The lad stumbled to a sharp halt. Seeking to steady himself, he latched onto Brody’s shoulder. He immediately snatched his hand away, though not before Brody was able to wonder at the way it felt. The fact that he found himself liking the added contact was rather disturbing.
“Sorry. That was incredibly clumsy of me.”
“No need to apologize,” Brody said while staring into Mr. Michaels’s beautiful eyes. He gritted his teeth. Surely this wasn’t normal, for a man to pay attention to another man’s eyes.
Thankfully Mr. Michaels averted his gaze in the next instant and pushed his way past Brody. “It’s right here.”
“What is?”
“The book.”
“Oh right. Of course.”Idiot.Brody cleared his throat. “I couldn’t help but notice the skill with which you were working before. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Mr. Michaels turned and directed a radiant smile at him. It was enough to knock any mortal off his feet. “Just goes to show that one can do anything with enough determination.”
“You’re referring to your background and the lack of expectation it might have led to?”
“Precisely.”
This was said so quickly Brody wondered if this was indeed what Mr. Michaels had meant. Instead of remarking on it, he decided to add to their conversation by saying, “I must admit I share your belief. While life is certainly easier for the wealthy, there are opportunities for those who aren’t. Provided one is creative enough.”
Mr. Michaels gave him an odd look. “You don’t…”
“What?”
“It’s nothing.” Mr. Michaels held the book toward Brody. “Once Mr. Hudson gives this his stamp of approval, we’ll schedule the number of copies he wants us to make.”
Brody wanted to know what Mr. Michaels had left unsaid, but he sensed the lad would rather he didn’t, so he left the subject alone. Taking the book, he tried to ignore the jolt he experienced when Mr. Michaels’s fingers touched his.
His pulse leapt with the sort of excitement that made him very afraid.
“Thank you,” he managed and took a step back, adding a safe amount of distance. He’d thought to ask Mr. Michaels if he might like to meet for another drink after work, but decided it might be best not to.
The way Mr. Michaels watched him, his lips slightly parted in wonder, was further cause for concern. Spending additional time together would be unwise. Whatever was happening here, it had to end. At once.
Disturbed by his increased responsiveness toward the young man, he backed toward the door, wished him a pleasant rest of the day, and fled to the safety of his desk.
* * *
“Begging your pardon, sir,” Rhys told Brody that evening while he enjoyed an after-dinner drink in his study. “The Marquess of Ramsgate wishes to see you.”
Brody stared at his butler. “The marquess is here?”
“Indeed. Shall I show him in or would you rather I tell him you’re not at home?”
“By all means, show him in.” The butler departed and Brody stood in anticipation of Ramsgate’s arrival. He couldn’t imagine what might have brought the man to his home at such a late hour. They weren’t exactly friends, the marquess being a good twenty years Brody’s senior.
“I hope you can forgive me for interrupting your evening,” Ramsgate said when he entered the room, “but I fear it could not be helped.”
“It’s quite all right,” Brody said. “I’ve completed my dinner and have no further plans besides enjoying a glass of brandy before I retire. Would you care for some?”
Ramsgate gave a curt nod. “Please.”
Brody prepared the drink and handed it over, then gestured toward the armchair adjacent to the one he himself had occupied earlier. “Won’t you sit?”
A brief hesitation suggested Ramsgate’s reluctance to get too comfortable, which in turn put Brody on edge. He forced a smile and settled into his own chair as soon as the other man was seated, and angled himself toward him. “I believe this is the first time you’ve come here since I became duke.”
“Yes.” Ramsgate took a quick sip of his brandy while knitting his brow. Discomfort was etched in every aspect of his expression. “A courtesy, you understand, in deference to your rank within Society.”
