Page 21 of Make Mine a Marquess

Her lips thinned. “I have not given you permission to call me Phoebe, my lord.”

“Considering our current circumstances, why be so formal in private? My Christian name is Robert.”

“I cannot!”

“Then at least dispense with the ‘my lord’ when we are alone as well.”

“Fine. Landon.” Her chin rose a notch. “Why do you think I’m a surprise? Because I can swim?”

“Well…that and the fact you’re here. Alone.”

She bit her glistening lower lip, and vulnerability flashed in her eyes. “You won’t tell my mother, will you? Or…the others?”

An unexpected surge of protectiveness rose within him. “By others, do you mean Lord Willard?”

“Yes.”

This was perfect, wasn’t it? She’d literally fell…or more accurately swam into his arms. Revenge would be sweet. “No. I promise never to speak of this to anyone.”

“Thank you.”

He would keep his promise, but only because it went along with his plans. She offered him a rare opportunity. He must act slowly so as not to frighten her. Or, from his brief experiences with her, anger her. He recalled her riding after Lady Delmont’s wayward horse. Phoebe had an impetuous side, a fiery nature. Some men would disapprove and find it unattractive in a woman. Landon found it fresh and desirable.

“Now if you don’t mind, can I swim in peace and—oh!” Suddenly, she clung to him, her limbs wrapping around him. “There’s something in the water!”

He froze. Her plump breasts pressed against his chest and her long, shapely legs wrapped around him. Her thighs were surprisingly strong. His heart hammered and his hands rose to touch her back. One by one his fingers splayed against her. God, the feel of her. The wet shift offered little barrier. Her nipples were taut beneath the wet fabric, the areolas a mouthwatering pink. He dragged in a deep breath in his lungs, his body tight with expectation. Despite the cold water, desire kicked hard in his groin. If she wasn’t so frightened of a creature in the water, she would have felt his arousal and been shocked.

He cleared his throat. “There’s nothing in this lake but fish, frogs, and maybe a turtle.”

Her blue eyes were wide and bright with trepidation. “Are you certain? Something brushed against me.” Her hold tightened.

Unable to resist, he brushed back a long, wet blond lock from her cheek.

His touch must have caught her attention, and he recognized the moment she came to her senses. Awareness thrummed between them. Without the prying eyes of the others in the house, it was just the two of them. Skin to almost naked skin, her curves melded perfectly to his. What he wouldn’t give to forget his troubles, ease the burden he’d carried for too long, and slide deep into her lush body.

She released her hold. Her breasts rose and fell beneath the surface of the water and her full lips parted. His gaze dropped to her mouth. She had kissable lips, full and pink, glistening from the water. Lips that made a man think erotic thoughts. He was momentarily speechless.

“You look like you’re going to kiss me,” she said softly.

Despite the cold water, his skin felt hot. “Since I first saw you in the gardens, I’ve wanted to kiss you.”

She gasped. “You shouldn’t say such things.”

“Would you rather I lie? And when I saw you just now, I thought you looked like a water nymph sent to tempt me.”

“Still, you shouldn’t—”

His eyes never left hers. “You should swim away then.”

She did, using an efficient side kick stroke. If he wasn’t so engrossed in her, he would have admired her swimming ability.

He wasn’t ready for her to leave. Not even close. “Wait!” Unable to let her slip away, he pursued her, a powerful arm over arm freestyle, and swiftly caught up with her. They were both in shallower water, and she was able to stand with the water up to her shoulders.

“I still plan to ride tomorrow,” he said. “Rather than swim to escape the heat and boredom of another musical performance, join me.”

Her lips curved at the corners. “Maybe.” An unmistakable flash of excitement filled her beautiful eyes.

He recognized her restlessness. He would use it to his advantage. This time, when she swam away, he didn’t stop her.