The idea that he might nearly broke her heart. Just because he was handsome and popular did not mean he was shallow or dim. Kit was smart. He knew how to read people, how to interact with them. Which was precisely the reason why his supper club would undoubtedly become wildly successful.

She opened her mouth to tell him all of this and realized his eyes had closed. His chest expanded rhythmically, his breathing regular, while his arms were relaxed at his sides. Indeed, though his pants were halfway down his thighs, it seemed he’d fallen asleep. Her heart twisted, then squeezed, brimming with something far more meaningful than she was willing to admit.

After removing his trousers and covering him with a blanket, Alice tiptoed from the bedroom and into the corridor. The house was deathly quiet, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Which mostly centered around Kit and everything he’d said tonight.

Had he meant any of it?

The next afternoon, Kit pulled his hat lower as he strode toward the tent outside. Why was it so dashed bright out here? His head throbbed, as if an ice pick repeatedly stabbed his temple. Jesus, why did he drink so much last night?

No telling how long he stood with Harrison on the terrace, sharing not one but two bottles of scotch. Everything that followed was hazy, but he recalled Alice in his room. She’d brought him a slice of the bread she helped bake earlier . . . and he couldn’t remember anything else. What had he said? He’d been naked when he awoke this morning. Had she undressed him?

Worse, had he undressed in front of her?

God, he hoped not. She’d never talk to him again, if that were the case. No doubt he horrified her enough with his inebriation and ramblings; adding his cock to the mix would prove disastrous.

The back of his neck heated with a rare bout of embarrassment. He dreaded facing her today. Rarely did he drink so much these days, but she wouldn’t know that. She must think him a terrible lush.

“You look about as miserable as I feel,” Nellie said as she came alongside.

“Thanks,” he grumbled. “Did you drink too much scotch last night, as well?”

“No, but this is the last place I want to be at the moment.” They started along the path, gravel crunching beneath their shoes. “I wish Harrison would hurry up already so we can go home.”

“I thought you were having a good time.” Kit studied her profile. “You know, strolling near the male guest chambers.”

“Hardly.” She put a hand on his arm and drew to a halt. “Kit, I wanted to say something. About Alice.”

“There’s no need to—”