Bob's enthusiastic wave faltered the moment his eyes landed on Cyrus behind Kane.
His sunny expression shifted to something resembling a deer caught in headlights.
"Oh! Uh..." Bob's hand dropped to the table. "I didn't realize you were... bringing company."
The disappointment in Bob's voice was unmistakable, and Kane felt heat crawl up his neck. He'd clearly misread Bob's invitation entirely.
"Sorry, I should have mentioned—" Kane started, but Cyrus smoothly stepped forward.
"Mr. Holloway." Cyrus's voice carried that perfectly polite tone that could freeze water.
"Nice meeting you again, sorry for the intrusion."
Bob scrambled to his feet, nearly knocking over his coffee cup.
"No, no! Of course not. Please, sit wherever."
Kane moved toward the chair across from Bob, and Cyrus settled deliberately in the seat beside Kane.
The territorial display was subtle but unmistakable.
"So Bob, how've you been since the cruise?" Kane asked, settling into his chair.
