A strangled noise escaped his throat and his skin turned a dull red. Had she embarrassed him? “I’ll have you know,” he snapped, “that some women like to be stared at intently, as if a man is undressing her with his eyes.”

“A woman you just met? How unpleasant.” She covered her mouth. Had she really just said that?

Now he’ll never give you another lesson. Brava, Alice.

“I can’t believe this.” He shot up out of his chair and returned to the sideboard for a refill. “You are lecturing me? Me? I am not the one who needed lessons in flirting. I have flirted with countless women since the age of fourteen!”

Now she’d stepped in it.

Before he could kick her out and never speak to her again, she rushed to explain. “Kit, it’s me. I’m certain your . . . skills are quite successful with every other woman on earth. I already told you, I’m defective in this area. Don’t listen to my opinion.”

His glass was full when he sat back down. “Tell me, then. What does work with you? If I wanted to flirt with Alice Lusk, what must I do to succeed?”

She shifted in her chair and contemplated an answer. Why didn’t I fake a reaction? Then she could have avoided this embarrassing conversation. “I suppose I know you too well. I’m not fooled by this false flattery and adopted charm. Honestly, I find you most attractive when you are being honest.”

“I have never lied to you, Alice.”

Didn’t he see the difference? “No, but you don’t reveal much of your real self, do you? Not like when you told me what you find attractive in a woman.”

He took a long swallow of the light brown spirits. “Why are we dissecting me once again? This is supposed to be about you.”

Indeed, he was right. For some reason, she kept digging and poking, trying to understand him better. But to what end? He was helping her in exchange for recipes. They weren’t friends—or potential lovers—so she needed to be more respectful. Needed to keep her thoughts to herself, as she did with her mother. “I apologize. I shouldn’t have said any of that. Thank you for the lesson today.”

When she started to rise, he held out a hand. “Wait. Let’s go back to what would work with you.”

“Why?” He honestly wished to flirt with her? And needed her advice on how to do it?

“Call it a challenge to my skills. I’d like the chance to redeem myself.”

“I don’t understand.”

“What do you find attractive about me? If I wanted you to kiss me, what would compel you to do it?”