Ignoring the offering, he shook his head. “No, I mean you should be gone. I told you to leave.”
“You did. I didn’t. You took ill, as did Barnaby and much of the staff, and I couldn’t very well leave you unattended. Now, take this spoon and get some nourishment in you.” She shoved the utensil into his hand, then held up the bowl so he could scoop a few bites.
“You gave me quite a fright, you know,” she murmured as he ate. “Three days of seeing you confined to your bed, weak and helpless—” A tremble shook through her. “It felt like an eternity.”
His hand paused midair. “And you’ve cared for me all this time?”
“Well, that’s not all I’ve been doing. I’m still working on the artifacts, inching closer to finishing every day.”
“You are a wonder.”
“And you have broth on your chin.” Setting the half-empty bowl aside, she retrieved a cloth and dabbed away the liquid glistening on the stubble shadowing his jaw.
He grabbed her arm and planted a light kiss to her wrist, his gaze boring deep into hers. Oh, how she’d missed those eyes, that look ... this man.
“Thank you,” he rumbled, genuine appreciation warming his tone. “Not many women would do such a thing.”
“Yes, well, I’ve been told I’m not like other women. But all the same, you are very welcome.” She pulled her hand away before she gave in to running her fingers through his sleep-tousled hair.
He leaned back against the chair cushion, weariness sagging his shoulders. Clearly he was overdoing it.
Ami tossed the cloth onto the tray and took the spoon from his fingers. “Looks like you’ve had enough for now.”
“Mmm. I think so,” he muttered. “Tell me, how are the maids who first fell ill faring?”
She smiled. “On their way to recuperation. Barnaby, however...” That grin faded. “He yet concerns me and the doctor, not to mention Mrs. Buckner. I’ve never seen a housekeeper so aflutter on his and the rest of the staff’s behalf. She’s beenthe true heroine during this whole trial. A regular force to be reckoned with. You should give her a pay raise—once your friend Sanjay is on financially solid ground, that is.”
“She’s not taken sick?” His gaze drifted over her face. “Nor you?”
Ami shook her head. “Not a sniffle. Neither has Mr. Fletcher suffered anything more than a hangover, though I can’t say I’m surprised. He’s quarantined himself in his quarters with loud music and a crate of rum. Says alcohol keeps influenza at bay.” She shrugged. “Keeps him out from underfoot. Oh, and surprisingly, the Anubis statue hasn’t budged a whit this whole time. Apparently the curse is too busy keeping everyone under the weather.”
“Sickness, curses, snakes ... is there nothing that frightens you?” Though he no doubt intended humor, fatigue thinned his voice.
“You gave me a great scare when I thought you might never open your eyes again. Now, I suggest you don’t overdo. Let me help you back to bed.” Rising, she held out her arm the same way he’d offered his several times in the past.
He frowned. “I shall make it back to my bed by my own power once you leave. I am no invalid.”
“I can see that. Still, if you wish to be up and about soon, the more rest you get, the quicker that will happen.” She shoved her elbow closer.
“If you continue with such insistence, you may witness more than you anticipate, my dear, for I am not actually dressed for the occasion.” Amusement flickered in his eyes.
Fire flamed in her cheeks as her gaze shot to his bare legs, the idea finally lodging that the man wore only his nightshirt. She toed the Persian rug, unwilling to look at anything other than the tip of her shoe. “I didn’t think, I mean I didn’t consider you weren’t wearing any—” She slapped a hand to her mouth. What a dolt.
He chuckled, drowsy yet good-natured. “Did you know your freckles darken when you’re embarrassed? It’s quite endearing.”
She shook her head vehemently. “Not according to my nursemaid. I spent the first five years of my life having my face scrubbed with lemons.”
“So that explains your aversion to the fruit.”
She angled her head, finally daring to peek at him. “You noticed?”
His gaze burned into hers. “I notice everything about you.”
This time heat fired a line from head to toe. She turned her back to him, making a great show of gathering up the tray. “Yes, well, since you’re finished, I’ll be leaving.” She hastened to the door lest he witness the effect of his words.
“Ami?”
She paused with her hand on the knob, still refusing to face him.
