40

She was surprised by the strong voice. She approached slowly toward him, holding her towel tighter. But before she could go too near to him, she pulled away and bit her lower lip. "What can I do for you?"

He answered in a caustic voice with no feeling in his eyes, "Help me to bed,"

Her shoulders eased. All he wanted was for her to get him into bed. She was capable of doing that. She had to hold herself up because she was still wearing a bath towel. "Is it okay if I change before I assist you? I simply neglected to bring clothes inside the restroom."

He gave her a silent stare. She bit her lower lip and drew the towel tighter around her. "Just a moment."

He remained silent.

She moved toward her clothes, knowing that she could not possibly help him while wearing a bath towel. Turning, she ran to the bed, grabbed some clean clothing, and hurried into the bathroom, realizing that he was not going to stop her. She hurried out again a little later. Her shoulder was visible because