“I hardly believe it. You were a little girl last time I saw you.”
Daisy frowned indignantly. “I was not. I was seventeen. Please, may I ring for help?”
His smile faded. “I can’t let you do that.”
“You’re not in the position to stop me,” Daisy countered.
He huffed out a laugh then winced. “Please. I beg you. They can’t find me like this.”
“Why not?”
“They’ll restrain me, I’m certain. If they know I fell out of bed, Amelia might have them build me a cradle.”
Daisy looked over his large, manly body. Her gaze returned to his, and it was clear he had been watching her inspect him shamelessly.
“Then what would you have me do?”
This time it was his turn to do a visual examination of her. “You’ll have to help me up.”
Her heart skipped. “I can’t do that.”
“You’re the only one here.”
“Why can I not summon help?” Daisy begged. She would not be able to move a man of his size.
“I told you. Amelia will have a fit of hysterics.”
“Then I’ll get my brother.”
He snorted, then winced. “He is with her.”
Daisy blushed again. Of course, her brother would be sleeping next to his wife. “Oh, yes.”
Their gazes held for an uncomfortable moment before he looked away.
“Here is what we’ll do.” He let go of her hand at last, but his warmth did not leave her fingers. His color had improved. “I’m going to roll to my side and push myself into a sitting position. Then, you can pull he up with my right arm.”
Daisy’s mouth popped open. “I can’t pull you up. Are you mad?”
“Mad? It’s possible, yes, but don’t discredit yourself. Why don’t we give it a try?”
Daisy shook her head, but how could she refuse him? She looked longingly toward the bellpull. She could defy his wishes and get the proper help.
“Please,” he said softly.
Daisy turned back to him. Those crystalline blue eyes begged wordlessly, and she melted. “Fine.”
“So enthusiastic,” he said dryly. “Move back.”
Daisy shuffled back on her knees and watched as he stiffly sat himself up with a grimace. He was breathing harder now.
“There. Now, take my hand, and pull with all your weight.”
Daisy got to her feet, and he raised a brow.
“What?” she asked, shifting on her feet.
“I forgot how small you are.”
