She faced him and scowled. The oaf had seen right through her and was enjoying himself at her expense. “I’m learning.” The truth was she was an abysmal failure.

“I’ll just bet you are.” Another flash of Harry’s crooked tooth. “What are you doing out here, trying to beat your old record?”

“No.” She deflated. “It’s the only thing I’m good at. I’m finding it’s not the best skill set for civilian life.”

“Have you made any headway replacing your estate manager?”

He was still harping on that? “Not yet. In case you haven’t noticed, natural charm is not my strong suit.” Nor, it seemed, was winning over the locals to replace George.

Just this morning, Elise had put the housekeeper’s nose out of joint when she had asked the woman not to vacuum her office while she was working. But she had no intention of sharing that tidbit with Harry either.

The wind gusted, and Elise pushed her hair out of her face. “What are you doing here anyway?”

“I brought you this.” Harry removed her leather jacket from his rucksack. “You left it in London.”

“My jacket. I’ve looked everywhere for it.” Warmth filled her chest, and she smiled at him.

Harry rocked back on his heels. “Care to take a few shots with me for old time’s sake?”

She cocked an eyebrow at him. “Is that a challenge, Benson?”

“Perhaps. How about a small wager for who gets the most bullseyes?”

“What’s at stake?” Harry was up to something; she could feel it.

“Anything you’d like.”

“Anything?” Elise rubbed her hands together greedily. “If I win, you will interview and hire my new estate manager. That way I won’t scare him off.”

“That’s a tall order, especially if they have to work for you. I know from personal experience how exacting you can be.”

“I believe in doing a job well. And you?” she asked, slightly curious what he’d request. “What do you get if you win?”

“I only want one thing.” His face sobered, and his eyes drained of their affable twinkle.

“What’s that?” she asked, her instincts on high alert.

“A wife.”

Her heart did two somersaults before she contained it. “That isn’t funny, Harry.” She scowled at him, masking her internal emotions.

“I’m dead serious, Elise. Do we have a deal?” he challenged, the dare back in his voice.

The man was an absolute headcase. She stared him down. He stepped closer. Her lungs seized and forgot how to function.

“I don’t care for needy women. If I win this shootout, I want a tall, complex, gorgeous redhead, who is never dull and will challenge me every day for the rest of my life.”