Conrad stepped across the room and lightly kissed Sage’s cheek.“You’re a good man.I’ll keep telling you that until you believe it.”
Sage looked as startled by the kiss as he was by the words.He seemed to shake himself and returned to his task of applying the oil.“You’ll have your work cut out for you, then.I’m not sure you’ll manage that before this house party is over.”
“Well, then I’ll continue when we’re both in London,” Conrad said cheerfully, taking off his shirt.
Sage didn’t respond, but his lips were pressed tightly as he stood and took off his robe.Conrad studied him as they both slipped into bed.
“Are you all right?”Conrad asked gently.
“Just tired.”Sage blew out his candle and then moved over for his usual spot at Conrad’s side.
Conrad lightly cupped Sage’s chin and tilted his face to look at him.“It is troubling that you have an easier time talking about past problems than you do current victories.”
Sage rolled his eyes.“I’m not sure I’d call admitting that I’d been beastly a victory.”
“I would.”
“Well, we’ve already established what a strange creature you are.”
Conrad chuckled.“Undoubtedly so.”
Sage sighed.“Thank you for the advice.It…was what I needed to hear.”
Conrad stroked his cheek with his thumb.“Even the best advice cannot force a hand.You had the courage and the kindness to do what needed to be done.That’s not insignificant.”
Sage swallowed and gave a tight nod.
Conrad dropped his chin, blew out his candle, and then laid against the pillow.Sage wasted no time in settling in next to him.
“Wyndham spoke to me,” Sage said quietly.
Conrad smiled into the dark and ran a hand through Sage’s hair.“And how did it feel?”
“Startling.But good.”
“The tentative start of a new friendship.A victory worth celebrating.”
Sage snuggled closer.“I may have been wrong yesterday.”
“Oh?”
There was a long pause.“I don’t think I’d mind a friendship with Roger.”
Conrad’s smile widened and his heart felt light.“I’m glad to hear it.”
“He reminds me of you a little, actually.”
“That might be the best compliment I’ve ever received.”Sage gave a surprised sort of laugh.“I met Peony today.She’s very sweet.”
“She bit Keelan.”
“Mm.Perhaps that’s why Emrys isn’t too fond of her.”
“But you are.Of course.Shocking that you should find another being in the house that you like.”
Conrad chuckled.“Yes, well I’ve always had a soft spot for prickly creatures who harbor gentle and sweet natures for those they trust.”
Sage was still and silent for a long moment.Then he reared up a little and said in a thoroughly insulted tone, “Did you just compare me to akitten?”
Conrad threw back his head and laughed.
