Taming a Rake into a Lord: Taming the Heart Series
Page 13
She reached out a hand and he took it, pulling her away from Loudoun and pointing her towards the horizon. “Stare at the point where the sky meets the sea.” His other arm wrapped around her waist.
She focused on it, and amazingly her stomach eased. She stood a little straighter.
“She should go down…”
“Be quiet,” Mr. Maddox moved her away from Loudoun. “If you lose your breakfast it will take days for you to recover. You should stay on the deck and move, keep your eyes on the horizon.”
She nodded. “Thank you.” She didn’t dare look away but she wished to see his face when she asked, “Is it possible for you to stay with me for a few minutes?”
He hesitated. It was almost as though she could feel the stilling of his body. “For a few minutes. I have a great deal to--”
“I understand.” And she did. The man she was considering a suitor had been left behind and she was grasping a stranger as though her life depended upon it. “Something else helped, actually.”
“What’s that?” he asked.
“You, you irritated me and I forgot all about…” her voice trailed off but he chuckled low.
“Are you asking me to intentionally anger you?”
“Perhaps,” she grinned as she spoke.
“I must admit, you are the first woman who has requested insults.” His chuckle deepened. “But I am never a man to disappoint a lady.”
A little thrill passed through her at those words. She had to admit, little about him was disappointing. “I’m ready.”
“That dress is the most ridiculous shade of pink I’ve ever encountered.” He whispered so no one else could hear.
“That was a terrible attempt.” Her smile widened and her stomach eased further. “When I saw it in the shop it made me think of a sunset I once saw while on holiday.”
“Bloody bullocks,” he mumbled. “I thought that too.”
She nearly told him not to curse in front of a lady but secretly she liked it. It was raw and untamed like the rest of him. Exciting.
“You’ve carrot-colored hair and your eyes--” he started.
But she couldn’t stand it and, looking away from the horizon, her eyes flashed at him. “My hair? And what about my eyes?” His own were crinkled at the corners in amusement.
“Look at the horizon,” he soothed and her eyes snapped back. The boat dipped a little more but she kept her gaze steady.
He leaned closer sending excited shivers down her spine. “I jest. Your hair is the most beautiful shade of honey blonde I’ve ever seen while your eyes are the color of a sea after a storm. And they hold just as much spirit.”
“Oh,” she sighed. It was the most beautiful compliment a man had ever given her.
“I really must insist you not lean so close.” Loudoun’s voice snapped from behind.
“Just trying to keep our passengers well,” Tom returned but he stepped away from her.
She hadn’t realized how cutting the wind had become until she lost his heat. But her stomach had calmed and, as they moved out of the harbor, the smell became crisp and clear rather than strong and fishy.
“I must see to my duties.” He stepped back further and then turned on his heel.
“Mr. Maddox,” she called. “Thank you.” With a nod of his head, he was gone.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tammy Andresen lives with her husband and three children just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up on the Seacoast of Maine, where she spent countless days dreaming up stories in blueberry fields and among the scrub pines that line the coast. Her mother loved to spin a yarn and Tammy filled many hours listening to her mother retell the classics. It was inevitable that at the age of 18, she headed off to Simmons College, where she studied English literature and education. She never left Massachusetts but some of her heart still resides in Maine and her family visits often.
For more information:
@tammyandresen
authortammyandresen
www.tammyandresen.com
tammyandresen@gmail.com
ALSO BY TAMMY ANDRESEN
Taming a Duke’s Reckless Heart
Taming Duke’s Wild Rose
Taming a Laird’s Wild Lady
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Also Available:
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Lily in Bloom
Midnight Magic
The Golden Rules of Love
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Hunting for a Lady’s Heart