The moment they walked outside, she inhaled deeply, enjoying the fresh air. The moon was full tonight, and combined with the lanterns placed along the walkway, she was certain their stroll would give nobody reason to wonder if they were being proper or not.
He slipped his palm over the top of her hand as it rested on his arm. Her heart leapt and she looked up into his smoldering eyes.
“Are you feeling better, Miss Baldwin?”
“Immensely so, I thank you for asking.”
“So tell me why a lovely lady like yourself hasn’t been coerced into marriage yet.”
She laughed. “It seems, my lord, that is a very interesting question—one I wish I knew how to answer.”
“I would assume you would have a flock of men standing at your doorstep, waiting for the chance to woo you.”
“You assume wrongly, then.”
His gaze moved all over her. Tingles erupted inside her chest, creating sensitive bumps all over her skin. She wished he didn’t have the ability to make her react in such a way, yet in a way she cherished this newfound feeling.
“Impossible.” He shook his head. “Tell me truthfully, my dear. Why am I the fortunate man who gets to escort you outside tonight?”
She couldn’t believe how sincere his tone of voice was. Perhaps he hadn’t heard the rumors. No, that couldn’t be right. Knowing Lady Jane and her friends, Diana was certain the whole party knew by now. “You are flattering me, my lord. I assure you, I don’t deserve it.”
They stopped by the tree where she’d been sitting when she first saw him earlier today. Even if they sat on the wooden bench, the lanterns surrounding the area would not make their time very private. Wasn’t that what she wanted? Yet, the more she gazed into his sultry eyes, the more she wanted him to herself for a little while without curious eyes watching.
“Would you like to sit?” He pointed to the bench.
She grinned. “I hesitate sitting here with you, my lord. I would hate to be bothered by a bee again and have you believe I’m blowing kisses at you.”
He tilted back his head and laughed. It made her happy to think she could do this. As she studied his handsome face, dark eyes, dark hair, and especially his tempting mouth, she realized no other man had made her feel so comfortable. And for certain, no other man had made her insides jump with excitement.
A movement from back by the house drew her attention when three women poked their heads out of the door. Diana groaned. Were those girls really trying to be her watchdogs?
Lord Tristan frowned. “What’s amiss? You look upset.” He swung his head in the direction she’d been looking. “Oh, dear. Lady Jane and her entourage,” he mumbled.
“Lord Tristan, do you mind if we go someplace else? I really don’t want to talk to them right now.” She looked back at Jane. The gossipmonger and her friends had stepped out of the house and were coming in their direction.
“Your wish is my command, my sweet.”
He took her hand in his and pulled her away from the lantern walk and in through the thicket of trees. He moved the branches away from her face and gown so she wouldn’t get snagged. When they walked by a large tree, Lord Tristan pulled her in the back of it, pinning her against the trunk with his body.
“Shh…” He put his finger to her lips. He peeked around them toward the path they’d just left.
Diana heard Lady Jane’s voice, but not her words—how could she when Lord Tristan’s muscular frame leaned against Diana’s so intimately. His finger still pressed against her mouth, and she dare not even breathe for fear she’d take in more of his intoxicating scent of leather and musk.
He pulled his attention away from the other women as they passed by, and stared into Diana’s face. His gaze dropped to her mouth. Instead of moving his finger away, he tenderly slid it across her bottom lip. Her throat grew dry and her heart nearly beat right out of her chest. The sounds around them disappeared and all she could hear was her quick breaths—and his.
Good grief, what was he doing to her? And pray, why did she like it so much?
“I—I believe they are gone now,” she whispered with much difficulty since her mouth felt as if cotton had taken up residency in her throat.
“Yes, I do believe they are.”
He gave her a lop-sided grin that made her heart flip. Yet he didn’t move. And Heaven help her, she didn’t want him to move, either. She enjoyed this so much… too much.
Watching his gaze as it rested on her lips fascinated her, and gave her hope. Would he kiss her? It wouldn’t be proper, that was for certain. But they were out here alone, and one little kiss wouldn’t hurt.
The rhythm of her heart beat frantically against her ribs and she dared to move her head forward in silent encouragement. His blue eyes softened as his head tilted toward her.
“Diana? Where are you?”
