Page 74 of Landen

*****

“This is Mrs.Glenda Aitchenson. Glenda, meet my - er- my girlfriend TessaChambers.”

“I understandyou are expecting a wee bairn.” The woman's smile spread overher homely face as she wiped her hands in her apron and held it outto Tessa in greeting. “Welcome to our bonny home. How do youlike it so far?”

“It’sdelightful, and the water is so blue. I am in love already.”

“Plockton isthe most beautiful place on God’s green earth. I made supper.Please, come on in; you must be tired. I made haggis, and I guaranteeyou will love it. My husband, Thomas, will get the bags, and I willmake up the master suite for you.”

“We will bestaying in separate rooms.”

It took every ounceof will for Tessa not to show any reactions to that statement.

“Oh, but Ithought-”

“Tessa needsher rest. She is just out of the hospital, and I need her torecover.” he cut the woman off. “She will take themaster, and I will take another room.”

“Of course, Mr.Landen. Please follow me, Ms. Tessa; I am sure you want to freshenup.”

“I would lovethat.” Without looking at him, she made her way through thepassageway after the housekeeper, her body rigid with anger.

Landen stood therestaring after her and knew he had upset her. But he could not sleepin the same room as her. She was going to be pissed at him, but thepriority was getting her well. He had almost lifted her out of thevehicle when they brought her, but she had told him coolly that shecould walk the few steps independently.

He had stayed behindher and noticed how measured her steps were and how winded she wasafter the short walk. He could not touch her, no matter how much hewas suffering because of it.

Swearing beneath hisbreath, he turned on his heels and went back out. The cottage waslarge enough and was situated near the harbor. It was near enough forhim to see the various fishing boats anchored nearby.

Striding off towardthe water, he dragged out a pack of cigars and took one out. He hadstarted smoking again, which was a damned bad habit, but the stresswas getting to him.

Flicking the lighter,he touched it to the tip and dragged the smoke into his lungs. Hiseyes squinted against the smoke.

He had to get hisemotions under control. He had to be there for her, no matter what.

*****

When he returned,Tessa was already seated around the small dining table and eating themeal.

“I thought youhad left.”

Ignoring the caustictone of her voice, he took off his light jacket and draped it overthe coat hanger before walking over to the table. “I neededsome air.” Pulling out a chair, he reached for the plate thehousekeeper had left out for him.

“Look, I amsorry for how I handled things.”

“Sorry?”Pushing away the plate, she propped her elbows on the table andclasped her hands together. “Just sorry? No explanation as towhy we are sharing separate bedrooms and why you are determined tostay away from me?”

“You alreadyknow why.”

“Ah, yes. Youcannot control your lust-”

“It’scalled passion,” he told her tightly. “And I do not wantto argue.”

“Then that’stoo damn bad because I want to, and I am the pregnant woman here,which means that I should be the one accommodated. You brought mehere away from my family so that you can dump me inside that bedroomsuite and walk away.”

“I am here, amI not?”

“Are you? I ambeginning to wonder if you want to be. Please don’t think youowe me a goddamn thing, Landen. If you feel uncomfortable being here,just say so.”

He glared at her fora minute and could feel his appetite slipping away. “I don’twant to fight,” he said quietly. “I just want you to getbetter.”

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