“Thank you,” was all he could manage. The feeling in his chest was too intense for him to say anything more. It was as though his heart was expanding, pressing against his ribs with such intense longing it actually pained him.
“For what?” Harry asked with a wry smile. “If anything, it is I who ought to thank you for inviting me into your home. It’s magnificent by the way.”
“You like it?”
“How can I not when I’ve never seen anything to compare?”
“You’ve been inside Westcliffe House.”
“Only in the parlor. While lovely, it’s not as fine as yours.”
Brody grinned and sat a bit straighter. It was ridiculous how pleased he was to receive such praise from Harry.
“You’re welcome to roam about as you please. The music room might appeal if you play.”
A wistful look caught Harry’s eye. “I used to, but it’s a long time ago. I’m sure I’ve forgotten how.”
“You may be out of practice, but I doubt you would have completely forgotten.” He glanced at Harry’s hand, at the elegant fingers gracefully holding the wine glass. No wonder he was so good at setting type. If he played the pianoforte, his fingers would have a certain dexterity that surely came in handy.
“Maybe I’ll visit the music room tomorrow and find out.”
Brody liked that idea and voiced his approval.
“Would you care for an after-dinner drink in the library?” he asked when dinner was over.
Harry yawned but nodded. “I’d like to check on Lucy first, if that’s all right.”
“Of course.” Brody led the way out of the dining room. “I’ll meet you there. It’s the next door on the left.”
They parted ways and Brody went to prepare two glasses of port. He set them on a table between two armchairs, studied their placement a moment, then moved them both to the table in front of the sofa. Apprehension rushed through him, quickening his pulse. Why in God’s name was he so bloody nervous?
Because after everything that had happened, Harry had not retreated. Had he been alarmed by Brody’s actions, surely he’d have declined the drink and fled from his presence as soon as he had the chance. But no, he’d accepted the invitation to spend more time together.
Shoving his hands into his pockets, Brody crossed to the fireplace and stared at the dancing flames. He’d shown Harry his hand and Harry was still choosing to spend additional time with him alone. Did that mean he enjoyed his friendship so much that he was prepared to ignore Brody’s interest in him, or did it mean that he shared it?
He’d been visibly startled when Brody had touched his lips, but maybe that was because he’d not expected it at that moment. Lord, it was hard to read him, and this made Brody feel all the more anxious. It wasn’t enough that he was dealing with new and conflicting feelings, he also had to work out what the object of his desire was thinking.
Whatever the case, it would most likely be prudent of him to move slowly and gauge his responsiveness for a while before making another blunder. Not only because a mistake on his part could ruin the precious connection they shared, but because Harry’s comfort was vital. However much Brody longed to push their relationship in a certain direction, he’d not jeopardize that.
His gaze went to the glasses in front of the sofa. Perhaps insisting they sit beside one another in the narrow space was a bit too forward. Regretting the idea, he went to move the glasses back to the spot between the two armchairs, just managing to pick them up when Harry arrived.
“How’s your sister?” Brody asked. Choosing to give Harry his glass while standing so he could decide on where to sit on his own, he approached and offered it to him.
“She drank her broth and ate half her toast without feeling the need to vomit again. As far as I can tell, she’s not quite as warm as before.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I trust she’s resting again?”
“Yes.” Harry took the glass Brody offered, his fingertips sliding against his in the process. A sharp inhalation followed. He took a step back. “Sorry.”
“It’s quite all right.”
I wish you’d touch me some more.
Harry sipped his drink and Brody followed suit. “Your library is very impressive.”
Brody tracked Harry with his gaze as the younger man moved around the space. He trailed his fingers along the shelves, studied the titles embossed in gold leaf on the spines, and marveled at some of the rarer volumes. Happiness swam through Brody’s veins. He could not have been more delighted if Harry had kissed him.
“You’re welcome to borrow whichever you like.”
