Red Roses Mean Love by Jacquie D'Alessandro Read Free Book Online Page B

tell you when you're feeling stronger. I'd hate to shock you and have you suffer a relapse," she said, her amusement evident. "Besides, it's a story I couldn't possibly share until we know each other better."
    Before he could question her intriguing words, she picked up a linen napkin from the tray and leaned forward.
    "You missed a toast crumb," she said, brushing the cloth against his lower lip.
    Stephen stared at her as she touched his mouth with the napkin and all thoughts of names promptly fled his mind. Her face was only inches from his, her magnificent eyes trained on his mouth. The tips of her full breasts lightly grazed his bandaged torso. The contact only lasted a few seconds, but it sent a jolt right to his loins. He felt himself stirring against the sheets and suddenly remembered.
    He was naked.
    To his utter shock, an embarrassed flush crept up his neck. He'd bedded more than his share of women, but here he was, blushing like a schoolboy.
    "Ah, were you able to salvage my clothing?" he asked, bending his knees so she wouldn't notice the way the sheet was tenting on his lap. Just what I need. One more aching body part. How bloody delightful.
    "I'm afraid your garments were ruined beyond repair, but I have a robe and several pairs of riding breeches and shirts that belonged to my father that will surely fit you. If you'll excuse me for a moment, I shall fetch them."
    He breathed a sigh of relief when she left the room. What the hell is wrong with me? I must have hit my head damned hard for a country mouse to arouse me. By the time she returned several minutes later, her arms laden with clothes, he'd regained control of himself.
    "Do you feel able to stand?" she asked. "Perhaps it might be better if you waited—"
    "No. I'd like to move around a bit," Stephen said firmly. "But I believe I need some assistance. Could you send Grimpy to me?"
    "Grimsley. And no, I'm afraid not. He's fishing at the lake with Andrew and Nathan."
    "How about the other fellow your sister mentioned? The one with the hairy arms and tattoos?"
    "Winston. He's also unavailable." She stood next to the bed, her hands planted on her hips, and for the first time Stephen noticed her attire. She wore a plain brown gown that would never be mistaken for fashionable or lust-inspiring. But there was something about her stance that captured his attention. His gaze traveled down the length of her, taking in every curve and hollow the drab gown hinted at—full breasts, slender waist, and what appeared to be amazingly long legs. How the hell had he missed what was clearly such a lush figure? I was too busy staring at her eyes. And her mouth. To his utter annoyance his manhood stirred again.
    "I don't expect Winston or Grimsley to return to the house for several hours," she said. "If you don't wish to wait, I can assist you."
    Much to his chagrin, he was in no condition to stand up. Damn it, didn't she realize he was naked? Had she no sense of propriety? "I can do it myself," he said, his voice tight.
    "Nonsense. After lying flat on your back for a week, you'll feel dizzy until you regain your balance." She leaned over and grasped his forearms. When Stephen continued to resist, she looked at him, her eyes reflecting mild exasperation. "Would you prefer to remain abed, Mr. Barrettson?"
    "Stephen. Call me Stephen. It's ridiculous for you to suddenly start calling me Mr. Barrettson," he all but snapped. "It's just that, well, I am—"
    "You're naked under the sheet. Yes. I'm fully aware of that." Her matter-of-fact tone nettled him further. "But as I've been caring for you for the past week, there's no need to be embarrassed. I nursed my father during his illness. I am quite capable in these matters, I assure you." Her lips twitched. "I promise I won't look."
    Stephen's face grew unaccountably warm. Was she laughing at him? The thought of this woman seeing him naked disturbed him in a way he didn't understand. And the fact that she'd seen to his needs yet seemed