I get you another drink? Load you up with booze to grease the old brain cells. Amber can bring it to your table.”

Daniel gestured towards a pretty woman with fiery hair, who stood behind the bar, a surly pout on her lips. If Helen of Troy’s face launched a thousand ships, Amber of Tottenbridge’s face might sour a thousand milkshakes. She looked like she’d rather slip her a shot of bleach.

“I’ll think more clearly without too much cider,” said Kitty. Daniel leaned into her and whispered, his warm breath grazing her ear.