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Kitty’s pulse quickened.

“Do I want to know?”

He flicked his eyebrows. “She said I was in love with you.” Kitty’s eyes widened, her shoulders tensed, a slow burn creeping up from her chest. What the hell was Daniel talking about?

“But that’s silly. What gave her that idea?”

“She said she’s never seen me so into anyone before. That I’ve never really cared about anyone like I care about you. And she’s right.” Daniel’s eyes glittered dangerously, like a cobra hypnotising his prey. His angular face, serious and hungry, drew closer to hers.

“I’dnever let you down. You mean too much to me,” he said.

“What are you talking about?”

Daniel leaned forward to whisper in her ear.

“I’mthe one who’s actually here, Katherine.”

Kitty swallowed hard as they moved together to the music. As the woody, musky smell of his cologne filled her head, the ghost of Josh’s words hung over her. “Wait for me at the party.”

Kitty opened her mouth to speak.

“Daniel…”

“He’s not coming.”

Kitty’s stomach lurched. Did Daniel know something she didn’t?

“He’s selfish. He’ll always put his work before you. You’re worth more than that. And I want to show you what you’re worth tome.”

Daniel’s palms spread across her lower back and gently pulled her into him. Her mind swirled with his words.

“Who’s not coming?” she asked.

“Your precious vet. I saw you together today, and it broke my heart.”

Kitty flushed hot.

“He won’t worship you like I would.”

Kitty’s jaw set tight. Daniel was wrong. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said.

“Well, where is he then?”

Daniel’s hands tightened, and he pulled her towards his body.

“I love you, Kitty.”

No sooner were the words out than his lips were on hers. His kiss stunned her. First, she froze. Then, when his mouth didn’t leave hers, Kitty put all her energy into her arms, gripping his shoulders and pushing him away. At first, he tried to hold himself against her, but when she managed to separate their mouths, she lifted a hand and slapped him around the face.

“What the hell are you doing, Daniel?” she yelled.

Daniel staggered back onto the dance floor, and his hand flew to his cheek. His eyes were wide, and his chest heaved as he regained his footing. As Kitty glared at him, he put his hands up in front of his chest, palms towards her.

“Shit! Oh, fuck. I’m so sorry. Katherine, please. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

Daniel’s face was pale and drawn. Kitty almost felt sorry for him. Almost. There was no excuse for what he’d just done, and she stood, hands on her hips, ready to let him know.

“How dare you! So much for being friends. I trusted you.”