“Is that any way to greet someone offering you assistance?”
“I don’t need your help, Mr. Reeves. You may return to your meeting,” Cassandra replied evenly, attempting to channel the aristocratic tone of her ancestors. “I’m managing on my own, thank you.”
“I’ll politely disagree with you.” Mr. Reeves chuckled and unfastened the buttons of his coat. “Even if that were the case, I’m afraid it isn’t up to you. Cooper implored me to fetch you, quite urgently, I’ll have you know.” He removed his coat and folded it across a lower branch. “I cannot in good conscience disobey the direct orders of a Viscount—”
“You disobey his orders all the time!” Cassandra glared at him.
“—especially,” his eyes met hers deliberately, “on such an important day.”
Cassandra swallowed thickly, and cast her eyes down to her skirts, willing them to untangle. Mr. Reeves made quick work of removing his shoes and placed them on the ground. “Fear not, my lady, you’re in good hands,” he said. “I’ve been told I’m something of a climber myself.”
“Truly, Mr. Reeves, I think if I give it one more pull—oh!” With a forceful tug, the lace gave way, as did her right foot. In an instant, the palm of one of her hands slipped free. Her breath caught, and she cried out as her center of gravity shifted. Panicked, she flailed both arms,grasping at thin branches. Her heart raced as she stared down at the ground.
His head snapped to her.
“That’s enough. Stop moving,” he ordered. “I’m coming up to you. Stay where you are and I’ll—” His voice trailed and his eyes shifted away as a slight movement in the air captured his attention.No. Cassandra glanced up to her hand where the page had been.
Gone.
No, no, no!
Between them, the folded page wafted to the ground, landing directly at Mr. Reeves’ feet. With a curious hum, he picked it up.
“What is this?”
He flicked the folded page back and forth between his fingers. Slowly, he straightened, met her eyes, and with a wolfish smile, he folded the page once more and placed it in the pocket of his trousers.
Worse than Caroline finding it, Cassandra would have to move to another continent to escape her humiliation if Mr. Reeves read it!
“That’s mine!”
“Is it?” he asked. “It rather seems like it’s mine now.”
Careless of her indignation, he brought himself up to the first row of branches. Swifter than she had done, he effortlessly climbed until he reached her level. When he took a step onto the branch beneath her feet, it lowered and creaked with his added weight.
Her eyes shot down to the ground once more. People didn’t die from falling from this height… did they? Gulping, Cassandra closed her eyes to fend off the dizzying vertigo and prayed.Please don’t let me fall, please don’t let me fall.
“Miss Cooper.” The branch lowered further when Mr. Reeves took a step closer. He snapped his fingers softly in front of her face. “Look at me.”
She shook her head. Another step and the branch curved at such anangle that her feet slipped until she was balanced on her toes. Her hands tightened and her fingernails dug into the bark.
“Miss Cooper.” A sigh sounded, and a calloused fingertip tapped her cheekbone. “Cassandra. Look at me, sweetheart.”
She opened her eyes, meeting Mr. Reeves’ gentle gaze. His eyes were as dark as midnight, and so close to her own.
“You’re safe.” He smiled. “I won’t let you fall.”
He balanced with one arm above him, both feet steady. Soothed by his composure, but not trusting her voice, she nodded. His lips raised at the corners and he reached for her. “Let’s get you free, little bird.”
Mr. Reeves bent down, and with one jerking movement ripped the fabric from the branch and handed the tatters to her. “You hold on to your dress,” he opened his free arm, “and I’ll hold on to you.”
“Absolutely not!” Cassandra blushed. “I’m free, thank you, but I’m fine to climb down by myself now.”
“You’ll forgive me for not having confidence in that claim, my lady.” He arched a brow. “I believe you’re concussed.”
“I amnotconcussed!”
“Concussed and offended. What a treat.” He scowled. “Need I remind you that I’m late to a meeting that benefits us both? Wrap your arm around my shoulders and I’ll carry you down.”
