The vendor handed her a steaming apple tart and waited while she dug her free fingers into the small hanging pouch at her side in search of a coin.
A callused hand suddenly covered hers and lifted the tart, her hand still holding it, to a set of decadently carved lips.
“Hell, that’s good.”
Tanon looked up and stared into the face that plagued her thoughts. How was it possible that he looked so fit and charged with vitality after practicing all morn? “Your Highness, do you mind?” she gently scolded. Gareth shook his head no and took another bite while she watched. “I haven’t even paid for it yet, and it’s almost gone.”
He tossed the vendor two coins and demanded two more tarts. While he waited, he stepped around her and plucked what was left of her pastry from her sticky fingers, and then leaned his back against the stall.
Resting her fists on her hips, Tanon stared at him while he consumed the last morsel.
“You’re very ill-mannered,” she declared a bit shakily when he began to lick his fingers.
“I need to keep up my strength if I’m to chase you about these grounds.” He crossed his ankles and let his blue eyes glide over her, slowly, relishing every detail from her foot to her crown.
“I would prefer it if you didn’t chase me. It’s unbecoming,” Tanon said stiffly while Gareth received the tarts from the vendor. Surely that would sting his pride some.
He shrugged, causing the muscles in his shoulders to roll and pulse. “Then don’t run away from me.”
Tanon drew her lower lip between her teeth and bit down, hard. “I wasn’t running away,” she finally managed with a proud tilt of her chin. “I was merely hungry.”
“Well then, allow me to satisfy your craving.” The husky timbre of his voice unraveled her thoughts and her nerves.
He offered her a tart and a courtly bow that surprised her—unlike the rakish grin that followed. She was certain he had just offered her something other than a sweet pastry. Unable to stop them, her eyes settled on his mouth. The full suppleness of his lips intoxicated her. Why, she was certain he could tempt a nun into kissing him with that mouth.
She accepted the tart from his hand, but didn’t eat it, determined to show him that she had control over her appetite, or whatever it was that he offered to satisfy.
Gareth took a hearty bite of his. Tanon covertly watched the strong angles of his jaw while he chewed, then turned away when she realized that she was staring at his lips again.
“Don’t you have to prepare for the competition?”
“Nay, I’m ready.”
She cast his bare feet a quick glance. Another wave of unwanted heat knotted her belly. She never thought a man’s feet could be so sensual, but there was something completely feral about his lack of footwear. As if he belonged in the woods instead of a castle.Untamed. She spotted her aunt talking with Hereward by the gardens and set off in their direction, eager to get away from Gareth and the unwanted effect he was having on her.
“Nothing so fine has ever pleased my tongue inCymru.”
Unbidden heat coursed through Tanon’s veins at his words, his lilting voice so close to her ear behind her. She stumbled, but his hands closed around her waist. He held her still for a moment, her rump intimately close to his thighs. She closed her eyes, willing herself to breathe as she brought her hands up to cover his. “Let me go,” she demanded quietly. What a bold cad he was for speaking to her so, for touching her so. Surely, he wasn’t going to try to kiss her right here in the open. And did he truly believe she could please his tongue? Heavens! But how would she accomplish that?
“I’m a lady, and I don’t—”
Obeying her command, he stepped beside her and groaned finishing off his tart.
His tart? He’d been speaking of his food? Tanon’s face burned before she quickened her pace away from him. What in the world had come over her? Why was she even thinking about kissing him?
“Pity you don’t cook,” he said, catching up and casting his sunlit gaze over the many faces strolling the lawns.
“Who says I don’t?” When he looked at her, she arched her brow.
He smiled, coaxing another flip from her heart. “You’re a noble’s daughter. I presumed—”
“You presumed incorrectly, sir. I’ve spent many hours in the kitchens with my mother and our cook. I can prepare delicacies that would make your mouth water.”
With a mere, curious slant of his lips he made a spring of warmth rush across her cheeks. “That’s good to know, Tanon.”
Her name coming so leisurely from his mouth had a peculiar effect on her. It was a liberty he should not have taken unless he knew her well.
He folded his hands behind his back and took up his steps with her once again. “What else are you proficient at?”