At the mention of his ardent pursuer, Heath’s expression darkened. “She would not give me a moment’s peace all night.”
Kane laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Heath frowned. “Do you find it amusing that I am miserable?”
“Perhaps if you told Miss Wilcott, you are not interested in her, she would leave you alone.”
Heath grunted as he took another sip. “If it were only that easy.”
“Then tell her the truth.”
“Which is?”
“That you aren’t interested in women.”
Heath choked on his drink, coughing and sputtering. Kane knew it was brash to come out in the open with the statement, but he was tired of beating around the bush.
“I beg your pardon?” Heath could finally speak.
Kane fixed his stare on his companion. “You heard what I said, and you know it’s the truth. You just don’t want to admit it, at least not out loud.”
Heath stuttered, trying to find the right words, but Kane was on a mission to make the man admit that there was an attraction between them. He slid closer to Heath.
“Do you know who you really are?” Kane put his hand over Heath’s and waited.
Emotions played on Heath’s face, but he remained silent. The only sign was he turned his hand so that they were palm to palm. Kane didn’t move. He wanted Heath to make the next move. A moment later, he intertwined his fingers with Kane’s. The simple gesture made Kane’s chest swell with pride. It was a step in the right direction.
Finally, Heath found his voice. “To tell you the truth, I’m not sure who I am.” His mouth was drawn downwards. “I grew up a farmer’s son, then I became a soldier, now I am a baronet, so no, I’m not sure who I am because with each of them, I felt like I wasn’t whole. But since I met you...” He swallowed down the lump that formed in his throat.
“Since you met me?” Kane squeezed his hand.
“Since I met you, I’ve had this feeling. At times, it's so intense that it frightens me.”
Kane caressed a hand down Heath’s cheek. Heath leaned into his touch and let out a sigh of contentment, closing his eyes.
“I know I shouldn’t feel this way.”
“Why not?” Kane whispered, leaning closer.
“Because it is not right.”
“Who’s to say what’s right or wrong, as long as the people involved are happy?”
Heath opened his eyes. Kane’s mouth was almost touching his.
“This is what you do to me,” Kane took Heath’s hand and placed it on his erection.
Heath didn’t shy away. In fact, his hand moved over the bulge, making Kane swear between gritted teeth. If the man did much more, Kane would not be responsible for his actions.
“I missed you tonight.” Heath’s warm breath tickled against Kane’s skin, sending goose pimples up his arms.
Kane couldn’t help himself. He cupped Heath’s face gently between his hands, leaned in, and brushed a kiss over his lips. “I missed you too.”
CHAPTER9
Heath couldn’t move. Didn’t dare move in case he break the spell or wake up from this possible dream. Their lips had barely made contact, but it was enough to make Heath want more, to taste more of Kane’s intoxicating lips. But there was still a nagging doubt.
“Don’t you prefer Miss Hearst’s company?” Like a jealous lover, he had to know.