72 wivesbehavingbadly

nathan rubbed his earlobe , and i glimpseda bone-deep wearines that frightend me a little . he was only fifty - five .
"as it happens the fifteenth is a bad day . big meeting scheduled , but i'll talk to roger ."
i had a lightning chnge of heart ." actually , nathan .i'm not sure that is a good idea . don't mention it to roger . trust me , just don't ."
"do you know something ?" he asked sharply .
"no , just instinct ."
"hum ," he said ." your instincts are usually sound ." he moved restlessly and the once neat bed was a muddle ." you think i'm not up to it anyone ?"
"i didn't say that ."
"but you think it ."
the question went through my mind : how would rose have handled this ? nathan 's flash of neediness left me cold and unsympathetic - and i knew i was failing to grapple with the uncertainties and strains of his life . .instead , i asked ," nathan ..... do you want some coffee or tea ?"
"can't drink coffee in the evening anymore ." he pushed the tray aside ." come back , minty ."
something of the old , decisive nathan made me melt , and i knelt beside the bed and laid  my head on his chest . he stroked my hair . in our patiicular story , there had been no time nor room for gradual wooing .no leisurely drink or dinners . no trips to the zoo or meanders in the park . i had sent out the message : i would like you . nathan received it and he tunred up at my flat , and came staright to the point ." i want to sleep with you .