Page 27

“Did I tell you? You’re a bad influence, Daniel Cunningham,” she said, aiming a pointed finger at his chest and missing completely.

“Oh, I know,” he said. “And you’re absolutely gorgeous.”

* * *

After the W.C.ladies cleared the pub, Daniel stood behind the bar, polishing glasses. Tired and deflated, he regretted leaving Kitty for another day. Why didn’t he just let her kiss him? They could be back at his place now. Putting a smile on both of their faces.

Amber bustled in from the bistro, carrying napkins and half a bottle of wine. Her fiery curls caught the bright lights of the bar as she put her cargo down and reached over to take out two glasses.

“You survived then?” she asked, pouring them each a glass of the leftover shiraz.

“Just about. Those women are so demanding.”

“When did that ever bother you?” she smirked. “I thought you prided yourself on being ready to please.” Daniel’s eyebrow shot up. “Did I see your new special friend drinking up a storm earlier?” she asked.

Daniel snickered. “She was assisting me with the tasting notes,” he said.

“Was that all she was assisting with?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” he said, putting down the polishing cloth and examining the clusters of freckles on her cheeks. “I’m afraid her reluctance to succumb to my charms is providing stiffer competition than I’d usually face.”

Amber’s nose crinkled as her fingers played with the edge of a bar mat.

“That doesn’t sound good. She looked wasted when I saw her. Surely that’d loosen her up a bit?”

“I don’t want her loosened up in that way. I want to do the loosening myself. If I have to rely on getting women drunk, I may as well give up and join a convent.”

“A convent is for nuns,” Amber said, smirking.

“I know, but I’d still need something to look at. Man cannot live on red alone.” He took a gulp of this drink.

“Why do you care so much, Tiger? It’s not like you to mope about a girl.”

Daniel scowled. “Christ, I don’t know. There’s something about her, but I can’t pin it down,” he admitted.

Amber laughed. “Maybe it’s because you want to pinherdown, and she won’t be pinned.”

“The only pinning down I want to do isn’t for polite conversation,” he said, his lips curling.

“Surprise, surprise.” Amber rested an elbow on the bar. “Look, why are you trying so hard? It’s not your style. Like you’ve always told me, the ladies come to you. Not the other way around, remember?”

Daniel paused. “Maybe she’s different.”

“Different, how?”

“She’s smart and sexy and earns enough money to keep me in brandy and petticoats for the rest of my life.”

Amber rolled her eyes and finished her glass.

“Well, I wish you’d get on with it or get over it. Your love life exhausts me, Daniel.”

16

JOSH

Josh walkedinto Small Oaks Farm. Each brick and dusty corner held the happiest and saddest memories.His sister and his niece lived here now, and he’d avoided her repeated pleas to move back in. His work hours were crazy, and his late-night call-outs could disturb the peace in the house.

Who was he kidding? The real reason he declined her offer was more selfish. Josh didn't want to get swept up in Thea's whirlwind life. Drop in, be the doting uncle, then exit back to his little cottage.That’s how he liked it.