Page 59

I open Murphy’s carrier near the hearth. He steps out with his thick tail raised, circles my legs, and rubs his orange side against my trousers.

Cassie drops her purse beside the sofa. “This is embarrassing for both of us.”

Murphy pushes his head against me, and I scratch the fur behind his nicked ear. “He appears comfortable with his decision.”

“He once trusted a delivery driver who dropped a box of books in the rain.” Cassie points at Murphy. “Your judgment has never been reliable.”

“He’s showing excellent judgment today.”

Cassie watches Murphy press against my leg. “He recognized the person least likely to tell him no.”

I glance at her. “That description doesn’t fit me.”

“It does when the request comes from an orange cat.” Her mouth curves, and the smile changes her face enough to make me forget Harris and Birdie are watching.

I want to see that smile while she’s naked beneath me, but first I have to find her brother.

Reid enters from the corridor carrying two mugs and a covered cup. He looks at Birdie before acknowledging anyone else.

“Coffee with cream and one sugar,” he says, offering her a mug. “I assumed the drive required it.”

Birdie accepts it with both hands and peers into the cup. “You remembered my order from last night?”

“You asked for it twice and explained why the first cup had too much sugar. Forgetting would have required effort.” His dry tone fails to hide his interest.

Birdie sips while studying him over the rim. “Is remembering a woman’s coffee order included in the vineyard’s guest service?”

Reid gives her a faint smile. “I make exceptions for guests who keep me on my toes.”

Birdie turns the mug between her hands and smiles at Reid. “You seemed happy to answer my questions.”

“I may have encouraged some of them.” Reid gives the other cup to Cassie. “Tea with lemon. I noticed you had it after dinner last night.”

Cassie accepts it and glances between them. “Apparently everyone here studies our drinks.”

“Only the memorable guests,” Reid replies, looking at Birdie again.

Birdie’s smile widens as she pretends to admire the fireplace and moves closer to Reid.

“You questioned Murphy’s judgment,” I murmur near Cassie’s ear. “Do you plan to question hers?”

She turns her face toward mine, leaving only inches between us. “Birdie is an adult. She can make her own mistakes.”

“Does the same rule apply to you?”

Her attention drops to my mouth before returning to my eyes. “I haven’t decided whether you qualify as a mistake.”

I lean closer, drawn by the challenge in her expression. “You appear determined to gather enough information to make an informed decision.”

Cassie keeps her eyes on mine. “I own a bookstore. Research matters.” Her voice softens, but she doesn’t move away.

I notice the slight change in her breathing. “Then I should make myself available for further study.”

She tilts her head, and a hint of a smile appears again. “That may depend on how the permanent security discussion goes.”

I rest one hand against the back of the chair beside her. “Using my attraction to influence security decisions won’t work.”

“Your attraction?” She raises her eyebrows, unable to hide how pleased she is that I’ve admitted it.