Even though Lottie made it perfectly clear that she wanted to get Kit into bed, he hadn’t slept with her after the opera four nights ago. Instead of taking her to his house, he’d taken her home and dropped her off. Once in his bedroom, he’d tugged on his cock while thinking of Alice until he came all over his stomach. It was becoming a nightly—and daily—ritual.

“If not Lottie, someone else,” Preston urged. “I am worried about you.”

“And I can’t believe I am the one to say this, but not every problem can be solved with fucking.”

“Bite your tongue.” Preston appeared horrified. “And you’re a fine one to talk. What about when you were failing economics at Harvard and you found the professor’s wife, then ‘convinced’ her to intervene on your behalf. I wonder how you persuaded her?”

Kit pushed away from the table and stood. “May we focus on the club? Because that is what actually matters.”

“It doesn’t. Neither of us need the money, and who cares if it fails?”

“The people we’ve hired, for starters. Furthermore, this isn’t about money for me. I—”

“Hello?”

No. It couldn’t be.

Kit’s head jerked toward the entrance. Alice Lusk was there, standing in the club. How on earth . . . ?

“Miss Lusk,” Preston said as if he’d been expecting her. He rose and went to greet her. “Thank you for coming down. Would you like a tour?” They shook hands and Kit could only blink.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t the time.” She walked with Preston toward Kit’s table. Kit drank in the sight of her, dressed in a lovely blue day dress with a matching hat. Her hair was pulled back, which emphasized her big eyes. “Hello, Mr. Ward.”

“Alice.” Screw propriety. Forgoing her hand, he kissed her cheek. “What are you doing here?”

She flicked a glance at Preston. “I am here to help.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Surprise,” Preston said to Kit. “I approached Alice about our little problem. You know, with finding a chef? She has agreed to help.”

“What?” He shook his head as if trying to clear it. “Help, how?”

Preston slapped Kit on the back. “She’ll explain. I have to go. I have a meeting with a concrete supplier. Miss Lusk, always a pleasure.” His long legs carried him out of the room in a few steps and then Kit was alone with Alice.

“Shall we sit?” He pulled out a chair for her.

She lowered herself down, and Kit got a whiff of her familiar scent, vanilla and a hint of orange. Heat shot through him, a jolt of longing that echoed in every part of him, like his body was flooded with the want of her. He dragged in a breath and tried to remember that she was a virgin and a debutante and not his willing pupil any longer.