“This isn’t even the half of it.” Rose threw his shirt at him, giving him a sensual glance. “But you’ll survive.”
“Maybe.” He stood up and grabbed her, pinching her bottom. “But even if I don’t, it’s a hell of a way to go.” He kissed her mouth quickly.
Rose dressed in a clean morning gown and left the cabin.
* * * *
Cameron took his time dressing. Kat was in good hands with Dr. Blake. He needed a shave, but his razor and lotion were in his chamber. He raked his hands through his hair and hoped he didn’t look too much like a man who had just spent the night making love to the woman of his dreams.
Ugh. He’d have to send notice to Xavier and tell him he couldn’t take the commission. He’d wanted to tell Rose about it last night, but he lost his nerve.
But no time to think about that now. Kat was waiting. When Rose had been gone about fifteen minutes, he ventured out the door.
“What in God’s name are you doing, Cameron?”
His mother’s voice startled him. He turned and saw that she had been waiting for him on the side of the cabin, out of Rose’s view when she went to the house.
“Good morning, Mum. How’s Kat this morning?”
“The same.”
“Oh.” Cameron’s heart lurched in worry for his little sister. “Well, at least we have a decent doctor to look at her.”
“Cam”—her voice was low and serious—“she’s a lady of the peerage.”
He cleared his throat. “I know who and what she is.”
“You’re just going to get yourself hurt. You know that, don’t you?”
“What makes you think we’re not just…fooling around?”
She scoffed. “Ladies like her don’t fool around, Cam. You know that
as well as I do.” Then, “My God, you didn’t force her, did you?”
He nearly snapped his neck at the accusation. “Do you really think I would do something like that?”
“I’m sorry.” She shook her head. “Of course you wouldn’t. I’m sorry.”
Cameron raked his fingers through his sweaty hair. This was not the kind of subject he normally discussed with his mother. “Everything will work out.”
“Are you daft? Either she’ll break your heart, or you’ll break hers.”
“It’s not that simple. I…I’m in love with her.”
“Christ.”
“She loves me too. She told me so.”
“Sweet Jesus Christ.”
“I’m going to marry her, Mum. I don’t know how, but I’m going to. There’s no one else for me.”
“Holy Mother of God, sweet Jesus Christ, Cam.” His mother shook her head at him and headed toward the house.
Cameron followed, entering the back way behind his mother and walking into Kat and Tricia’s room.
Kat appeared to be resting comfortably, her small hand in Rose’s. Cameron cleared his throat.