Page 88 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
Her fist shook as she held it up.
There is no going back after this.
The thought dredged up a memory, and she heard Tobias’s voice in her head.
“You would not be the first woman to change her mind.”
Her chest squeezed.
“I will never hear the end of this,” she muttered.
But I do not care.
She knocked on the door.
She could barely hear over the thundering of her heart and the rush of blood in her ears. She raised her hand again, ready to knock a little harder.
The door swung open. Tobias stood before her in only his britches. His eyes widened when he saw her, and her mouth went dry.
“Rowen?” His voice was hoarse. “Is that you?”
“Were you expecting someone else?”
She had meant it to sound teasing, but the thundering of her heart and the catch in her breath made it come out breathless.
“I was not expecting anyone at this hour.” He cocked his head and crossed his arms over his bare chest.
“Did I wake you?” Rowen forced herself to look away from his muscular torso.
He shook his head. “You are not the only one whom sleep seems to have eluded tonight.”
His smile tugged at her heart, and she realized that she had been twirling the tie of her dressing gown between her fingers.
Get a hold of yourself, Rowen.
“So what is it that brings you to my door?” He ran a hand through his hair. “Has something happened?” He moved towards her, his eyes going wide. “If something has happened, tell me and I will see that it is put right at once.”
“Nothing is the matter.” Rowen shook her head, shivering as another rush of cold air brushed against her.
“You are shivering. Are you unwell?” He rubbed his hands against her arms, and she was grateful that in the dim light of the passage, he could not see the flush on her cheeks. “I can send for a physician.”
“That will not be necessary. Really, I am just a little cold.” It was part of the truth, if not the whole truth.
“Come in, warm yourself by the fire. I will throw a few more logs in.” He gestured to the chaise beside the hearth.
“Thank you.” She stepped inside, forcing herself not to look at the rumpled covers on his bed.
Tobias’s back was turned towards her, and he was throwing logs into the fire. It roared, filling the room with warmth and light. It did nothing to stop her shivering.
When Tobias turned back to face her, he arched an eyebrow and gave her a half smile. “You need not linger by the door; I do not bite. Besides, you will let all the cold air in, and that will not help matters.”
Rowen moved towards the fire and hesitated as she drew closer to the chaise. Tobias shut the door and plopped down into an armchair.
“You might as well make yourself comfortable. Sit down; I promise I will be on my best behavior.” He gestured to the chaise and grinned at her. “I will be a perfect gentleman.”
Rowen laughed and took a step towards him, her fingers curling around the tie of her dressing gown. “You and I both know you are no gentleman.”
Now, for the moment of truth.
