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Memories of his youthful crush raced in his head. The first time they’d fished in the river together, she’d tucked her skirt into her knickers, and his blush lasted for hours. The time they’d played Chinese whispers in the haystacks, her breath tickled his skin as she leaned in and giggled in his ear.

They were memories he’d kept locked up tight. Life was easy back then.

There was still something about Kitty, though. Something that made him want to get to know her again, to spend time with her. He’d hinted as much to Jonty when she’d left the table. His friend hadn’t shut it down precisely. Still, after giving Josh a rundown of her recent past, he’d suggested Kitty needed some space to breathe.

“It’s just nice to see her again, that’s all. I’d forgotten how sweet she is,” he’d told him.

Jonty’s words still swirled around his head, battling for supremacy with the memory of Kitty’s smile.

“I love you, Josh, but the last thing Kitty needs are complications.”

10

KITTY

She and Danielleft the lights of the pub and walked down the quiet, tree-lined lane.The canopy closed high over them like building thunder clouds, obliterating the moon that hung heavy in the sky. The air was sticky and sweet, and instead of the traffic noise of the city, all she heard was a steady humming of insects.

Kitty glanced at Daniel in the darkness. He was the absolute opposite of Josh, with his dark eyes, olive skin, and artfully styled hair. He probably spent more time perfecting it than Kitty spent on her entire body. The corners of her mouth twitched upward as she pictured him in the mirror, pouting at his reflection, teasing every strand to perfection.

For some reason, she felt guilty about leaving the pub with him. She’d only met Josh for about twenty minutes, but there’d been something about him. A spark of attraction between them. At least, she thought there had been. But after they’d won the quiz, he’d disappeared without saying goodbye. And then Daniel had been there, all good looks and expensive brandy. Was she really that easily swayed?

“I need to confess something,” Daniel said. His husky tone set Kitty’s senses on high alert, and fingers of sensation tickled at her neck.

What the hell was she thinking of, walking in the dark with this virtual stranger? A man who her cousin had described as a player. Kitty was sure he hadn't meant Scrabble. A bit of fresh air had seemed like a good idea, but she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t thought about how fast she could run in her sandals.

A tight giggle escaped her lips. “I assume that if you’re going to murder me and bury my body in a field, you wouldn’t announce it.”

The corners of Daniel’s mouth ticked up. “Nothing so dark. I brought provisions.” He held up a metallic hip flask. “In case of emergencies, of course.”

Okay, so now add alcohol into the mix, not to mention a woozy head. What could go wrong? Daniel walked in step with Kitty, his body close. Each time their arms brushed, a static charge sparked in her body. Some of his hair had escaped its careful styling, and loose strands draped over his forehead, casting shadows over his sharp cheekbones. Kitty let out a slow breath.

Stylish, self-assured and no doubt in demand, Daniel oozed sexiness and brimmed with confidence. Kitty wasn’t stupid. His offer to walk her home wasn’t due to a sense of civic duty. From how he’d looked at her tonight, it was quite the opposite. Satisfaction tingled in her chest at the thought, but the aftertaste of mistrust was impossible to ignore, along with the nagging question of why he was even here with her.

Sexy, handsome men didn’t come on to Kitty.Nobodycame on to Kitty. Not that she ever tried to give off the ‘I’m desperate for a shag’ vibe. With her work schedule, she could barely muster the “Do you want to meet for a drink?” vibe. She was aware, though, that her colleagues laughingly called her The Ice Queen.

They emerged out of the lane and onto High Street. Kitty recognised the cafe, bakery, general store, and antique centre housed in beautiful old buildings.At the end, the road forked around the village green, with its small playground and duck pond.

“I remember coming to play here as a kid,” she said, smiling.

With a mischievous grin spreading across his face, Daniel took Kitty’s hand and guided her across the deserted street that fringed the grass. The heat of his soft skin infused with hers as their fingers intertwined.

“Let’s relive your childhood,” he said. “Though, a few things may have changed.”

It all looked the same, as far as Kitty could tell. The darkness made it hard to focus on anything. “Like what?” she asked.

“You haven’t heard of the demon ducks of Tottenbridge, then? It was probably before your time. Rumour has it that one of them escaped the flock and stumbled across a discarded pot of anabolic steroids.”

Kitty snorted a laugh. “Excuse me?”

“I know it sounds far-fetched, but there really is no other explanation.”

“For what?”

“For the mutation. Our normal-sized, mild-mannered mallards became vicious and grew to the size of Labradors. They can be quite terrifying, but I think ducks sleep at night, so we should be safe. Unless, of course, you’re carrying any wheat products. I’ve heard it said they’ve a dog-like sense of smell and have chased people down the street for a few crusts of bread.”

Kitty smiled. “Well, thanks for the warning. I’ll make sure I keep my carb consumption to a minimum.”

Daniel pulled her up to the kerb, and they stood at the edge of the green. Dew formed a scattering of jewels on the grass, and the lure of the cool droplets was too much for Kitty to resist. She removed her hand from his, bending down to take off her sandals. Daniel joined her, pulling off his shoes and socks.