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Daniel sighed. He had a bit of competition. He was irritated that it was Joshua Fox. Half the females in the village had mooned over Tottenbridge’s answer to Thor at one time or another. Josh was never interested in any of them. Even Amber indulged in a fleeting crush a year ago. It was a total waste, in Daniel’s opinion.

When Kitty emerged from the bathroom, his eyes flew to her. She stopped at the side of the room while her team erupted in euphoric delight as the emcee announced their victory.

All smiles, Jonty waved over at his cousin. She stuck up a thumb at him and turned towards the bar. Daniel stiffened to attention. With Josh sniffing around, he’d need to turn the charm up to eleven.

“At least Jonty can go to bed happy,” he said when Kitty arrived at the bar, looking worse for wear. A sizeable bump sat in her hairline already. She turned back to her cousin, but following her eyes, Daniel suspected it was Josh she was more interested in. He was deep in conversation with Jonty’s girlfriend.

“Our handsome vet saves the day again,” Daniel said.

Kitty’s head swung around at his comment.

“Everyone’s good-looking without my glasses.” she snickered, sitting on a stool at the bar. “It overrides the fact that I can barely tell where I’m going.”

“Then there’s hope for me yet. What can I get for you?”

Kitty smiled. “I don’t know. My head’s thumping, and the noise is getting to me. I assume you saw me throw myself at the table?”

“As long as you don’t throw yourself at any other men, I’m not worried.”

Kitty’s eyes widened to the size of hubcaps.

“Too corny?” he asked. She nodded, fighting a smile. “I should update my material,” he said.

“And I should go home.”

“No, don’t do that. We haven’t chatted. Have a drink with me, for medicinal reasons, of course.”

A thoughtful look passed over her face before Kitty hung the strap of her bag over the bar stool. It was a good sign that she wasn’t about to run for the hills or straight into Josh’s arms. Satisfied, Daniel’s eyes travelled up to her forehead.

“I hope you won’t sue me, by the way.” Daniel pointed to her head. “I would’ve come over, but you were in such wonderful hands.” He gestured to Josh, who was on his feet at the side of the room, checking his phone. “How’s it feeling?”

“Pretty sore.I’m going to channel Darth Maul for a while,” she said, referring to the bright pink lump forming.

Daniel grinned.“Do you know Joshua?” he asked, trying to keep the edge out of his voice.

“A little, I suppose. I used to come and stay here with my aunt as a kid, and we played together.”

“I see.”

Daniel contemplated Kitty as she continued to glance over at her table. She was beautiful without her glasses and even with a giant lump sprouting from her forehead. Having sealed the deal with the schoolteacher last night, Daniel now considered himself at a loose end between the sheets. Never one to hang about after a conquest, this new arrival in town tempted him. She was intelligent, different to his usual type, and only in town for a short time. As far as he was concerned, there was no downside.

“I have something to help you feel better,” he said. “Stay there.”

Daniel disappeared around the back of the bar, running smack bang into a flushed Amber carrying a tray of empty drinks and a surly sneer.

“Watch out!” she said, then noticing Kitty sitting by the bar, she tipped her head to the side, eyebrows raised. “She’s back then.”

Delight flared in Daniel’s chest. Was that jealousy in her voice? Daniel loved to play with Amber, who he suspected still harboured a healthy crush on him.

“Indeed she is and in need of my help. I’m about to swoop in and rescue the fair maiden.” He reached around Amber and picked up a bottle.

“Don’t forget to oil your suit of armour, then,” she said, a pout forming on her pink lips. “You wouldn’t want it to squeak.”

“Bitterness doesn’t suit you, Amber.”

“Oh, I’m not bitter. I’m just worried about her safety.” She winked at him and headed off to the other end of the bar, red curls bouncing at her back.

When Daniel returned, Kitty was still staring at Josh.He was standing, talking on the phone, with a serious face. Before long, he hung up, had a quick word in Jonty’s ear, and left.