“You as well, Caroline.”
It was nice to make a new acquaintance. With Kane spending most of his time at Stokesby Manor, his only company was Heath and the staff. Because of his presumed position as estate manager, Kane did not take his meals with the servants. Usually, he had breakfast in his room, then lunch and sometimes dinner with Sir Heath. If the staff thought anything odd about them spending so much time together, he never caught wind of it.
When Kane returned to the house, he went in search of Sir Heath, who was playing billiards. The baronet’s back was toward him, leaning over the table to take a shot. The position gave Kane a perfect view of the man’s rear as his trousers hugged Sir Heath’s frame, outlining the scrumptious muscles of his derriere. Lord, he was a magnificent specimen. Kane licked his lips, imagining how Heath would taste.
The click of the billiard balls hitting against each other brought Kane out of his daydream. It wouldn’t do to have Sir Heath catching him gawking at him.
“How was lunch?” Kane asked.
Sir Heath turned around, an instant smile on his face. “Very nice.”
He leaned against the table, exuding a boyish charm that Kane was helpless to resist. Damnation. A few stray curls fell across Sir Heath’s forehead. Kane’s heart did a flip. Why did the man have to look so tempting?
“Any good gossip to share?” Kane asked in his best nonchalant tone.
“Not really. We spoke more about business matters. Jasper is interested in buying shares in the railroad and was explaining it to me to see if I wanted to invest as well.”
Kane crossed his arms. He hadn’t met the Dawkins yet, but he hoped they weren’t the sort of people to take advantage of Sir Heath and his newfound wealth and position. Those were the worst type of people, in Kane’s opinion. He knew it wasn’t any of his business, but he had to ask. That inexplicable need to protect Sir Heath reared its head.
“Are the Dawkins trustworthy?”
Sir Heath wrinkled his brow. “Are you questioning their sincerity?”
Kane put it hands up. “All I’m asking is, can you trust them? Having not met the couple myself, I cannot give an opinion.”
“No, you cannot.” The baronet’s voice rose in ire.
Now I’ve done it.
“My apologies, sir.” Kane bowed his head. “I did not mean to offend you or the Dawkins. I am only looking out for your best interests.”
The statement seemed to cool Sir Heath’s displeasure. He let out a sigh. “Jasper was the first friend I made here. It was his idea that I hire a tutor. Before your arrival, Jasper was here helping me with everything. All that I’ve done up to this point is because of him, and Alice has treated me with nothing but kindness and warmth. So, do I trust them? Yes.”
For a moment Kane was taken aback by Sir Heath’s impassioned speech. Would he speak about Kane that way one day? With such loyalty and vehemence? It was something Kane wanted to aspire to.
“The Dawkins have been invaluable to me since I came. I don’t know what I would have done without them, and now you.”
Kane nodded. “Then I am glad you have such friends, sir. It is a rare thing.”
“I thought you said you wanted to be my friend as well.”
Suddenly, Kane’s mouth went dry.Friendwas not the word for what Kane wanted to be. He watched Sir Heath grasp his cane before walking toward him, a concerned expression on his face. Blood pooled in Kane’s groin. He prayed his employer did not glance down to see his erection straining against his trousers. Naughty thoughts raced through Kane's; all the different things he could do with Heath on the billiards table. “Are you all right, Mr. Badgely? You look pale all of the sudden.”
“Pardon me, sir. The heat of the day has caught up to me. I’m not accustomed to so much sun.”
“Well, you will have to take care tonight because we have the Wilcott’s picnic tomorrow.”
Kane gave a silent prayer of thanks that Sir Heath had believed his excuse.
“I hate these endless parties,” the gentleman said with a sigh.
“It’s summer. What else is there to do in the country?” Kane met his stare. “Just wait until it’s winter, all dark and cold, and all you have is me for company.”
Sir Heath’s eyes doubled in size. Where had that comment come from? Winter was months away. Kane wouldn’t be here that long...would he?
They both let the comment slide.
“Care to play?” Sir Heath motioned to the pool table.