Wishes in the Wind (Kingsleys in Love 2)

That spawned a thought. “No, I’m not. Which gives me an idea.” Dustin tossed back the rest of his drink. “Thanks, Trent. You’ve just helped more than you realize.”

“You’re not going to tell me another damned thing, are you?”

“I’ve told you everything you need to know. You have simply to keep a watchful eye on your family. By the way, where are my beautiful sister-in-law and my rambunctious nephew?”

“At Broddington. We returned from Spraystone this morning. Why do you think it took me so long to get here? I wanted to come the instant I got your note. But Ariana is too insightful. She knows how I savor our visits to Wight. If I’d left the isle abruptly, she would have guessed something was wrong. I don’t want to worry her.”

“Nor should you. She has enough to deal with controlling that eight-month-old tempest of yours. Speaking of which,” Dustin tapped his upper lip. “Did you notice I shaved off my mustache? Your heir will now have to find a new distraction with which to torment me. That should take him, say, ten to fifteen minutes.”

Trenton didn’t smile. “You’re evading the issue. Why? You’re not in the habit of keeping things from me.”

Silence.

“Is it Nick Aldridge you’re protecting?”

“Trent, leave it alone. I can’t say any more than I have. You’ll simply have to trust me.” Trust me. Dustin’s own words triggered a reminder of the evening ahead, an evening that was fast approaching. “I hate to be rude, but I have to cut this conversation shor

t.”

“Why? Do you have plans?”

“As a matter of fact, yes.”

“Anyone I know?”

“No. At least not yet.” This query Dustin met head-on. “But you will. Soon. The instant it’s remotely possible.”

Slowly, Trenton lowered his glass to the side table. “That sounds serious.”

“It is. Or rather, it will be.”

Surprise registered on Trenton’s face. “When did this happen? You were at Spraystone a week ago, ornery and unattached.”

“That was then. This is now.”

“You became deeply involved with someone in a matter of days?”

“In a manner of minutes,” Dustin corrected. He shot Trenton a pointed look. “As you did with Ariana.”

“That was entirely different.”

“Really? How?”

“Ariana needed help. I needed—her.”

An ironic smile. “The situations are more analogous than even I discerned.”

Trenton inhaled sharply. “Dustin, is this woman the cause of whatever crusade you’re on? Because, if so …”

“Trent, you’re beginning to sound like an overprotective parent. When I’m ready to disclose my secrets, you’re the first one I’ll seek out. Now, go home to Ariana. Stop worrying about your son—and your brother. We’re both Kingsleys. We’ll survive.” His grin widened. “Better than survive, if I have my way.”

“Are you implying …”

“Good night, Trent.”

Throwing up his hands, Trenton complied. “All right, good night.” Reaching for the doorknob, he paused. “You’ll summon me if you need help?”

“When have I ever sought your help with women?”