Page 58 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

Before the door closed behind her, she heard Anna say in the sweetest voice imaginable, “Your sister is correct, darling. You are behaving atrociously. Like an absolute arse. 'Tis quite unbecoming.”

Although Kat stomped to the ocean, it was impossible to remain vexed once she stood on the beach watching the waves crash against the shore. Even the dark clouds looming in the distance did not detract from the sea’s magical hold on her. To think she had once been afraid of the unknown beneath the fathomless, healing water. No longer. In fact, she’d frolic in those waves the second she was given the chance.

As she climbed the overlook, she resigned herself to the following:

Firstly, she would sneak back to the beach some night when it was dark. Thereupon, she would leap into the sea and swim like a mermaid. Well, she’d attempt to use her legs as a fin. It couldn’t be that difficult. Could it?

Secondly, she missed Evan’s company so much, it was as if an empty cavern sat where her heart should be. Therefore, she had no other choice but to listen to her instincts, ignore Ethan, and seek out Evan before they left for their trip. Finally, if Evan proposed, she would say yes.Yes, and I would love to, my darling Evan.

She reached the zenith of the overlook and momentarily lost her ability to breathe. As if conjured from her deepest fantasies, Evan sat in the grass, staring at the ocean, his sketchbook in his lap. She blinked, but he did not disappear. When she finished rubbing her eyes, he was still there, the wind blowing his hair in every direction. She hurried to him.

At her approach, he peered over his shoulder and grinned at her.

Stars. His smile was sunshiny warmth on an overcast day.

He dropped his pencil onto the grass, placed the sketchbook beside him, and then prepared to stand.

“Please don’t get up.” She arranged her skirts so she could lower herself and sit beside him. “May I see what you are drawing?” Despite taking her time, her descent was ungraceful, and she landed with athunk—most likely because this man addled her.

He stared at her, wide-eyed and confused, as if she were an apparition that had appeared out of nowhere. If it were not for his smile that had moments before heated her core, she’d think he was displeased at her presence.

“Your brother has made his wishes clear.” Evan pointed at a bruise on his chin. “We are not to be alone.”

Of course, he had. The impossible, overprotective rat.

“I just want to see what you are drawing.” She tried to sound innocent, although her feelings for this man were anything but. “That could not possibly get us into trouble. Could it?”

“Hmm?” he murmured. His brow furrowed as he handed her the sketchpad. “’Tis nothing special, just the view.” He pointed to the horizon. “There is a storm brewing, and I wanted to capture the clouds. They are so powerful.” He drew swirls in the air as if tracing the black and gray wisps. “Ominous, yet beautiful.”

“May I?” She inclined her chin toward his pencil.

“Of course.”

Heavens above, his grin made her tingle.

After setting the sketch pad on her lap, she took the pencil in hand. How was she to draw anything when his nearness caused her to want? And ache. And need. She exhaled her desire; at least, she tried to. Using her forearm, she shielded the paper from his gaze. “Do not look until I am done.”

Ignoring her, he leaned close, his scent enveloping her. Why did the dashed man always smell of citrus and mint when other men of her acquaintance smelled of sweaty clothes?

“Do not look,” she said again.

Chuckling, he knocked his shoulder into hers. The cad.

Giggling, she playfully pushed him away.

“Fine.” He placed his palm over his eyes. “Draw to your heart’s content. On my honor, I will not look.”

She nodded, although he probably couldn’t see her acquiescence. Truth be told, she did not trust the goose not to peek through his fingers.

It took all of her discipline to ignore him so she could focus on his artwork. He’d perfectly shadowed the clouds, capturing the impending storm. She envied the depth he’d given to the waves rolling toward the shore. If only she were as talented. She placed the pencil tip on the paper, then sat motionless, her mind whirling faster than a cyclone. Dare she?

“If you take too long, I cannot promise to uphold my end of our deal.” His fleshy blindfold did not hide his smirk.

Oh, the silly man, always teasing. She would meet his taunt and beat him at his own game.

As if it had a mind of its own, the pencil took over. Long lines. A curve here. A curve there. Some shading… andvoilà!She’d done a fine job, indeed.

“You may look now.” She placed the pad in his lap.