Page 37 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

She swung her legs and chewed her lips. “You could close your eyes.”

He peered up at her, his hands on his hips. “Lovely idea. Except you might land feet from where I stand and break several bones in the process.”

Suzanna closed her eyes and murmured something under her breath. “Very well. I will jump down. But”—she pointed her finger at him—“you will do your best not to look.”

Fighting to hide his smile at her ridiculous request, he said, “Of course. I am nothing if not a gentleman.”

Taking a deep breath, she grasped the sides of her gown, then wiggled until she was farther off the branch. Closing her eyes—perhaps believing if her eyes were closed, it would somehow affect his vision—she slid off the branch.

…

Suzanna let go of her gown and waved her arms, frantically grasping at air. She landed with a thump into Giles’ arms and just as she feared, her skirts opened and her bare bottom rested in his large hands.

“Put. Me. Down.”

If the heat in her face was any indication, she most likely looked as though she would explode.

Mr. Templeton grinned at her. “In a minute. But first a kiss for your rescue.”

She opened her mouth to demand that he put her down, and he took the opportunity to cover her lips with his. She shifted to get him to release her, but it only encouraged him to squeeze her bottom—her bare bottom! The humiliation was overwhelming, but she loathed to move again, since who knew what he would do next.

Soon, his kiss turned into something so passionate and needy that she forgot about the naughtiness of where his hand rested and slumped in his arms. In fact, his hand being where it was brought lovely sensations to her nipples and between her legs. Without conscious thought, her hands slid up his chest to encircle his neck, where her fingers played with the strands of hair curling over the top of his cravat.

He pulled away from her mouth and scattered light kisses over her face, her jaw, the soft skin under her ear. He proceeded lower, until his teeth were tugging on the edge of her neckline. She really should stop him. His hand continued to massage her buttocks, and her embarrassment had long since vanished, replaced with the wanton desire to part her thighs so his fingers could ease the ache there.

This time she cupped his face and brought his mouth to hers. She nipped and tugged at his lips with her teeth. He groaned and pulled her closer to his body, still holding her in his arms. He shifted her once again and slid his thumb between her thighs, circling the soft, moist skin.

“Templeton, did you find her?” Lord Hawkins’s voice intruded into her muddled brain. With a curse, Giles immediately pulled away and set her on her feet. Her skirts swirled around her ankles. With a loud buzzing in her ears, she tried her best to come to grips with her surroundings. She swayed at his abrupt movement.

He gripped her elbow. “Adjust your gown.”

Suzanna looked at her neckline that had been tugged much lower than it was meant to be. She yanked it up and looked with dismay at where her gown had been torn from climbing the tree. She must look an absolute mess, and what in heaven’s name would Lord Hawkins think of her appearance?

Slowly her mind cleared, and she was once again aware of the sun shining through the trees, the smell of decaying wood, the sound of animals scurrying around.

“Over here, Hawk.” Mr. Templeton adjusted his breeches and wrapped his arm around her waist in a protective move.

“What happened? Lord Danvers practically grabbed me by the throat to tell me you had been questioning everyone about Miss Blake’s disappearance.” Hawkins moved closer, his eyes growing wide at her dishevelment.

He threw an outraged glance at his friend before turning his attention back to her. “Are you well, Miss Blake?” His tight voice softened. “Must I beat Mr. Templeton to the ground on your behalf?”

Suzanna shook her head. “Oh, no, my lord. You are mistaken. I was chased by a frightening-looking dog and climbed up this tree.” She pointed behind her. “Fortunately, Mr. Templeton came in search of me and helped me down.”

Hawkins breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness he found you.” He grinned at Mr. Templeton. “And thank goodness I don’t have to rumple my clothing by engaging in fisticuffs with one of my closest friends.”

“Hawk, you can see the condition she is in. I don’t think it’s a good idea to have Miss Blake arrive back at the picnic looking this way.”

“I agree. Who knows what sort of stories would be attributed to her appearance? Perhaps you can stay here with her, and I will fetch one of the older matrons to accompany her back to the house. That way she can see for herself that she was not ravished. Based on the scrapes I can see on her arms, she has been climbing a tree. It would quell any unseemly rumors.”

“Good idea.”

“I will have one of the carriages brought to the other side of the woods.” He pointed to the east. “Take that path until it ends. The carriage, along with either Lady Hancock or Lady Livingston, will meet you there.” He pointed at Giles. “You will explain yourself and then return to the picnic grounds for the rest of the afternoon.”

Giles scowled. “You needn’t remind me of the precarious position Miss Blake is in. I have no intention of allowing her to be dishonored in any way.”

Suzanna stamped her foot and glared at them. “I would prefer if the two of you didn’t discuss me as if I weren’t here. I know what I did was foolish and could have caused me serious harm. I am also aware that I am merely a few steps from scandal.”

Both men viewed her with raised brows. “Your point being?” Mr. Templeton said.