Love Then Begins Read Online Free PDF

right, very well. My feelings? You are perfectly aware of my feelings! At least I thought you were! Every moment away from you is a waste of time and space. And the fact that I even entertained for one moment the thought of you being closeted with another man, ‘working’ or whatever it is you do, for any span of time, should tell you I am trying to keep my ‘feelings’ well out of this, and be reasonable and just, and treat you with the respect you deserve as a person in your own right and not as my property! Regardless of whatever feudal authority I certainly may have the right to as your husband!”
    Holly’s voice came out in a sharp whisper in her effort to keep her voice steady.
    “What do you mean, ‘closeted with another man’ and doing ‘whatever it is we do’? Just exactly what are you suggesting my work with Dr McKenna entails? Do I need to bring forth my sketches and drawings to prove my honour to you? Is this how you define treating me with respect?”
    He had realised his mistake the moment after he had made it, but still the tone of her voice hurt his feelings.
    “I’m not suggesting anything,” he said in the same suppressed whisper. “I know what it entails since I have had the privilege of watching you two do it and, may I say, the easy communication and companionship that has developed between you could easily give justification for most natural jealousy and possessiveness on my part.”
    “It is work!”
    “It is another man!”
    Holly made a horrified noise and scrambled out of the bed, wrapping herself in the sheet and leaving him exposed and alone. She stood, mouth open in disbelief.
    “But it’s not just any man,” Baugham continued, scrambling for a pillow. “Holly . . . I am trying very hard not to . . . because I do know that you would not . . . are not. And neither is Dr McKenna. But neither will I apologise for my selfishness in this regard . . . ”
    She was stubbornly staring daggers at him and her breath came very rapidly.
    “Darling,” he spoke softly. “I am sorry. But it is true, you know. Please do not be angry with me. Not today, not now. Not like this. I do not want to argue with you.”
    She swallowed and looked down. For a moment the world stood still as he waited, but then she met his gaze and he felt his heart slow down and the knot in his stomach dissolve. That softness in her eyes did him in again. He did need her so!
    “Neither do I,” she whispered. “Not now. Not any more.”
    “It’s not that important, is it?”
    “No.” She shook her head. “In view of things, it isn’t I suppose.”
    “Forgive me?” He reached out to take her hand and pull her closer. She did resist a little, because it really was not appropriate in her mind that he should turn this around so quickly, but at the same time she knew she had no fight in her. She nodded and took a deep breath.
    “Of course. I am sorry, too. I do see . . . I mean, I know.” She bit her lip. “What should I do then?”
    “You should come back to bed,” he said, just like she instantly realised he would when she uttered the question and she had to marvel at how easily she was defeated. They had fought so much and over such trifles and she did love him so much. So much she ached sometimes and nothing else did matter except that they were together, and that now . . . now she knew the way to ease that ache inside of her.
    “And what will that solve?” she asked even while crawling across the jumbled spreads and quilts to reach him.
    “Quite a many things. You would be surprised.” He smiled and drew her down, pulling the protective sheet away from her with one hand while sliding the other along her naked hip.
    She had to smile a little as well. He made it so easy for her to smile.
    She settled in his arms and for a while they lay there, listening in silence to the quiet around them once more. His fingers moved up and down her arm in a leisurely, tender fashion. She leaned her head on his