Mrs. Baum let out a cry of joy when she saw Jessica. The housekeeper ran to her goddaughter, tears of relief in her eyes. The men turned to leave, but not before Mrs. Baum stopped them.
“Thank you, Sir Heath, Mr. Badgely. I don’t think I can ever repay you.”
“There is nothing to repay. We’re all a family,” Heath said to her.
They left the women and headed for the study. Kane took Heath’s hand in his. Heath was afraid to look at Kane for fear his feelings would show too clearly.
They stepped inside the room. The minute the door was closed, Kane drew him against his body and planted a firm kiss on Heath’s lips.
“God, I’ve missed you.”
Heath let out a soft cry and deepened the kiss. They wrapped their arms around one another, pulling them closer. “I thought I’d lost you.” He sniffled. “I’m so sorry for what I said.”
“Shh, I know.”
“It was stupid and foolish and...”
Kane cut him off with another kiss. “Let’s sit down and talk.”
Yes, talk, because if not that, there was something else Heath wanted to do to Kane instead.
“How are your parents?”
Kane laughed at the odd question. “They are well. Thank you for asking. They are excited to meet you.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I told them about us.”
Us.
“What did they say?” Heath’s throat went dry.
“They are happy that I found a man who cares for me.” Kane put a hand on Heath’s thigh. “I know what you said in the carriage came from a place of...”
“Love.”
Kane’s hand tightened on his leg at hearing the word. “Yes, love. You were only trying to find a way for us to be together.”
“But I never asked you if you wanted to stay. When Alice asked if I had asked you...”
“Alice? Did you tell her and Jasper about us?”
He grimaced. “Are you upset that I did?”
“Quite the contrary, I’m glad. I think it’s better to have it out in the open if we are going to be together.”
At those words, Heath’s pulse quickened. “You want to stay with me?”
“If you’ll have me. I love you, Heath, more than anything.”
Their lips met, crushing the other as if it’d been ages since their last caress.
“I love you, Kane. I never thought I’d feel this way about anyone, but I can’t imagine my life without you.”
“And you don’t have to.”
Their mouths and tongues collided, ardently taking whatever they could. Heath’s skin heated. Already his blood boiled with passion.