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“Sometimes, it's best not to ask. You know, you’re the first non-veterinarian I’ve ever taken out for the day. I could get used to having you around.”

Kitty’s heart felt like it would burst out of her chest. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”

Josh smiled at her, her head topped to one side. “Only those who swear blind that they hate mud. I don’t buy it for a minute, Kitty Cameron. You’re as at home here as in a boardroom.”

The glow in his eyes sent Kitty’s tummy butterflies flying around her whole body. The feeling was exquisite.

She followed Josh to the truck, where they said goodbye to Keith and Becky. Wendy was snoozing in the shade. The oppressive heat beat down on them as Josh opened both doors at the front. Grateful for the opportunity to get out of the sun, Kitty sat in the passenger seat, fanning herself ineffectually with her hand.

She watched Josh’s reflection in the wing mirror as he walked to the back of the truck and stripped off the now crumpled green overalls. Kitty took a sharp intake of breath. He stood in the sun, jeans slung low around his waist, the lean proportions of his body perfectly balanced. Every angle was a delight, from his powerful arms to the scoring of the muscles on his abdomen, and a gentle tingle sprung between her legs.

Kitty’s heart pounded. To spy on him was wicked, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away. As Josh bundled up the overalls and stuffed them in the bag, the muscles in his back, shoulders and arms danced under his smooth skin. The sweat on his torso cast a subtle sparkle in the relentless sun like he’d been spray painted in glitter, and Kitty’s mouth ran dry. If she touched his skin, would she leave fingerprints?

Wendy crept round to the back of the truck to join him, and he crouched down low to greet her, whispering into her silken ears and nuzzling her neck. What Kitty wouldn’t give to be Wendy right now.

Josh gave his dog a last kiss on the top of her head and stood up. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his phone, looking at the screen. Kitty hadn’t heard any message come in. Perhaps he’d had it on silent. Anti-cow startle mode. A frown knitted Josh’s brows, marring his beautiful face. His jaw was tight, and he placed his hand on his hip, looking heavenward.

This couldn’t be good news.

27

JOSH

Josh was unimpressed.A message had come in from Kate about a lame horse. That was fine, but the horse in question belonged to his ex, and worse, her overbearing mother stabled her. Josh didn’t know if he had the energy to deal with Patricia today, let alone for her to meet Kitty. She was hell-bent on him and Tabitha getting back together.

They would never get back together. Ever.

Josh looked at the truck, and Kitty’s reflection in the wing mirror was the first thing he saw. Her dark eyes peeped out from half-closed lashes, threatening to strip off his skin with their intensity. Their gazes locked for a second, and Josh was suddenly very aware of being half-dressed. Fingers of sensation raked his chest as if invisible hands were running over him, and his breath sat in his throat.

Josh spun around, leaning against the hot metal of the car, steadying his quickened heartbeat. But the burn against his skin did nothing to take away the desire to have her. To own her.

Fuck. As the days went by, he was fighting a losing battle. Kitty was his first thought each morning and his last thought before falling asleep. The distance he’d put between them only added to his misery. That she’d leave soon only opened him up to the same feelings that had crippled him for the last few years.

Thoughts of Tabitha and now this visit to Patricia’s made him uneasy. Would he ever be able to shake off her ghost?

His phone pinged again. It was Kate confirming the visit to Patricia’s. With a sigh, Josh tipped his head back, looking into the vivid blue sky. He had to get his shit together. He was working, not on a date, not trying to seduce his friend.

With a quiet growl, Josh straightened up and grabbed a clean T-shirt from the drawer. After putting it on, he slammed the back doors and walked to the passenger side, grabbing them both a cold bottle of water from the car fridge.

He stood so close to Kitty that the sweet fragrance of her hair enveloped him. She sat in the passenger seat, gazing out into fields with her long legs stretched out of the door, and an urge to caress their silky skin consumed him. Instead, he grasped the bottles with tight fists and closed the fridge door.

Kitty looked up at him, shielding her eyes from the bright sun as he approached her.

“I imagine you could do with this?” Josh said, handing her the water. She took it, sitting up and bringing her legs into the car.

Her face remained passive. Had he just imagined her watching him in the mirror? Did she have any idea of the effect it had on him?

“Who was the message from?” Kitty asked.

Josh gulped down the entire water bottle, its chill tightening his throat.

“Kate. She had a call about a lame horse I need to check out. It’s on the way back home.”

He decided not to mention Patricia. Hopefully, she’d behave today.

28

KITTY