“You think you know me well, do you?”
“Am I correct?”
He dropped his arms to his side and winked. “I shall never tell.”
Trey turned back around and proceeded down the stream. She took cautious steps, enjoying listening to him talk about his life. It comforted her to know he would say such things. It softened her heart as well.
Suddenly, he stopped and raised his hand to keep her from going any further.
“What is it?” she asked.
“There’s a hole somewhere around in this area. I need to find it to keep you from stepping there. I would hate for you to soil your lovely gown.”
She hitched a breath, and placed her hand on her chest for fear her heart would jump out. He’d actually remembered the hole. Did he remember leading her to it when they were children? Certainly he didn’t act as if he did.
“Ah, there it is.” He turned to her and held out his arms. “Allow me, fair maiden, to play the gallant warrior and carry you through the trepid waters.”
A laugh bubbled from her throat. “Are you jesting?”
“No.” He pointed to the water. “There’s a hole, and if you step in it, you will sink to your waist, I’m sure. If I carry you across, you will not be harmed.”
He couldn’t be serious. Yet his warm gaze told her he was. Apparently, he didn’t remember the time when they were small. Now the question was—could she trust him? Would he indeed carry her to safety or would he turn back into the person she’d known him to be? She hesitated, arguing with her mind once again.
Confusion crossed his features and he tilted his head. “Don’t you trust me?”
Once again, his words caused her to laugh, which made him grin. “Oh, Trey. I believe you know that answer already.”
He nodded. “I wish you would learn to trust me. We are becoming friends, are we not?”
She shrugged. “I would like to think so.”
“I promise not to let you fall. Please believe me.”
Why was her heart softening, and why was she giving him her hand? He pulled her closer then swept her up into his arms. Up this close, his nearness stirred quivers inside her belly.Hesitantly, she hooked her arms around his neck and looked at his lips.
Trey tightened his arms around her as he stepped into the hole. The rhythm of her heartbeat shook her chest, increased her breathing, and caused her mouth to turn dry. Heat from his body blended into hers and threatened to melt her this very second. She must stay strong.
After he had stepped out of the hole, he stopped and let her legs drop. Slowly, she slid down the front of his body until her feet touched the gravelly bottom. His arms still held her against him while his fingers drew circles along her back. He studied her mouth just as she’d looked at his a few moments ago. Being up so close against his chest, she felt the beat of his heart hammering quickly with hers. She swallowed to moisten her throat, wishing he’d release her, and at the same time, hoping he didn’t.
Suddenly, he dropped his arms and stepped back. His eyes widened as his mouth pulled into a line. He turned and walked out of the water toward his shoes.
“Trey?” Her voice whispered the plea. “Is something amiss?”
“I just remembered a meeting I had this afternoon. Please forgive me, but I must go.”
She hurried out of the water and collected her stockings and shoes. “Of course. I understand.”
After he was fully dressed, he looked at her. “Judith, I had a pleasant time with you just now. We shall have to wade through the water again.”
“I agree.”
Without another word, he walked away. Her tight chest finally relaxed, letting her breathe normally again. Why had she acted in such a way? And why did her body have to burn the way it did?
Yet, she realized he had established a bond between them. He actually gave her reason to trust him, which is something she never thought would ever happen.
*
Judith pushed hermare faster, clutching the reins and tightening her knee around the horn of the sidesaddle. The sun began its descent in the sky, but there was still enough light to ride. This afternoon had been a challenge, mentally and physically. She’d never felt so much frustration than she had in Trey’s presence, but being in his arms was purely sensual. Every last second of it.
