Page 56 of Beguiling the Baron

Chapter 37

There was a great wallowing sound from the river. Panic clutched at him—had Tia lost her footing? He was already kicking off his shoes when she emerged again, steadied herself and spluttered, “I think I must have water in my ears. What did you say?”

His shoulders relaxed. “I asked you to marry me.”

A long silence ensued while the darkness seemed to close in on him, as if eager to hear the rapid beating of his heart. A thin sheen of sweat broke out on his brow, owing nothing to the heat.

She was going to refuse him. And who could blame her? What kind of heartless rogue caught a woman off-guard and used veiled threats to persuade her into marriage?

He needed different words, different deeds. Hal began to disrobe.

“What are you doing?” There was alarm in her voice.

“I’m taking off my clothes.”

“For heaven’s sake, why?”

He chuckled. “I don’t want them getting wet when I come in to fetch you.”

She sank farther until the water came to her chin. “I don’t need fetching.”

“You’re going to come out on your own?” He pulled off his shirt.

“I might.”

“Might isn’t good enough. Now you can look away if you want to, but my breeches are coming off, too.”

She didn’t look away. He grinned broadly, hoping he didn’t appear too lecherous, enjoying himself more than he had in years. Her eyes never left him as he waded out to join her, and most of the time—if not all—they remained above the level of his chest.

The cold water washed over his skin, making him catch his breath, as delicious shivers rippled across his belly and buttocks. “Tia, I’m in deadly earnest.”

“About marriage, or about me coming out?”

“About both. I desire you above anything. I could learn to be happy again if you would allow me to become your husband—as well as your friend.”

“This is all rather sudden.”

He waded closer. “No, it isn’t. You know how much I want you. Now, will you give me your answer before we both freeze to death?”

“Am I not allowed some time to think about it? This declaration is a bolt out of the blue.”

He shook his head. Ah. Her teeth were chattering. Rapid action was required. Lifting her chilled body into his arms, he cradled her against his chest. Water flowed from her luscious curves, sending sensual rivulets down his belly and thighs as he strode back to the shallows.

His manhood swelled in response.

Businesslike, he set her down, holding her with one hand as he gave her his shirt with the other. “Dry yourself.”

When she gave no sign of taking it, he rasped, “Do it, or I’ll do it for you.”

Grumbling, she seized it from him and turned her back.

With a shrug of resignation, he pulled on his breeches, knowing they would be soaked through in moments. Well, if it dampened his burgeoning ardor, it would be no bad thing.

Once his shoes were back on, he peered past his shoulder to see if Tia had finished drying herself.

She hadn’t moved. She was staring at him. Had she been silently observing him all this time? He must look ridiculous, with no shirt on, no stockings, and breeches that stuck to him like a second skin, with a rampant hardness distorting the front of them in a way she was hardly likely to miss.

“Tia, I’m sorry.”