They were suddenly alone in her chamber. He’d leave soon, but he just wanted a moment alone with Dillie. He didn’t quite know what he was going to say or do now that he had her all to himself. He knew what he wanted to do. Of course, he didn’t expect that to happen. He’d never take Dillie against her wishes.
Dillie’s arms were still wrapped around his neck. “Ian, you were splendid with Abner. Brilliant, wonderful, brave. With me, too.” She touched his cheek, her fingers light against the bristled skin. “I can’t believe you’re here, but I’m so glad you are. Was it an act of divine providence that brought you to me when I needed you most?”
Her lips were at his ear, her breath warm and sweet. He caught the scent of peaches on her skin. Not mud or ice or smoky common room, just sweetest peaches.
He loved her scent.
“I happened to be on my way to Swineshead when the storm broke. This inn is known to be the best around, so I made for it.” He shook his head and let out a mirthless chuckle. “I left London for your sake, to give you time away from me to think about my offer.”
“And I was on my way to Coniston, to be away from you and my meddlesome family while I gave thought to my future.” He felt her lips curve into a smile against his neck. “But I’m glad you’re here. I know you were sent to me from heaven, so don’t even think to deny it. No one else could have done what you did for Abner tonight.”
“You were the brave one, sweetheart,” he said with a mix of gentleness and pride, “limping through the storm, determined to do whatever you had to do to save Abner.”
“And I found you,” she said in a whisper, her voice achingly ragged. “Latch the door. I don’t want us to be disturbed.”
Ian’s heart began to pound through his ears. He wanted to spend the night with her, hold her in his arms. He wanted to do much more, explore her body and understand the workings of her beautiful, generous heart. What did she intend?
Her smile slipped a little. “Stay with me, Ian.”
“Dillie—”
“I couldn’t bear it if you left me now.”
“Very well, a little while longer.” He settled her in the chair beside the fireplace, and then strode to the door and latched it, closing them in. This was madness. The two of them alone and cozy in this chamber while the storm whistled and howled outside. Scary how good it felt to be alone with her. What in blazes was he doing? Did Dillie understand what she was doing? She’d struck her head in the spill. Was she thinking clearly?
He certainly wasn’t.
He returned to her side, still soaked to the skin and not caring a whit. And though she was no longer in his arms—a problem he would soon remedy—the sensation of her perfect breasts rising and falling against his chest was etched into his memory. He could still feel those soft mounds, her taut, puckered nipples. Hot, buttered crumpets, as Dillie would say. He could still feel everything.
He started to turn away, but she protested. “I like the warmth of your body against mine.”
He shouldn’t have shut the door. Or latched it. Dillie hadn’t accepted his offer of marriage yet. If they spent another minute alone, there would be no turning back for Dillie. Lord help me! He couldn’t possibly spend the night with her. Come morning, she’d have no choice but to marry him or forever remain a ruined spinster.
“I’m glad you stayed,” she said, another soft breath tickling his ear. “We have to talk.”
“Good. Talk. That’s what we need.” He carefully eased her foot onto the pillowed stool, for he needed to do something to calm himself. He refused to look at the invitingly enormous bed, nor did he dare settle Dillie in it yet. Far too dangerous for her. They’d talk for a short while, and then he’d walk out and find somewhere else to sleep.
Not that he wanted to do anything of the sort. He wanted to stay with her, put her in that big bed, and never let her out of it.
As ever, he was hot and aching for her.
Hard and aching.
“I just want you to know...” She paused to let out a soft, quivering breath. “No matter what Abner says, it was my fault. I think it’s important for you to know that I made a terrible mistake. Abner almost lost his life because of it.”
He knelt beside her, angry that she still cast blame on herself. He understood all too well the terror and disgust gnawing at her insides. He still felt that same disgust over what he’d done to James. “Am I supposed to think less of you, Dillie? I don’t. Accidents happen. That’s all it was. You both survived. It’s over. You’re both on the mend. I won’t hear another word about it.”