Page 37 of Craig

"You're going to need to rein her in."

Craig's eyes darkened. "Like a bloody horse?"

"Exactly like a horse. Women have a way of getting out of hand and wanting their own way. You need to nip that in the bud."

"Thanks for your advice, but it's not needed."

Clive tapped his cane on the floor. "I've seen the way you look at her."

"Really?" Turning away from the mirror, he reached for the navy jacket to wear with his tan slacks.

His shave was close and his hair was trimmed. He was ready and his stomach was tied up.

He did not need the confrontation right now. He just wanted to get this over and done with.

"What way is that?"

"Like something precious."

"She is."

"Wearing your heart on your sleeve will get you hurt and make you soft. Your father was a prime example."

Craig's eyes flashed dangerously, and he had to fight really hard not to let his temper spew.

"My father was the best man I knew, and he and my mother loved each other very much. You never had that, and you're the poorer for it."

Clive felt the regret but brushed it aside.

"I'm my own man. Always have been."

"Loving someone doesn't mean giving away yourself. It just means sharing the most essential part of you. It makes you a better person."

The cackle came, followed by the cough.

Craig's anger turned to concern as he continued to cough.

"My pills." Clive gasped.

"Where?"

"In my room."

Brushing by him, Craig raced down the hall and into the bedroom. Picking up the pill case, he hurried back and went to get some water.

"Damn nuisance," Clive muttered when he swallowed the pills and handed him the glass.

Craig stood there staring at him and wondered if he should summon the doctor.

"What?" Clive asked with a belligerent sneer.

"You looked flushed."

"That's because I had a damn coughing fit. No need to worry about me."

"I'm not." Craig told him calmly.

"I just don't want you ruining my wedding."