“Yes, and much of it is ugly.”
“What are you proposing, Benedick?”
That was a very good question. He knew what he wanted but could he accept that she would be the one to provide their home?
“I told you that I loved you. You did not say the same to me.” How could he consider marriage to her when it was possible that Victoria did not even love him. Maybe she was just stubborn because she hated the assumptions he had made.
“I fell in love with you at the house party. I have carried that love even though I have tried to destroy it since. I have also carried the pain of your reaction to me.”
He started to argue but this time she held up her hand to stop him from speaking.
“I did not know then what I do know now. I had clearly misinterpreted your intentions. I do understand that.”
“And you clearly do not love me anymore.”
All she needed to do was acknowledge what he just claimed and his humiliation would be complete because this whole argument had not been about whether they had a future but the misunderstandings when they last parted.
“I did not claim that I do not love you.”
His chest tightened with what he assumed was hope. It had been so long since he had felt such that he could be mistaking the sensation. “Nor do you claim that you do.”
“Nor will I tell you while you are being so stubborn and proud.”
He would have turned and walked out on her if he had not recognized the humor in her blue eyes. The challenge was there as well. He knew those eyes and the flickers of emotion well. It was all they had besides lips during that one week.
“What must I say or do to gain an answer from you?” he asked.
“Will you set your pride aside?” she returned
“That depends on your answer.”
“I will not answer unless I know where your pride will be,” Victoria countered.
“Which is evidence that you have your own pride that you are not willing to let go of.”
He had her on that point.
Victoria bit her bottom lip, tilted her head and studied him. “I believe we are at an impasse.”
“It appears that we are,” Benedick agreed because he could be just as stubborn as Victoria.
“Then there is little point in discussing this matter further.” With that, she pulled the blanket up to her chin, rolled over, bunched the pillow then snuggled down in the bed. “I am going to sleep now. Please turn down the light.”
That little minx was going to leave him wondering all night long whether she loved him or not.
She was testing him.
She was challenging him.
And if she thought he was going to leave her and return downstairs to wait for her answer, Victoria was very much mistaken.
Benedick turned and began to march back to the bed when the floorboards creaked above them.
He stopped and she looked up.
“Do you think it is the storm?”
There was more creaking, even steps above the ceiling.
