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“I loved today,” Josh said, his usual beautiful, soft smile appearing.

Kitty nibbled at the side of her lip. “I’m happy to offer my services any time,” she said, her mouth feeling disconnected from her brain.

Josh gently squeezed her arms and looked into her eyes.“You’d better get back. I wouldn’t trust Julia with an open bottle of gin and the company of Daniel Cunningham.” He smiled and turned to leave.

Everything in Kitty’s body screamed at her to stop him. To tell him no. To keep him with her. If she could erase the last five minutes and re-record the movie, she wouldn’t hesitate. Rub out her stupid attempt to make him jealous. But as Josh disappeared into the dusk, her legs wouldn’t move, and her voice wouldn’t come. He was in the truck now, about to turn the key and drive away.

When he started the engine, Kitty’s body sprung to life. “Josh!” she called after him, but the engine was too loud, and he didn’t hear her. Kitty’s heart twisted in her chest, and she fought the urge to vomit. Standing motionless on the step, she watched him drive off towards the farm.

36

KITTY

When Kitty arrived backon the patio, the sinking sun was creating a magnificent light show over the fields. She slumped on the cushions of the bench, deflated and exhausted.

“Joshua cut and run?” Daniel said, tracing the patterns of his cut crystal glass with long fingers.

“He had to get back. His sister needed him.”

Daniel snickered. “Of course, he’s a busy man. You looked very cosy when you came in.”

“Oh, Kitty and Joshua are excellent friends,” Julia said, swaying in her seat.

“Is that right?” Daniel poured Kitty a glass of gin, adding a splash of tonic and a mountain of ice. “I didn’t know you were close.”

“We’re notthatclose. We just get on.” The edge in Kitty’s voice was as subtle as a sledgehammer.

“You seem tired, Katherine. How about I start dinner, and you can unwind out here with Julia? From the colour in your cheeks, I’d say you’d been outside and on your feet all day.”

If only he knew.

The yawning emptiness in her stomach returned when she thought of her day with Josh.

“No, you two chat,” said Julia. “I’ll manage. I need to re-sharpen my culinary skills. I can’t rely on Kitty forever.”

“You have me as long as you need me, Julia,” Kitty said, absentmindedly brushing away the condensation on the outside of her glass. Kitty took a sip of her drink, the icy cool sending a shiver through her body.

“Does that apply to everyone?” Daniel asked once Julia weaved towards the kitchen and was out of earshot.

Kitty’s eyes flashed up to his. The smile that greeted her was so different to the one Josh had given her. His eyes shone, full of desire, and a little smile formed on her lips. Though she hated to admit it, Kitty needed to feel wanted, and Daniel knew how to kiss her bruised ego better.Was she really that shallow?

She’d sat on the step after Josh had left, trying to work through the maelstrom of thoughts in her head. The day was so confusing. Josh was so confusing. Was she deluding herself, wasting her time on someone who didn’t feel the same way?

And here was Daniel looking at her like he was starved, and she was the last pastry in the bakery. Overtly interested, charming Daniel. He made it all seem so simple.

Kitty took her glass and tipped it up, draining the contents. The sour tang of the gin hit the back of her throat like razor blades. Daniel picked up the book he’d been reading to Julia and opened it up with grand ceremony.

“Daniel, do you have to? My mum’s stuff is pretty grim, and I’m so tired.”

“I think you’d find it soothing if you just tried itmyway,” he said, looking as if he’d devour her given half the chance.

Kitty giggled. Something done Daniel’s way would be anything but soothing. “I spent my childhood being tortured by this stuff. Can you imagine the hell I copped at school?”

Not giving in, Daniel stood up and walked behind her, massaging her neck and shoulders with gentle fingers. Kitty melted under his expert touch. He’d done this a few million times before, no doubt. He bent down and whispered into her ear.

“Why don’t you lie in the hammock, and I’ll read to you.”

Kitty looked up. Daniel was standing over her in the fading light, wearing a smile that would crumble anyone’s best intentions. His seduction skills were top-notch, and he left her little question about what he wanted. The contrast with Josh was jarring.