Page 67 of The Trouble with Tigers
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They cleared the arbor on the backside of the sprawling stone mansion, and Zeke uttered a muffled curse. “Damn if I didn’t order James to make himself scarce.”
Kitty followed his gaze to the upper terrace, where she saw not one, but two men. Both were of a height similar with Zeke’s, with one having short cropped golden hair, and the other sporting a thick head of chestnut locks.
“I’m not sure either of those men is Garrick. Neither their height nor coloring seems right.”
“I see what you mean. We can rule out the earl, as well.”
“Are you expecting guests?” She worried her lower lip between her teeth. She hadn’t anticipated having to act out this farce in front of perfect strangers.
Without a word, he took her hand, and tucked it in the crook of his elbow.
The simple gesture warmed her to her toes.
He continued to scrutinize the men as they moved closer. Suddenly he hooted with laughter. “The devil I say, but who’s his partner in crime, I wonder?”
“Do you know one of them?”
A broad smile lit his face. “Indeed. It would appear my brother has come to meet my fiancé.”
“Your brother? Here at Chissington Hall?” This was terrible. An absolute disaster.
Zeke eyed her wide-eyed terror with amusement. “You appear somewhat vexed. I assure you, Caden is an amiable sort.”
“Hmm.” If he was anything like Zeke, she’d have her work cut out for her.
The dark haired man shouted down at them as they neared the manse. “About time you showed up, Thurgood.”
Zeke lifted his free arm in a brief wave. “Mystery solved as to the identity of my brother’s second,” he muttered. “Shall we come up, or are you coming down?”
“Let’s meet in the private parlor, second floor,” said the golden haired man Kitty assumed must be Caden.
A moment later, both men disappeared from view.
Kitty lowered her chin to inspect her gown. The tussle with Garrick had left her favorite blue walking dress much worse for wear. Lord only knew how her hair looked. She couldn’t meet Zeke’s brother in this wretched state.
She slipped her hand from his arm as they reached the portico. “Thank you for accompanying me. I’ll just leave you to—”
A grinning Zeke, as lighthearted as she’d ever seen him, cut her off mid-sentence. “Oh no, you don’t. Caden will run me through if you escape to your room without an introduction.”
She came him a dubious look.
“Come now. What if he concludes you’ve something to hide?”
“I do,” she exclaimed.
His white teeth flashed in a glamorous smile. “Just say hello.”
“Zeke, I look like I’ve been rolling in the gardens rather than touring them. What will your brother and his friend think?”
“Caden and Randall?” Zeke’s smile faded and his brows knitted in a considering manner. “Perhaps you’re right.”
“I am?”
“Wait here.” He disappeared into the shadows of the portico, leaving her to brood.
She’d wanted to escape, but his agreement rankled. Especially since he looked so bloody marvelous. How was it possible? He wasn’t even dressed properly, yet he still exuded masculine elegance. He’d nearly gotten into fisticuffs with Garrick, yet he still smelled of…that lovely Zeke smell.
