Heath caught Kane’s gaze on him, but his expression was neutral. “I told them I didn’t know when you would be back, sir.”
Ah yes, they must be formal in front of the guests, lest they suspect there was more going on.
“I’m glad we caught you. We wanted to see how you are getting on with all your endeavors,” Jasper said.
At least Heath didn’t have to hide the fact that Kane was his tutor to the Dawkins.
“Everything is going well. There is an exciting development with the brewery.”
“Do tell,” Jasper exclaimed as they all sat down.
Heath told his friends about the meeting with Allan Hayes and the plans to get the brewery ready for production. Kane interjected at times. The more he spoke, the more Heath felt confident they would succeed.
“And how is Miss Wilcott?” Alice asked.
Heath frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I ran into her yesterday in town, and she couldn’t stop talking about you. She mentioned that you had been over for lunch the other day. She seems quite smitten.”
“The lady is persistent. I will give her that.”
“Do you not like Miss Wilcott?”
“She has more than clearly made her intentions known towards me, but as I told her already, I’m not looking for a wife at this time. There is to much to do.”
“Exactly. You are still getting used to this new life. Between your studies, the estate, and now the brewery, there would be little time for a wife.” Jasper leaned forward in his chair. “You have your hands full, but luckily you have found a wonderful companion in Mr. Badgely.”
If only Jasper knew how close his remark hit the nail on the head.
“Mr. Badgely has been invaluable since his arrival. I am grateful for all he’s done for me.” Heath hoped Kane would see that he spoke the truth.
Kane bowed his head. “That is high praise. Thank you, sir, but I am merely rendering a service in any way I can.”
Heath’s cock stirred, imaging ways that Kane could do him a service. Jasper cleared his throat, breaking the spell that Heath had fallen under whenever he thought of Kane.
“Would you care to stay for dinner?” The question spilled out of Heath’s mouth.
Jasper looked at Alice, who nodded her agreement. “We would be delighted.”
The group settled in for a chat until they were summoned for the meal. Dinner was a pleasant affair. Jasper and Alice filled them in on the latest town gossip since Heath didn’t partake in that sort of thing. Kane was charming, and by the end of the night, had clearly won Alice over. Not that Heath had any doubt that Kane would. The man exuded charisma and was so charming that it would be almost impossible for someone not to like him.
The Dawkins took their leave after dessert.
“It’s been a long day, so I will say good night,” Kane said.
“Good night.”
There was nothing else to say. After the excitement of having the Dawkins, now things were eerily quiet. Heath wished they could go back to the easy camaraderie they’d had before their discussion the other night. Now it felt like things were so strained between them, it would never be the same.
Heath blamed himself. Wasn’t he the one who had lashed out? Accusing Kane of laughing at him when he had stumbled? When in fact Kane’s blatant caress had caused his momentary weakness and in his uncertainty, Heath had latched onto the first excuse not to confront his own feelings.
I need a drink.
With Kane in his chambers, Heath went into the study. The rhythmic tap of his cane on the wood floor was a subtle reminder that he would never be without the blasted thing. He would throw it across the room if he wouldn’t limp even worse.
Heath settled in a leather chair by the fire. He kicked off his boots and loosened his collar. The potent scotch burned a path down his throat. He closed his eyes, his mind going nowhere in particular, when a creaking sound startled him. Heath jerked his head to see Kane standing on the opposite side of the room.
“I’m sorry.” Kane said with a guilty expression. “I was trying not to disturb you. I only came to fetch my sketchbook.”