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“Kitty,” he said.

Damn,she loved the way her name sounded on his lips.

“Yes, Kitty was just telling me about herself.” Patricia poured out the drinks. “This is Tabitha’s absolute favourite. Peach tea,” she said as the liquid filled the glasses. “You remember, don’t you, Joshie?”

Kitty threw him a surreptitious glance. He didn’t move a muscle. Said nothing.

“I was also telling Kitty about Tabitha and her success,” Patricia said, warming to her subject. She put the pitcher down and folded her hands in her lap. “She’s worked so hard, but to what end? I’m still not convinced she’s happy.”

Patricia’s eyes were pinned on Josh’s face, but his expression remained deadpan. Regardless, she ploughed on.

“Tab has lived life in the fast lane long enough. I’m just hoping she realises it's not sustainable. What do you think, Joshie? You know her so very well.”

Josh shifted on the cushions, his solid thigh brushing against Kitty’s. It was almost more than she could bear not to return the pressure.

“When I’ve spoken to her, she seems happy,” he said. “She has a great life,”

“Oh well, you’d know better than I,” Patricia’s voice dripped like treacle. “When did you last speak to her?”

“Last week,” murmured Josh.

Kitty’s hands clenched into fists at her side. Josh and his ex chatted recently, then. Was he still in love with her? Regret might account for his changeability.

“Yes, you keep in very close contact, don’t you?” It was a statement, not a question, and she’d aimed it squarely at Kitty with a triumphant glare.

The tiny muscle twitched in Josh’s cheek again, and his jaw was set, firm and steady.Kitty would love to know what was going on in that head.

The shrill tone of a phone ringing broke the silence, and Josh shifted beside her. When Patricia jumped up to answer it, Josh gestured to Kitty that they make a run for it. Taking her hand, he practically dragged her into the yard to the distant excited screech of,“Tabitha darling!”

As soon as they were outside, Josh dropped her hand like a hot potato.

“I’m so sorry to put you through that,” he said. “I didn’t think. Patricia can be a nightmare.” He looked at her, and she noticed the dark shadows under his eyes. “Please, let’s get out of here,” he murmured.

Kitty chewed her bottom lip. The conversation in Patricia’s kitchen had been eye-opening and left so many questions unanswered. Who the hell was Tabitha? When did they split up, and why did Josh seem so upset with Patricia? Intending to find out, Kitty followed him back to the truck.

31

JOSH

Wendy,who’d been sleeping in the shade, greeted Josh with lazy tail thumps. The sun beat down, and he and Kitty were already hot and sweaty since leaving Patricia’s. She leaned against the truck, her eyes on his face.

“I have questions,” she said.

Josh gave her a wry smile and pulled his fingers through his hair. Damn Patricia and her obsession with him and Tabitha.

“I’m not surprised. That was an interesting hour. Jump in the truck and ask away. I got a text from Kate when I was in the bathroom. Our next stop is a bit of a drive.”

Josh climbed into the truck and glanced to see Kitty slide into the passenger seat. She was settling Wendy down between them, her face flushed and shiny. Would that be how she’d look, underneath him, in bed? Josh sucked in a breath.

“One thing before we go,” Kitty said. “Please promise me we’re not dropping in on a menopausal goat. I don’t think I could cope with the trauma.”

“Don’t worry. I get hazard pay for that sort of thing. I’ll pay your medical bills.”

Kitty smiled across at him. “You couldn’t afford me.”

They rolled out of the driveway and turned into the road, the car’s air-con blasting them in icy waves. Kitty was the first to speak.

“So, what was all that about at Patricia’s?”