Page 22 of At His Wife's Behest

They both sipped the wine, neither breaking eye contact. Not until Kellan tore his away, lowering his glass. Awkward silence hung between them before Connor’s brain caught up. He uncovered the loaf of bread he’d discovered and offered it to Kellan. “Found this in the pantry. Thought it might go well with the soup.”

Kellan ripped a piece off, dipping it into his soup bowl before taking a bite. “Delicious.”

“It sure is,”Connor whispered, staring at Kellan.

It was hard to tell if the man blushed with the amber glow of the firelight. If he was a betting man, he’d say those cheeks were rosy red.

“Would you like to see that villa tomorrow?” Kellan asked, eyeing his bowl.

“This is your trip. I’m just here for the ride.”

Kellan shrugged. “I was so busy, I didn’t come with plans. I brought a couple of books and figured I’d spend the week here, for the most part. Maybe eat out a few meals.”

“We can do that, if you’d rather. I know you came here to relax.” There were plenty things they could get into all alone in the big house. Relaxing wasn’t one on his mind.

“No,” Kellan said, shaking his head. “If Emma’s selling this place, I don’t know that I’ll ever come back. This might be my last chance to see the sights.”

“It’s a shame she’s selling it.”

“It’s a shame a place like this sits empty except for a week or two a year,” Kellan replied. “I’m glad she’s selling it. Her father bought whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted without considering the impact. Hopefully a local buys it. Or an Italian, at the very least.”

Connor was used to wealthy people who threw their money around, showing off. Impressed at Kellan’s practicality, he fought a grin and dug into his bowl. Flavor exploded over his tongue at the first bite. He moaned—louder than he’d intended—and closed his eyes. When he reopened them, he couldn’t ignore the fire in Kellan’s.

“That’s good zuppa,” Connor said, pointing at his bowl. “Ana Maria is my new favorite person.”

“Lucky her,” Kellan whispered.

Connor’s gaze flicked to Kellan’s.

“I said that out loud again, didn’t I?” Kellan asked, covering his face with his hands. “Sorry.”

“Don’tbe sorry.”

Kellan dropped his hands, a hint of a smile on his lips. He opened his mouth, and Connor stiffened with anticipation.

I know what you want, all you have to do is ask.

Disappointment came when Kellan closed his lips, before taking another bite. Connor spent the rest of their quiet meal hanging on every word, every breath, hoping Kellan would ask for what he wanted. The sounds of their utensils and the crackling of the fire were all he heard. When they were done, Kellan cleared the table. Kellan sidled up beside him at the sink, bringing their glasses and the bread bowl.

They worked quietly to clean up their meal. Little was said, but Kellan’s eyes spoke volumes. Connor banked the fire, sensing he’d have to do the same with his libido. Once the kitchen was back to right, Connor trailed Kellan to the foyer, where he punched in the alarm codes at the door. He turned to Connor, expectation once again in his eyes.

Anticipation filled Connor’s belly. Earlier, he’d agreed no lines would be crossed. All he could think of was bypassing his moral dilemma and giving in to his baser instincts. Kellan had seemed relieved at the thought of them not sharing a bed. Yet he stood at the base of the staircase, that hope in his eyes screaming for attention.

Connor couldn’t be the one to make the first move. Could he? “What time would you like to head out in the morning?”

“I’m usually an early riser,” Kellan said before covering a yawn. “But after that trip, I’m not so sure.”

“We’ll get up when we get up, hmm?”

Kellan nodded. “Yeah.” He smiled. “Well… um. Goodnight.”

Goodnight?Connor’s feet moved before his brain caught up. He grasped Kellan’s arm and tugged the man close.So much for your agreement.“Goodnight,” he murmured before descending for a kiss.

The moment his lips met Kellan’s, blood roared in his ears. His lips were soft and supple, crushed under Connor’s, just as expected. Kellan melted against him, eager. He wanted to continue the kiss… allow it to move wherever it naturally would.

Let him come to you.Connor broke the kiss, leaning back. He grinned down at Kellan’s kiss-drunk expression and whispered, “See you in the morning.”

Kellan clutched the newel post at the end of the staircase, panting a bit. He appeared to shake himself before nodding. “Yeah… see you in the morning.”

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