The clean and crisp air of the shore called to her, and she craved the feel of the icy water around her feet. Perhaps a dip was what she needed to shock some strength into her weary, sleep-deprived body.
The water was still when she reached it, and in the dim light, it looked a metallic gray that called to her to go for a dip. She took off her robe and her slippers when a loud splash sounded. She jumped, yelping.
She turned to see Ruaridh emerge from the depths of the waters, bare from the waist up. Her eyes widened, and her cheeks reddened to see him in such a state, but she couldn’t turn away.
He was sinful to look upon, and as he shook his head and ran a hand through his hair, his muscles rippled. Her mouth went dry at the sight of the dusting of his hair on his chest that trailed and narrowed as it neared the waistband of his breeches, only to be hidden under the surface.
His dark eyes found hers, and for a moment, they widened in surprise. But then he gave her the blank look he always seemed to give her.
She swallowed and pressed a cool hand to her cheek to calm herself. She couldn’t allow him to think her wanton, or else she wouldn’t be able to face him again.
“Good morning, my Laird,” she greeted coolly, stepping closer to the water.
“Good mornin’, Miss Violet,” he returned, lowering his hands. “I must admit I am surprised to see ye this early, but ‘tis good ye’re here. Ye’ve saved me time fetchin’ ye for yer lessons.”
She quirked an eyebrow at the change in his demeanor. He had barely spoken to her and ended their lesson promptly after Logan’s appearance the previous day, and now he suddenly wanted to resume them?
“Why the sudden change of heart?” she asked, folding her arms.
He cocked his head. “I promised to help ye complete the items on yer list, did I nae? I believe we began yer swimmin’ lessonsyesterday. ‘Tis a good time as any to finish them. We willnae be interrupted as we were yesterday.”
Violet wanted to argue, as they hadn’t spoken about what Logan had reported to him. Ruaridh had obviously moved away so that she didn’t hear them talk, but he wasn’t aware she had trained herself to listen in on conversations she was not supposed to be privy to. Still, wasn’t he supposed to inform her of the changes that had occurred?
She sighed and nodded, not in the mood to argue. He would tell her in time.
She stepped closer to him, keeping her eyes on him as she did until the water was nearly at her chest level. She was conscious of the iciness of the water around her, but his gaze on her filled her with warmth that helped her bear it.
“Shall we begin, then?” she asked in a voice she didn’t recognize.
Why was it so breathy?
He nodded and took a step back. “Remember what I told ye yesterday?” he asked, extending his hand towards her.
“I do,” she answered, placing her hand in it as she let herself float.
His arms then came under her, supporting her till she stopped feeling afraid of sinking. She closed her eyes, but didn’t begin tosquirm as she had the first day, and soon she felt all the tension leaving her body.
“That’s it,” he praised. “Ye’re doing well.”
She opened her eyes, wanting to give him a smug look, but found herself sinking to the bottom. His hands reached out to pull her out, and she emerged coughing and struggling for breath.
“Why did ye leave me?” she asked eventually, shooting him a hot glare through her wet hair.
Ruaridh had a small smile on his face, which he immediately masked when he caught her eye.
“Did you just laugh?” she asked, hands on her hips.
“Nay?” he answered.
She scoffed and moved away from him. “I do not think I will ever grasp this if you insist on laughing at my every mistake. Perhaps I should find another teacher.”
“There is nay need,” he said quickly, putting a hand on her shoulder.
She stiffened at his touch, but then cleared her throat and turned back to face him, nearly stumbling back from how close he was. She felt her face redden and was glad most of her body wassubmerged in the water, or else he would have seen how her flush had spread down her neck.
“Since you insist on laughing at me, I’d much prefer another teacher,” she insisted.
“I can teach ye to swim,” he assured with a firm look, “and I promise nae to laugh at ye.”
