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Daniel’s body stiffened, and he released her wrist.

“Enlighten me, Julia. Who else has been calling on fair Katherine?” The smile he kept on his face belied the buzz of irritation in his chest. He turned his eyes on Kitty. “Do I have a rival?”

Kitty’s eyes flittered around the garden, avoiding his. “Only the four-legged variety. I had a delivery of wildflowers from a dog at Small Oaks Farm. It was a thank you for babysitting.”

Daniel’s eyebrows lifted. “Babysitting at the farm? Another of your hidden talents. I hope you don’t mind me saying, but I didn’t think a life of domesticity would be your style. When I think of you, Katherine, I picture you standing astride a pile of broken men you’ve just slayed with your tongue. Metaphorically, of course.”

Kitty shifted under his gaze, and she played with the hem of her dress. He had to ease up on her. He didn’t want her to think he was jealous. That would put him at a disadvantage, and Daniel aimed to be in control of this seduction. He gave her a warm smile.

“Tell me who I’m up against. Don’t say it’s a pug. Even I can’t compete with that.”

Kitty’s body relaxed, and she smiled.

“No, they were from something much larger.”

“Joshua Fox?” As soon as the name left his mouth, he regretted his slip-up. Now she would know he was jealous.

“No. It was a giant mutt-sized admirer. With curly ears.”

He wanted to offer Josh’s name again but thought better of it. He didn’t want to give her any reason to be cross with him. Unless Thea had switched teams, the flowerswerefrom the vet. Daniel saw his outsized dog around the village occasionally. It was about the only female company Josh kept these days.

“Yes, they were from Josh’s dog, Wendy!” Julia shouted through the window. “Such a friendly gesture from the family. Kitty has been spending quite a lot of time at the farm. She’s been helping Thea Fox with her animals.”

A sharp dagger plunged into Daniel’s ego. Had they been spending time together? Did Kitty actually have a thing for Josh? He cast his mind back to trivia night and the looks and smiles the two shared. He’d dismissed it as a potential concussion on her part, knowing Josh’s monk-like tendencies. Was something going on between them? And if so, why hadn’t Kitty said anything?

His brow furrowed, and he recalled Amber’s question after the wine tasting. Why did he care so much? Daniel could shrug off a bit of competition, but somehow this was different.Shewas different.

He turned his laser-like gaze back to Kitty.It was time to go on the offensive.

“You’re so beautiful in this light,” he murmured. “The sun picks up all the colours in your hair.”

Kitty’s hand reached up and tucked one side of it behind her ear.

“You should wear it down more often. It’s incredible,” he said.

As Daniel spoke, he reached for the peonies on the table and picked a small bloom from the bunch.

“May I?” he asked, tucking the flower behind Kitty’s ear, brushing the still-damp hair lying over her shoulders with the back of his hand. “Katherine, I think you’re stealing my heart.”

He trailed his fingers down her arm and, with satisfaction, noted the slight shiver that jumped through her body. The rapid rise and fall of her chest against the flimsy cotton of her dress.

Her reaction was a good sign. Now he’d pull back. Make her doubt his attraction to her. He was using every tactic in the Daniel Cunningham seduction manual. He didn’t like to resort to it, but he couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else having her.

“Can I take you to lunch tomorrow? I know a gorgeous place down on the river. How are your punting skills?”

Kitty’s lips curled. “Untried and untested,” she said. “I trip over my feet. I should never be in charge of a small boat and a large pole.”

“Don’t worry. I’d save you if you fell in… I think.”

Kitty laughed. “I can’t make it tomorrow. I’m sorry.” She played with her hair, threading it around her long fingers. “I’m out for the day.”

“Sounds exciting,” said Daniel, an uncomfortable sensation churning in his gut. “Are you taking the goats on a field trip?”

“No, I’m spending the day with Josh. For work. Thea wanted me to see what Josh did.”

The hairs on the back of Daniel’s neck lifted. Why the hell would Thea Fox want Kitty to join her brother? She’d miss out on her help. It didn’t ring true. Was she lying?

Daniel maintained a steady smile. He took one of her hands in his, stroking her knuckles with his thumb. Her body was as still as a statue under his touch.