Kitty was lifting a basket onto a table

ready for unpacking when a hand covered hers. Startled, she looked up to meet Rufe’s gaze.

“Let me take that. It’s too heavy for you.”

Kitty saw a flash of attentiveness in his eyes. Her heart thumped as she relinquished her hold.

His gaze held hers as he took the basket and placed it on the table. “You’ve got a smut on your face; let me get rid of it for you.” He took a snowy handkerchief from his pocket and wiped her cheek. “That’s better.” He replaced the handkerchief in his pocket then let his fingers slide gently down her cheek. “It’s too pretty a face to have a blemish on it.”

Kitty’s cheek tingled beneath his touch. She drew in her breath as he took a step closer.

“Kitty—” The door opened as one of the men carried another basket into the room.

“I’m told this belongs in here, mate.”

Rufe stepped back and turned. “Yes. Just put it here, alongside this one.”

Kitty started to unpack the basket on the table, hoping the action covered her confusion. She felt sure he had been about to kiss her; she had seen it in his eyes. And she had wanted him to. Very much. And she was sure he knew.