His friend let out a low whistle. “High praise coming from the man who has seen and done just about everything—and everyone.”

“Har. I’m serious. This girl has turned me inside out in a matter of days.”

“Wait, what do you mean? Were you just with her?” Dawning realization washed over his expression. “This is who gave you the love bite. Well, good for Alice. I never would’ve guessed.”

“It’s not like that. I’m . . . tutoring her in exchange for recipes. For the supper club.”

“Tutoring her? In what, how to give love bites?”

Kit didn’t answer. He merely drank and let Harrison’s joke fall flat. When his friend realized it was the truth, he gaped at Kit. “Are you serious? She actually approached and asked you to teach her how to kiss?”

“Not in so many words.” He gave a shortened version of the lessons-for-recipes bargain he struck with Alice. “She wants to marry for love and is convinced no man will ever want her except for her dowry.”

“This is like some erotic fairy tale young men share around the campfire. And it’s actually happened to you.” Harrison’s mouth twisted. “You are absolutely fizzing, my friend.”

“Stop. It was supposed to be innocent, not sordid. Flirting and advice on men. It wasn’t supposed to turn physical.”

“Yet it obviously did.”

“I didn’t pressure her, if that is what you’re worried about. All of it has been her choice.”

“Still, you must know this is unwise. If you’re caught you’ll have to marry her, Kit.”

“We won’t be caught. Sneaking around and secret indiscretions are second nature to me.”

“So, what is the problem?”

Kit downed more scotch and contemplated his answer. “I don’t know. I’m not used to wanting someone I cannot have, I suppose.”

Harrison snorted. “We can form some sort of club, then. Shall I come up with the secret handshake?”

“Shit, sorry.” Harrison had been pining for Maddie forever, and now she was betrothed to another man. “Is that why you’re out here?”

“Maddie disappeared after dinner to meet with her father and Lockwood.”

“Ah. Discussing details of the wedding, perhaps?”

“Doubtful. No, that goddamn duke is up to something. I need to find out what.”

Kit leaned over the railing and closed his eyes against the ocean breeze. “He’s worried. I think that is why he proposed now, instead of waiting until the guests departed.”

“Hmm.” Harrison matched Kit’s posture. “You might be right.”

“It’ll resolve itself. Maddie’s in love with you. She’s just too stubborn to admit it.”

“Yes, well. Her admission won’t mean anything when she’s walking down the aisle to marry another man.”

“So you think she needs a nudge?”

“Perhaps. What will you do about Alice?”