I’m looking at him as if he were a large, tasty tea cake.
“Hello, Perfect Petra.” Brendan flashed a grin at her, clearly unconcerned by his appearance.
The old Petra would have turned, excusing herself at the sight of a half-naked male. But she was no longer that girl and she certainly didn’t miss her. Instead Petra allowed herself the simple pleasure of gazing at the man she loved.
And shewasin love with Brendan. Perhaps from the moment he’d first kissed her at Rowan’s wedding. Or maybe it had happened when he’d climbed the large oak tree to rescue her. He was complicated and often sarcastic. Terrified of caring too deeply for anyone. None of that mattered to her heart. She hoped someday he would love her back.
The sapphire eyes popped open. “Out walking? Without proper escort? Simon’s not about, is he?” Brendan made a great show of looking around, pretending to be scandalized.
Petra couldn’t take her eyes away from the play of muscles across his torso. Amazing how he managed to climb with nothing but his hands. She could see the very end of a rope peeking out of the rucksack, unused.
“I’m quite alone. And I’ve no idea where Simon is. Probably drafting yet another bill to govern something incredibly important.”
“My sarcasm has rubbed off on you.” A dimple showed in his cheek.
“However do you do that? Climb in such a way with no rope?” She’d wondered about the callouses on his palms and fingers, thinking them from working outdoors, but the callouses were from climbing. Those capable hands had caressed the inside of her thigh, touched the very core of her. She could still feel the press of his thumb against her flesh. A burn slid down her body just thinking about doing such a thing with him again.
“Very carefully.” A deep laugh filled the air. “It’s taken me years of practice. I always bring a rope and hook just in case I get myself into a pickle.” His eyes crinkled. “Climbing is good for the soul.”
“A good walk wouldn’t do?” Petra teased, so happy to see him, she was giddy. His current state of undress was a lovely unexpected surprise. “Nor a stroll through the gardens? Instead you must climb the face of a cliff?”
“Technically, that is a crack in the gritstone. A crevice, not a cliff. And you shouldn’t be out here alone.” His gaze flicked down to the tear in her skirts. “I see you’ve had another clothing mishap.” He looked back to her face. “It’s unfortunate the entire skirt didn’t come free.”
“You’re very bad.” Petra’s heart thudded.
“Exceptionally.” A frown appeared on his lips. “But you really shouldn’t be out here alone. There are holes one can fall through.”
“I knew he would eventually appear, the Morwick I know so well. Frowning. Usually at me. The pea-wit.” Petra rolled her eyes.
“Don’t do that.” His look became serious. “I wish to never hear such a thing from you again, Petra.”
Petra couldn’t resist any longer. The urge to touch him was simply too strong. “Do what?” She came forward and kneeled next to him. The glistening skin of his neck and torso begged for her touch. Possibly her lips.
“Make yourself to be less than you are.” His voice grew soft and raspy. “It pains me to hear you refer to yourself as such. That I did in a moment of anger was…unforgivable.”
“I was only teasing you. I know I am not a pea-wit.” Then she reached out and trailed her fingers down the length of his chest.
* * *
Damn.
In spite of the warmth of the day and the exhausting climb, Brendan felt himself stir. After he had left her last night, after she’d come apart in his arms, moaning his name, Brendan hadn’t returned to his room. Instead he’d found a quiet bench in the garden and contemplated just what the hell he was going to do. He was torn between wanting Petra and being terrified of having her,thenlosing her. But if he did nothing, he would lose her to Simon, which he found completely unacceptable.
“Petra,” he sat up and grabbed her by the wrist. “Don’t.”
“Why not? You’re beautiful, Brendan. Like a statue carved from marble.”
Brendan was well aware of his rough-hewn looks. He’d never lacked for female companionship. But hearing Petra speak her desire out loud to him was different. Despite the exhausting climb, his cock throbbed painfully.
“Petra, I beg you, these breeches are very unforgiving.”
“I can see that.” She looked down before meeting his eye.
His cock twitched. Brendan was sure he’d sell his soul for a glimpse of the gorgeous legs beneath her dress. “You’ve become very brazen in an exceptionally short amount of time. I blame myself.”
“Have I? I think I’ve slowly been shrugging off my ladylike decorum in small bits over the last few months. Like a snake shedding its skin, although that’s an unwelcome comparison.” She looked down at the tenting of his breeches and giggled. “I could clasp my hands, turn my back to you and implore you to cover yourself. Or perhaps you’d rather I faint at the sight of your near nakedness?” A hand flew to her brow and her lip trembled. “Oh dear, I think I’ll need the smelling salts.”
“Your imitation of Lady Marsh is quite good.”
