“Then take another rain check. You let me know when you can squeeze me in.”

When he started to rise, she touched his hand. “I don’t mean to sound ungracious.”

“You?” He smiled thinly. “Never.”

“I wasn’t expecting you to . . .”

“Move on you?” he suggested. “Last time I checked, I still had blood in my veins. If you’re not interested, just say so. I can probably take a no.”

“I don’t know what I am, but it’s not disinterested.” She resisted, barely, tracing the hibiscus along her cheek. “And I don’t think I’m prepared to deal with that gleam you just got in your eye. In fact, I know I’m not. I’m going to change the subject.”

She drew a deep breath, willing to accept the embarrassment of having him grin at her. “Kayla told me you’ve been teaching her to ride.”

“Is there a problem with that? I guess I should have asked you.”

“No.” She dragged her hand through her hair again. “No, there’s no problem. I’m very grateful that you’d take the time and trouble. I don’t want her pestering you, Michael.”

“She doesn’t pester me. In fact, I’m thinking about giving it ten or fifteen years and asking her to marry me.”

Her smile came fast and warm. “She’s so easy to fall for. She’s so open and loving. She’s full of you. Mr. Fury this, and Mr. Fury that. She’s certain you’re going to turn Bongo into some sort of dog genius.”

“I’ll have to work on that.”

“That’s what I wanted to discuss with you. I’d like to compensate you for your time, with Kayla. I—”

“Stop.” He said it quietly, the steel of temper a sharp edge beneath. “I’m not a servant.”

“I didn’t mean that.” Horrified that she’d insulted him, she rose again. “I only meant that if you’re going to be taking so much of your time to—”

“It’s my time, and I’ll use it as I please. I don’t want your damn money. I’m not for hire as a friend for your kids or as a temporary father substitute or whatever the hell you have in mind.”

Now she went pale, very pale. “Of course not. I’m sorry.”

“Christ, don’t give me that wounded look. You make me feel as though I kicked a puppy.” Frustrated, he jammed his hands in his pockets. Compensate him, for Christ’s sake. The way you compensate a waiter for good service. He should have expected it. “Just leave it alone.”

He spun away to stare out at the swirling fog. Keeping her face blank, Ann stepped inside with the coffee tray. Not by a flicker of the eye did she reveal she’d heard a great deal of that last exchange.