With his eyes sparkling with triumph, Abel pointed a finger behind her and took a few steps towards his winning trophy. “You see, my dear Bridget, while you were busy questioning my efforts, I’ve taken the liberty of finding the ball myself.”
He wore a triumphant, mocking smile that danced on his lips as he stepped up to her.
Rolling her eyes, Bridget still couldn’t resist a retort. “Oh, how impressive, Your Grace. I suppose you expect a standing ovation for your grand discovery?”
He chuckled, the sound rich and melodious. “Well, a humble smile of gratitude would suffice. But if you insist on applause, I shall not deny you the pleasure.”
“If you’re that desperate for applause, Your Grace, I’m certain you’d find quite the sum after joining a circus team.” She paused and looked him up and down. “I dare say, you’re the type of material they need.”
Shocked laughter escaped his lips before he even realized it. “It seems you truly have no respect for anyone, especially not someone of my stature.”
“Respect is earned, Your Grace, and so far, you’ve done nothing to earn mine.” Bridget jutted her chin in defiance.
“And you, Lady Bridget, have done nothing buttestmy patience at every turn.” He took a step backward and gestured as he spoke.
“Well, it seems we’re at an impasse, Your Grace. Perhaps we should part ways before things escalate further.”
He laughed loudly again. “Agreed! I have no desire to waste any more of my time on a woman of your caliber, who?—”
Abel, so engrossed in their verbal sparring, failed to notice the small pond that lay hidden amidst the foliage. Bridget, however, caught a glimpse of his impending misfortune and reacted with lightning speed.
In a desperate attempt to save him from a watery fate, she reached out, her fingers grasping his arm.
“Your Grace, watch your step!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine concern.
But fate, with its twisted sense of humor, intervened. The Duke’s weight shifted unexpectedly, causing him to lose his balance, and as he toppled backward, her attempt to pull him back only resulted in both of them falling into a tangled heap.
The air was filled with a cacophony of startled gasps and splashing water. Abel’s large body crashed into hers, their limbs entwined in an unexpected position.
“Ugh…” Bridget groaned as he got off her, and she looked down at her clothes.
“Are you all right?” His voice held a hint of concern.
Bridget’s dress clung to her, dirt from the edge of the pond soiling the delicate fabric. She couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at the sight. Her tone remained sharp, but a smile played on her lips as she addressed him.
“It seems that fate has decided to baptize me in the mud. A lesson, perhaps? It’s my penance for trying to come to your aid, with all you’ve done.”
Abel’s gaze lingered on her smile, captivated by the sight. Having her so close to him for the first time, he found himself speechless. It was also the first time he saw such a genuine smile on her face.
Bridget caught him staring and raised an eyebrow as she cleared her throat. “Your Grace?”
Regaining his composure, he quickly cleared his throat as well, and retorted, his words tinged with defensiveness, “Well, my clothes are wet and dirty as well. You shouldn’t have tried to save me in the first place.”
A frown formed on Bridget’s face, annoyance creasing her brow. “Well, there’s no need to be so rude,” she scoffed when he turned away from her. “Your clothes were going to get wet either way.” She pressed on while his arrogant frown remained. “More so, changing clothes is a simple matter. You can’t even thank me for trying to help before anything else?”
Abel sighed and finally turned back to her. “Thank you,” he mumbled under his breath, his voice carrying gratitude and vulnerability.
“You are welcome, Your Grace.”
At that suspended moment, a spark seemed to ignite the air suddenly, and neither of them was able to avert their eyes.
The forest crackled with tension. Silence enveloped them, their eyes speaking volumes in the absence of words.
But nearly as quickly as the moment began, reality soon intruded, shattering the bubble they had created.
Abel hastily rose to his feet, his movements betraying a hint of unease. Bridget, flustered and breathless, felt her cheeks burn as his eyes avoided hers.
“I…” Bridget’s eyes flicked up to him as soon as he began.
