She sagged in relief. “Hector.” She pushed aside the covers and padded to the window. “My goodness.” She hurried to open it since Hector held himself up by gripping the ledge. A swift gust of wind swept through the room. “What are you doing?”
“May I come in?”
“Please.” She stepped aside, clutching her nightgown.
He leapt through the window and hurried to close it, muttering something about her having frozen enough for one day. The golden light from the lamp shone upon him.
He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I...I climbed your wall.”
“Yes, I gathered that much.”
He removed his flat hat. “I’m sorry for the intrusion, but I needed to know how you were faring.” He swallowed hard. “Your mother didn’t allow me to see you, and I didn’t want to argue with her. She seemed rather upset. Understandably so.”
She wasn’t surprised. “I’m doing well. Just tired.”
He bowed his head in a formal manner. “I won’t disturb you any further. I hope you might forgive me one day.” He turned around to open the window, but she stopped him.
“Hector, wait. I’d like to say something, but first, please be a dear and lock the door, just in case.”
He did as told and faced her again, his head hanging over his chest. “You can tell me whatever you wish. Don’t hold back your words on my account. I deserve your anger. It’s the second time you nearly died because of my actions. Unforgivable. If you don’t want to see me again, just say the word and I’ll disappear.”
“Good gracious, I don’t want you to disappear.” A warm, fluttering feeling lit her chest. “I’m not angry, and there’s nothing to forgive.” She shivered again. Would she ever be warm again? “Why don’t you sit with me for a moment?” She sat on the bed and patted the spot next to her.
He shuffled forwards and sat on the edge of the bed, but his eyes shone with unshed tears. “I’m so sorry, Maddie.” His voice cracked with sobs. “I don’t know what happened to me. I panicked. I wasn’t on the boat with you anymore but on the raft, scared and alone. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“Oh, Hector.” She hugged him. He rested his head on her shoulder and shook, stifling his sobs. “I’ve never thought, not for one second, that you meant to hurt me. I understand what happened to you, darling. You couldn’t know that being on a boat would trigger your fear. Don’t blame yourself.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her closer. She caught a whiff of his scent—citrus with a hint of mint. So refreshing. His warm body fended off the chill. She caressed his hair and hugged him until he stopped shaking.
“Your skin is cold,” he said, raising his head. “Why are you so cold?”
“I’m having trouble keeping myself warm.”
“Let me help. It’s the least I can do.”
She was about to ask him what he wanted to do, but as he started to undress, her silly question was forgotten. Who cared about his intentions? He removed his shoes, socks, trousers, and shirt until he stood naked in front of her. The light from the lamp kissed his skin. If getting naked was his strategy to keep her warm, it worked because her face already grew hot. He tucked her under the covers and slid into the bed beside her.
“You aren’t shy now,” she said, shivering but not from the cold.
“No, because we aren’t going to make love. Come here.” He opened his arms, and she willingly went into them.
Immediate warmth seeped into her as she rested her head on his chest. His arms and legs held her, and he caressed her back in slow circles. His body enveloped her in a warm cocoon.
“I nearly killed you all. I’m so sorry,” he whispered, brushing his lips against her temple.
“Shush. You’ve apologised enough. Besides, we’re fine. You took me to the shore. You saved me.”
“You’re too kind. I was the one who put you in danger to start with.” He rubbed her neck and back.
“I’m not kind.” Her eyelids became heavy as even her toes began to warm. It felt so good to be held and warmed by his strong body.
He kept caressing her, rubbing warmth into her stiff muscles. One by one, her limbs thawed, releasing a delicious exhaustion. She couldn’t keep her eyes…
She woke up in his arms. The oil lamp didn’t burn anymore, and even the stove had exhausted the wood and coal. But she was nice and warm, snuggled against him. She stirred, and he moved as well.
“Do you need anything?” he whispered, kissing her cheek. “Tea? Another cover?”
She blinked. “Is it morning?”
