The usual wrinkles of worry on Heath’s brow had disappeared. His breaths were even as his chest rhythmically rose and fell. He is beautiful, Kane thought, noticing the slight shadow on Heath’s jaw from his beard. With Heath asleep, Kane took in his fill of the man. Heath’s build was slight compared to Kane’s bulkier form. Where Heath’s muscles were toned from years of physical activity, Kane knew he had a slight paunch in his stomach from his time teaching, but he was still muscular and had to be at least two stones heavier than Heath.
If they were lovers, Kane would wake Heath up the proper way, on his knees sucking Heath’s cock, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Instead, Kane put some space between them before speaking.
“Good evening.”
Heath stirred. Vaguely aware that someone was speaking, but just as quickly, he fell back asleep.
How much had the man drunk?
Kane tried again, leaning closer this time. “Wake up, Heath.”
This time, the words registered. Heath groaned, still groggy, wiping a hand down his face before opening his eyes. When he saw Kane, he frowned. “So, you finally came home.”
That wasn’t the greeting Kane had anticipated. “I thought my time was my own when you didn’t require my services.”
“Not when you throw me to the wolves.” Heath stood but wobbled on his feet.
“I take it you didn’t enjoy your lunch with the Wilcotts?” Kane tried to sound glib, but his attempt at flippancy did not go over well with Heath.
“I had to sit through lunch and listen to Mrs. Wilcott drone on endlessly about every attribute of her daughter. I’m surprised she didn’t just outright ask me to marry the girl.”
Kane tried not to laugh. He could see Heath was distressed. “Was it really that bad?”
“Yes! Miss Wilcott and I had a stroll in the garden, and she again stressed that I need a wife.”
“What did you say?”
“I told her my leg was aching and took my leave. That woman is relentless.”
“My apologies. I thought you liked Miss Wilcott.”
Heath gave him a pointed stare. “What gave you that impression? I’ve done everything to avoid the woman, but she is persistent. All I kept thinking all day was how much I just wanted to be home with...” He didn’t finish his sentence, but he didn’t have to.
Before Kane could respond, Heath continued his rant. “And where were you, with Miss Hearst?”
“Caroline?”
“You are on a first name basis already?”
If Kane didn’t know any better, he would say Heath was jealous. He couldn’t stop the grin which tickled the edges of his mouth. Heath cared. Well, for both their sakes, he would ease Heath’s worry. The poor man already looked affright from the alcohol he’d drunk. There was no reason to make him more unsettled.
“There is nothing between Caroline and me, except friendship. She has asked my help with something, so I took the opportunity while you were with the Wilcotts. Besides, she’s not my type.”
Heath swallowed. “What is your type?”
Kane closed the distance between them. “The type with dark, wavy hair, and soulful eyes that say much more than has been spoken. And I have a particularly soft spot for former soldiers...with a limp.”
The air between them crackled with electricity. They were mere inches from one another.
“Do I disgust you? Are you repulsed by my confession?” Kane’s words were low and breathless. No more games.
“Quite the opposite.” Heath could barely form words.
Without thinking, Kane brushed a finger down the side of Heath’s face. “What are you afraid of?”
CHAPTER7
What was he afraid of? Everything. Of being a failure with his title, of not living up to everyone’s expectations. Most of all, he was afraid to let himself believe there could be a relationship between him and Kane. Heath knew society’s rules and expectations for someone of his status, but at that moment, he didn’t care.