Page 50 of West Wind

He entered the water with a splash as she raised her arm to point straight ahead. That was the only movement she could manage. “Snake.” Her voice was still a whisper, but Shelley was close enough to hear her, and soon he was at her side.

Before she knew what was happening he took a few splashing steps forward, the water at waist level, and picked up the offending snake.

His fury was obvious when he turned to her, holding in his hand the snake that had frightened her. It was nothing more than a length of twisted limb, water soaked and bobbing across the surface of the water.

Realizing that her breasts were exposed, she bent her knees and sunk down until the water touched her chin.

He waved the limb in front of her face. “Is this some sort of joke?”

“I thought it was a snake, really I did.”

He didn’t believe her, that much was clear. She’d never seen him this furious, had never noted so much rage in his eyes.

“I don’t suppose you’re trying to seduce me?”

She choked on her disbelief. How dare he! “You conceited oaf. I’m not like Cherry Red and the other women you choose to associate with. They may throw themselves at you, but I will not, I assure you. I would never throw myself at a man who obviously finds me unattractive.”

He scowled and tossed the limb to the other side of the creek. “For God’s sake, the next time you scream make sure the danger is real. I almost had a damn heart attack.”

She smiled. “You’re breaking our treaty.”

He took a step toward her. Soaked to the skin, angry, maybe a little relieved. “Am I now? That’s a damn shame.” He took another step, splashing water all around him. “Snake my ass,” he muttered under his breath when he was right beside her.

She rose slowly until the water reached just above her waist, turning to face him; Shelley jumped as if he’d been shot. Impulsively she reached out and brushed her fingers gently across his neck.

“I guarantee,” she said, her voice throatier than usual, “that if I ever try to seduce you, you’ll know exactly what I’m doing.”

He reached down and wrapped his hands around her waist, returning her seductive grin. Her heart leapt; her breath wouldn’t come. For a moment she wondered if she’d gone too far.

Then he lifted her into the air and threw her farther into the water.

She landed with a loud splash in the middle of the creek. Her first reaction was to feel with her toes for the mud at the bottom. Nothing there, no mud, no purchase. Panic-stricken she sank, kicking and flailing her arms.

With a mixture of pride and vengeful satisfaction, Shelley watched his tormentor hit the water. He’d be damned if she’d get the best of him, standing there in the creek like a water sprite. She knew exactly what she was doing to him.

He headed toward the bank, waiting for her screams of protest, but she remained ominously quiet. He turned around just in time to see her head break the surface of the water. She managed a brief scream before she sank again.

She couldn’t swim.

He swam to the spot where he’d just seen her. This was the right place, wasn’t it? He dove under the water and reached out for her. She wasn’t there. The water was too murky for him to see his own hand in front of his face, and he had no idea how deep this spot was. He shot out of the water for a deep breath of air and then dove again, and again. Dammit, he would not be responsible for her death.

Finally his hand closed over flesh—an arm, a hand—and he pulled Annie to the surface. She coughed and sputtered. Strands of wet hair clung to her face. He held her head above water as he swam toward the shore. When he was able to stand he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bank, where he placed her gently on the grass.

“Why didn’t you tell me you couldn’t swim?” he demanded angrily, as he rolled her onto her stomach and pounded on her back until she coughed up the water she’d swallowed.

Annie lay with her face buried in the grass. “You never asked,” she said weakly. “I’m fine now. Would you please hand me the blanket.” She tried to sound dignified but it was difficult, lying there completely naked while he pounded on her back.

Assured that she was unharmed, he gave a swift slap to her bare behind before he complied and yanked the blanket from the tent. She wrapped herself in the blanket, refusing to look at him. He should walk away, but instead he stayed beside her and removed his boots.

“I hope these aren’t ruined,” he said casually as he set his soaked boots aside.

Annie didn’t even give him a sideways glance. She stared out over the serene creek where she’d nearly drowned. All because she’d mistaken a twig for a snake.

“You tried to drown me,” she accused.

He stretched out his legs. “If I’d wanted to drown you, you’d still be out there.”

“I know it’s all my fault. It seems I can’t do anything right anymore.” She pouted, pursing her lips and refusing to look at him. “I’m sorry I got you into this. You should’ve let me drown.”