Just to make things worse, Billy's arm had instinctively wrapped around Cassie's waist to catch her. He held on until the jarring shock subsided, trying to fight his embarrassment. This wasn't good.

He squirmed to help her get a handhold, gently pushing her arm to give her a boost. Okay. Now he could sit up---but there wasn't enough room for both to have space. Their knees were touching. An improvement, but not exactly what he'd like.

"I think so. Just got the air knocked out of me, that's all," he said hurriedly. He knew he'd be red-faced if he looked at her. "Are you?"