“I can’t get Kirra to eat dog food.”

“So you ordered her a rib eye?”

“We were splitting it. The portions are enormous. Would you like some?”

“No, I just ate.”

“I haven’t shopped this week.” Heat flooded Louisa’s cheeks. “I researched dog nutrition on the Internet. An assortment of meat and vegetables is recommended for a balanced diet.”

Conor dropped his head onto his crossed arms on the counter. His shoulders shook.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No.” He lifted his head. A grin tugged at his mouth.

“You’re laughing at me.” Relieved, she set the bowl on the floor. Kirra gave the food a wary sniff and a nibble but ate only a few bites before wandering away.

“I’m sorry.” He stood up and rounded the kitchen island. “It’s been a long day.”

Louisa followed his glance to the corner of the room where she’d stowed a dog bed, a large chew bone, and several squeaky toys. “The woman in the store said Kirra would like her own bed, but she doesn’t seem interested.”

“You named her Kirra?” He stopped in front of her. His eyes, though red-rimmed and shadowed with fatigue, were bright with humor. How could he be laughing when he’d just been questioned by the police?

“It’s Celtic for ‘dark lady.’” She wanted to take a step back. No, she wanted to take a step closer. What did she want? “Is that all right?”

“I love it.” He leaned in. “I love that you took my dog in at a moment’s notice. I love that you ordered her a fifty-dollar steak.”

“We were splitting it,” she murmured.

“Thank you.”

Her nerves hummed with anticipation. Even though she expected—and wanted—the kiss, the muscles in her body went rigid when he pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was tender and unhurried, and a surge of longing shot all the way to the arches of her bare feet. Her toes curled on the cold tile. He lifted his head, and her body protested. The lip-to-lip contact had lasted barely three seconds, not nearly long enough for her to relax.

He lifted his head, and his brow furrowed in concern. “Are you all right?”

“Yes.” Louisa nodded, wishing she could explain. But she couldn’t. She wasn’t ready to trust him yet.

“You’re sure?”

She was more than all right. He’d kissed her, and she’d enjoyed it. The tension in her body had been pure shock at how much she’d enjoyed it. She licked her still-tingling lips. A simple yes wasn’t enough. He was still staring at her with that worried look.

“Definitely.” A smile pulled at the corners of her mouth.

“Will you tell me something?”

She tensed. “Yes.”

“Why did you hire Damian? Why are you so sure I didn’t do anything?”